The origin of African black soap goes back centuries to the Yoruba people of Nigeria, where women mixed ash with oil and applied it to their skin.
This "of-the-moment" beauty product has a long history behind it. Generations of African women have relied on Ose Dudu ("black soap" in the Yoruba language) for the health of their skin.
African Black Soap History and Production
African black soap is a plant-based cleanser traditionally made by hand with natural ingredients from West Africa, originating among the Yoruba people of Nigeria and the Yoruba communities of Benin and Togo. The soap holds great influences in different parts of Africa which has led to it being known by various names such as ose dudu, alata samina, anago samina and many more. Black soap is generally made from locally-harvested African plants such as plantain, cocoa pods, palm leaves and shea tree bark. The husks of palm leaves and cacao pods are burned in a clay oven to produce ash, then water is added to the ash and filtered. Ingredients such as shea butter, coconut oil, palm kernel oil and cocoa butter are heated, added and stirred by hand for 24 hours. The soap then solidifies and rises to the top of the mixture. It needs to cure for about two weeks before it can be used in liquid or bar soap form, as a mask or in moisturizers. This product is packed with bacteria-fighting oils and phytochemicals found in plants, giving it deep cleansing and nourishing properties for almost all skin types.
What Does African Black Soap Do?
African Black Soap is a natural skincare product that offers numerous benefits for the skin. It is known for its deep cleansing properties, helping to remove impurities and excess oil from the skin's surface. Additionally, it has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for individuals dealing with acne, eczema, or other skin conditions. African Black Soap also contains natural moisturizing ingredients that help to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.
Is It Ok to Use African Black Soap Everyday?
Yes, it is generally safe to use African Black Soap every day, as long as it suits your skin type and you don't experience any adverse reactions. However, it is essential to keep in mind that African Black Soap can be quite potent, so if you have sensitive or dry skin, it may be advisable to use it every other day or a few times a week to prevent any potential drying or irritation. It's always a good idea to observe how your skin responds and adjust your usage accordingly.
Does African Black Soap Actually Work?
From my own experience - absolutely! African Black Soap has been used for centuries and has gained popularity worldwide due to its effectiveness. Many individuals have reported positive results when using African Black Soap, such as clearer and smoother skin, reduced breakouts, and improved overall complexion. But don't forget this basic rule - it's important to remember that everyone's skin is unique, and individual results may vary. A pro tip i am always remember, and you should too : consistency and patience are key when incorporating any new skincare product into your routine.
Can I Use Black Soap on My Face?
Yes, African Black Soap can be used on the face. In fact, it is often recommended for facial use due to its gentle yet effective cleansing properties. However, it's important to note that some individuals may experience dryness or mild irritation when using it on the face, especially if they have sensitive or dry skin. If you have such concerns, it's advisable to patch test the soap on a small area of your face before applying it to your entire face. If no adverse reactions occur, you can proceed with using it as part of your facial skincare routine.
How Often Should I Use Black Soap?
The frequency of using Black Soap depends on your skin type.
For oily or acne-prone skin (like my skin...), daily or every other day usage can be beneficial.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, using it a few times a week may be more suitable.
Observe how your skin responds and adjust accordingly.
Don't forget to follow up with a suitable moisturizer after cleansing to maintain skin hydration.
Should I Use African Black Soap at Night or Day?
This is totally a matter of personal preference. Both options can be effective, and it ultimately depends on your skincare routine and lifestyle. Some people prefer to use it in the morning as part of their daily cleansing routine to start the day with refreshed skin. Others find it beneficial to use it at night to remove makeup, dirt, and pollutants accumulated throughout the day, allowing their skin to breathe and rejuvenate during sleep. Choose the time that works best for you and fits seamlessly into your skincare regimen.
The Outstanding Benefits of African Black soap I Discovered
It is made of 100% natural ingredients derived directly from the earth, and it is as clean and natural as can be. In recent years, more and more studies are emerging that support the benefits of soap including helping with acne, uneven skin tones, hyperpigmentation, rashes, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis. Here some of the key benefits of African black soap:
Helps Minimize Blemishes and Scars
The unique set of ingredients in African black soap makes it an excellent product for reducing scars and blemishes. In fact, the coconut oil, red palm oil and fatty acids present in the soap help reduce stretch marks and past skin wounds. The soap also contains shea butter that not only boosts your collagen production but also repairs your skin tissues. Additionally, red palm oil is an excellent source of vitamin E that can enable you to attain healthy skin.
Aids in the Reduction of Wrinkles and Fine Lines
African black soap utilizes plantain peels and cocoa pods which are considered an excellent source of antioxidants. In fact, the plantain peels contain quercetin, protocatechuic acid, while the cocoa pods contain catechins, tannins and Gallic acid. All these ingredients will provide you a diverse mix of flavonoids and phenolics that work in synergy with each other. They work together to help fight free radical damage which is a great contributor to the physical signs of aging.
Attaining an Even Skin Tone
Skin darkening can be caused by different factors such as skin injuries, inflammation, acne and sun damage. The European journal of biochemistry describes tyrosinase as an enzyme that helps regulate melanin. Therefore, if it isn’t working optimally, the melanin can go unchecked. This can in turn leave your skin with liver spots, patches of discolored skin as well as dark circles around the eyes. A study conducted by the U.S national library of medicine indicated that cocoa pods, a key ingredient in the African black soap, can inhibit tyrosinase activity, which in turn results in a lighter skin tone.
The Details and Data Behind This Trend
The change in our travel, shopping and socializing habits during this pandemic year was so profound that consumers realized they needed to adopt sustainable, local, refined lifestyles based on local economies, community produce, and sustainable products. It comes as no surprise that this soap is one of the most popular cleansers at the moment, considering the rise of consumers seeking clean, natural and organic skincare products. It contains no preservatives or chemical ingredients, which makes it a great choice for those looking for natural alternatives to chemical hygiene products. This understanding also translates to other products in the consumer world, and the world of beauty products as well – in the next 2-3 years we’ll see an increasing number of consumers aspiring to simplify and refine their lifestyle, and lead a waste-free life (unlike the extravagant and wasteful aggressive discourse in recent years), and therefore we’ll see consumers hope to adjust their skincare routine to their new life after the pandemic.
African Black Soap Market insights and opportunities
A simple and downscaled lifestyle adopted by most people in 2020 has led to consumers becoming tired of makeup tables packed with endless serums and creams, and they'll buy fewer yet more precise products in 2021. With this new, shrewd consumer approach, we will see products such as African black soap flourishing, supporting the idea that consumers need just a few effective products to optimize their daily skincare routines.
If you are interested to test the African black Soap, ahead few suggestion :
Best Budget: Nubian Heritage African Black Soap Bar A good universal crowd-pleaser for a wide variety of skin types, the addition of shea butter and aloe leaf juice make this more hydrating than other African black soaps out there . As an added benefit, all of the Nubian Heritage ingredients are ethically-traded and sustainably produced. 23$ On Amazon, and free delivery.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap Bar Gentle, unscented, and with minimal ingredients, this option is great for anyone with sensitive skin. To the point of minimal ingredients, there are only two in the bar: shea butter and palm kernel oil and it’s also worth pointing out that it’s a Fair Trade product. 24$ On Amazon, and free delivery.
Best for Scars: Incredible by Nature African Black Soap This pick is great for minor spots and wrinkles. It excels at diminishing scars too and offers protection against free radicals, which is always a good thing, It’s also organic and made in Africa. 15$ On Amazon, and free delivery.
Interested to learn more about 2023 beauty trend? Read, 3 Beauty Trends That Will Dominate 2023.
Comments