Raw African Black Soap: A Cultural Treasure for Flawless Skin

Raw African Black Soap

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African black soap has been used for generations in Africa to cleanse and care for skin. Today, this traditional beauty product has gained widespread popularity due to its natural and nourishing properties.

Raw African black soap is a unique skincare product with a rich history and has been used for centuries to treat a variety of skin conditions, from acne to eczema.

Cocoa pods or palm tree leaves, shea tree bark and plantain skins are sun-dried and burned to ash. A constant burning temperature is essential to ensure the desired color, texture and smell. Water is added into the ash along with coconut and palm oils as well as other ingredients of the manufacturers choice.

It is well known for its ability to cleanse the skin, exfoliate dead skin cells, for removing makeup and improving skin's overall health and appearance.

Whether you are dealing with stubborn acne, psoriasis, rough and flaky skin, fine lines, razor bumps, have sensitive skin or are looking for a natural solution to your skin problems, raw African black soap may be the answer you've been searching for.

Keep reading to learn more and be sure to check out our top African Back Soap recommendations below.

Raw African black soap is made from a unique blend of natural ingredients, including plantain skin, coconut and palm oils, and cocoa pod ash. These ingredients are carefully selected and processed to create a soap that is gentle, nourishing, and effective for all skin types.

There are numerous variations of African black soap, each with its own unique blend of ingredients and benefits. Some variations may include added ingredients like honey, shea butter, or essential oils to enhance the soap's moisturizing and skin-soothing properties.

Authentic African black soap is quite abrasive in block form so you should not use the bar directly on your skin. This is due to presence of plantain skin and cocoa pod ash embedded in the soap. Great for exfoliation but can cause irritation for those with sensitive skin and may even scratch you slightly.

To avoid this, simply lather it up on a washcloth or just in your hands rather than applying the bar directly to your skin. It will still exfoliate very well but will be gentler on your skin.

If you like to experiment; try shaving or cutting off chunks, mashing them and combining with other ingredients such as essential oils to make DIY liquid soaps and shampoos. Try using avocado oil, aloe vera juice or peppermint essential oil to create your own unique blend.

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Our Earth's Secrets Raw African Black Soap

Our Earth's Secrets Raw African Black Soap

Why We Love It

Our Earth's Secrets Premium African Black Soap is a unique and authentic product made in Ghana, using traditional African recipes and techniques.

It is made without any artificial fragrances, making it a pure and natural product that is safe for all skin types. The natural ingredients (listed below) are carefully chosen for their ability to nourish and moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

Being an authentic African black soap, it is important to use it properly to avoid any irritation or discomfort. It contains small particles of plantains, which can cause scratches or irritation if the soap block is rubbed directly on your skin. Instead, lather it in the palm of your hand or a washcloth and then apply to your face, body and hair.

Our Earth's Secrets Premium African Black Soap is a high-quality product that is perfect if you want a natural and nourishing soap to cleanse and rejuvenate your skin.

Things You Should Know

Form: Block

Scent: Unscented, chocolate/coconut

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

Size: 1, 2 ,3, 5 or 10 pounds

Manufacture: Ghana

Raw Apothecary Raw African Black Soap

Raw Apothecary Raw African Black Soap

Why We Love It

Raw Apothecary's African black soap is made with seven all-natural ingredients and formulated to exfoliate, repair, and nourish the skin, providing you with a healthy and radiant complexion.

Raw African black soap is well known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it a great solution for those with damaged skin or acne.

This soap is chemical-free and gentle enough for all ages and skin types and can be used as a body wash, facial cleanser and shampoo alternative.

In addition to its cleansing properties, African black soap is also effective for treating a variety of skin concerns, such as acne, dry skin, dark spots, and wrinkles.

Its antioxidants and vitamins help balance oil production for those with oily skin, while natural plant oils nourish and retain moisture for those with dry skin. As with other African black soaps, you will benefit from applying a quality moisturizer after use.

Raw Apothecary take care to avoid exploitation in their supply chain and through their production process to protect the fundamental rights of all workers involved. Their African black soap is plant based and cruelty free.

Things You Should Know

Form: Block

Scent: Unscented

Ingredients: Purified water, palm oil, cocoa pod, palm kernel oil, plantain skin ash, natural vitamin E, natural sodium

Size: 1 pound

Manufacture: Ghana

Era Of Nature Raw Organic African Black Soap

Era Of Nature Raw Organic African Black Soap

Why We Love It

Era Of Nature black soap is a handcrafted soap made in Ghana using the age old traditional methods described above.

It is suitable for both men and women for use on their face and body and provides benefits such as cleansing, improving skin tone, exfoliating and reducing skin irritations.

It can help fade dark spots and other skin discoloration. The overall improved skin tone you will enjoy with regular use will prevent the signs of premature aging.

It is rich in vitamins A, E and iron, and has exfoliating properties that can help improve the appearance of sagging skin, wrinkles, and fine lines. It contains unrefined shea butter to help leave your skin soft and moisturized.

Era Of Nature sources their organic, plant based and cruelty free raw materials using fair-trade practices to support economical sustainability in villages and agricultural communities allow families to live and thrive with dignity.

Things You Should Know

Form: Block

Scent: Unscented

Ingredients: Plantain skin, cocoa pod, coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, unrefined shea butter

Size: 1 pound

Manufacture: Ghana

African Black Soap Shampoo: Our Picks To Transform Your Hair
African Black Soap Shampoo is a natural, sulfate-free alternative to conventional shampoos. Unlike many commercial shampoos, it is free from harsh chemicals making it a gentler option for those with sensitive scalps or looking to avoid potentially harmful substances.

Plant Guru Raw African Black Soap Paste

Plant Guru Raw African Black Soap Paste

Why We Love It

If you prefer your soap as a paste rather than a bar here is a quality option to consider

Handcrafted in Ghana and using a traditional recipe passed down for centuries, Plant Guru African black soap is an all-natural soap that is suitable for all skin types.

Ingredients include extra virgin coconut oil, raw cocoa pods, unrefined palm kernel oil, plantain skin ashes, unrefined shea butter, natural vitamin E, and water. It is free from synthetics and harsh chemicals and is gentle on the skin.

It can be used on all skin types, including dry, rough, oily, and moderate skin, and can help reduce skin irritation and the appearance of scars caused by acne.

As with all these soaps you need to go gently on sensitive skin until you are familiar with the product but as it's already in paste form; it is less abrasive from the get go.

Many users report success in reducing the discomfort associated with psoriasis and eczema, and is an effective exfoliator which will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Regular use of this soap helps remove facial lines associated with early signs of aging, making it a must-have for anyone looking to achieve healthy, glowing skin.

Plant Guru African black soap is also recommended for use on your hair and scalp. It acts as a clarifying cleanser which exfoliates the scalp while removing dandruff, dirt, and other debris that can clog your follicles and inhibit healthy hair growth.

With a high concentration of vitamins A and E, this soap reduces the amount of dead skin cells, which is known to cause hair follicles to break down.

With its nourishing ingredients and gentle cleansing properties, Plant Guru African black soap is a must-have for anyone looking to achieve healthy, glowing skin and hair.

It’s best applied with a loofah, wash cloth or sponge to maximize the lathering effect on your skin and to aid exfoliation.

Some people can find it to be drying if used too often. This is easily addressed by applying a quality East African shea butter. We've reviewed the best of them here.

East African Shea Butter - The Superior Choice
Looking to enhance your skincare routine? Check out East African Shea Butter. It’s the best shea butter you can find!

Things You Should Know

Form: Bar, paste or liquid

Scent: Mild (unscented)

Size: 1 pound, 2 pounds, 3.5 pounds or 1 gallon liquid

Ingredients: Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Raw Cocoa Pods, Unrefined Palm Kernel Oil, Plantain Skin Ashes, Unrefined Shea butter, Purified Water and Natural Vitamin E.

Manufacture: Ghana

Yasmin

Yasmin

I’m a skincare & beauty enthusiast and makeup artist with over 15 years in the industry. I love writing about evidence-based solutions to skin issues with a strong preference for natural products.
San Diego