Beauty ProductsOne of my main goals during my minimalist journey has been to pare down on my beauty products. I’ve had a lot of skin care background working in the beauty industry, and am quite aware of the routine of cleanse, tone, treat, moisturize, and sunscreen. The truth is that routine keeps you buying a lot of products.
I’ve noticed that a lot of commercial beauty cleansers are drying to the skin. They strip the natural oils in your skin, and to compensate your skin will produce excess oil. You are then left with dehydrated oily skin. Now you are looking for another product to balance the oil production and then another product to hydrate the skin. So now you are definitely using three products plus probably an eye cream, sunscreen, anti-aging, and treatment.
One factor that is extremely appealing to any minimalist is an outstanding product that can do multiple jobs. Rhassoul clay is one of those products. It is a clay from Morocco that has been used for 1,400 years to cleanse and detox the face and body, and as a shampoo.
I’ve always been a fan of bentonite clay, yet rhassoul clay is finer in texture and more oil balancing. I usually mix vegetable glycerin with bentonite clay for hydration, but with rhassoul clay I just use water. Rhassoul clay has a higher ratio of silica, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and other trace minerals compared to other clays, therefore it is very nourishing to the skin. It balances skin’s natural oil production, and is hydrating to dry skin and calming to oily skin. It improves clarity, removes dead skin cells, and improves skin texture.
I mix about a teaspoon or less of clay in my hand with water and apply all over my face just like I would any face wash, gently massage, then rinse. I make the consistency similar to a creamy cleanser. Use less water creating a paste and use as a mask. I’ve noticed my skin to be brighter, smoother, and clearer.
Rhassoul clay is surprisingly moisturizing as a shampoo, and because of it’s antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties it is also used to treat dandruff. You can mix the clay with aloe vera juice or water to use as a shampoo. How much you will need to use depends on the length and thickness of your hair. My hair was extremely soft after using it as a shampoo.
It is quite evident that the beauty industry can make you feel as if you need a lot to be beautiful. After all that is its job, and it is an industry. While working in the beauty industry, I would watch women spend up to 150 dollars on skin creams expecting instant results. The truth is taking good care of yourself is the key. Keeping stress levels as low as possible, resting when tired, drinking tons of water, and eating a balanced diet full of fruits and veggies will make the major difference. Finding a more relaxed minimal way to create beauty is peace of mind and freedom. Plus it saves a ton of money!
Rhassoul clay can be found on Mountain Rose Herbs for an amazing price.
***Always use a plastic spoon to work with clays.
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
I am enjoying your blog. Thanks for sharing. I too am trying to find a more simple life, especially with my beauty products and just my everyday routine. Nice to know I’m not alone.
Thanks. I am weary of using the likes of Neutrogena and LOreal without noticeable results. Do you use a moisturizer afterwards or SPF? Any good recommnedations?
Hi Zana,
My favorite moisturizer has SPF. It is called Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+. Read No-Poo and Soap Free, Latest Beloved Beauty Discoveries, and Making Peace With Eczema for my latest skin care regimens.
Enjoy your day!
Dawn Michelle
I really enjoyed this article, just reading it made me feel less stressed and wanting to declutter! lol. I”ve been using bentonite clay to cleanse my hair, and I”ve used it on my skin and someone mentioned this Rhassoul Clay and now I am very interested in it? How often can you use it to cleanse your hair. ? And are you saying this clay can serve as a cleanser,toner, and moisturizer for the face?
Hi Chandra,
I will use clay every month or so as I feel best for my hair. I’ve learned to pay attention to what my hair needs versus being on a super strict regimen. When using any clay on your skin I’ve found that it is best to use mixed with vegetable glycerin and water especially if you do use it daily. I always use a moisturizer after I cleanse my face and during the day I also apply sunscreen. I’m currently using a DIY natural butter mixed with my favorite oils under my SPF. I will probably talk more about my butter/oil mix once I create the perfect recipe. My most recent skin and hair care regimen is in my article No-Poo and Soap Free. I just started using a daily SPF in the past few months. My favorite is Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+. I talk about it in Latest Beloved Beauty Discoveries. Hope this is helpful. Have a beautiful day!
Thank you Dawn for the clay information and beauty advice. May I suggest a wonderful moisturizer that comes from the same geographic area as rhassoul clay, it is argan oil. Argan Oil is ideal for Hair, dry and oily skin, and nails. My beauty secret is argan oil plus rhassoul. My favorite brand is Mogador Argan Oil. It is 100% pure, not diluted with other oils and is certified organic. It is also moderately priced when compared to other pure argan oil brands and is available at http://www.CertifiedArganOil.com
Thanks Holly for the info! I have yet to try argan oil probably because I’ve been on a tamanu oil kick. I look forward to testing argan oil out. Have a wonderful weekend!
[...] As a shampoo or to relieve dandruff, massage baking soda/washing soda/rhassoul clay into your scalp. Rinse with raw apple cider vinegar/coffee grounds/lemon juice. Rhassoul clay is a mineral and has been used for centuries and has wonderful antioxidant qualities. When adding a mineral to your hair, it needs to be balanced back out with an acid. For more information on its many uses, read here. [...]
Hi Dawn-
I have been patiently (ok, not so patiently) waiting for Mountain rose Herbs to restock Rassou Clay. Do you have any other suggestions on where to buy this?
thank you
You can find the Rhassoul clay on amazon.com and it’s sold for a good price!
Thanks Sade for the info!
you can get rhassoul clay at fromnaturewithlove.com too
Thanks Makeba for the info!
Thank you all! I appreciate the help.
Hello Dawn!
I abouselty love your site..I went to purchase Camellia oil at New Direction Aromactis and was amazed by the price of the rhassoul clay. Do you recommend the clay on that site or on Mountain Rose Herbs. Also I remember you mentioned purchasing an oil on MRH however I can not locate the post. Thank you for helping us have amazing skin *e hug*
Hi Suzes, I’ve only purchased rhassoul from Mountain Rose Herbs so I could not tell you the difference. So glad you are enjoying the blog! Peace and Sunshine!
Hi dawn i really enjoyed your blog about inexpensive ways to keep your skin looking good. I have a issue with picking my acne marks which leaves VERY dark spots. What regimen would you recommend from skin brighting, tone, moisturizer? TIA
Hi Lacresha,
I’ve had my own journey with hyperpigmentation. I know that will consistent care, keeping your hands off, eating extremely well, and focusing on all of your positive qualities, your skin will definitely improve. With very dark spots more patience is needed. There is also the balance with caring for your skin and also not over doing it.
Here is a simple regimen that has really helped my skin. You may also want to read Soften Hyperpigmentation Naturally.
Cleanse–raw honey
Tone–aloe vera juice with lavendar essential oil (2-3 drops on a cotton ball soaked in aloe is perfect)
Moisturize–Dilute tamanu oil with a lighter oil such a jojoba oil.
If you wear makeup, make sure it is water soluble, or mineral makeup without unnatural skin irritating fillers. Check out the DIY Foundation that I created with iron oxide pigments and sunscreen. My exact foundation recipe is here. To remove makeup at night use a natural oil to break down mascara, eyeliner, etc and add rhassoul clay to the raw honey. Rhassoul clay is beyond amazing!
If you have had a really intense skin care regimen for acne treatment, take a break from doing so much for a few days or longer. Washing your face with honey, moisturizing with a light oil, and skipping a full face of makeup if you can whenever you can will help. Let me know if you have any other questions.
Best,
Dawn Michelle
Hi Dawn!
I’m so glad I found your website. So here’s my story all of a sudden 2 years ago, I started breaking out really bad; pimples, acne scars, clogged pores, the whole works.
I’ve tried a bunch of different things and then I realized my face is really really sensitive. Harsh products piss my skin off. Since about November last year I started washing with Dr Bronners Castile soap and moisturing with different oils (mostly jojoba) and the clogged pored cleared up but I still get pimples, that leave behind scars. 2 weeks ago I bought some Shea oil and it seems to really be helping my scars fade but I’m still breaking out and I’m wondering if maybe shea oil is to thick for my skin? I’m started eating healthy and drinking loads of water but it just seems like each time one scar finally fades, a new pimple pops up. Any advice?
Hi Mz. T,
So glad you did find my blog and since you may be new to it I’m going to direct you to a few articles that may help. For starters Dr. Bronner’s soap is too high in pH especially for the skin on your face. Read this article on pH in beauty products.
You may also want to start washing your face with raw honey. Raw honey is wonderful for all skin types from dry, mature, sensitive, acne prone, normal you name it. Here is a great article on honey. Aloe vera is also good for all skin types and will really help your acne.
It is so good that you have started eating healthy. Your skin is only telling you that there is something out of balance inside the body. Eating more green foods, fresh fruits, good fiber, and drinking lots of water will help tremendously. Here is an article on beauty from the inside out here. If the shea oil feels like it is too heavy for your skin trust your instincts. Many times we have to use our instincts to guide us to the right foods, products, etc. You may also want to incorporate a few tips from this article on hyperpigmentation.
Best Wishes!
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly!
So does cleansing with honey, toning with aloe vera and moisturizing with Tamanu/Jojoba mixture sound like a good regimen to start with?
Also, is it ok to cleanse with honey twice I day (I like to clean morning and night) or is that too much?
I also wanted to try Rhassoul clay, but would you advice me to find what works for my skin and get it balanced first or is Rhassoul something that can help that process?
Thank you!
Hi Mz. T, Your regimen sounds like the perfect place to start. If you are a makeup wearer, I suggest adding a bit of rhassoul clay to raw honey to remove makeup. Also make sure the makeup you are wearing is natural, no toxic ingredients or chemical fillers. All the best!
Hi Dawn,
I just would first like to start off my saying that I am new to your blog and I am so happy I found it! I started using raw honey as a cleanser and I have noticed a hugge difference! So thanks so much for the information and stay blessed!
Welcome Lenora! Glad the raw honey face wash is working out so well for you! It is my favorite and so simple. Enjoy your day and keep me posted on other things you may try out too! Best, Dawn Michelle
Is bentonite clay a good substitute for rhassoul clay?
Would you recommend bentonite clay as a substitute for rhassoul clay?
Hi Jessica, Bentonite clay is very different than rhassoul clay. I do use them both, but I prefer rhassoul especially for my face. Rhassoul clay is not drying the way that bentonite clay is. Bentonite clay swells a bit more in water as well. Some may prefer one over the other. I feel that rhassoul is a bit richer in nutrients. Hope you’re enjoying the weekend!
Hi – I recently started using raw honey and rhassoul clay for facial cleansing and I love it so far. How often can I do a rhassoul clay mask? I love the way it made my skin feel but I’m afraid it’s going to dry out my face if I do one every night. Also, I love your blog. It has been very helpful in my new skincare endeavors. Thanks!
Hi Jess,
Rhassoul mixed with honey isn’t drying at all for my skin. I use it daily. Pay attention to how your skin feels. You will know if daily works for you or if every other day is better. So glad that you like the blog and that the rhassoul and honey are working out for you.
Best,
Dawn Michelle
this clay sound amazing, especially the part about decreasing dryness. Due to my dry skin , I usually steer clear of any clay mask. Do u know if red Moroccan clay is the same as rhassoul clay? Now food has the red Moroccan clay and its affordable so I really want to try it,
Hi Annie,
Yes Red Moroccan Clay is the same as Rhassoul Clay. Even though rhassoul clay is not drying like other clays, I still use a humectant like raw honey when I use it. Would love to know what you think once you do try it.
Best, Dawn Michelle