Written by Grove Collaborative
What is African black soap and how do you use it?
Last Updated: July 6, 2021
We've got the dirt on this cult beauty cleanser so you can join the legions of African black soap devotees who can't believe they ever lived without it.
African black soap is having a moment. Like Dr. Bronner's and Egyptian Magic, this alluring black bar is one of those time-honored natural beauty secrets people find hiding on the shelves of their local health food store and then rave to all their friends about it. Curiosity piqued?
African black soap is traditionally made in West Africa from locally harvested plants like plantain skins and leaves, cocoa pods, and shea tree bark. The plants are sun-dried and roasted to produce ash, giving the soap its iconic dark color.
Learn more about the community commerce and investment in West Africa by companies who make African black soap like Alaffia from their founder Olowo-n'djo Tchala.
The ashes are then combined with palm oil, coconut oil, and shea butter before the mixture is left to cure. The resulting soap is chock-full of antibacterial oils, phytochemicals, and antioxidants, making it a deeply nourishing treat for nearly all skin types.
Raw vs. refined soap
Raw African black soap comes in a bar soap with a dark brown color and malleable texture. It often contains tiny chunks of plant matter that add to the black soap's exfoliating properties. Raw black soap is free from added fragrance and its natural ingredients create an earthy scent.
Refined African black soap comes in a hard bar with brown or black coloring. Some refined black soaps contain artificial fragrances, parabens, and sulfates.
If you're looking for a good refined black soap, check out Shea Moisture. Shea Moisture's African black soap puts a modern twist on the traditional soap with added nutrients like soothing oats and hydrating aloe vera. It's also got a natural fruity scent for those who don't like the earthy tones of raw black soap.
Ingredients vary depending on region and brand, but these are common ingredients you'll find in many black soaps.
Benefits of African black soap
Use African black soap just like any other soap. Wash your body, your face, leave a bar on your bathroom counter for handwashing — some folks even use it as a shampoo.
Because of the deep-cleansing and gentle exfoliation black soap provides, it's a good idea to ease it into your skincare routine. Start by using black soap two to three times a week to see how your body reacts before making it your go-to cleanser.
As with anything new you introduce your body to, skin irritation is possible. Some varieties of black soap have bits of plant matter that can be abrasive — especially on sensitive skin or for people with eczema.
Test it out for a couple days before fully incorporating it into your routine and discontinue use if you experience irritation or an allergic reaction.
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Source: https://www.grove.co/blog/african-black-soap-benefits
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