For hair and scalp
Mixed into a paste, it lifts impurities and excess sebum with no foaming surfactant. Oily hair regains lightness and volume, and the scalp feels clean.
Mineral clayMoroccan heritage
Ghassoul (rhassoul clay)
The Middle Atlas the only known deposit, in the Moulouya Valley.
Raw ghassoul mined as flakes of brown clay.
The powder washed, dried, finely sieved.
The ritual a silky paste, at the heart of the hammam.
INCI · MOROCCAN LAVA CLAYCreate my ghassoul range
- INCI name
- MOROCCAN LAVA CLAY
- Other names
- Rhassoul, rassoul
- Family
- Mineral clay
- Mineral
- Stevensite, a magnesium-rich smectite
- Origin
- Jbel Rhassoul, Missour basin (upper Moulouya, Morocco)
- Areas
- Hair, scalp, face, body, hammam
In brief
Rhassoul clay in 30 seconds
By the Carmel Cosmetics Labs R&D team · updated October 2, 2026
- INCI nameMOROCCAN LAVA CLAY (ghassoul and rhassoul are the same clay)
- What it isa magnesium clay, stevensite, mined at the foot of the Middle Atlas
- For haircleanses gently and leaves the scalp fresh and clean, without lather
- For skinabsorbs excess sebum and leaves skin clean and soft
- Compositionabout 53% silica and 25% magnesia (raw ghassoul, published data)
( A )WHAT IT IS
What is rhassoul clay?
Ghassoul, also spelled rhassoul, is a natural clay mined from a single deposit in Morocco, in the Missour basin, at the eastern foot of the Middle Atlas. It is a stevensite, a clay of the smectite family rich in magnesium and silica. Mixed with water, it forms a paste that cleanses skin and hair without lathering: it is the clay of the hammam.
Raw ghassoul composition
Published analysis of a raw Middle Atlas ghassoul (El Ass, Global NEST Journal, 2018), rounded to the nearest unit. Levels vary with the seam and the washing; each batch's certificate of analysis is the reference.
Ghassoul vs green clay vs kaolin: the difference
Ghassoul
A magnesium clay (stevensite) that swells in water and cleanses without lather. The only one of the three also used as a shampoo. This is the one in our hammam products.
Green clay
A clay often rich in illite or montmorillonite, colored by iron. Highly absorbent, it is used mainly in masks for oily skin.
Kaolin
White clay (kaolinite), the gentlest of the three. Mildly absorbent, it suits sensitive skin and is also used as a base for powders and gentle masks.
( B )ITS BENEFITS
01 02 03
Rhassoul clay benefits for hair, face and body
For skin and face
As a mask, it absorbs excess sebum and deep-cleans the skin texture. Its fine, silky texture leaves skin clean and soft, without stripping it.
For the formula
Absorbent, it also builds texture: the EU CosIng database lists it as abrasive, absorbent, opacifying, emulsion stabilizing and viscosity controlling.
How to use rhassoul clay
- Hair
Mixed into a smooth paste with lukewarm water, applied from scalp to ends, then rinsed thoroughly.
- Face
As a mask, in a thin layer on clean skin, rinsed off before it dries completely.
- Body
At the hammam, as a wrap on warm, damp skin after black soap, then rinsed.
( C )IN OUR PRODUCTS
Launch your ghassoul range
We use it in masks, sulfate-free shampoos and hammam rituals ready to carry your brand. Choose a category to see the formulas.
( D )FORMULATOR NOTES
How we formulate it
What our formulators take into account when ghassoul goes into your product.
- 01A powder that swells
Ghassoul absorbs a lot of water: we adjust its dosage for a stable texture, neither too runny nor too thick.
- 02Microbiological cleanliness
As a mineral mined from the earth, it is tested on receipt, and the full formula is made with reverse osmosis water.
- 03The right INCI name
MOROCCAN LAVA CLAY is the official name, even though ghassoul is not volcanic: we explain this nuance on your product sheets.
- 04An origin story
Its unique Moroccan deposit can be highlighted on the packaging, provided it is documented in the product file.
Did you know?
A clay found only in Morocco
- Ghassala
The word ghassoul comes from the Arabic root meaning "to wash": it is the clay that washes.
- Lake-born
Despite its INCI name "lava clay", ghassoul is not volcanic: it formed in the sediments of ancient lakes in the Moulouya basin.
- Trousseau
In Morocco, it is traditionally given to the bride-to-be alongside henna, and prepared by the family with herbs and orange blossom water.
Ghassoul: your questions
A ghassoul project?Our product specialist answers you on WhatsApp.Message us on WhatsApp
What are the benefits of ghassoul (rhassoul clay)?
Mixed with water, it forms a paste that lifts impurities and excess sebum. It cleanses skin and hair without lathering and leaves them clean and soft. It is the traditional clay of the Moroccan hammam.
How do you use rhassoul clay on hair?
Mix it into a smooth paste with lukewarm water, apply from scalp to ends, leave on for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly. It is especially suited to oily hair, restoring lightness and volume.
Can you use ghassoul on your face?
Yes, as a mask: a thin layer on clean skin, rinsed off before it dries completely. It absorbs excess sebum and leaves skin clean, which makes it well suited to combination and oily skin. Do a patch test on a small area before first use.
Ghassoul vs rhassoul: what is the difference?
None: they are two transliterations of the same Arabic word, naming the same Moroccan clay. You will also see "rassoul". Its INCI name is MOROCCAN LAVA CLAY.
What is the INCI name of ghassoul?
Its INCI name is MOROCCAN LAVA CLAY. The name does not mean the clay is volcanic: ghassoul is a stevensite of lake origin.
Ghassoul or green clay: which one should you choose?
Ghassoul cleanses without lather and works as a shampoo, a mask or at the hammam. Green clay, highly absorbent, is used mainly in masks for oily skin. For sensitive skin, kaolin is the gentlest.
Can I create a ghassoul range with Carmel Cosmetics Labs?
Yes. We use it in white label face masks, sulfate-free shampoos, scrubs and hammam rituals, or in an exclusive private label formula, manufactured in our factory in Morocco.
Sources
- European Commission, CosIng database: MOROCCAN LAVA CLAY (smectite mined in Morocco)
- Moussout H. et al., Interfacial electrochemical properties of natural Moroccan Ghassoul (stevensite) clay, Heliyon (2020)
- El Ass K., Adsorption of cadmium and copper onto natural clay (Middle Atlas ghassoul), Global NEST Journal 20(2) (2018)
- Chahi A. et al., Stevensite and sepiolite in lacustrine sediments (Jbel Rhassoul, Morocco), Clays and Clay Minerals 45 (1997)
Your ghassoul range, made in Morocco
Send your brief: we formulate and manufacture in our ISO 22716 factory in Aït Melloul. Free consultation and a selection of formulas, with no commitment.