In the realm of natural skincare, black soap stands out as a versatile and beneficial product. There are two main types of black soap, each with its unique origin and properties: African black soap and Moroccan black soap (also known as savon noir). Both are celebrated for their natural ingredients and numerous benefits for the skin and beyond.
What is African Black Soap?
African black soap is a traditional, plant-based soap from West Africa with a history of use that goes back quite some time.
“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.”
Ingredients of African Black Soap
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.
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.
What is Moroccan Black Soap (Savon Noir)?
Moroccan black soap, also known as savon noir, is produced in North Africa. It is made out of oil, often using the famous Moroccan Argan oil, and macerated olives, and it is thus packed with therapeutic qualities.
Don’t be fooled by its aspect: its texture is more like butter than regular soap, but it is all natural, works with all types of skin and has a light scent.
Black soap is particularly rich in vitamin E and is known for deeply purificating the skin, as well as preparing the skin for exfoliation. In Morocco, women often use it in the hammam (public baths) before peeling their skin with a loofah.
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Benefits of African Black Soap for the Skin
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 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.”
Here are some 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 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: 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.
- 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.
- 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. 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: Shea butter and coconut oil may help plump up wrinkles and fine lines by slowing the loss of collagen. Exfoliation can also make fine lines less visible.
- Protects Against Oxidative Stress: Antioxidants in African black soap may help protect your skin from the effects of air contaminants, UV radiation, skin care products, and cosmetics.
- 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. The soap helps exfoliate your skin and open pores, while the sulfur and honey reduce inflammation.
- Treats Dandruff: You can shampoo with African black soap, too. It may even help treat dandruff, thanks to its moisturizing ingredients.
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 is a table summarizing the benefits of African Black Soap:
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| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Antibacterial | Removes harmful bacteria and impurities |
| Deep Cleansing | Thoroughly cleanses skin and removes makeup |
| Exfoliating | Removes dead skin cells, brightens complexion |
| Razor Burn Reduction | Soothes skin, prevents razor burn |
| Skin Rash Relief | Improves rashes caused by eczema, psoriasis, etc. |
| Fungus Treatment | Controls skin fungus, treats athlete’s foot, dandruff |
| Moisturizing | Balances moisture with shea butter and coconut oil |
| Anti-Aging | Reduces appearance of wrinkles and fine lines |
| Antioxidant | Protects against oxidative stress |
| Anti-Inflammatory | Reduces inflammation in conditions like rosacea |
| Acne Treatment | Exfoliates, opens pores, reduces inflammation |
| Dandruff Treatment | Moisturizes and treats dandruff |
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.
Here are some 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.
Additional Uses of Black Soap
Black soap has so many different uses that I can’t list them all! Black soap can also be diluted with water and used as a cleaner and detergent. Furthermore, it can also be used in the garden to help get rid of parasite. Just spray diluted black soap on affected plants and leaves. It is a great product before it acts as a natural repellent without destroying the environment as would do traditional pesticides.
The damage of chemical perfumes added to soaps, shower gels and shampoos on the skin and hair is well documented: Black soap is a great, 100% natural and organic alternative, usually made the old fashioned way by small producers.
Making African black soap with sustainable ingredients
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.
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tags: #Moroccan
