African Black Soap (1 lb)

Ingredients:
Palm Kernel Oil, Coconut Oil, Stearin Oil, Cocoa Pod Husk, Unrefined Shea Butter, Plantain Skin Ash, Natural Vitamin E, Natural Sodium, Water

African black soap is a type of natural, hand-made soap that may be ideal for those with oily or acneic skin types, though some may contain properties that are beneficial for severely dry skin. Patel notes that it’s been used in Africa for centuries and is typically sourced from raw farm produce in West African regions. “African black soap is handmade and used as a shampoo, face soap, and body bar. Its black color is due to the ash in the product,” notes Patel. “Usually black soap is a mixture of water and the ashes of plantain skins or palm leaves, cocoa pod powder, palm oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and honey.” Unlike traditional soaps—which tend to be synthetic—black soap has a rough texture, making it excellent as an exfoliant.

Benefits of African Black Soap

It’s antibacterial.

The strong, antibacterial properties African black soap contains make it an effective cleanser and a natural alternative to others that may be filled with chemicals.

It’s anti-inflammatory.

The active ingredient in the ashes of the soap is sulfur, a potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. The rough nature of the soap exfoliates the skin, and the sulfur kills bacteria and fungus on the skin. This works not only on the face, but on the body as well, thus helping with shave bumps.

It’s moisturizing.

The oils in the soap stop excessive water loss caused from bathing so water stays trapped in the skin, locking in moisture.This, combined with its previously mentioned anti-inflammatory properties, may make African black soap effective for soothing irritation caused by eczema or psoriasis.

It improves skin tone and texture.

The rough nature of the soap helps exfoliate the skin. Over time, it can help with exfoliating dead, hyperpigmented skin.

It helps with dandruff.

The antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity of the ash helps kill dandruff-causing yeast, the oils can also help moisturize dry scalp.