Argiletz Ghassoul clay: the hammam ritual for skin and hair

In a hammam, soap is not always what people reach for. For generations, Moroccan families have mixed a soft brown earth with warm water to cleanse their skin and hair: ghassoul. This distinctive clay has since found its way into bathrooms far from Morocco, and Argiletz offers it as a very fine powder, ready to mix.

What is ghassoul?

Ghassoul, also spelled rhassoul, is a clay mined in Morocco, in the Middle Atlas region. Its name comes from an Arabic verb meaning "to wash". It belongs to the traditional rituals of the hammam, where it is used both for body care and for washing hair, often scented with rose water or orange blossom water.

According to the product sheet, Argiletz's ultra-ventilated Ghassoul clay is a natural powder with a particle size of about 20 microns. This fineness means it dissolves easily in water and gives a smooth, lump-free texture. It is suitable for face, hair or body masks and for clay baths, and for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The pack contains 200 g.

Our druggist values it for gentle cleansing that helps absorb excess sebum, on the face as well as on the scalp.

How to use it

As a face mask

• Put one or two tablespoons of powder in a bowl.
• Gradually add lukewarm water while stirring, until you have a smooth, supple cream.
• Apply to clean skin, avoiding the eye area and lips.
• Leave on for a few minutes without letting it dry and crack, then rinse off thoroughly with lukewarm water.
• Finish with your usual moisturiser.

As a cleansing hair treatment

• Mix a runnier paste with more water, in a quantity suited to the length of your hair.
• Spread it over wet hair, gently massaging the scalp.
• Leave for a few minutes, then rinse very carefully until the water runs clear.

Ghassoul does not lather, and that is perfectly normal. For a scented touch, replace part of the water with a floral water of your choice.

Precautions

For trouble-free use. Ghassoul is for external use only. Try the mixture on a small area of skin before using it for the first time. Avoid contact with the eyes; if it happens, rinse with clean water. Do not let the mask dry out completely. Prepare only what you need and put leftovers in the bin rather than down the sink, where clay can clog the pipes. Keep the pack tightly closed, dry and out of the reach of children.

Our products

• Argiletz Ghassoul clay, 200 g – full details in the documentation tab of the product sheet.

In short

With ghassoul, a bowl of warm water is all it takes to recreate a care ritual handed down through generations. Mask, hair treatment or bath: not sure which texture or how often suits your skin? The team at Droguerie Perusset in Yverdon-les-Bains will be happy to advise you in store.