WHAT IS AFRICAN BLACK SOAP?
Growing up as a teenager, I had my fair share of acne—and although I am now an adult, my skin still feels stuck in high school. Like every acne warrior out there, I have spent hundreds of dollars in the desperate search for some product that will be the magical cure. One of those products was African Black Soap (ABS).
What exactly is African Black Soap? Telling from the name, it is no surprise that ABS is traditionally made in western Africa. Plantains, cocoa pods, palm tree leaves, and shea tree bark are mixed in with more moisturizing ingredients such as coconut and palm oils or shea butter. After the mixture has been boiled for a couple of hours, it is then left to set [2].
Because the majority of ingredients are sun-dried and burned to ash before being combined, the soap takes on a coarse texture with a brown hue [2]. That being said, any ABS that you pick-up from the local store with a smooth, solid black appearance is probably not authentic—I tell you this from personal experience!
How can African Black Soap be used? Although I purchased ABS to help fight my breakouts, there really is no one, specific use. ABS can be used to ease a whole bout of skin conditions: acne, facial discoloration, eczema, rashes, and psoriasis [1]. I like to think of ABS as a three-in-one wash because it can also be used to cleanse your hair and body!
But what makes African Black Soap so special? Because of the soap’s coarse texture, it allows for exfoliation of the skin. Additionally, recipes containing plantains are boosted with the fruit’s antibacterial-fighting powers. Many people with oily complexions report the soap’s ability to moisturize the skin without leaving a greasy residue [1]
Lastly—but most importantly in my opinion—African Black Soap is free of the chemicals that haunt most skincare products. Purchasing ABS directly from West Africa is a great way to ensure authentic, quality product while supporting African businesses. ABS is a great alternative to harmful, chemical-filled soaps that can provide remedy to a whole host of skin conditions.
Author: Haley Curtis
Carr, Renee. “Black Soap: Why, How & When To Use It.” BlackDoctor.org, 24 Jan. 2016, https://blackdoctor.org/qa-what-are-the-benefits-of-black-soap/
Perry, Nina. How Do I Spot Authentic African Black Soap? 24 June 2019, https://www.kokoauk.com/blogs/news/how-to-spot-authentic-african-black-soap