African Black Soap, also known as black soap, is a traditional cleansing product originating from West Africa. This recently trending ‘must-have’ for your skin care routine has a history of use that goes back quite some time. Unlike the synthetic soaps you find at the drugstore, authentic black soap is handmade from plant-based ingredients in Africa.
Still not convinced? Read on to learn more about this skincare favorite and how you can add it to your routine.
What is African Black Soap?
African black soap is a traditional, plant-based soap from West Africa. African black soap was first produced in West Africa centuries ago. 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. You can use African black soap on your face, hands, body - even your hair.
“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.”
Key Ingredients
Today, its exact ingredients depend on where it is made.
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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.
If possible, buy fair-trade black soap. Each fair-trade purchase supports sustainable production, and, in some cases, it directly benefits communities in need.
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.
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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. African black soap isn’t just for your skin! It’s also great for your hair. 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? Dr. Vij cites 12 potential benefits of African black soap for your skin.
1. 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. Studies show that African black soap’s natural antibacterial ingredients work better than medicated cleansers to remove certain harmful bacteria, dirt and other impurities.
Despite its strength, black soap is gentle enough to use on your:
- Face
- Hands
- Body
2. Deep Cleansing
African black soap can offer a deeper clean due to its exfoliant properties. This may help ensure you remove all the makeup from your skin. It can provide much-needed moisture after you have cleansed 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.
3. Exfoliation
African black soap contains natural exfoliants like plantain skins and cocoa pods. 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. Exfoliation is another key factor in keeping your skin smooth after:
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- Shaving
- Waxing
- Other methods of hair removal
Exfoliating will help remove dead skin cells before they can clog your 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.
4. 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. Use it before shaving to soften your hair and make shaving easier.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Moisturizes Skin
Unlike harsh commercial soaps, African black soap moisturizes your skin without leaving it dry. 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.
8. May Reduce 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Treats Acne
Thanks to its antibacterial properties, black soap can be a game-changer for acne-prone skin. 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.”
12. 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.
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.
Here are some tips for incorporating African Black Soap into your routine.
- 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.
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.
Making African Black Soap
Is it Safe to Use African Black Soap Every Day?
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!
Precautions
As with all natural products there are some considerations to have when using african black soap on your skin.
- While black soap is gentle, it can still have a drying effect on some skin types. To prevent this, follow up with a good moisturizer after cleansing.
- Like any skincare product, moderation is key. Overusing black soap may lead to irritation or sensitivity.
- It’s best to use African black soap once or twice a day. Overusing it may lead to dryness or irritation.
- If you notice any adverse effects, reduce the frequency.
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.
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.
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.
