1 2 3 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Z

Ghassoul

Ghassoul in a bowl

Introduction

If you take a closer look at the latest innovations in the cosmetics sector, you will quickly come across two terms that are appearing more and more frequently: ghassoul and lava clay. Both terms refer to the same substance. However, the colloquial term lava clay is rather misleading, as the active ingredient has nothing to do with lava. In this case, the syllable “lava” refers to “lavare,” the Latin word for washing. But what exactly is ghassoul, and is it actually used for washing?

Ghassoul is an Arabic term, but it is pronounced “rassoul.” Translated, it also means “to wash.” It is a valuable clay mineral that is only found in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, where it is mined underground. No other deposits are known to exist anywhere else in the world. After being transported from the mine, it is carefully cleaned, dried in the sun, and ground. The result is a completely natural product that contains many valuable ingredients and is sold either as a fine powder or in flake form. It has been used for centuries in Morocco and Tunisia to cleanse and care for the skin, body, and hair. Ghassoul is also an indispensable element in every Turkish bath. Part of the mining area is still reserved exclusively for the personal use of the Moroccan royal family.

 

 

Ingredients and cosmetic benefits

Ghassoul is rich in magnesium, silicon, calcium, iron, and potassium, among other minerals. Thanks to this unique composition, the clay has antistatic properties and an enormous absorption capacity. When Ghassoul is used to wash the skin and/or hair, the substance only binds dirt particles and excess oil. Both can then be easily rinsed off with water. Since the cleansing clay never completely degreases the skin and scalp, the natural protective film is optimally preserved. The gentle cleansing also means that the scalp is not stimulated to produce more oil, which means that hair needs to be washed much less frequently. Lava clay is extremely gentle and low-irritant.

Cosmetic products containing Ghassoul are also free from surfactants, fragrances, colorants, preservatives, and emulsifiers. The cleansing clay is therefore suitable for all hair and skin types. Even for allergy sufferers and people with particularly sensitive (scalp) skin, it is a sensible alternative to conventional soaps and shampoos. Another particularly interesting fact is that the cleansing clay has an virtually unlimited shelf life and is 100 percent biodegradable.

 

 

Gentle, yet extremely efficient

Although ghassoul is extremely gentle on the skin and hair, its effects are nevertheless impressive in every respect. When hair is washed with lava clay, it looks much fuller and feels wonderfully soft and supple. This is why the substance is not only suitable for shampoos, but also for high-quality hair treatments. When cleansing the skin with ghassoul, dead skin cells are removed and sebum secretion is reduced. This restores the optimal balance of the skin pores, which counteracts the formation of pimples and blackheads. Ghassoul is also suitable for exfoliants and face masks, as the substance can remove skin impurities and combat inflammation. It is even very well suited as a bath additive and for baby care.

When lava clay is mixed with water, it immediately forms a fine, homogeneous paste. To optimize its moisturizing properties and refine its fragrance, rose water or orange blossom water is often added in Morocco. Of course, the washing clay can also be used “pure.”

 

 

Ghassoul profile

INCI: Moroccan lava clay

CAS number: 12417-86-6

Origin: from the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, about 200 kilometers from Fes.

Main ingredients: silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, iron(III) oxide, iron(II) oxide, calcium oxide, potassium oxide, sodium oxide, aluminum oxide

 

 

Gentle and sophisticated cosmetics with Ghassoul from Cosmacon

Mother Nature has given us a very special gift in the form of this valuable cleansing clay. It is more than just an alternative to traditional cleansing products and is both gentle and thorough. Are you interested in high-quality cosmetics with Ghassoul? We would be happy to develop the right products for you!

 

When you need it fast:

✨ Our partner Tojo Cosmetics offers innovative, active ingredient-rich private label products – quickly available, high-quality, and perfect for brands that want to impress with passion and quality.