Beauty rituals come and go, some better than others, but one that’s gained significant attention lately — and proven its weight in gold — is Moroccan beauty. These practices have been passed down through generations, some dating back centuries, and it’s clear to see why — they just work.
Recently, these rituals have experienced a resurgence, partly due to Morocco’s rise as a popular travel destination, as well as the influence of Moroccan models like Imaan Hammam and Nora Attal, along with beauty influencers on platforms like TikTok, who have shared these ancient traditions with their audiences.
Though many people might associate Moroccan beauty with products from Moroccanoil, it’s important to note that the brand is not Moroccan, but rather a symbol of how these rituals have made their way into mainstream beauty culture. Authentic Moroccan beauty is rooted in tradition, simplicity and quality, emphasizing the use of natural ingredients.
While we might not all be able to visit a hammam, we can still recreate elements at home. Especially as the weather turns colder, we like to do this body care on a Sunday, making our bathrooms cozy by lighting a candle or burning frankincense and having a cup of mint tea. Here’s how we’re incorporating Moroccan beauty rituals into our routine.
Apply Moroccan Black Soap First
For the first step in the routine, use Moroccan black soap, also known as savon noir — a gel-like blend of saponified olive oil. At a hammam, it’s typically applied after spending time in the steam room or sauna, but you can also use it in the shower. Apply the soap to damp skin and let it sit for 5–10 minutes in the steam of a hot shower to soften the skin before exfoliating. We love the one from Kahrina Giving Beauty, a brand that offers a beautiful and thoughtfully curated selection of Moroccan goods made with argan oil sourced directly from women who harvest it in a matriarchal village near the protected Argan Forest in Southwest Morocco.
Kahina Giving Beauty Moroccan Beldi Soap
Exfoliate With A Kessa Mit
After letting the black soap sit, use a kessa mitt — a traditional exfoliating glove — to scrub your skin in circular motions. This helps buff away dead skin cells, leaving your skin smoother and more radiant.
Kahina Giving Beauty Kessa Mit
Use Ghassoul Clay To Detox
Ghassoul clay is a mineral-rich clay sourced from the volcanic soils of the Atlas Mountains. This step should be done after using black soap and the kessa mitt, and before applying Argan oil. Renowned for its purifying and revitalizing properties, ghassoul clay helps absorb excess oil, detoxify the skin, improve texture and can even be used as a spot treatment for blemishes. Mix a small amount with rosewater (or regular water) to create a smooth paste. Apply it to your face or body once or twice a week, leaving it on for 10–15 minutes before rinsing off.
Finish By Moisturizing With Argan Oil
Often referred to as ‘liquid gold,’ people in Morocco have used Argan oil for centuries for its moisturizing and nourishing properties. We love using it all over the body for hydration, but it’s also great for hair to tame frizz, as a face oil (depending on your skin type) or even as a cuticle oil. Make sure it’s organic and 100% cold-pressed.
Kahina Giving Beauty Argan Oil
Wear Musk Stone As A Signature Scent
While black soap, the kessa mitt, ghassoul clay and Argan oil are the essential steps, there are a few other products we love as well. Musk stone is a unique, natural fragrance made from black musk, combined with notes of amber, rose and oud. It’s a personal scent that evolves with you, blending with your body’s natural chemistry. Apply it to your pulse points, and the warmth of your skin activates the fragrance.
Put On Aker Fassi For A Natural Lip Stain
Made from dried poppy petals and pomegranate rind, aker fassi is a traditional product used for a long-lasting, natural flush of color. To use, simply dip a brush or your finger in water, gently rub it on the terra cotta stone and apply to your cheeks for a natural, buildable tint. There’s also a brand called Kindred Black, which offers a luxury version of Aker Fassi, packaged in individually handblown glass vessels. For another lip product recommendation, you could try Magic Moroccan Lipstick, which adapts to the natural pH of your lips for a personalized color.
Spritz Rose Water To Refresh
One of our favorite Moroccan beauty rituals is spritzing rose water on our faces in the morning when we wake up and at night before bed. It’s simple and refreshing, and we love reaching for it whenever we need a little pick-me-up throughout the day. In Moroccan culture, rose water is often used when entering the home or after meals to cleanse the hands, typically dispensed from a beautiful sprinkler. We love collecting these decorative bottles in brass and glass to keep around the house — by the bedside, at the entrance, or on the dining table. It also makes a perfect toner in your skincare routine.
