Treat Your Skin and Hair to African Black Soap

In many African cultures, black soap is handcrafted primarily by women, using recipes passed down through many generations. Historians believe that Yoruba women first produced this soap and introduced it throughout West Africa. Over 100 varieties are in circulation, and each tribe has its own secret recipes. This is why there are so many variations in the final product. Most exported raw black soap you'll find in your local Whole Foods comes from Ghana.

The first step in making authentic African black soap is selecting the plant to sun-dry and burn to ash. Tribal soapmakers typically choose cocoa pods or palm tree leaves, but they may also use plantain skins, shea tree bark, or other vegetation. Later, the ash is mixed with water, palm oil, shea butter, and coconut oil and cooked for at least 24 hours. The mixture is left to cure for two weeks, then packaged for distribution.

Sun damage, injuries, illness, and inflammation can all can cause skin discoloration. African black soap contains ingredients with recognized skin-healing properties. The fatty acids from red palm and coconut oils help minimize stretch marks and scars. Shea butter, another key component, is rich in vitamins A and E, which contribute to collagen production and help heal scars, burns, sores, and conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis. These oils all have potent antimicrobial properties that fight skin infections.

With naturally sourced materials laden with nutrients, African black soap can yield benefits for the hair and scalp that conventional shampoos cannot. In addition to vitamins A and E, the soap is packed with magnesium, potassium, and other antioxidants. These nutrients help strengthen hair follicles and combat thinning due to aging.

The antimicrobial properties of black soap ingredients make the product an ideal shampoo to treat itchy scalp or eczema. Fatty acids and glycerin help hair retain moisture. African black soap can also enhance blood circulation to the scalp, promoting hair growth.

For centuries, people in Africa have bathed with black soap to freshen their skin. The slight coarseness of the ashes makes the soap a great exfoliant, and it is rich in compounds that can fight odor-causing microbes on the skin. The lauric acid in coconut oil, one of black soap's main ingredients, shows remarkable effectiveness in eliminating such bacteria.

Many people prefer liquid body cleansers and want products that do not contain harmful toxins. You can turn raw African black soap into a chemical-free body wash. Simply allow the soap to dissolve in enough purified water to reach the thickness you desire. To remove sharp particles, pour through a sieve or small colander into a clean container.

With so many variations of African black soap, it helps to understand how the genuine versions stand out from those simply carrying the name. The first telltale sign is that raw black soap is not entirely black; it comes in shades of brown and is usually speckled. Traditional black soap is not firm with a definite shape like a normal bar of soap; rather, it is soft, easily breakable, and sometimes crumbly. Pure African black soap does not contain artificial fragrances or colors. Some skincare companies produce black soap products with the texture and shape of regular bar soap and uniform, black color. These manufacturers obtain raw black soap from West Africa and process it with other natural ingredients such as aloe leaf gel, almond oil, or honey. While their product is not raw African black soap, it retains many of the benefits.

Whether you purchase raw or processed African black soap, seek a reliable source. Research providers and read customer reviews. Check ingredient labels for synthetic additives you may want to avoid. Look for “fair trade” soaps with labels indicating that the vendor supports African communities and pays a fair rate to the women who make the raw soap.

Some batches of African black soap contain more natural lye from the ashes of certain plants. Consequently, one variety may work better for one person's skin than another, which could cause irritation. Some people experience unpleasant effects such as dryness or painful tightening of the skin. Should either of these conditions occur, use less soap. The size of a small marble is sufficient for cleansing the face. Rinse well with cool water after one or two minutes,, and do not leave soap to sit on the face. Avoid applying to areas with cuts or open sores. Work the soap into your hands first to prevent scratching or damaging skin with any particles.

People with latex allergies may experience discomfort due to plantain ash or oils in African black soap. Individuals with a sensitivity to caffeine or allergies to chocolate may react to the presence of cocoa pods in the soap. If you develop a persistent rash, stop using the soap and consult your primary healthcare provider or a dermatologist.