True “lava earth”, the Rhassoul is a volcanic clay harvested in the region of the Middle Atlas in Morocco. It is used to prepare mild and purifying shampoos thanks to its exceptional ability to absorb impurities without irritating the skin. It is an essential element of the rituals of the hammam. Unlike shampoos and soaps, Rhassoul contains no surfactants and cleans by a physical process by absorbing impurities and greases. It respects the hydrolipidic film of the skin and the hair and does not irritate the sebaceous glands.
Rhassoul is a clayey ore of volcanic origin , composed mainly of stevensites and magnesian montmorillonites. Rhassoul is known for its very high absorption capacity (1.66 times its weight in water). In addition, Rhassoul has a very strong cation exchange capacity, which indicates very good adsorption properties . It is these absorption and adsorption properties that allow Rhassoul to effectively remove fats and impurities and make it known as “washing earth”.
Rich in minerals , Rhassoul is an excellent ingredient to take care of the skin and hair and is one of the essential rituals of the hammam. The only deposits known in the world are located in Morocco , in the Moulouya valley 200 km from Fez on the edge of the Middle Atlas. In Morocco, recipes for the preparation and use of Rhassoul are passed from mother to daughter. It is often mixed with hydrolats of rose, orange blossom, argan oil or essential oils to sublimate their perfumes.