The Pure, Natural Power of African Black Soap: Benefits for Your Skin

Nov 07, 2025 0

Transform your skincare routine with Authentic African Black Soap, crafted with 100% natural ingredients. Handcrafted in Ghana using traditional methods, this soap offers a deep cleanse while addressing common skin concerns such as acne, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Experience the authentic power of African Black Soap - a natural, effective solution for glowing, healthy skin.

African black soap is a traditional soap that comes from West Africa. It’s made from natural ingredients and can benefit your health in many different ways. This soap isn’t limited to just cleansing the skin. African black soap has antibacterial properties which can help improve certain skin conditions, and might even slow down some signs of aging.

Our African Black Soap is made from a blend of organic ingredients like unrefined Shea butter, Coconut oil, Palm Kernel oil, Cocoa pod ashes and distilled water. Crafted from a potent blend of unrefined shea butter, Coconut oil, Palm Kernel oil, Cocoa pod ashes and distilled water, our African Black Soap is renowned for its deep-cleansing and healing properties. Whether you're battling acne, dryness, or uneven skin tone, African Black Soap provides a holistic solution.

Our African Black Soap is 100% natural, vegan, and cruelty-free, offering you a high-quality skincare experience you can trust. Try our fresh African black soap imported directly from Togo, Africa! All-natural African black soap is made from dried plantain skins, palm leaves, cocoa pod powder, and kernel oil for an all-natural cleansing process.

Plantains skins are largely what make this black soap so effective. It is a natural source of vitamins A & E and iron. When black soap is made, the skin of the plantain is dried under the sun and then roasted in a clay oven. The heat must be constant in order to achieve the perfect brownish black color, texture & smell. Afterwards, cocoa pod powder is added. I love this 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 (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.

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.‌

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.

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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. 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.”

African black soap was first produced in West Africa centuries ago. Today, its exact ingredients depend on where it is made.

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.

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.

African black soap is a traditionally all-natural soap made in 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. However, people concerned about additives may wish to check the label to make sure that the product does not contain any.

Benefits of African Black Soap

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.”

HOW TO KNOW REAL AFRICAN BLACK SOAP VS FAKE - Where To Buy Real African Black Soap Brands

Here are potential benefits of African black soap for your skin:

Removes Bacteria: Studies show this natural cleanser works better than medicated soaps when removing bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus spp. These properties have positive effects on the skin and can help remove harmful bacteria as well as dirt and impurities.
Deep Cleanses the Skin: Not only is black soap a facial cleanser, but it also cleans just about anything. Some people use it for doing housework. 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 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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Treats Dandruff: 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.

Other benefits of African black soap include:

Safe for Most Skin Types: African black soap is unscented and safe for anyone who wants to improve their skin. Always check the label before you buy to make sure there aren’t any additives that might irritate your skin. 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. If a person has any sensitivities to dyes, fragrances, or perfumes, however, they should check the label before buying African black soap.
May Clear Some Skin Rashes: Some people use Black soap to help improve eczema. But more research is needed to tell if it’s an effective solution for eczema overall.
May Have Antifungal Properties: Black soap may fight against fungus and yeast. Studies show it’s effective against a yeast called candida albicans. It can help promote skin health by fighting off yeast and fungal infections.
It Washes Off the Skin 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.
It Has Soothing Effects: The oils and fats present in African black soap may help soothe a person’s skin. For example, a person may find that it provides mild relief from symptoms of rashes and other skin conditions that cause itching or pain. However, researchers still need further evidence to support these claims. It is possible that a person will not find relief from using African black soap. In these cases, for conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, they should continue to use any treatment recommendations from their doctor.
It 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.
It Is a 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.
It Is Naturally Exfoliating: African black soap is naturally exfoliating. Exfoliation can help remove dead skin, leaving the skin fresher and cleaner after use.

A Plethora of Benefits:

Protects Against Photo Aging: Antioxidants in black soap protect the skin from free radical damage, which is a cause of skin aging, wrinkles, and lines.
Improves Skin Tone: Black soap firms and tones skin. It improves skin texture, for more supple, soft, and glowing skin.
Fades Skin Discolorations: Black soap helps to balance and fade brown spots, as well as discolorations.
Reduces Inflammation and Skin Irritations: Black soap reduces inflammation and skin irritations. It soothes dry and irritated skin, relieves dry patches, rashes and red areas.
Helps to Heal Problem Skin: It heals the symptoms of skin conditions like acne. It helps lessen, treat and clear acne, removes blackheads, and heals psoriasis / eczema.
Has Deep Cleansing Action: Black soap contains natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that is great for deep pore cleansing. It is very effective at removing makeup because of the oils and butters.
It Alleviates Razor Bumps: It is often used by men during shaving because of the high shea butter content that protects the skin.

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:

eczema
contact dermatitis
skin 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.

Exfoliation is another key factor in keeping your skin smooth after:

shaving
waxing
other methods of hair removal

Exfoliating will help remove dead skin cells before they can clog your hair follicles. The moisture in African black soap may also help prevent the lumps and bumps that result from razor burn.

Hyperpigmentation is often caused by acne scarring and sun damage - two things that African black soap may help soothe or prevent.

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.

Here's a table summarizing the benefits of African Black Soap:

Benefit	Description
Antibacterial Properties	Helps remove harmful bacteria from the skin.
Deep Cleansing	Thoroughly cleanses skin and removes makeup.
Exfoliation	Removes dead skin cells, improving skin texture.
Razor Burn Reduction	Soothes skin and prevents razor bumps.
Skin Rash Relief	May improve rashes caused by eczema and other skin conditions.
Antifungal Properties	Helps control skin fungus, including yeast.
Moisturization	Balances skin's natural oils and adds moisture.
Wrinkle Reduction	May help plump up wrinkles and fine lines.
Protection Against Oxidative Stress	Antioxidants protect skin from damage.
Acne Treatment	May improve acne and balance skin's natural oils.
Dandruff Treatment	Can be used as a shampoo to treat dandruff.
Fades Skin Discolorations	Helps to balance and fade brown spots, as well as discolorations.
Improves Skin Tone	Firms and tones skin. It improves skin texture, for more supple, soft, and glowing skin.

How to Use African Black Soap

You can use African black soap in your skin care and hair care routine. Because it has antifungal properties, it can even be used to fight dandruff on the scalp.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, proceed with caution. Your skin may feel tight after cleansing with black soap, so have a moisturizer on hand. Try to get a black soap that contains shea butter for extra moisturization.

You might get redness or a tingling feeling on your skin at first. Try a patch test before applying it to larger sections of your body.

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.

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.