African Black Soap, commonly
referred to as the black soap is produced in West Africa
mainly Ghana
where it is referred to as alata samina or anago soap. It is also known as dudu osun in Nigeria. It has been used in these countries for
centuries to achieve beautiful skin. Real African black soap is soft with an uneven
surface. It is beige to brown, dark brown or gray in color; not uniformly black.
Preparation of the black soap
recipe requires several locally available ingredients; plantain peels, cocoa beans
pods, palm leaves, palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil and shea butter. Plantain
peels are preferred because they are a rich source of vitamins A, E, iron and antioxidants
that cleanse the skin leaving it smooth and supple. Specific black soap recipes
may vary because different communities have adopted their own specific closely
guarded blend of leaves, oils and preparation techniques that result in the
differing color and texture variations. To
start with, the plantain leaves, palm leaves and cocoa bean pods are sun dried and
roasted in clay pots or ovens at constant temperatures to produce consistent ash
(potash). The consistency is important to ensure uniform texture, color and
smell in the finished product. This process may also include banana leaves and
the shea tree barks. The ash is usually dark brown in color with black specs hence
the name black soap. Water and the various oils; palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut
oil, and shea butter are then added to filtered ash and stirred at intervals
for at least a full day. Once the mixture is consistent, it is set aside to
settle and cure for 2 weeks. This mixture is what eventually hardens to form
the black soap. It is raw as the recipe only contains natural ingredients,
hence Raw African Black Soap.
Benefits of African Black Soap over regular soap
Raw African Black soap has many documented
and undocumented benefits in treating, renewing, repairing and protecting the
skin. It is known to provide relief to acne, psoriasis, skin irritation, rash,
manage oily skin, even out dark spots, eliminate blemishes, reduce fine lines
and wrinkles as well as alleviate dandruff and itchy scalp. Consistent use will
leave your skin and scalp healthy, soft and clear. It is a multi-purpose
cleanser that you can use on your entire body and works for all types of skin.
From its ingredients, the black
soap is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that fight free radicals in the
skin making it a good anti aging formula. It has antibacterial and antifungal
properties that are beneficial for controlling bacteria and fungi growth on the
skin hence prevention and relief from acne, skin irritation and blemishes; a good
skin cleanser and makeup remover. These
properties also provide relief to minor scalp irritation, itching and dandruff.
It does not contain caustic soda (no lye product) hence does not strip the skin
and hair of its natural oils. It is therefore good for sensitive skin and as a
hair shampoo. The soap is also rich in
vitamins A and E that are essential in healing and protecting the skin, leaving
it soft and supple.
If you prefer liquid cleansers, don’t
worry, you can prepare one with Raw African black soap. Just cut it into small
pieces, place them in a clean jar, add pure water and leave it covered
overnight. Gently stir the mixture in the morning. You can dilute with more
water to achieve your preferred consistency.
Tips: As with any botanical product, you might want to first test
for skin sensitivity on a small patch of your skin before use. If skin
sensitivity does occur (which is rare), discontinue use. It is important to
seek your physician’s advice if symptoms are persistent.
