African Black soap is a natural skin-cleansing soap that is beneficial to the skin, hair, and body. It eliminates skin diseases, discomforts, and dry scalps by maintaining a balanced body moisture level, resulting in velvety smooth skin. It is appropriate for all skin types, colours, and babies. During the development stage, the tub relieves babies.
African black soap, also known as black soap or sabulun salo, ose dudu, and ncha nkota, is a type of soap that originated in West Africa. African women make it from the ash of locally harvested African plants and dried peels, which gives it its distinctive dark colour. Due to its benefits for oily and acne-prone skin, black soap has become a popular toiletry product in North America. Women in West Africa, particularly Ghana, often make the soap using traditional recipes and is often exported through fair trade groups.
The Yoruba people of Nigeria invented a type of black soap known as ose-dudu. The combination of ose-dudu and the leaves of the tropical camwood tree yields dudu-osun, a popular exfoliating soap. Because of its soft texture, another type of black soap known as ncha nkta, which roughly translates to “soap you can scoop,” originated from the Igbo people of Nigeria.
Scientists have discovered Antimicrobial properties of black soap against skin microbiota such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Sun-dried plant matter, such as plantain skins, palm tree leaves, cocoa pods, and shea tree bark, is then burned to produce ash which supplies the alkali required to convert or saponify the oils and fats. The ash is then mixed with water and various oils and fats such as coconut oil, palm oil, and shea butter. For at least 24 hours, the mixture is cooked and hand-stirred. After the soap has solidified, they scoop it out and cure it.
African Black Soap Benefits
Discover the benefits of African black soap for your hair, face, and body. Learn about ingredients, reviews, side effects & more. Shop now!
It is safe for almost all skin types
A traditional African black soap recipe does not include any dyes, fragrances, or perfumes. As a result, for those with sensitive skin or who are allergic to certain additives, black soap is an excellent substitute for modern soaps.
If a person is allergic to dyes, fragrances, or perfumes, they should read the label before purchasing African black soap.
It possesses antibacterial properties
African black soap has antibacterial properties that aid in the removal of bacteria from the skin.
One study published in the Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology Research compared African black soap to medicated soaps. The study investigated the effectiveness of black soap in preventing bacteria such as:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Staphylococcus epidermidis
- Bacillus sp.
- coli
- Corynebacterium spp.
Black soap was more effective than medicated soaps at removing and reducing certain bacteria.
It could aid in the treatment of acne
You can also use African black soap to treat acne.
According to a survey of 100 black soap users, 23 percent of trusted sources use it for acne treatment. Again, 39 percent of the 23 percent were “very satisfied” with the results, while 44 percent were “somewhat satisfied.” Thus, the majority of participants in the survey found that black soap helped with their skin conditions.
It may help in the reduction of fine lines
According to a small survey conducted by a trusted source, a small percentage of participants use African black soap to reduce fine lines or wrinkles. However, we need more evidence to determine whether or not this is effective.
Having said that, anecdotal evidence suggests that African black soap can help prevent fine lines. People, for example, believe that the soap’s antioxidant properties may help to prevent fine lines and wrinkles. These properties may aid in the fight against free radicals.
It may help to reduce the visibility of dark spots
Dark spots are also known as hyperpigmentation or age spots. They are patches of skin that appear darker than the surrounding skin. A research survey has found that 45 percent of people were “very satisfied” with the use of black soap for reducing the appearance of dark spots, while 40 percent were “somewhat satisfied.”
It may help to reduce razor bumps
According to the same research survey, 46 percent of people who use black soap for razor bumps are “very satisfied” with the results. In addition, 46 percent said they were “somewhat satisfied.” Another study found that African black soap may aid in the reduction of razor bumps and other blemishes.
It may help with the symptoms of eczema
Eczema sufferers may benefit from African black soap as well. However, it is unclear how effective it is for this purpose. According to a research survey, 7% of participants use black soap to treat eczema. 29 percent of those who use black soap for eczema were “very satisfied,” while 71 percent were “somewhat satisfied.” However, more research is needed to fully prove the effectiveness of black soap in reducing eczema.
It might have antifungal properties
According to one study, African black soap may aid in the prevention of fungal infections such as Candida albicans yeast. This may make it useful for treating athletes’ feet or other fungal infections.
It may have moisturising properties.
Shea or shea butter may be present in some African black soap varieties. Shea butter may aid in the moisture retention of a person’s skin. However, some people may experience skin dryness as a result of using African black soap. If this is the case, a person can use less of the product, switch to a different brand, or stop using it entirely.
You can easily remove it from the skin.
Unlike some modern soaps, which can leave a residue on the skin after washing, African black soap rinses off easily with water, leaving the skin clean and not sticky.
It has calming properties.
African black soap contains oils and fats that may help soothe a person’s skin. For example, it may provide mild relief from the symptoms of rashes and other skin conditions that cause itching or pain. However, more evidence is needed to back up these claims, according to the researchers. It is possible that using African black soap will not provide relief. In these cases, for conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, they should continue to follow their doctor’s treatment recommendations.
It will not cause an accumulation of oil
African black soap’s oils and fats should be easily removed with water. This can help prevent an accumulation of oils on the skin, which can clog pores.
It is a good all-around cleaner
According to a trusted source’s survey, the majority of participants use African black soap for general face and body use. The majority of people were pleased with the results of using the soap.
It exfoliates naturally.
African black soap exfoliates naturally. Exfoliation can assist in the removal of dead skin, leaving the skin feeling fresher and cleaner after use.
It could aid in makeup removal.
According to some studies, African black soap is an effective makeup remover. Additionally, according to one study, this is a popular application for black soap. According to a research survey from a trusted source, people can use the soap for general skincare.
African Black Soap Ingredients
African black soap is a type of soap that originated in West Africa and people make it from locally harvested plants. While the ingredients for black soap vary depending on region, they almost always include water, roasted plantain skin or cacao pods in places where plantains are not native, palm oil, palm kernel oil, or shea butter. African black soap’s benefits are derived from its ingredients, which include a combination of:
- 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
- shea butter
You should keep in mind that the ingredient composition of black soap varies greatly depending on the region of Africa where it is produced. Plantains, for example, are native to Central and Western Africa, but Not in East Africa.
African Black Soap Recipe
Traditionally, African black soap is a soap made from plant ashes (palm, shea and other local harvests). The African women sun-dry the trees’ leaves and bark and then roast them in a pot. Then, they mix water and oils together. The soap must then cure for a number of weeks, depending on the recipe. To get started, we don’t have to peel the bark and leaves off trees, dry them out, and then roast them in a pot. We can now use coconut carbon to achieve the same result without having to go into the woods with an axe.
Ingredients
- 9 ounces of coconut oil
- 20 oz. of palm oil
- 5 oz. of Shea Butter
- 6 oz. of coconut carbon
- 5 – 1.5 oz. of Essential Oil or Fragrance Oil
- 14 ounces Water
Creating a Lye Solution
Firstly, pour cold water into a plastic container.
Secondly, transfer the lye to a separate container. Then carefully pour the lye into the water.
Thirdly, stir with a rubber, nylon, silicone, or stainless steel spatula until the lye is completely dissolved. Make sure to thoroughly mix everything together. Because of the smelly fumes, it is best to do this in a well-ventilated room.
Fourthly, Place the lid on the container, label it “Lye-Dangerous,” and store it in a place where it cannot be spilled.
Lastly, Allow the lye solution to cool until it is less than 48 degrees Celsius. However, it’s normal to have a cool lye solution with “scum” on top. Also, it is acceptable to prepare the lye solution 1-2 days ahead of time.
Putting the Ingredients Together
Firstly, place the oils and butter in a stainless steel pot and weigh them (no enamel because there will be problems if it chips).
Secondly, Preheat the oven to 48-60 degrees Celsius.
Thirdly, slowly pour the cooled lye solution into the oils and stir for 2 minutes with a spoon.
Fourthly, you can either add the coconut carbon directly to the batch or separate a few ounces of your soap base, transfer it to a smaller container, and mix in the coconut carbon separately.
Fifthly, add the coconut carbon mixture to the pot.
Sixthly, blend for about 1 minute with a stick blender.
Seventhly, use the spoon to ensure that all of the solutions from the sides of the pot are incorporated.
Lastly, mix until a “trace” or runny consistency is achieved.
How To Use African Black Soap
You can use African black soap in your skin and hair care routines. Because it has antifungal properties, you can even use it to treat scalp dandruff. You can proceed if you have dry or sensitive skin. After cleansing with black soap, your skin may feel tight, so keep a moisturiser on hand. For added moisturization, look for a black soap that contains shea butter. At first, you may experience skin redness or tingling. Before applying it to larger areas of your body, perform a patch test.
To use African black soap on your face, follow these steps:
- Wet your face, then grab the soap and lather it in your hands.
- For 90 seconds, massage the soap into your skin in circular motions.
- Use a washcloth or other exfoliating tool before rinsing for extra exfoliation. However, this is optional.
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Use a moisturizer.
Also, you can use African black soap as shampoo. It can help treat dandruff because it is anti fungal. Simply lather it into wet hair and rinse as usual.
What is African black soap base?
African black soap base is a natural melt and pour soap base made from Ghanaian Raw African black soap. Again, they make the base with raw shea butter and coconut oil, which is rich in naturally derived minerals and antioxidants. It is well-known for its natural cleansing properties.
African Black Soap For Face
Black soap is not only a facial cleanser, but it also cleans almost everything. Some people use it to do household chores. It doesn’t affect most skin types. It is unscented and suitable for anyone looking to improve the condition of their skin.
African Black Soap For Hair
Although people think that African black soap is helpful in drying, the oils added to the solution end up compensating for the dryness and moisturizing the scalp. In fact, African black soap acts as a clarifying agent, gently removing dirt from the scalp while maintaining a natural pH.
African Black Soap Side Effects
In sensitive skin or if used too frequently, African black soap may be rough and cause irritation, dry skin, stinging, burning, or breakouts. Because They make it with plant-based ingredients, there is always the risk of allergies.
If you are new to raw black soap, start by using it every couple of days. As your skin becomes accustomed to the soap, you can gradually increase your usage. Any soap can cause an allergic reaction. If your skin becomes irritated or you develop a rash, stop using the product. Natural black soap is also rough, so if you’re not careful, it can irritate or even break your skin. It is also possible to experience stinging and burning.
If you’re using a raw block of soap, apply it to your skin in gentle, circular motions. Smoothing out the soap and combining it with water, or using it with a washcloth, is the best way to avoid skin breakage.
Is it OK to use African black soap on a daily basis?
You should not use African black soap on a daily basis. The ingredients are too harsh for daily use and, if used excessively, can cause the skin to become sensitive, irritated, or dry. It is best to use an African black soap bar up to three times per week, followed by a good moisturizer.
Can African black soap be used to lighten the skin?
Yes, African black soap contains properties that help to brighten the user’s skin while preserving its natural beauty. Cocoa powder aids in exfoliation and the removal of dead skin cells. African black soap cleanses the skin deeply and lightens the complexion.
Is African black soap good for oily skin
It is suitable for all skin types. People with oily or combination skin are also safe. Black soap can help balance your skin’s natural oil production without stripping essential oils or adding excess oil.
Why does African black soap burn my face?
Even those with oily skin may notice that their skin feels dry and tight at first, but this should only last a week. In theory, this is due to the soap drawing out impurities and excess oils, and the skin’s pH levels will eventually balance out after a few days. The soap can also cause tingling and, in some cases, burning sensations, resulting in reddened skin. This also resolves for the majority of people, but before going full-throttle and using African black soap on your face, you should do a patch test on another part of your body, such as your neck or arm, before using the soap all over.
How long does it take for African black soap to remove dark spots?
Generally, you can see that the bumps are gone within as few as 3-4 days. However, you can see the scarring and hyperpigmentation gone within 1-2 weeks.
How long does it take for African black soap to work?
You can see the before and after results of using African black soap in four weeks or one month after you begin using it. Some people will see results from an African black soap Bar Soap with Shea Butter sooner, while others may take the full four weeks.
Is African black soap antibacterial?
African black soap is a type of traditional soap from West Africa. The women in Africa make it from natural ingredients and can help your health in a variety of ways. This soap does more than just clean the skin. African black soap contains antibacterial properties that can help improve certain skin conditions and may even slow the ageing process.
Why is my African black soap turning white
Before you throw away your African black soap, consider the following: African black soaps with a relatively high glycerin content are authentic and raw. As a result, it absorbs moisture from the air easily. When exposed to air, it can form a thin white film.
Why is African black soap making my skin red
This is due to the soap naturally detoxifying the skin, which draws out impurities. African black soap may cause a burning sensation, which may result in red skin or skin irritations. This is frequently the result of using the soap too frequently, using a facial cleansing brush with the soap, or exfoliating prior to using the soap.
Does African black soap Expire?
This type of soap, in many cases, has no expiry dates. It has a shelf life that is roughly equal to the lifespan of the bar, i.e. it does not spoil. You should properly store it so that it does not dry out.
African Black Soap FAQs
Is African black soap soft?
African people make it from natural ingredients and so, it can be hard on your skin. It can cause reddening. So, you can use the soap 2-3 times per week.
Is African black soap soft?
The soap is not too soft or too hard. So, it can be used as it is.
Does African black soap leave a black residue?
Yes, upon using the soap leaves a brownish residue.
Does African black soap prevent dandruff?
You can use the soap to clean your scalp. Thus, it can prevent dandruff and dry scalp.
How to store African black soap?
You should keep it in a cool, dry place and not submerged in water. You should not refrigerate or microwave it.