Why African Black Soap Belongs in Your Skincare Routine
In a world full of ten-step routines, serums with names you can’t pronounce, and products that promise too much, sometimes the best skincare comes from going back to the basics. One such timeless gem? African black soap.
Made from locally harvested ingredients like plantain skins and cocoa pods, this traditional cleanser has been used for generations across West Africa, not just because it works, but because it’s pure, honest skincare.
Today, people across the globe are waking up to what our mothers and grandmothers have known all along: African black soap is more than just a bar of soap; it’s a full-body, organic skin-care ritual.
What Is African Black Soap?
African black soap, also known as ose dudu (Yoruba) or alata samina (Ghanaian Twi), is a natural soap made from plant-based ingredients commonly found in West Africa. It’s traditionally handcrafted and used for cleansing, healing, and maintaining beautiful skin.
Unlike modern mass-produced soaps filled with harsh chemicals, African black soap is all-natural, biodegradable, and free of synthetic additives or fragrances.
Its Origin
The origins of African black soap trace back to the Yoruba people of Nigeria and communities in Ghana. Passed down through generations, its formula and preparation methods were often kept within families. Historically, it was used for everything from bathing and shampooing to treating skin infections, stretch marks, and even baby care.
What sets it apart is not just what it does, but how it’s made.
How African Black Soap Is Made
Traditional African black soap is handcrafted using:
- Plantain skins (sun-dried and roasted)
- Palm kernel oil
- Cocoa pod ash
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Camwood bark or leaves (in some variations)
These ingredients are roasted at a specific temperature to produce ash, then mixed with oils and water and left to cure for days or weeks.
This process gives the soap its characteristic dark brown color, crumbly texture, and unmistakably earthy smell. See a short video on how to make African black soap.
Key Skincare Benefits of African Black Soap
1. Deep Cleansing (Without Stripping Your Skin)
Black soap removes excess oil, dirt, and buildup without over-drying your skin. It's ideal for oily and combination skin types.
2. Acne-Fighting Power
Thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties, black soap can help reduce acne, blackheads, and inflammation.
3. Natural Exfoliation
Its slightly gritty texture helps slough off dead skin cells, giving you a smoother, brighter complexion.
4. Even Skin Tone & Dark Spot Reduction
Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A & E, black soap supports cell turnover and may help fade scars, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation.
5. Soothing for Sensitive Skin
While strong, real African black soap is gentle enough for people with eczema, psoriasis, and other sensitive skin conditions, especially when followed with a good moisturizer.
6. Anti-Aging Properties
Free radicals are no match for the soap’s antioxidant profile, making it great for preventing fine lines and maintaining youthful skin.
How to Use African Black Soap (the Right Way)
A little goes a long way! Here's how to incorporate it into your routine:
- Face wash: Lather a small chunk in your hands or on a washcloth, apply to damp skin, and rinse thoroughly. Use 2–3 times a week if you’re just starting out.
- Body bar: Use it like your normal soap, especially if you deal with body acne or rough skin.
- Hair care: Some people dilute it and use it as a scalp cleanser or shampoo.
Is All African Black Soap the Same?
Not quite. With its rising popularity, many imitation products have flooded the market. Look out for:
- Authenticity: Real black soap is brown, not black, and should look raw or uneven, not like a perfectly molded commercial bar.
- Ingredients: No synthetic fragrances, no dyes, no preservatives.
- Sourcing: Try to buy fair-trade or ethically sourced soap directly from African producers or trusted stores.
Where to Buy Authentic African Black Soap
At L’Afrique Market, we stock 100% authentic African black soap, directly sourced from West Africa and made with love, care, and the exact traditional process passed down through generations.
You can shop our black soap in its raw form or pre-packaged for convenience. We also have black soap-infused products if you prefer a more modern twist with the same natural goodness.