Shea Moisture African Black Soap: Ingredients and Benefits

Nov 06, 2025 0

Have you heard about the skin care benefits of African black soap? This recently trending ‘must-have’ for your skin care routine has a history of use that goes back quite some time. African black soap is a traditional, plant-based soap from West Africa. 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? Dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, breaks down the benefits of African black soap and the right way to use it.

When it comes to skincare, African black soap shines as a centuries-old treasure, celebrated for its natural ingredients and incredible benefits.

What is African Black Soap?

African black soap, often called black soap, has its roots in West Africa. This traditional soap is crafted from the ash of locally harvested plants like plantain, cocoa pods, palm tree leaves, and shea tree bark. These natural ingredients are sun-dried and roasted, giving the soap its signature rich color. Combined with water and oils such as coconut oil, palm oil, and shea butter, this soap nourishes the skin and has been cherished for generations.

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:

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: African Black Soap Ingredients

African black soap is loved for its all-natural composition. Free from synthetic additives, parabens, and sulfates, it’s gentle on your skin and perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

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 for Your Skin

“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.”

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.

Read also: Shea Butter for Skin and Hair

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. Known for its deep cleansing power, African black soap effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean. It’s a go-to for oily or acne-prone skin.
Exfoliates to Help 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 natural ash content in black soap gently exfoliates, clearing away dead skin cells and promoting a smoother, more even texture. With regular use, you’ll notice a brighter complexion and fewer blemishes. 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, says Dr. Vij. If your rash symptoms persist or worsen, even while using the soap, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options. This can be especially beneficial if you struggle with psoriasis or eczema.
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. Packed with shea butter and other natural oils, African black soap hydrates your skin, leaving it soft and supple. It moisturizes without stripping away your skin’s natural oils. 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. With natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, African black soap is a powerful ally against acne. It helps reduce redness and swelling while helping to prevent future breakouts.
Treats Acne: African black soap may improve acne and balance the natural oils in your skin. Struggling with pimples? African black soap could be your new skincare hero. Its antibacterial properties tackle acne-causing bacteria, and its gentle exfoliation clears out clogged pores. The result? Clearer, healthier skin.
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

Using African black soap is simple:

Wet the soap: Wet the soap and rub it between your hands to create a lather. For a richer lather, use a washcloth or sponge.
Apply to skin: Gently massage the lather onto your skin in circular motions. Pay special attention to your face, neck, or areas prone to breakouts.
Rinse thoroughly: Use lukewarm water to rinse off the soap, ensuring no residue is left behind. Pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
Moisturize: Seal in the moisture with a good moisturizer. Control odor: Apply a nourishing whole body deodorant to areas that tend to sweat, to keep your skin feeling fresh all day.

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. 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.

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!

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.

Shea Moisture African Black Soap

As someone who is passionate about exploring different types of skincare products, I was particularly drawn to Shea Moisture’s African Black Soap. Recommended for tackling skin problems such as breakouts, pigmentation, and stretch marks, this versatile soap is known to be antibacterial, moisturizing, and anti-inflammatory.

With a rich lineage dating back to the early 20th century, Shea Moisture’s African Black Soap is inspired by the work of Sofi Tucker, a pioneering entrepreneur who used to sell shea butter, homemade beauty preparations, and African black soap in Sierra Leone. The soap is handcrafted by talented women in Africa, using plant-based ingredients to mimic the authentic African black soap experience. Although I admit it’s not quite identical to traditional African black soap, it’s been an absolute joy to use this product on my sensitive skin.

Shea Moisture’s African Black soap is available in two sizes: 3.5oz and 8oz. Upon receiving the product, I noticed that the 8oz soap bar was enormous - to the point where it couldn’t even fit into a standard soap holder. At first, it was quite challenging to hold and maneuver during my showers, which took some getting used to. However, I found a solution to this issue by cutting the bar in half, creating two reasonably sized soap pieces.

The soap itself is black and features a rough surface that offered a gentle exfoliation effect during my showers. Shea Moisture’s African Black soap offers a decadent formula that combines a variety of natural ingredients, such as cocoa pod ash, coconut oil, shea butter, palm ash, and plantain peel. The use of cocoa pod ash and palm ash gives the soap it’s signature rich, black color while lending it a gentle exfoliating texture, ideal for everyday use.

Before even taking it out of the package, I noticed the delightful scent that emanated from the soap. It has a clean aroma that isn’t too overwhelming nor overly floral, as it carries a slight hint of plantains. In the shower, this African Black Soap lathers exceptionally well, even in soft water, which is something I find pretty rare in other soaps.

What I did notice, however, is that the lather has a slightly blackish hue to it due to the soap’s color, so you should be prepared for some staining on your sponge, loofah, or washcloth. It’s important to mention that there are little chunks of plant material within the soap which, while not bothersome to me, can occasionally become a bit sharp and scratchy if you use the bar directly on your skin.

When it came to testing the effectiveness of this black soap, I decided to start by using it on my face. To do this, I lathered the soap in my hands until I had enough suds to cover my entire face and washed away makeup and dirt. I then took my face brush, pressed it gently against the soap, and used it in circular motions on my face for a deeper clean.

During my body cleansing routine, I couldn’t help but appreciate that the bar has small bits of oats embedded in it, adding a gentle exfoliating factor while simultaneously moisturizing. One of the soap’s main components is charcoal, so it makes sense that it leaves the skin feeling stripped of any excess oil. This is actually helpful if you’re battling breakouts since the soap effectively dries out excessive oil in the skin.

In my personal experience, I’ve seen improvement in my blemishes, and the redness of my stretch marks has reduced. The dark areas of my skin have begun to lighten, convincing me of the soap’s hyperpigmentation-fighting properties. Apart from its cleansing properties, this soap works wonders in removing deodorant residue and makeup from the skin.

Throughout my time using Shea Moisture African Black soap, one aspect that truly amazed me was its impressive lifespan. These solid, hard-milled bars of soap have lasted me an extremely long time, contributing to the overall value of the product.

To conclude, Shea Moisture African Black soap is genuinely an outstanding product with numerous benefits. Its effectiveness in dealing with breakouts, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and more is commendable. Moreover, it caters to sensitive skin, offering a gentler alternative to raw African black soap while retaining many of its positive attributes.

In the spirit of being environmentally conscious, Shea Moisture African Black soap also serves as a more sustainable alternative to bottled face wash products. While it’s true that the soap does have a few minor drawbacks, such as the black residue it leaves in the shower, the short-lived fragrance issue, and the presence of small, sometimes sharp plant material chunks, the overall efficacy of the product is undeniable.

Remember, my overall opinion of this product is based on my personal experience, and individual results may vary. However, I truly believe this product is worth trying, and I have no doubts that it will become a favorite in your skincare routine too. So, give it a shot and let me know what you think.

Ingredients in Shea Moisture African Black Soap

Shea Moisture’s African Black soap offers a decadent formula that combines a variety of natural ingredients:

Water
Fragrance (Essential Oil Blend)
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*†
Sodium Chloride
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Tocopheryl Acetate
Iron Oxides
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Sodium Palm Kernelate
Sodium Shea Butterate
Sodium Cocoate
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Pod Ash
Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Meal
Glycerin (Vegetable)

Here's a closer look at some of these key ingredients:

Water (H2O): The most common skincare ingredient, purified and deionized for cosmetic use.
Fragrance: Nice smelling stuff put into cosmetic products.
Shea Butter: A magic moisturizer and emollient that regenerates and soothes the skin, protects it from external factors, and is rich in antioxidants.
Sodium Chloride: The fancy name of salt, used as a thickener in cleansing formulas.
Aloe Vera: A great moisturizer with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial components, helping wound healing and skin regeneration.
Vitamin E: Works as an antioxidant.

Final Thoughts

Nourish and care for your skin. 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. Embrace the magic of African black soap and let your skin glow with pride and love.