The 7 Best Authentic Raw African Black Soaps (and Their Benefits)

PUBLISHED: 07/02/2019 | LAST UPDATED: 01/17/2020

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African black soap has been regarded for hundreds of years as a wonder treatment for acne, dry skin, wrinkles, inflammation, and fungus. Originating in the Yorùbá tribes in Benin, Togo, and Nigeria, the secret of the African black soap and its benefits quickly spread through Africa and other regions across the world. Today, you won’t have to search too long on the internet to find anecdotal stories of miraculous skin cures from using this time-honored skin treatment. So, is African black soap really a panacea for your skin? You may be surprised to learn that there is scientific evidence behind many of the African black soap claims.

What is Raw African Black Soap?
Authentic raw African black soap is made from locally harvested ingredients like plant cocoa pod ash, oils, and shea butter. Traditionally, the plant materials (husks, shells, or barks of plantains, palm tree leaves, cocoa pods, and Shea trees) are burned until they form a dark ash and then the ash is combined with the oils and Shea butter to form the “black” soap. The result is either a chunky bar or a thick black liquid depending on the desired outcome. The color variations of raw African black soap can be attributed to the varying blends of oils and cooking methods used by the different skin care formulators.

What Are the Benefits of African Black Soap?
No matter what your skin type, you can benefit from adding organic African black soap into your beauty routine. In fact, a study published by the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology showed that multi-generational use of African black soap was effective in treating multiple dermatological conditions thanks to its deep-cleansing properties (1). While this multicultural beauty soap has many benefits, here our three benefits with solid scientific evidence:

• African Black Soap is Antibacterial: African black soap has natural antibacterial properties. Those with acne prone skin may find that African black soap helps to balance oil levels by reducing excess sebum (which can clog the pores) while controlling Propionibacterium acnes, the bacteria which causes acne breakouts (1).
• African Black Soap Soothes Inflammation: African black soap is rich in vitamin E and contains shea butter which helps to hydrate, protect, and calm irritated skin. Because of this, African black soap makes a great natural after-shave product. It’s also mildly exfoliating and can help to remove the dead skin cells responsible for razor bumps and infections (2).
• African Black Soap Protects Against Sun Damage: African black soap is also protective against UV sun damage which can often lead to hyperpigmentation (dark spots) caused by sun damage (1).

How to Use Raw African Black Soap for Your Skin Type?
Natural African black soap is an extremely versatile beauty tool that can be used on the face and body as often as necessary. Here are our favorite ways to use organic African black soap:

• Raw African Black Soap Face Wash: If you have raw African black soap, you can simply grab a chunk of it and shape it into small balls. Add a little water and gently apply directly to your face and neck.
• Raw African Black Soap Face Mask: Did you know that raw African black soap makes a fantastic detox face mask? To use, simply dissolve a few small pieces of black soap in hot water and then mix in 1 teaspoon of honey + 2 teaspoons baking soda + and a few drops of your favorite essential oil (hint: tea tree oil for acne, chamomile for inflammation, or lavender for overall glow). Apply, let it sit on your skin until almost dry, and then rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Raw African Black Soap Body Wash: If you have raw African black soap, then you can easily make a cleansing organic body wash by soaking a chunk of it in purified water until it dissolves. Alternatively, you can buy pure liquid African black soap and use it directly as a natural body wash.
• Raw African Black Soap Body Scub: Need to exfoliate? Simply mix a small chunk of soap with a little brown sugar or dead sea salt for a DIY natural body scrub.

Depending on your skin type, you can incorporate African black soap into your beauty routine in varying ways.

• African Black Soap for Normal + Dry Skin: Dry skin types can try using African black soap as a weekly moisturizing cleanser. Many facial cleansers contain harsh detergents which can cause dryness by stripping away your skin’s vital natural oils. Using African black soap can help to rebalance your skin’s sebum.
• African Black Soap for Oily + Combo + Acne Skin: Oily and acne skin types may want to incorporate African black soap as their main natural anti-acne cleanser. The combination of gentle exfoliation, deep pore cleansing, and antibacterial properties make this soap ideal for overactive skin. Simply replace your existing cleanser with African black soap! Got combination skin? Then use raw African black soap as a spot treatment on your oilier zones (like your forehead, cheeks, or nose) that are in need of deep cleansing.
• African Black Soap for Sensitive Skin: Sensitive skin types should look for a completely pure African black soap with no fillers or preservatives. As always, spot test before use.

Note: Those with latex or chocolate allergies should consult a dermatologist before using African black soap because of potential latex-fruit syndrome or caffeine sensitivity.

Why Use Organic & Raw African Black Soaps?
Truly organic and raw African black soaps are closer to the original African recipes than their heavily produced counterparts. Authentic black soaps are plant-based, naturally vegan, fragrance-free, and gentle on the skin. To help you choose the best natural and organic African black soap, we went out and did all of the research for you. All soaps below are free from common additives such as sulfates, parabens, phthalates, petrochemicals + mineral oils, synthetic fragrances + dyes, and PEG compounds. Enjoy!