The Key Ingredients Used in Moroccan Skincare

The secrets of Moroccan skincare have been coveted for years. Moroccan beauty has used a variety of natural ingredients with unique skincare benefits for centuries and there’s a good reason why these ingredients are still used today. Rich in nutrients that hydrate, balance, and protect skin, Moroccan skincare is well-known to leave skin glowing and radiant. Below, we look into the key ingredients used in Moroccan skincare and find out why they’re so powerful.

Argan Oil

Argan oil, or ‘liquid gold’ has been used in Moroccan beauty for centuries. It’s derived from the kernels of the argan tree, predominantly found in the semi-desert mountain valleys of Morocco. Argan oil is included in Moroccan haircare and cuisine, as well as skincare.

Argan oil contains essential nutrients in the form of fatty acids and vitamin E, which are well-known for supporting healthy skin. Argan oil is also rich in antioxidants, which protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, as well as containing anti-inflammatory properties. On top of this, argan oil is deeply hydrating, moisturizing skin from the inside out whilst tightening and firming. Not only does this leave skin soft and supple, but it also helps to fight visible signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.

Rhassoul Clay

Rhassoul clay is a type of clay that’s found in the valleys of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It’s been a staple of Moroccan beauty for generations, primarily used in the Hammam ritual, an ancient spa treatment where the body is cleansed from head to toe.

Rhassoul clay is used to cleanse and purify pores, detoxifying skin and removing excess oils. This helps to prevent acne and blackheads, as well as reducing the appearance of pores. It also acts as an exfoliant, sloughing away dead skin cells and other impurities to leave glowing, soft skin. It’s often combined with rose water to create a soothing clay face mask.

Rose Water

Rose water was first made using the leftover liquid when rose oil was made with rose petals. Now, it’s made through steam distillation. Rose water has been used as a fragrance for thousands of years, and Moroccan rose water is viewed by some to be the highest quality rose water available.

As well as having a calming, delicate floral fragrance, rose water also brings numerous skincare benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties, soothing irritated skin and reducing redness. It also has toning properties, which can tighten pores and help firm skin. At the same time, rose water is known to naturally hydrate skin whilst also balancing oils, leaving a refreshed, glowing complexion.

Orange Blossom Water

Orange blossom may be better known for its culinary uses in Morocco, but it has many skincare benefits too. It comes from the bitter orange, a shrub that can be found across the Mediterranean and Morocco.

Orange blossom water makes for a fantastic natural toner thanks to its properties which soothe skin and tighten pores. It’s gentle enough to work on even sensitive skin, calming and softening. It’s packed with vitamins and nutrients that hydrate and brighten skin, leaving a radiant glow. It’s great in a refreshing face mist to give a boost of radiance throughout the day.

Beldi Soap

Beldi soap, or Moroccan Black soap, is another key part of the ancient Hammam ritual. Beldi soap is made from black olives and is often enriched with essential oils such as peppermint, eucalyptus or rosemary.

In the Hammam, a layer of Beldi soap is applied to the whole body to prep the skin before it’s scrubbed. It’s advised to let the Beldi soap sit on the skin for around 15 minutes before rinsing it off using warm water and a Kessa Glove – a special glove used to scrub the skin. The Beldi soap acts as an emollient and a moisturizer, revitalizing and deeply hydrating skin. It’s also rich in vitamin E, an antioxidant that prevents damage from free radicals.