For hundreds of years, African black soap has been celebrated as a remarkable treatment for various skin conditions, including acne, dry skin, wrinkles, inflammation, and fungal infections. Originating from the Yorùbá tribes in Benin, Togo, and Nigeria, the secret of African black soap and its benefits quickly spread throughout Africa and other regions across the world. Today, it's easy to find numerous accounts online of miraculous skin improvements resulting from this time-honored treatment.
But is African black soap truly a cure-all for your skin? Surprisingly, scientific evidence supports many of the claims surrounding this soap.
What is Raw African Black Soap?
Authentic raw African black soap is crafted from locally harvested ingredients such as plant cocoa pod ash, oils, and shea butter. Traditionally, plant materials (husks, shells, or barks of plantains, palm tree leaves, cocoa pods, and Shea trees) are burned to form a dark ash. This ash is then combined with oils and Shea butter to create the "black" soap. The resulting product can be either a chunky bar or a thick black liquid, depending on the desired consistency.
The color variations in raw African black soap are due to the different blends of oils and cooking methods used by various skincare formulators.
What Are the Benefits of African Black Soap?
Regardless of your skin type, incorporating organic African black soap into your beauty routine can be beneficial. A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology demonstrated that multi-generational use of African black soap was effective in treating multiple dermatological conditions, thanks to its deep-cleansing properties.
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While this multicultural beauty soap offers numerous advantages, here are three benefits supported by solid scientific evidence:
African Black Soap is Antibacterial
African black soap possesses natural antibacterial properties. Individuals with acne-prone skin may find that it helps balance oil levels by reducing excess sebum (which can clog pores) while controlling Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne breakouts.
African Black Soap Soothes Inflammation
Rich in vitamin E and containing shea butter, African black soap helps hydrate, protect, and calm irritated skin. This makes it an excellent natural after-shave product. It also provides mild exfoliation, aiding in the removal of dead skin cells that contribute to razor bumps and infections.
African Black Soap Protects Against Sun Damage
African black soap offers protection against UV sun damage, which can often lead to hyperpigmentation (dark spots) caused by sun exposure.
How to Use Raw African Black Soap for Your Skin Type?
Natural African black soap is an extremely versatile beauty tool suitable for both face and body, and can be used as often as necessary. Here are some recommended ways to incorporate organic African black soap into your routine:
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Raw African Black Soap Face Wash
If you have raw African black soap, simply take a chunk and shape it into small balls. Add a little water and gently apply directly to your face and neck.
Raw African Black Soap Face Mask
Raw African black soap makes a fantastic detox face mask. Dissolve a few small pieces of black soap in hot water, then mix in 1 teaspoon of honey, 2 teaspoons of baking soda, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (tea tree oil for acne, chamomile for inflammation, or lavender for overall glow). Apply the mixture, let it sit on your skin until almost dry, and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
Raw African Black Soap Body Wash
Create a cleansing organic body wash by soaking a chunk of raw African black soap in purified water until it dissolves. Alternatively, you can use pure liquid African black soap directly as a natural body wash.
Raw African Black Soap Body Scrub
For exfoliation, mix a small chunk of soap with a little brown sugar or dead sea salt for a DIY natural body scrub.
Depending on your skin type, you can incorporate African black soap into your beauty routine in various ways.
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African Black Soap for Normal + Dry Skin
Dry skin types can use African black soap as a weekly moisturizing cleanser. Many facial cleansers contain harsh detergents that can cause dryness by stripping away the skin’s vital natural oils. Using African black soap can help rebalance your skin’s sebum.
African Black Soap for Oily + Combo + Acne Skin
Oily and acne-prone skin types may want to use African black soap as their main natural anti-acne cleanser. The combination of gentle exfoliation, deep pore cleansing, and antibacterial properties makes this soap ideal for overactive skin. Simply replace your existing cleanser with African black soap! For combination skin, use raw African black soap as a spot treatment on oilier zones like the forehead, cheeks, or nose that need deep cleansing.
African Black Soap for Sensitive Skin
Sensitive skin types should look for a completely pure African black soap with no fillers or preservatives. Always perform a spot test before use.
Note: Individuals with latex or chocolate allergies should consult a dermatologist before using African black soap due to potential latex-fruit syndrome or caffeine sensitivity.
Why Use Organic & Raw African Black Soaps?
Truly organic and raw African black soaps are closer to the original African recipes than their heavily produced counterparts. Authentic black soaps are plant-based, naturally vegan, fragrance-free, and gentle on the skin.
To help you choose the best natural and organic African black soap, here are some top brands, all free from common additives such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals + mineral oils, synthetic fragrances + dyes, and PEG compounds:
- SKY ORGANICS - ORGANIC AFRICAN BLACK SOAP BAR
- Ethics: 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
- Price: $11.99
This bar version of Sky Organic's highly-rated liquid organic African black soap is made with the same fragrance-free formula (palm oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, plantain ash, vitamin E, and aloe) but comes in a convenient soap bar. It is highly antibacterial and works great for acne breakouts on the face or body.
- ALAFFIA - NATURAL AFRICAN BLACK SOAP LIQUID
- Ethics: 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
- Price: $11.95
This liquid version of Alaffia's organic, raw African Black Soap bar is unscented and made with ethically-traded unrefined shea butter and palm kernel oil, plus water. This rich formula is great for all skin types and can be used as a face and body cleanser, shampoo, hand-wash, and shaving soap. Its most popular uses, however, are as a moisturizing shampoo or an effective acne-fighting face and body wash.
- ALAFFIA - NATURAL AFRICAN BLACK SOAP BAR
- Ethics: 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
- Price: $6.39
Alaffia's organic, raw African Black Soap is unscented and simply made with ethically-traded unrefined shea butter and palm kernel oil. These natural ingredients cleanse, purify, and moisturize for silky smooth skin. Ideal for all skin types, it can be used as a face and body cleanser, shampoo, hand-wash, and shaving soap. This is a great African black soap for acne and hormonal breakouts.
- SKY ORGANICS - LIQUID ORGANIC AFRICAN BLACK SOAP
- Ethics: 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
- Price: $11.95
This take on African black soap by Sky Organics contains plantain ash, aloe, shea butter, and various organic oils (no essential oils). It's highly effective for body acne and great for both men and women.
- SHEA TERRA ORGANICS - ORGANIC AFRICAN BLACK SOAP BAR
- Ethics: 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
- Price: $11.23
A natural, raw African Black Soap bar made in Nigeria with pure, clean ingredients. Shea Terra Organics uses an ancient formula that helps naturally break down dead skin and fight breakouts to reveal firm, clean, glowing skin. It is made with USDA certified organic, virgin coconut cream oil, African black soap (cocoa pod ash, plantain peel ash, palm oil, camwood), 24% USDA certified organic shea butter, and certified organic extra virgin olive oil.
- OUR EARTH’S SECRETS - ORGANIC AFRICAN BLACK SOAP BAR
- Ethics: 100% Natural, GMO-Free, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
- Price: $11.50
This raw African Black Soap is made in Ghana from traditional African recipes and techniques. It's crafted with natural ingredients like palm kernel oil, coconut oil, stearin oil, cocoa pod husks, unrefined shea butter, plantain ash, and vitamin E. It's great for most skin types, especially dry and sensitive, and helps clear acne, balance oil production, and smooth the skin's surface. Lather this soap on a washcloth or in your hands before applying to your face to avoid scratching and irritation.
Questions & Answers About Raw African Black Soap
Here are some common questions about African Black Soap:
Q: What are the benefits of African Black Soap?
A: Gentle enough for all skin types, African Black Soap can be used for various skin conditions including acne breakouts, dryness, hyperpigmentation and more. This soap is also great as a body care and hair care product.
Q: What does African Black Soap do to your face?
A: African Black Soap gently cleanses and exfoliates your face by removing dead skin cells and clearing clogged pores. You can also use it on your face as a mask and your whole body as a body wash to maintain healthy skin.
Q: Is Raw African Black Soap good for acne?
A: Yes, with its antibacterial properties that work to control propionibacterium (the bacteria that causes acne), African Black Soap is great for acne. It also gently cleanses, removing dead skin that can clog pores and lead to acne.
Q: Is Raw African Black Soap good for skin?
A: Yes, African Black Soap is great for many skin conditions including (but not limited to) acne, hyperpigmentation, and UV damage. A survey published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology showed the effectiveness of the soap for minimizing acne, dark spots, and razor bumps thanks to its deep-cleansing properties.
Q: Does African Black Soap actually work?
A: Yes, many human studies exist that show African Black Soap as a very effective product for varying skin conditions. Acne and UV damage, and razor bumps and infections are just a few of the proven examples of African Black Soap being an effective skincare product.
Q: Can you bathe with African Black Soap?
A: Yes, simply soak a chunk of African black soap in purified water, allowing it to dissolve and turn into a liquid. You can then use this liquid as a body wash.
Q: Can African Black Soap cause acne?
A: As with all natural products, when you first switch your regular acne face was to black soap, your skin may go through a detox period. This shouldn’t deter you however, as black soap is very effective as an antibacterial and cleansing product for getting rid of and preventing acne breakouts. Also, inauthentic and impure formulations of African Black Soap may contain ingredients which can cause skin irritation.
How to Make African Black Soap (NO Toxic Chemicals) - EASY Method
Remember these tips when using African black soap:
- Gentle Application: Use your hands to lather the soap and apply it gently to your face.
- Discontinue if Irritated: If you experience any irritation or redness, stop using the soap.
- Avoid Eyes: Keep the soap away from your eyes.
African black soap offers a natural and effective way to care for your skin. With its gentle cleansing, exfoliating, and skin-soothing properties, it can be a valuable addition to your skincare routine. Remember to choose authentic African black soap from reputable brands, and always listen to your skin.
