Tebrima (also spelled tbrima or tabrima) is the herbal body mask Moroccan brides have used for generations in the days before their wedding. A fragrant blend of flowers, herbs and roots, it's applied in the hammam to cleanse, soften and leave the skin with a natural glow.

This guide explains what tebrima is, what it does, and how to use it on your body, on its own or with nila, plus the bridal ritual it's famous for.

What is tebrima?

Tebrima is a traditional Moroccan powder made from dried, finely ground botanicals. Every region and every family has its own recipe, but it is always a mix of fragrant flowers and cleansing herbs, prepared as a paste and smoothed over the body.

Our Tebrima Powder follows the traditional recipe and includes:

  • Flowers: lavender, chamomile and Damask rose
  • Herbs: sidr, rosemary, wormwood, juniper and clove
  • Traditional ingredients: henna, spikenard, senna and Aker Fassi (poppy petal and pomegranate peel)

The result is a soft green powder with a warm, herbal and floral scent that stays delicately on the skin after rinsing.

What does tebrima do for the skin?

  • Deep cleanses: lifts impurities and excess oil, leaving skin feeling fresh.
  • Softens and smooths: skin feels velvety after rinsing, which is why it's loved for rough, bumpy areas.
  • Brings out a natural glow: dull, tired skin looks more radiant.
  • Scents the skin: the flowers and herbs leave a light, natural fragrance.

How to use tebrima as a body mask

You'll need:

How to apply:

  1. Mix the powder with warm water or orange blossom water, a little at a time, until you have a smooth, spreadable paste.
  2. Apply to clean, damp skin, ideally after a shower or hammam when your pores are open.
  3. Leave on for 10–15 minutes. Relax and let the herbs do their work.
  4. Rinse with warm water, massaging gently in circles as you go.
  5. Finish with Organic Argan Oil while your skin is still damp.

Deep hammam exfoliation: tebrima with black soap

For a traditional Moroccan-style exfoliation:

  1. Mix tebrima powder with Moroccan Black Soap and a little warm water to form a smooth paste.
  2. Apply to warm, damp skin in the shower.
  3. Leave on for 5–10 minutes to soften the skin, then rinse with warm water.
  4. Exfoliate with the Kessa Glove in circular motions.
  5. Rinse again and apply argan oil or your moisturiser.

This helps remove dead skin and may help improve the look of ingrown hairs and strawberry skin, leaving skin smooth and refreshed.

Tebrima with nila: the brightening body mask

One of the most popular combinations in Morocco. Tebrima cleanses and softens while nila brightens and evens the look of skin tone.

  1. Mix tebrima powder with a pinch of nila powder (about ½ teaspoon of nila to 2 tablespoons of tebrima).
  2. Add warm water or orange blossom water until creamy.
  3. Apply to the body, focusing on knees, elbows, underarms and inner thighs.
  4. Leave for 5–15 minutes, then rinse well and apply argan oil or moisturiser.

Read our full guide to nila powder for more ways to use it.

Tebrima in a full hammam ritual

For the complete Moroccan experience, use tebrima as the final step of your hammam:

  1. Steam and cleanse with Moroccan Black Soap, leaving it on for 5–10 minutes.
  2. Exfoliate with the Kessa Glove to remove dead skin.
  3. Mask with tebrima (on its own or with nila) for 10–15 minutes.
  4. Nourish with argan oil.

Our guide to doing a Moroccan hammam at home walks through every step.

The Moroccan bridal ritual

Tebrima is best known as part of the bride's hammam. In the week before the wedding, the bride visits the hammam with the women of her family. Her skin is cleansed with black soap, exfoliated with the kessa, then covered in tebrima so she arrives at her henna night and wedding with soft, glowing, fragrant skin.

Planning your own pre-wedding ritual? Our Deep Purify & Brighten Set: Bride Edition brings the bridal essentials together. Start 2–3 weeks before the big day and use it once a week, with a final ritual 1–2 days before.

How often should you use tebrima?

Once or twice a week is ideal as part of your hammam or self-care routine. Before a wedding or special occasion, you can use it twice a week in the final weeks.

Tips for the best results

  • Always patch test first: apply a little to your inner arm 24 hours before your first full mask.
  • Apply to damp skin: it spreads more easily and rinses off cleanly.
  • Avoid broken or freshly shaved skin: wait at least 24 hours after shaving or waxing.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding? Check with your doctor before using herbal masks.
  • Protect your towels: the natural herbs can leave a slight colour, so use a dark towel.

Frequently asked questions

What is tebrima used for?
Tebrima is a traditional Moroccan body mask used to cleanse, soften and bring out the skin's natural glow. It's best known as part of the bridal hammam ritual.

Is tebrima, tbrima and tabrima the same thing?
Yes. They are different spellings of the same Moroccan herbal powder.

How long do I leave tebrima on?
10–15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

What do I mix tebrima with?
Warm water or orange blossom water. Add ½ teaspoon of nila powder for a brightening mask.

Can I use tebrima on my face?
Yes. Apply a thin, even layer to clean, damp skin, avoiding the eye area, and leave for 10–15 minutes before rinsing. Patch test first.

Where can I buy tebrima in the UK?
Our Tebrima Powder is made in Morocco to the traditional recipe and dispatched within 24 hours from the UK, with next day delivery available and free UK delivery on orders over £50.

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Safety

Patch Test Recommended: Before using the product, we recommend carrying out a patch test on a small area of skin 24 hours prior to full application. Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.

Upon receiving your product, please read the label and instructions carefully before use for important safety and caution information.

For external use only.

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