African black soap (also called African soap or black soap) is the latest skin care product to reach “holy grail” status, and for good reason. This traditional soap, originating from West Africa, has been used for centuries by ancestors to nourish and exfoliate their hair and skin. Made with all organic ingredients including plantain skin ash, palm oil, and cocoa pods, African Black Soap contains vitamins A & E and iron that can effectively heal and rejuvenate your skin. But is it worth the hype? Let's delve into the numerous benefits of this skincare favorite, and how you can add it to your routine.
A bar of African Black Soap with visible natural ingredients.
What is African Black Soap?
African black soap is originally an all-natural soap produced in different countries in West Africa.
Authentic African Black Soap is still made today by the people of the Yoruban tribe located in Nigeria. It is believed that this tribe brought their herbal wisdom with them from their original Egyptian homeland. Secret black soap formulas are carefully guarded as they are passed down through generations.
The soap is based on the ancient art of ash treatment finding a revival of interest today. Traditional recipes are free from dyes, fragrances, and other additives that take away from the purity. However, people concerned about additives may wish to check the label to make sure that the product does not contain any.
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Exact recipes depend on where the soap originated from, but most include palm kernel oil, and the filtrate of burnt cocoa pod ash or roasted plantain skin ash. Other additions can include aloe vera, honey, shea butter, lime, or camwood - a tree native to central West Africa.
African black soap is made without adding lye, which makes the texture soft and lends a more moisturizing quality. It’s also unscented, making it suitable for most skin types.
Key Ingredients Typically Found in African Black Soap:
- Cocoa pod ash, cocoa powder, or cocoa butter
- Coconut oil
- Palm kernel oil and palm oil
- Plantain skin ash, leaves, or bark
- Shea butter
Some African black soaps may include honey, aloe vera, lime, or camwood to enhance their ability to heal, protect, and moisturize your skin.
How African Black Soap Is Locally Made From Ashes
10 Potential Benefits of African Black Soap
African black soap is touted for its many potential healing properties. It may help with breakouts, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and more. Here are 15 potential benefits of using African Black Soap:
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Infographic detailing the benefits of using African Black Soap.
- Safe for Most Skin Types: A traditional recipe for African black soap does not contain dyes, fragrances, or perfumes. So, for people with sensitive skin and those who are allergic to certain additives, black soap is a good substitute for modern soaps.
- Antibacterial Properties: African black soap has properties that help remove bacteria from the skin, including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus spp., Escherichia coli, and Corynebacterium spp.
- Acne Treatment: Another use for African black soap is to help treat acne.
- May Reduce Fine Lines: The soap may prevent fine lines and wrinkles due to its antioxidant properties. These properties may help fight against damaging free radicals.
- May Reduce the Appearance of Dark Spots: Hyperpigmentation is often caused by acne scarring and sun damage - two things that African black soap may help soothe or prevent.
- May Reduce Razor Bumps: African black soap may help reduce razor bumps and other blemishes.
- Makeup Removal: Some research shows that African black soap is an effective makeup remover.
- May Reduce the Impact of Eczema: African black soap may also help people living with eczema.
- Antifungal Properties: According to one study, African black soap may help prevent the spread of fungal infections, including Candida albicans yeast.
- Potential Moisturizing Effects: Some varieties of African black soap may contain shea or shea butter. Shea butter may help improve the moisture in a person’s skin.
- Washes Off Easily: Unlike some modern soaps, which can leave behind a residue after washing, African black soap comes off easily when rinsed with water, leaving the skin feeling clean and not sticky.
- Soothing Effects: The oils and fats present in African black soap may help soothe a person’s skin.
- Will Not Cause Oil to Build Up: The oils and fats in African black soap should clean off well with water. This can help prevent a buildup of oils on the skin, which can clog the pores.
- Good Overall Cleaner: According to a research survey, the majority of participants use African black soap for general use on the face and body. Most reported satisfactory results from using the soap.
- Naturally Exfoliating: African black soap is naturally exfoliating. Exfoliation can help remove dead skin, leaving the skin fresher and cleaner after use.
How to Use African Black Soap
Real, unprocessed African black soap has a rough texture. Although the natural texture is ideal for removing dead skin during exfoliation, you’ll want to smooth it out before using it as a regular cleanser. Here's how to use it effectively:
- Smoothing the Soap: To do this, simply pull a small chunk of soap off of the bar and rub in between your hands. If you prefer a liquid cleanser, you can dissolve your piece of soap in water before use.
- Application: You can apply the bar directly to your skin if you’re looking for exfoliation, but be gentle! The rough texture is already an exfoliant in itself, so you don’t have to scrub. You may also consider rubbing the bar on a soft washcloth first for gentle cleansing or use on rashes.
- Rinsing: With whatever method you choose, make sure that you thoroughly rinse the soap off with lukewarm water after use.
- Moisturizing: Afterward, apply your favorite moisturizer to your damp skin. This will help lock in the soap’s natural hydrating effects.
Precautions and Side Effects
Although African black soap can work well for all skin types, using it correctly is key to preventing unnecessary side effects. Some people find black soap to be drying. You may be able to reduce your risk for this by adding a teaspoon of raw honey to your soap mixture.
If you’re new to raw black soap, consider using it once every couple of days to start. You can gradually increase your use as your skin gets used to the soap. It’s possible to be allergic to any soap. If your skin becomes irritated or you develop a rash, discontinue use.
Natural black soap is also rough, so it can irritate or even break your skin if you’re not careful. Stinging and burning are also possible. If you’re using a raw block of soap, use gentle, circular motions as you glide it along your skin.
Read also: The Miracle of African Black Soap
The best way to prevent skin breakage is to smooth out the soap and combine it with water, or use it with a washcloth.
The Takeaway
African black soap is packed with essential nutrients designed to enhance your skin’s natural complexion and help you glow from the inside out. African black soap is safe to use on most skin types.
As difficult as it is to obtain genuine African black soap it is no wonder so many imitations exist, even in Africa itself. In the US some companies add black dye to regular glycerin or triple milled soaps. These soaps do not possess the medicinal qualities of Authentic African Black Soap.
Genuine African black soap is originally black although brown variations exist in neighboring countries and tribes. Even brown soaps with white specks can be found, but this is made using modern soap making methods combined with wood ash.
Experience the power of two time-tested ingredients in one bar. Our African Black Soap Bar with Turmeric combines the deep-cleansing, clarifying benefits of traditional African black soap with the brightening and soothing properties of turmeric. Ideal for blemish-prone or uneven skin, this natural bar gently exfoliates, helps fade dark spots, and leaves your skin feeling clean, smooth, and refreshed.
