Salamualaikum from Morocco, back with another slice of my Moroccan adventures! Today, we’re diving into something special: how to make Moroccan white clay powder. Ever wonder what gives Moroccan skin that soft, radiant glow you hear about? straight from the Atlas Mountains. this Moroccan white clay is like a gentle hug for your skin, and I’m gonna show you how to whip it up at home, just like I did back in my souk days.
Find here my other guides: How to make Moroccan green/red/rhassoul clay powder.
What You’ll Need
Raw Moroccan white clay (about 1 pound, unprocessed lumps)
Cool water (for rinsing)
Optional: Dried chamomile flowers or rose water (for a fancy touch)
Wooden or ceramic bowl and tools (no metal!)
Clean cloth
Tray for drying
Mortar and pestle or clean coffee grinder
Fine mesh strainer
Glass jar for storage
Optional: Dried rose petals (my personal twist)
Steps
Clean the Clay: Pop those chunks in a bowl and rinse gently with cool water to wash off dust or grit. I like to swirl it with my hands, feeling the clay soften. Grandma always tossed in a pinch of dried chamomile flowers for a soothing vibe, not mandatory, but it’s a nice touch. Soak for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry with a clean cloth. Stick to wood or ceramic tools; metal can mess with the clay’s minerals. Trust me, I learned that after a batch went weirdly gray from a cheap spoon.
Dry the Clay: Spread the clay on a tray in a sunny spot- Moroccan sun is magic, but any warm, dry place works. It takes 2-3 days, flipping the pieces now and then, until they’re hard and crumbly. If you’re impatient like I was, you can dry it in an oven at 100°F for a few hours, but keep an eye on it. You’ll know it’s ready when it snaps easily and smells clean, like fresh earth with a hint of chalk.
Grind into Powder: I go old-school with a mortar and pestle, pounding until it’s a fine, silky powder. If you’ve got a clean coffee grinder, pulse in small batches, don’t let it overheat. Sift through a fine mesh to catch any chunky bits and re-grind them. You want it smooth, like flour, so it feels soft on your skin. My twist? I sometimes mix in a tiny bit of crushed dried rose petals while grinding. It’s not traditional, but it gives the powder a faint pinkish glow and a floral kick that customers loved at the shop.
Store and Use: Store your powder in a glass jar, sealed tight to keep moisture out- it’ll stay fresh for months. To use, mix a tablespoon with water or our shop’s argan oil for a mask that cleanses without stripping your skin. It’s like a mini-hammam at home, leaving you soft and refreshed.
My Tips as a pro
Source raw Moroccan white clay online or from specialty stores, unprocessed is best for potency.
Pair with rose water or argan oil from my argan oil near me free tool for killer masks.
Avoid metal tools to keep the clay’s minerals pure.
If you add rose petals, go light, just a teaspoon per pound of clay for a subtle effect.
I used to demo this for tourists, and their gasps when they felt the smoothness? Pure gold. Give it a try and let me know how it feels. Swing by moroccangiftshop.com for raw rhassoul, rose water suggestions or other goodies to boost your beauty game. Until next time, keep shining- salam!