While African black soap may be referred to as a miracle product by some, its versatility and effectiveness have earned it a special place in the world of natural beauty. This handcrafted, chemical-free soap has been touted for its impressive list of benefits, including skin-clearing and repairing properties, making it a staple in many beauty routines. As the demand for black soaps continues to grow, so does the variety of products available.
In this sea of options, it can be overwhelming to determine what sets a great product apart from a mediocre one. That’s why we’ve taken the time to curate a list of the top 10 African black soaps on the market, taking into account factors like ingredients, quality, and overall value. From best overall soap to most versatile soap, our guide will help you navigate the world of African black soap and make an informed decision about which product is right for you.
Among our selection are top picks for premium, budget-friendly, and organic options, as well as specialized soaps designed for specific skin types or needs. Whether you’re a seasoned natural beauty enthusiast or just starting your journey, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the benefits, uses, and potential side effects of African black soap, arming you with the knowledge to choose the best product for your unique needs.
What Is African Black Soap?
African black soap, also known as ‘ose dudu’ in the Yoruba language, has been a staple of Nigerian tradition for centuries. While originating from Nigeria’s Yoruba people, its popularity has spread across West Africa, with Ghana being one of the most prominent countries to craft and export this handmade soap. This traditional soap is characterized by its raw, plantain ash-based formula, blended with other natural ingredients that promote skin health.
When used as a cleanser, African black soap is renowned for its ability to balance the skin’s natural oils, combat acne, and leave the complexion looking brighter. We’ll delve deeper into these benefits later in this article.
Types of Soap
African black soap comes in three primary forms: raw, liquid, and solid bars. Each type has its unique characteristics, benefits, and uses. The raw form is the most natural and potent, with a rough texture that can be more drying for those with oily or acne-prone skin. However, it’s ideal for users seeking an intense cleansing experience.
On the other hand, liquid African black soap is often mixed with soothing ingredients to clean and moisturize the skin while being gentle enough for sensitive skin or children. The solid bar version is a processed form of raw African black soap, offering a smoother texture that doesn’t break apart easily. It’s suitable for most skin types, providing exfoliation benefits or blending with other ingredients for dry or sensitive skin.
For instance, the Shea Moisture Face and Body Bar is a budget-friendly option.
Top 10 Best African Black Soaps 2024
Best Overall Soap: Incredible by Nature African Black Soap
Incredible by Nature’s African black soap bar is a standout product that checks all the right boxes. As a solid bar, it boasts a traditional recipe that combines plantain skin ash and shea butter with cocoa pods and palm oils. The addition of vitamin E enhances the skin-repairing properties, making this a great choice for individuals seeking a reliable natural product. This sturdy bar works effectively on every skin type and is easy to cut into smaller pieces, ideal for daily use.
While it may not be the best option for those looking for an exfoliating soap, its smoother formula makes up for it by providing a gentle cleansing experience. For those who require something more intense for exfoliation, we recommend considering Tropical Naturals Dudu Osun Bar.
Best Premium Soap: Wonderfully Natural African Black Soap
Wonderfully Natural’s black soap stands out for its unique combination of quality and social responsibility. As a fair-trade product sold by an African-owned company, each purchase directly benefits individuals in Ghana. This commitment to community support is reflected in the company’s 60-day money-back guarantee, which allows customers to try the product risk-free. The soap also comes with an acne treatment guide for all skin types, providing users with confidence and guidance.
While the bar may be softer than some other options, it still effectively cleans the skin. In fact, its gentle texture makes it suitable for sensitive skin types. If you’re looking for a more robust soap experience, consider cutting the large bar into smaller pieces to make it last longer.
Best Budget Soap: Shea Moisture Face & Body Bar
Shea Moisture’s face and body bar offers a perfect blend of affordability, ease of use, and certified cruelty-freedom. Priced under $5, this solid bar provides an accessible introduction to black soap without compromising on quality. As a fair-trade company, Shea Moisture prioritizes ethical practices, making it an attractive choice for those concerned about animal welfare. The bar’s texture is surprisingly gentle, making it suitable for direct application on the face.
It lathers well and has added skin-friendly ingredients like oat flour and aloe vera to soothe and calm the skin. While some may find the fragrance overpowering, especially those with sensitive skin, the overall benefits of this blended soap far outweigh the drawbacks. For its price point, Shea Moisture’s bar excels in several areas: it’s very affordable, contains added skin-soothing ingredients, is easy to use, and certified cruelty-free.
However, some may find that the lack of plantain ash reduces the product’s potency compared to other black soaps on the market.
Best Body Wash: Alaffia All-In-One Body Wash
Alaffia’s multipurpose body wash stands out for its exceptional quality and versatility. This richly fragranced formula is crafted from a blend of melted African black soap, ash, and palm oils, with the added benefits of ethically sourced tea tree and mint extracts. Its luxurious lather makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a high-end cleansing experience. As a multipurpose product, it can be used as body wash, facial cleanser, hand soap, shampoo, and even shaving cream.
However, some users may find that the rinse leaves behind a slightly sticky residue on the skin. While this can cause irritation, the brand’s commitment to using biodegradable ingredients makes it an attractive option for those prioritizing environmental sustainability.
Best Raw Soap: Our Earth’s Secrets Raw African Black Soap
Our Earth’s Secrets is a standout product that stands out from the crowd due to its unique features. Not only is it available in multiple sizes, but it also boasts a direct connection with Ghana, making it an authentic and sustainable export. The soap itself is completely raw and all-natural, comprising of palm oil and stearin oil, which adds a rich layer of fat content, stabilizing the product and rendering it more long-lasting than other brands.
This feature makes it an excellent choice for those looking to stock up on high-quality soaps in bulk sizes. The company’s commitment to sustainable sources ensures that the products meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. However, due to its potent nature, users must exercise caution when applying this soap to prevent skin irritation or dryness. As a result, it’s recommended for those with normal to oily skin types only. For sensitive skin, consider alternatives like Dr.
Woods Raw Liquid Soap.
Best Soap for Exfoliating: Tropical Naturals Dudu Osun Black Soap
The Dudu Osun Black Soap bar is a unique blend of raw black soap and hard soap, boasting an array of exfoliating ingredients. While it retains the rough textures characteristic of raw black soap, its addition of ashes and palm oils makes it suitable for daily use on the face. The incorporation of honey as a natural exfoliant softens and brightens skin, while citrus juices like lemon enhance skin repair and cell regeneration.
This solid bar is perfect for those seeking an effective exfoliator that cleans pores without stripping the skin of its natural oils. One notable aspect is its relatively low lather production, which can be addressed by applying it to a washcloth or loofah before use. On balance, the Dudu Osun Black Soap offers several key benefits, including honey’s added exfoliation and citrus’s rejuvenating properties, making it an attractive choice for those prioritizing natural skin care.
Best Solid Bar Soap: O Naturals African Black Soap
The reason we’re fond of this African Black Soap is its exceptional ability to purify pores and soften skin. The three-pack format, coupled with the French triple-milling process, ensures that each bar is meticulously crafted without excess water or air, resulting in a potent and smooth soap. One of the key features that sets O Naturals African Black Soap apart is its blend with dead sea mud, which expertly draws out dirt and oil from pores, leaving skin looking brighter and clearer.
The addition of lavender helps to soothe itchy skin, making this product an excellent choice for those dealing with uneven skin texture or rough patches. While this soap may not be as moisturizing as some other black soaps on the market, it still effectively removes impurities and softens skin. However, users should be aware that it can leave skin feeling slightly dehydrated, so it’s essential to follow up with a moisturizer after use to maintain healthy, hydrated skin.
For those seeking an even more moisturizing option, we recommend exploring hard soap bars like Shea Moisture Face and Body Bar.
Best Organic Soap: Sky Organics African Black Soap Bar
We’re big fans of this eco-friendly soap, which boasts a unique texture that breaks apart effortlessly without crumbling. This feature not only makes it easy to use but also provides a gentle exfoliating experience. Moreover, it packs a potent antioxidant punch thanks to the added vitamin E and organic coconut oil. The soap is certified organic, handmade in Ghana by Sky Organics, and has a soft yet non-crumbly texture that’s perfect for daily use.
One of its standout benefits is its ability to rinse off cleanly, leaving skin feeling refreshed and revitalized. However, we do have one caveat: this soap might not be the best choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as it may not provide sufficient balancing properties. If you fall into this category, we recommend exploring a stronger raw soap like Our Earth’s Secrets instead.
Best Raw Liquid Soap: Dr. Woods African Raw Black Liquid Body Wash
Dr. Woods Liquid Body Wash is a popular choice among those seeking to improve the appearance of their skin. Its unique formula combines a creamy texture with added vitamins and minerals that help to cleanse, brighten, and hydrate all skin types. The presence of sea salt also helps to balance and regulate skin tone. One of its key benefits is the reduction of fine lines and signs of aging, thanks to the inclusion of vitamin B, A, and iron.
While the unscented version may not be ideal for those sensitive to strong fragrances, it does offer a thick, creamy lathering experience that makes it suitable for use on the entire body. The exfoliating properties also make it an excellent option for individuals with dry skin who still want to reap the benefits of a gentle yet effective exfoliant. However, it’s worth noting that the scent may be overpowering and unpleasant for some users.
Most Versatile Soap: Hera Nature African Black Soap
One of the most appealing aspects of Hera Nature’s African Black Soap is its versatility. Not only can it be used as a standalone product, but it also serves as an excellent DIY soap base. Its solid form makes it easy to melt down and combine with other ingredients or essential oils, allowing for endless creative possibilities. The Amazon listing provides three suggested recipes for use, making it an ideal choice for beginners looking to dip their toes into the world of DIY soap making.
As a result, this product can last for months, depending on how you choose to utilize it. While it does have its drawbacks – such as being slightly too hard to cut and prone to staining – Hera Nature’s African Black Soap is a great option for those looking to get creative with their soaps.
The Complete Guide to African Black Soap
As you continue to marvel at the allure of African black soap, you may be left pondering the secrets behind its exceptional charm. Fear not, for we’ve compiled a comprehensive resource that delves into the very essence of this remarkable product, addressing all your burning questions and shedding light on its numerous benefits.
How African Black Soap Is Made
In West Africa, African black soap has a rich history, with Nigeria serving as its birthplace. Today, Ghana is the primary exporter of this unique soap. The fair-trade nature of the industry is noteworthy, as many vendors handcraft and sell their own products. The characteristic dark hue stems from the ash of various plant species and tree barks, with plantain leaves being a common choice. The specific ingredients used depend heavily on the region in which the soap is produced.
The traditional method of manufacturing involves combining dry components like cocoa pods and ash in a large cauldron or kettle. The mixture is then roasted before the addition of shea butter, palm oil, or palm kernel oil. Following thorough combination, the soap is dried and prepared for packaging. For a more in-depth look at this process, check out this video showcasing African black soap being handmade.
How to Tell if It Is Real African Black Soap
African black soap’s name doesn’t necessarily translate to a consistent dark color. In its raw form, this type of soap can exhibit a range of hues, from light brown to deep black. Characteristically, it will have an imperfect texture, being soft and crumbly rather than unyieldingly hard like traditional bar soaps. Furthermore, these soaps tend to be fragrance-free or feature subtle scents, such as the natural chocolate aroma imparted by the inclusion of cocoa pods.
While some companies, like Shea Moisture, procure raw black soap and reform it into a more solid, smooth bar by blending it with other skin-friendly ingredients. Similarly, firms that produce liquid body washes or soaps, such as Alaffia, melt the raw soap, stabilize it, and combine it with other beneficial liquid ingredients.
When seeking out products that don’t conform to traditional raw soap standards, look for key ingredients like plantain ash, cocoa pods, shea butter, and palm oil.
These components are responsible for black soap’s potency and serve as a hallmark of a truly effective product.
The Benefits of African Black Soap
African black soap is often hailed as a holy grail of cleansing products, offering numerous benefits for the skin. This natural soap’s unique properties can be attributed to its rich blend of ingredients, including shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa, which provide moisturizing and nourishing effects. In this context, African black soap stands out as an exceptional cleanser that caters to all skin types, from dry and sensitive to oily and acne-prone.
The soap’s natural antibacterial properties make it a potent defender against bacterial infections, rivaling the effectiveness of chemical-based cleaners. Moreover, its gentle formula allows for safe use on the face, hands, and body. Moisturizing benefits are another hallmark of African black soap. The shea butter, coconut oil, and cocoa combination soothes dry skin, repairs damaged cells, and adds moisture to parched skin.
In particular, the Sky Organics brand is known for its exceptional moisturizing properties. The versatility of African black soap extends beyond individual skin types; it also accommodates various skin concerns. For instance, acne-prone skin can benefit from the soap’s anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing properties, which work to clear skin, balance natural oil production, and repair cell damage.
Similarly, conditions like eczema and psoriasis may find relief in the soap’s calming effects. Fungal infections are another common issue that African black soap can effectively address. By combating seven different types of fungus, this natural cleanser offers a comprehensive solution for treating Athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and other fungal-related conditions. In addition to its various health benefits, African black soap also exhibits anti-aging properties.
As a gentle exfoliant, it improves overall skin texture by reducing the appearance of dark spots and fine lines, leaving skin looking younger, brighter, and healthier.
Incorporating African Black Soap Into Your Routine
When incorporating African black soap into your skincare routine, it’s essential to consider your individual skin type to ensure optimal results. Here are some tailored tips for different skin types.
For those with sensitive skin, we recommend opting for a gentler, raw soap like Incredible by Nature. This fragrance-free and preservative-free option is perfect for patch testing before use and can be used sparingly, ideally once every other day.
To create a milder liquid soap suitable for the face, consider diluting it in warm water.
Individuals with normal to dry skin can benefit from using African black soap as a weekly cleanser. However, overuse may lead to further dryness, so moderation is key. If you prefer to use the soap more frequently, consider investing in a solid bar like O Naturals, which combines the benefits of African black soap with soothing and moisturizing ingredients.
For those with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, African black soap can be a game-changer. As a daily cleanser, you can use a raw black soap or an exfoliating liquid soap like Dr. Woods on your face to balance your complexion and combat acne. For combination skin, use the soap to spot treat oily areas and maintain harmony.
How to Use African Black Soap
When using African black soap, start by breaking off a chunk and gently lathering it between your hands. For exfoliation purposes, rub the soap directly onto your face without scrubbing, as its natural texture is already rough enough to effectively remove dead skin cells. However, it’s crucial to avoid applying raw black soap directly to your face or other skin areas, as the rough texture can cause abrasions.
To use African black soap as a traditional soap, break off a small chunk and smooth out any irregularities by rubbing it between your hands. You can then lather up directly from the smoothed chunk or create a lather using a loofah, washcloth, or exfoliating glove for a more gentle cleansing experience. For those who prefer a liquid cleanser, you can dissolve a small piece of soap in warm water and use the resulting solution as you would any other liquid soap.
Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to thoroughly rinse off the soap with lukewarm water, pat your skin dry, and follow up with a moisturizer to lock in hydration and the soap’s many benefits. Before incorporating African black soap into your daily routine, it’s essential to introduce your skin to its natural form gradually. Due to its drying properties, especially on sensitive skin, it may take some time for your skin to adjust.
Begin by using the soap every 1-2 days and monitor your skin’s response. As your skin becomes more comfortable with the soap, you can increase frequency. Even users with oily skin may experience a temporary tightening sensation or redness after initial use. However, these effects should subside as your skin balances out. If not, discontinue use of the soap.
Once your skin is adjusted and comfortable, you can continue to use African black soap daily, always following up with a moisturizer to prevent dryness and maintain the benefits.
Storing Your Soap
To maintain the quality of your black soap, it’s essential to store it in a cool, dry environment, away from any sources of water. If left exposed to air for too long, you may notice a thin white layer forming on its surface. While this is still safe to use, you also have the option to remove and discard this layer before continuing to use your soap.
When not actively using your black soap or if you’ve purchased it in bulk, consider wrapping it in plastic or paper to protect it from accidental exposure to air or water. It’s worth noting that this type of soap has a tendency to absorb moisture and can disintegrate quickly if not properly dried after use. Be sure to give your soap sufficient time to dry out before storing it again.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
While rare, some users may encounter adverse effects when using black soap. If your skin becomes uncomfortably red, dry, and itchy, the soap’s potency might be overwhelming your skin’s natural barrier. In such cases, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Additionally, individuals with known allergies to chocolate or caffeine may want to exercise caution when using black soap, as its high concentration of cocoa pods could trigger an allergic reaction.
A Unique Cleaning Experience
The allure surrounding African black soap is undeniable. Boasting an impressive array of skin benefits, it’s no wonder why this natural treasure has garnered widespread acclaim. While selecting the perfect product can be overwhelming, rest assured that opting for one featuring traditional ingredients will reward you with a consistently exceptional cleansing experience.
