What is Black Soap?
Black soap (also referred to as African black soap), is made from the ash of locally harvested plants and barks (plantain, palm tree leaves, shea tree bark) and it is traditionally made in West Africa. The REAL stuff is brown as opposed to black, which you’ll see a lot but it doesn’t have the same benefits as authentic black soap.
What is it Used for?
Black soap gently cleanses impurities, which makes it good for acne. Some also use it as shampoo, makeup remover, to fade skin discoloration, dark spots and acne scars, to reduce the discomfort of psoriasis and eczema, and to relieve skin rashes. I have used it in the past for my face and I currently use it to clean my body as well. Why did I stop using it on my face? Well, I am always on the search for facial cleansers that work better than my last, so I am currently on a search to find an affordable face wash that I like better than black soap (I’ll keep y’all posted). It leaves my skin feeling so soft and so clean. You even notice a natural glow once you’re done using it (y’all know I’m all about the glow lol).
The most I have ever seen it sold for is $6, so it’s pretty cheap and it LASTS. Every time I visit home for Christmas or the summer, my mom always gives me about 4 bars to last me until I come home again and I have yet to run out. Black soap is a way of life around here!
What Else is There to Know About Black Soap?
It is suited for any ethnicity and any skin type, however, to reduce or avoid any negative effects, don’t leave it on your face for too long. It can be used daily and is great for removing makeup. This is the one face wash I have had that didn’t require me to use makeup wipes beforehand. Also, if you are extremely latex sensitive, shea butter contains small amounts of latex.
Now that you know some the basics of black soap, try it and see what it can do for you!
