African black soap is a traditionally all-natural soap made in West Africa and has been used for centuries. This soap isn’t limited to just cleansing the skin. Praised for its gentle cleansing properties suitable for all skin types, this soap effectively removes impurities without stripping the skin's natural oils.
This recently trending ‘must-have’ for your skin care routine has a history of use that goes back quite some time. African black soap is a traditional, plant-based soap from West Africa. Share on PinterestAfrican black soap is safe to use on most skin types.Image credit: Ashley Pomeroy, 2018.
So while some may swear by its ability to cleanse and nourish many different skin types, you may be wondering - is it worth the hype? Dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, breaks down the benefits of African black soap and the right way to use it.
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. According to one study, traditional recipes used palm kernel oil and the filtrate of burnt cocoa pod ash.
Traditional recipes are free from dyes, fragrances, and other additives that take away from the purity. 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.
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However, people concerned about additives may wish to check the label to make sure that the product does not contain any. Authentic African black soap is all natural and will not contain dyes or fragrances. To find authentic African black soap, look for a soap that’s brown or grey in color, and has an uneven surface.
It should be slightly crumbly around the edges. Read the label to make sure there aren’t any additives you don’t want in your soap.
With natural antibacterial and exfoliating properties, African black soap acts gently to improve skin texture and tone. The soap also reduces inflammation and may help treat some signs of aging like dark spots or wrinkles.
“African black soap has been around for ages, but we’re learning more and more how powerful and effective this cleanser can be,” says Dr. Vij. “Used properly, it can help protect your skin and may treat a variety of common skin conditions, from dandruff to acne.”
Generally, African black soap doesn’t contain lye (a common soap component). It’s usually unscented without dyes or other additives. Most African black soaps contain one or more of these ingredients:
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- 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 include honey, aloe vera, lime or camwood (a central West African tree) to enhance their ability to heal, protect and moisturize your skin. Others contain essential oils or oatmeal. Check labels for specific information, especially if you have allergies to skin care products.
As the demand for African black soap has boomed, so has the variety of soaps available. Some are traditional, others more processed. And you have a wide selection of natural ingredients to choose from.
The real thing - authentic African black soap - is handmade with a dark gray or brown color and an uneven surface. It’s softer than commercial (machine-made) soaps, so its edges may slightly crumble. When it comes to this unique soap, imperfection is a good sign.
Studies have shown that it deep cleans and improves skin on par with other soaps, including cleansers with chemicals. In a 2017 survey of 100 clients at New York dermatology clinics, 94% said they were either “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with using African black soap overall for their skin care.
“African black soap has multiple uses for every skin type, with benefits beyond providing a deep clean,” says Dr. Vij. “We need more research to confirm whether it does even more than clean, but the results so far are promising.”
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Potential Benefits of African Black Soap
Dr. Vij cites the following potential benefits of African black soap for your skin:
- Removes bacteria: Studies show that African black soap’s natural antibacterial ingredients work better than medicated cleansers to remove certain harmful bacteria, dirt and other impurities.
- Deep cleans your skin: African black soap’s natural ingredients make it a thorough facial cleanser and makeup remover. Its oils and butters help dissolve makeup, while it effectively removes dirt from your face or body.
- Exfoliates to help improve skin texture and tone: African black soap is much less smooth than other soaps, due to the ashes used to produce the soap, so it works as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells before they clog pores and hair follicles. The plantain skins and leaves found in African black soap are naturally high in vitamin A, which can brighten your complexion, too.
“It’s a good alternative to chemical products if you’re looking for a product with natural ingredients,” says Dr. Vij.
- Reduces or prevents razor burn: If you’re used to having irritated skin or razor bumps after you shave, you may want to give African black soap a try. The oil and butter in African black soap may help soothe skin to prevent the aftereffects of razor burn.
In the survey of 100 users of African black soap, 92% said they were either “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with African black soap for razor bumps. Use it before shaving to soften your hair and make shaving easier.
“For some patients with acne or razor burn, mechanical exfoliation can make the condition flare up instead of get better,” says Dr. Vij. “As always, beware when using a new product to see which way your skin goes.”
- Helps with mild skin rashes: Some people use African black soap to improve rashes caused by eczema and other types of dermatitis, psoriasis and skin allergies. More research is needed to confirm these benefits of African black soap, says Dr. Vij.
If your rash symptoms persist or worsen, even while using the soap, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options.
- Treats fungus: Some research suggests African black soap may help control skin fungus, including a yeast called Candida albicans. That means you may be able to use it to treat conditions like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. The soap also may help control dandruff caused by fungus.
- Moisturizes without stripping essential oils: African black soap’s multiple ingredients help strike a balance - shea butter adds moisture to your skin while coconut oil prevents excess oiliness. These oils and fats lock in moisture but wash off well with water, so you’re not left with a buildup that can clog pores.
Use African black soap to relieve dry skin or itchiness, especially if you have combination skin.
“Some people do find that African black soap can dry their skin,” says Dr. Vij. “If that’s the case, you can use less or try another brand with more moisturizing ingredients.”
- May reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines: Research is needed to know whether African black soap can reduce the visible effects of aging. Shea butter and coconut oil may help plump up wrinkles and fine lines by slowing the loss of collagen, a fiber-like protein that helps make our tissues strong. Exfoliation can also make fine lines less visible.
- Protects against oxidative stress: Exposure to air contaminants, UV radiation from the sun, skin care products and cosmetics affect your skin every day. You can see some of these changes with the naked eye - like dark spots or wrinkles. Others, such as free radical damage to skin cells, are invisible. Antioxidants in African black soap may help protect your skin from these effects and help discoloration fade.
- Reduces inflammation: Rich in vitamins A and E, African black soap’s antioxidants help shield your skin against inflammation and free radicals that damage skin cells. You may find this helpful for inflammatory skin conditions like rosacea.
- Treats acne: African black soap may improve acne and balance the natural oils in your skin.
“African black soap may work for some people who have breakouts,” Dr. Vij says. “The soap helps exfoliate your skin and open pores, while the sulfur and honey reduce inflammation.”
- Treats dandruff: Yes! You can shampoo with African black soap, too. It may even help treat dandruff, thanks to its moisturizing ingredients. Use it like any other shampoo, lathering it into your hair and then rinsing it out.
“There is some evidence that the yeast which drives dandruff, or seborrheic dermatitis, can actually grow in cocoa butter or shea butter, so patients with dandruff may see their skin condition get worse instead of better,” says Dr. Vij.
Here's a summary table of the potential benefits:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Antibacterial Properties | Removes harmful bacteria, dirt, and impurities. |
| Deep Cleansing | Effective facial cleanser and makeup remover. |
| Exfoliation | Improves skin texture and tone by removing dead skin cells. |
| Razor Burn Reduction | Soothes skin to prevent irritation from shaving. |
| Skin Rash Relief | May improve rashes from eczema, psoriasis, and allergies. |
| Antifungal Properties | Helps control skin fungus, including Candida albicans. |
| Moisturizing | Balances skin moisture with shea butter and coconut oil. |
| Anti-Aging Potential | May reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. |
| Oxidative Stress Protection | Antioxidants protect against environmental damage. |
| Inflammation Reduction | Vitamins A and E help shield skin against inflammation. |
| Acne Treatment | Exfoliates skin, opens pores, and reduces inflammation. |
| Dandruff Treatment | Moisturizing ingredients may help treat dandruff. |
STOP Over-Drying Your Face! Use African Black Soap the RIGHT Way
How to Use African Black Soap
It may take some getting used to, but soon, African black soap could become a favorite part of your self-care regimen. First, try a little bit on a small area of your body (patch test), especially if you have dry or sensitive skin. For extra moisturizing, if your skin feels tight after cleansing, choose a black soap that contains shea butter. You can also try adding honey to your soap. Remember, a little goes a long way. Using too much African black soap can dry out or irritate your skin.
You may find it best to use this soap only two to three times a week, switching it up with a gentler cleanser on the other days. Dr. Vij offers these extra tips:
- Cut or pull a small portion of soap off the bar or dissolve it in water, so it’s smoother and gentler to use.
- Lather the soap into your hands before applying to your face, body or hair.
- Massage it into your skin with your hands or a washcloth for about 90 seconds in circular motions.
- Rinse off completely.
- Apply moisturizer and hair conditioner.
Yes, it’s safe to add African black soap to your daily skin care routine. Clean and refresh your skin once or twice a day (morning and at bedtime) with the soap, followed by a skin toner and moisturizer. And don’t forget sunscreen!
Side effects depend on your skin type and any allergies or intolerances you may have. Some soaps irritate those who have eczema or are sensitive to dyes, fragrances or other ingredients, like sulfur or cocoa. If your skin becomes red or irritated, try switching brands or discontinue use.
Also be careful not to use this soap with chemical exfoliants. The combination may be too strong for your skin. If you have symptoms that persist or worsen, consult your dermatologist.
If you’re in the market for a multi-tasking cleanser, African black soap may be what you’re looking for.
“Start slowly and cleanse gently, and you’re likely to discover why African black soap has been used for centuries,” says Dr. Vij. African black soap is touted for its many potential healing properties. It may help with breakouts, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and more.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use African Black Soap on your face:
- Before using African black soap on your entire face, perform a patch test. Apply a small amount of diluted soap (mixed with water) to a small area on your inner forearm or behind your ear. Wait 24 hours to check for any adverse reactions.
- Wet your face, then grab the soap and work it into a lather in your hands.
- Take a small piece of African black soap and lather it between your hands.
- Gently massage the lather onto your face in circular motions for 90 seconds.
- For extra exfoliation, use a washcloth or other exfoliating tool before rinsing (optional).
- Rinse with cool water.
- After cleansing with African black soap, it’s essential to moisturize your skin.
- Apply moisturizer.
- After cleansing with black soap, follow up with a gentle toner.
- Always apply sunscreen during the day, even if you’re indoors.
Remember that consistency is key. Use African black soap regularly but not excessively as overuse can lead to dryness or irritation. African black soap is potent, so use it in moderation. Aim for once or twice a day, depending on your skin type and needs.
There are many kinds of African black soap available on the market today. Some are more processed than others. Try to find one with the least amount of processing possible.
African black soap tends to soften and dissolve when exposed to water. Remember that everyone’s skin is unique, so pay attention to how your skin responds.
African black soap offers benefits to a wide range of individuals:
- Acne-Prone Skin: African black soap’s natural antibacterial properties make it effective for those with acne-prone skin.
- Sensitive Skin: Since black soap is made from natural ingredients, it’s gentle on the skin.
- Dry Skin: African black soap contains moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil.
- Oily Skin: Despite being moisturizing, black soap doesn’t make oily skin greasier.
- Uneven Skin Tone: The exfoliating properties of black soap can improve skin texture and even out pigmentation.
Yes, African black soap is generally suitable for all skin types. African black soap doesn’t specifically lighten skin.
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. Unlike the synthetic soaps you find at the drugstore, authentic black soap is handmade from plant-based ingredients in Africa. If possible, buy fair-trade black soap. Each fair-trade purchase supports sustainable production, and, in some cases, it directly benefits communities in need.
Still not convinced? Read on to learn more about this skincare favorite and how you can add it to your routine.
Natural antibacterial properties make African black soap an excellent alternative to chemical-laden cleansers. In fact, it may actually remove more bacteria than chemical cleansers do. Despite its strength, black soap is gentle enough to use on your:face hands body
If you have dry or sensitive skin, you likely already know that scented soaps and lotions are off-limits. African black soap is naturally fragrance-free - just make sure your chosen product is labeled “unscented.”
People with oily or combination skin are also in the clear. Black soap can help balance your skin’s natural oil production without stripping necessary oils or adding excess oil to your skin.
Shea butter is a crucial ingredient in black soap. While shea can help relieve itchiness and soothe dry skin, cocoa and coconut oil add moisture. If you have combination skin, black soap makes choosing the right soap that much easier. Shea may add moisture, but coconut oil may help prevent overactive oil glands.
African black soap that contains shea butter may also soothe itchiness and irritation caused by:eczemacontact dermatitisskin allergies It may even help clear rashes related to eczema and psoriasis. To maximize these benefits, find a soap with oatmeal added.
Black soap is rich in vitamins A and E. These vitamins are both antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and attacks on otherwise healthy skin tissues. This may be helpful for people who have inflammatory conditions like rosacea.
In addition to balancing your skin’s natural oils, the soap’s shea content may help repair damaged cells. Its antimicrobial properties may even clear severe acne.
Shea butter may help reduce signs of ageing. In turn, this can help plump up fine lines and wrinkles. The rough texture of the soap can also exfoliate dead skin cells that make fine lines more noticeable.
Antioxidants found in shea butter can help protect your skin from photoaging. Over time, sun exposure can cause sun spots (age spots), but black soap may offer another barrier.
African black soap is chock-full of natural ingredients, but part of its benefits come from its form. When left unprocessed, the raw ingredients that make up black soap leave the product far less smooth than the average drugstore soap bar. This makes it a natural exfoliant, which may help improve skin texture.
