Beauty Products
One 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.
A Beauty Wonder
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.
Simplicity is Freedom
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 or wooden spoon when working with clays.
(Image by Dawn Michelle)
sally kahlfeldt says
February 25, 2011 at 6:46 amI 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.
ZanaReign says
April 22, 2011 at 10:57 amThanks. 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?
Dawn Michelle says
April 22, 2011 at 11:48 amHi 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
Chandra says
June 9, 2011 at 8:39 pmI 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?
Dawn Michelle says
June 10, 2011 at 9:35 pmHi 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!
Holly Nass says
July 9, 2011 at 1:33 amThank 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
Dawn Michelle says
July 9, 2011 at 7:14 pmThanks 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!
Holly says
February 21, 2012 at 1:52 pmHi 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
Sade says
February 24, 2012 at 8:22 amYou can find the Rhassoul clay on amazon.com and it’s sold for a good price!
Dawn Michelle says
February 24, 2012 at 12:10 pmThanks Sade for the info!
makeba says
February 26, 2012 at 3:44 pmyou can get rhassoul clay at fromnaturewithlove.com too
Dawn Michelle says
February 26, 2012 at 8:59 pmThanks Makeba for the info!
Holly says
February 27, 2012 at 12:49 pmThank you all! I appreciate the help.
Suzes says
March 28, 2012 at 6:51 amHello 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*
Dawn Michelle says
March 28, 2012 at 7:25 amHi 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!
LACRESHA says
April 1, 2012 at 9:43 pmHi 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
Dawn Michelle says
April 3, 2012 at 7:15 pmHi 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
Mz. T says
April 5, 2012 at 11:12 amHi 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?
Dawn Michelle says
April 5, 2012 at 12:34 pmHi 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!
Mz. T says
April 5, 2012 at 12:55 pmThanks 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!
Dawn Michelle says
April 5, 2012 at 1:00 pmHi 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!
Lenora says
April 9, 2012 at 9:36 amHi 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!
Dawn Michelle says
April 9, 2012 at 12:53 pmWelcome 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
Jessica Z says
April 21, 2012 at 9:45 amIs bentonite clay a good substitute for rhassoul clay?
Jessica Z says
April 21, 2012 at 9:51 amWould you recommend bentonite clay as a substitute for rhassoul clay?
Dawn Michelle says
April 22, 2012 at 6:18 pmHi 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!
Jess says
May 18, 2012 at 10:55 amHi – 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!
Dawn Michelle says
May 18, 2012 at 6:42 pmHi 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
Annie says
February 24, 2013 at 1:59 amthis 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,
Dawn Michelle says
February 24, 2013 at 7:26 pmHi 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
Sabia says
September 23, 2013 at 11:26 amIs it possible to use clay as a substitute for soap? I found out that most soaps are to high in ph, and found out that you use Rhassoul clay. How do you clean your body with it? How do you mix it to make a cleanser for the body +? I hope you get this? Does your skin respond well to it? I’m really looking to switch to this as an all over cleanser but I don’t know exactly how to use it outside of my hair. Please HELP!!!
Dawn Michelle says
September 23, 2013 at 3:23 pmHi Sabia,
You can definitely use rhassoul clay as a body wash, yet you still may want to use soap for the “hot spots”. I personally would premix the clay with water or aloe vera juice prior to getting in the shower. You could make a thick paste and put it into a reusable plastic jar and take to the shower/bath. You could also create a thinner diluted mix of rhassoul and water or aloe vera juice in an applicator bottle and use as a hair cleanser. I prefer diluted mixes for my hair because they are easier to wash out and thicker pastes for the body. Use distilled water versus tap if you plan to make a lot so that your mix will last longer and store the remainder in the refrigerator. Aloe vera juice is great to use as well but will also need to be stored in the refrigerator.
Have a beautiful day!
Trish says
December 27, 2013 at 5:16 pmHi Dawn
I know I said I was going to post my questions in the upcoming weeks, but I just couldn’t wait & have posted most of them today! Here a few more:
– Have you heard about Fuller’s Earth? My understanding is that it’s a clay that has many benefits, is also known as the ‘whitening clay’ as it lightens skin, pigmentation
– Does the honey for face washes and treatments have to raw? I recently purchased some Manuka Honey from M&S, then found out afterwards that it was pasteurised.. I may return it.
– I see that you have mentioned a toner in this thread, but I wrote in an earlier post that I didn’t think you had. Do you use toners and is this the only toner you recommend?
TIA
Trish
Dawn Michelle says
December 28, 2013 at 1:24 pmHi Trish,
I have heard of fuller’s earth but haven’t used it recently enough to have an opinion on it. The reason you want to use raw honey if for the live enzymes. Also here is what I replied to your other comment asking about toners:
“I sometimes use toners and other times don’t. One amazing natural toner for skin is aloe vera juice and even rose water or a simple one you can make like this one. I personally don’t feel dependent on them.”
Best wishes!
Trish says
December 27, 2013 at 5:39 pmDo you still use Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+. If not, what do you use to protect your skin against the damaging effects of the sun?
TIA
Dawn Michelle says
December 28, 2013 at 1:30 pmHi Trish, I am currently using my DIY mineral foundation/powder with zinc oxide in it as my sunscreen.
Sohail says
January 5, 2014 at 11:21 pmHi Dawn,
Do we need to hydrate rahssoul clay before using it as a facial cleanser.I want to try it after reading good things about it.I tried honey as face wash but had a reaction to it so I wanted to try rahssoul clay.I travel a lot and have a very busy schedule every day.I want something very simple that I can carry with me all the time and use it right away massage and rinse immediately.I read that rahssoul clay needs to be hydrated with liquid before using and should be left on the face for sometime before rinsing.I just can’t do all these at the airport or some other place.I found your blog very promising.Please provide with your suggestions.Eagerly waiting your reply.
Thanks a ton.
Dawn Michelle says
January 6, 2014 at 1:49 pmHi Sohail,
When I’ve used rhassoul clay as a face wash in the past I would mix a bit of it with water in my hands, massage gently into my skin, then rinse. Now I oil cleanse only with oils high in linoleic acid. Rhassoul clay is wonderful especially for traveling!
Best wishes!
Sohail says
January 6, 2014 at 2:59 pmThanks a lot Dawn.This will make my traveling a lot easier.I can cleanse my face anywhere I like.
Dawn Michelle says
January 6, 2014 at 3:36 pmYou’re welcome Sohail!
Sohail says
January 19, 2014 at 4:22 pmHi Dawn,
Is the Now slolutions red morrocan clay same as rahssoul clay.I have been using this Now red morrocan clay for nearly 5 days and I found that it is extremely drying out my skin.I have dry skin with acne already and this is making it worse.I just mix it with water in my hand and massage it on to my face leave it on my face for 2 -3 minutes before cleansing.I want to try oil cleansing but I can’t as I travel a lot.Can I just rub oil on my dry face and wash it with water(exclude the steaming with cloth)
Dawn Michelle says
January 20, 2014 at 8:20 pmHi Sohail,
The Now Solutions Red Morrocan Clay is not the same as rhassoul clay. I have them both and the consistency and color is different. Rhassoul clay has a silkier texture when mixed with water because of its high silica content. When I was using rhassoul clay as a daily face wash I had the best results when I mixed it with raw honey. Now that I understand more about the chemical composition of carrier oils and which oils are best for acne prone skin I prefer to oil cleanse.
If you are experiencing acne and dry skin I would definitely suggest oil cleansing with an oil high in linoleic acid as mentioned in the article linked above. To oil cleanse you simply massage about a teaspoon of the oil into you skin then use a steamy hot wet washcloth preferably microfiber cleansing cloth to steam the skin for a few seconds then wipe the oil away. You can use more or less of the oil depending on your preference. I also do the steaming and wiping part of this cleansing routine twice. You can use this same oil to moisturize your skin so this one product replaces two. Having less products while traveling is important I know. I share how I travel with only a carry on and what products I take in this article.
Best wishes!
Sohail says
January 21, 2014 at 11:55 amHi Dawn,
Wow your carry on is so light and very interesting with all natural stuff.
I usually travel to different developing(poor) countries(that’s how I work) and I don’t usually have the luxury of hot tap running water due to which steaming is not my option(dnt have the time for it as well).I always find my self in hot climate regions and the oils high in linoneic acid are temperature sensitive(they might go bad).So rahssoul clay is my option and may be I will try moisturizing after that with an oil(of course oil with high linoneic acid for acne)Can you suggest me an oil in high linoneic acid that can withstand hot and humid temperatures.I see that mountain rose herbs have some cleansing grains, do you think that would be good for extremely dry acne prone skin.
Dawn I m so thankful to you for helping me choosing best option. I feel very bad when people around me comment on my dry,dull acne prone skin,I look very old due to my skins appearance.I stopped using those chemical based moisturizers as they were making my acne worse and cleansers that were drying my skin to flakes.So I need a nice natural cleanser and moistiriser that help me get clear skin.
Dawn Michelle says
January 21, 2014 at 12:52 pmHi Sohail,
I just finished this article about my skin care regimen. Not all oils high in linoleic acid need refrigeration. Grape seed oil does not. You cans also try using a microfiber cloth with warm or cool water and see how that works for you.
Best wishes!
Sohail says
January 21, 2014 at 12:00 pmDoes oils high in linoleic acid cause hyper pigmentation if used during day time due to sensitivity to sunlight.
Dawn Michelle says
January 21, 2014 at 12:57 pmHi Sohail, All oils high in linoleic acid are not sensitive to light and heat. Grape seed oil does not need refrigeration.
Tasha says
February 8, 2014 at 9:00 amHi Dawn,
I’ve always had with oily acne prone skin and trust me I’ve spent a lot of money on products that either didn’t work or made my skin worse. Lately I’ve been using a mixture of honey, cinnamon and nutmeg and it actually improved my skin a little. I just ordered some homemade soap which is a mixture of Rhassoul and Bentonite Clay. I pray it works! Anyway my question is do u think the soap will improve my skin. Also should I use a moisturizer if I already have oily skin and if so what do u recommend?
Dawn Michelle says
February 8, 2014 at 6:49 pmHi Tasha,
It is helpful to moisturize your skin no matter your skin type. Your skin will also produce more oil if it is being stripped by harsh soaps and cleansers. If you have a chance check out this skin care series. I’d also recommend using carrier oils high in linoleic acid to moisturize with. Soap is very alkaline for skin so I wouldn’t suggest using any type of soap on your face even if it does have natural ingredients. Hope this helps!
Saba says
November 3, 2014 at 11:35 pmHi Dawn,
Rahssoul clay is out of stock at mountain rose herbs.
Do you know any other sources which have a very good quality rahssoul clay ?
Thanks.
Dawn Michelle says
November 4, 2014 at 4:40 pmHi Saba,
You can always try Amazon. They have almost everything. Hope this helps some!
Kausar says
November 6, 2014 at 4:17 pmHi Dawn,
I have been cleansing my face with rahssoul clay and it is helping with fading the acne scars but making my skin dry.I already have dry skin with acne .
Do you know of any moisturizing ingredient that I can add to rahssoul clay while cleansing.
I need a moisturizing ingredient in powder form,no liquids.
Just to let u know I m allergic to bee products so cannot use honey and I don’t want to use OCM.
Dawn Michelle says
November 6, 2014 at 6:59 pmHi Kausar,
Maybe you could try colloidal oatmeal. I wrote about using oats for skin care here. Let me know what works out for you.
Kelly says
June 26, 2016 at 5:48 amHello Dawn Michelle. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us. Do you have a suggestion on where to buy Rhassoul Clay in Australia?
Dawn Michelle says
June 27, 2016 at 12:26 pmHi Kelly,
Have you tried looking on Amazon or doing an online search? I honestly am not sure of all the herbal and natural ingredient retailers. If I do come across something I will definitely make a note of it. I wish I could be of more help. Best wishes!