African black soap, originating from West Africa, is a traditional handmade soap renowned for its natural ingredients and skincare benefits. This soap is celebrated for its versatility and gentle cleansing properties, making it suitable for various skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone 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.
What is African Black Soap?
African black soap is originally an all-natural soap produced in different countries in West Africa. 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.
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:
- 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.
Read also: Discover African Black Soap
Types of African Black Soap
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.
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. 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.
Here are some potential benefits of African black soap:
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
- Natural Antibacterial Properties: 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.
- Gentle for Sensitive Skin: 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."
- Balances Oily Skin: 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.
- Soothes Irritation: African black soap that contains shea butter may also soothe itchiness and irritation caused by eczema, contact dermatitis, and skin allergies. It may even help clear rashes related to eczema and psoriasis. To maximize these benefits, find a soap with oatmeal added.
- Antioxidant Properties: 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.
- Reduces Signs of Aging: 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.
- Protects Against Photoaging: 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.
- Exfoliates: 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.
- Reduces Hyperpigmentation: Hyperpigmentation is often caused by acne scarring and sun damage - two things that African black soap may help soothe or prevent.
Dr. Vij cites 12 potential benefits of African black soap for your skin.
- Removes bacteria
- Deep cleans your skin
- Exfoliates to help improve skin texture and tone
- Reduces or prevents razor burn
- Helps with mild skin rashes
- Treats fungus
- Moisturizes without stripping essential oils
- May reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Protects against oxidative stress
- Reduces inflammation
- Treats acne
- Treats dandruff
HOW TO KNOW REAL AFRICAN BLACK SOAP VS FAKE - Where To Buy Real African Black Soap Brands
African Black Soap for Hair
Applying African Black Soap in your hair has a number of benefits. African black soap is renowned for its deep-cleansing properties. It effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and product buildup from the scalp and hair. A clean scalp promotes healthy hair growth by creating an optimal environment for follicles.
The soap contains vitamins A and E, antioxidants, and minerals that nourish hair follicles. African black soap provides natural moisture to the hair, leaving it soft and manageable. Its hydrating properties benefit all hair types, from curly to straight.
African black soap can benefit a wide range of hair types, but there are some considerations based on individual needs and hair characteristics. African black soap can be helpful for those with dry hair. Oily hair types can also benefit from African black soap. Curly hair tends to be more prone to dryness and frizz.
Other benefits include:
Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas
- Promoting Faster Hair Growth: African black soap contains plantain skins and leaves, which are rich in vitamins A and E.
- Combating Aging of Hair Follicles: The natural ingredients in African black soap soothe scalp irritation, combat dandruff, and reduce inflammation.
For some individuals with certain hair types, African black soap can be a beneficial addition to their hair care routine. However, it's essential to consider factors such as hair texture, moisture needs, and potential sensitivities. Ultimately, if you're considering using African black soap on your hair, it's advisable to start with a patch test and observe how your hair responds.
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.
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.
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.
With whatever method you choose, make sure that you thoroughly rinse the soap off with lukewarm water after use. Afterward, apply your favorite moisturizer to your damp skin. This will help lock in the soap’s natural hydrating effects.
Follow these steps to use African black soap on your face:
- Wet your face, then grab the soap and work it into a lather in your hands.
- Massage the soap into your skin in circular motions for 90 seconds.
- For extra exfoliation, use a washcloth or other exfoliating tool before rinsing (optional).
- Rinse with cool water.
- Apply moisturizer.
You can also use African black soap as shampoo. Because it’s antifungal, it can help treat dandruff.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
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.
The best way to prevent skin breakage is to smooth out the soap and combine it with water, or use it with a washcloth.
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.
Summary of Benefits and Considerations
Here's a table summarizing the benefits and considerations of using African Black Soap:
| Benefit | Description | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Cleansing | Removes dirt, oil, and impurities effectively. | May be too drying for some skin types. |
| Exfoliation | Helps remove dead skin cells, improving texture. | Use caution to avoid over-exfoliation. |
| Acne Treatment | Can help reduce acne and blemishes. | May cause irritation in sensitive skin. |
| Balances Oil Production | Helps regulate oil production in the skin. | Monitor for excessive dryness. |
| Treats Dandruff | Moisturizing ingredients helps to treat dandruff. | May worsen skin condition for some patients with dandruff. |
