It does seem rather odd for a product like soap intended to clean, we deliberately add mud to it. However, it isn’t just “mud” this is Dead Sea mud which has a unique blend of compounds and minerals. At its simplest our “Dead Sea” soap blended with Olive Oil is formulated to remove dead skin cells and impurities whilst the olive oil restores softness, balances the skin’s oil production and pH level. However, it is much more than that. The minerals and salts within Dead Sea Mud have been used for thousands of years to ease several skin conditions:
Psoriasis Researchers have found that the high concentrations of salt and other chemical compounds in the mud can be used to treat psoriasis effectively.
Acne Dead Sea mud has been tested and proven to have an antimicrobial effect on strains of bacteria that live on human skin. Since bacteria can lead to acne, it’s one of the reasons why Dead Sea mud has been used to treat breakouts since biblical times.
Dry skin Dead Sea mud can work to remove impurities and dead skin on your body. An additional benefit is the salt and magnesium can improve your skin’s functionality by making it more elastic and have a better protective barrier
Whilst Packaged in a convenient bar to prevent the mess associated with cleaning pure mud off skin, towels and out of sink and bath plug holes!
History of the Dead sea compounds
Dead Sea Mineral Mud is formed when fine-grained sediment consisting of mountain silt and sand flows down from natural springs that pass through the northern mountains, then through the Sea of Galilee, and finally down the Jordan River Valley before being deposited to the shores of this inland sea, where it settles. Dead Sea Mineral Mud is a natural element yielded by and harvested from the mineral-rich Dead Sea, a small body of water nestled in the Jordan Rift Valley between Israel to the East and Jordan to the West. The area is also known as: Sea of Salt, Stinking Sea, Sea of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Devil’s Sea and Lake Asphaltites.
Hot, dry desert air over millions of years have evaporated the water, condensing the natural salts and minerals into the mud. Whilst the mud can be “enjoyed” at the water’s edge, for cosmetic use it is filtered and purified before being included in products
According to legends, the Queen of Sheba acknowledged the healing powers of the Dead Sea leading to other rulers taking her lead. Queen Cleopatra travelled from Egypt to build one of the world’s first spas. King David and then Herod the Great allegedly built their own spas on the lake.
The mystical powers of the Dead Sea have been incorporated into the Egyptians process of mummification. The Dead Sea provided bitumen or “asphalt” or mūmiyā which has then evolved into “mummy”
For hundreds of years, Dead Sea Mud has been known to exhibit therapeutic benefits and general well-being. From the 17th to the 19th centuries Mud Therapy was commonly practiced in Europe, where chronic illnesses were treated with mineral water and mudpacks of varying compositions. The region continues to be known as a “fountain of youth” due to the historical use of the mud within cosmetics.
Alongside its hydrating and beautifying properties, Dead Sea Mineral Mud maintains its reputation for having cleansing and purgative properties. These are known to relieve various symptoms of health issues ranging from skin ailments such as psoriasis to musculoskeletal ailments such as arthritis.
Dead Sea mud minerals and salts
A natural exfoliator: The texture of Dead Sea mud makes it an excellent exfoliator and is highly rich in the minerals which help in cleansing, detoxifying and restoring a healthy status quo to the body
Magnesium. Detoxifies and cleanses and promotes cell metabolism to assist in healing damaged or inflamed skin.
Calcium. Promotes skin growth and regeneration and moisture retention through the production of sebum. It also stimulates the production of antioxidants.
Sodium. Cleanses and exfoliates and neutralise free radicals which can degenerate skin cells. It can also relieve sore muscles.
Zinc. Heals and rejuvenates the skin, controls acne and protects the skin’s lipids and fibroblasts cells that create collagen.
Potassium. Assists in keeping skin moist and plump and reducing puffiness.
Sulphur. Cleans pores and is excellent for acne. It also has powerful healing, antifungal, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
The main chemical constituents of Dead Sea Mineral Mud are: Dead Sea Water, Organic Matter, and Minerals (expressed in Oxides: Silicon Dioxide, Calcium Oxide, Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Oxide, Potassium Oxide, Iron (III) Oxide, Aluminium Oxide, Phosphorous Pentoxide, Titanium (IV) Oxide, Sulphur Trioxide, Manganese(II) Oxide, Zirconium Dioxide, Chromium(III) Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Nickel(II) Oxide, Copper Oxide, Indium (III) Oxide, Chloride, and Bromide).
See our other guides for more background information on our ingredients