Authentic African black soap is handmade from raw, organic, plant-based ingredients: cocoa pods, coconut oil, palm tree leaf derivatives, including palm kernel oil and palm oil, plantain bark, which contains iron, as well as vitamins A and E and shea butter.
Using shea butter in African black soap production dates back to the 14th century. Black soap is a traditional soap commonly associated with Ghana, but is actually made in many parts of West Africa.
Authentic African soap does not contain dyes, parabens, preservatives or other additives. Unlike many commercial soaps that contain harsh chemicals African black soap cleanses without stripping away natural oils. The natural ingredients in African black soap provide essential vitamins and minerals to the skin, promoting overall skin health. You may also find black soap with added essential oils, such as eucalyptus, to promote relaxation.
Cleveland Clinic’s dermatologist Alok Vij, MD, indicates 12 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 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. “It’s a good alternative to chemical products if you’re looking for a product with natural ingredients,” says Dr. Vij.
- 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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, 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 pollution, 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.
How to use African black soap
It may take some getting used to, but soon, African black soap could become a favourite 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.
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.
Create a lather by rubbing the soap between your hands or on a washcloth.
Apply to the skin or hair in gentle, circular motions.
Rinse thoroughly with water.
Use as needed for a refreshing cleanse.
Afterwards, apply your favourite moisturizer to your damp skin. This will help lock in the soap’s natural hydrating effects.
Potential side effects and risks
Although African black soap can work well for all skin types, using it correctly is key to preventing unnecessary side effects.
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.
It’s possible to be allergic to any soap. If your skin becomes irritated or you develop a rash, discontinue use.