A Beginners Guide to Making Black Soap Bars

Simple steps and background information to get you started making your own black soap beauty bars using black soap crumbs, water and essential oils.

The Baraka Black Soap Crumbs are traditionally handmade African Black Soap using Shea Butter and Coconut Oil

This short blog, which is designed to accompany the Black Soap Elixir Bars DIY Recipe Kit for making Essential Oil Infused Black Soap Bars

Below you will find:

Short discussion on the Skincare Benefits of Black Soap

Mix and Mold Method:  Directions for making Black Soap Elixir Bars

Double Boiler Method: Directions for making Black Soap Elixir Bars

Skincare Benefits of Black Soap

African black soap, a traditional West African cleanser, is renowned for its natural ingredients and potential benefits for the skin. It is made with Shea Butter and Coconut Oil and offers a powerful blend of nutrients and antioxidants that can enhance your skincare routine.

Benefits of African Black Soap

• Exfoliation: The natural ingredients in black soap can help gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and revealing a brighter, smoother complexion.
• Acne Treatment: Black soap's antibacterial properties may help reduce acne-causing bacteria, making it a suitable option for those with acne-prone skin.
• Skin Clarification: Some people report that black soap can help lighten dark spots and hyperpigmentation, promoting a more even skin tone.
• Deep Cleansing: The soap's cleansing properties can help remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the pores, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and clean.

Benefits of Shea Butter

• Moisturization: Shea butter is rich in fatty acids that can help hydrate and moisturize the skin, preventing dryness and flakiness.
• Anti-inflammatory: Shea butter contains compounds that may help reduce inflammation, making it beneficial for those with sensitive or irritated skin.
• Skin Protection: Shea butter can help protect the skin from environmental damage caused by factors like UV rays and pollution.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

• Antimicrobial: Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties that may help combat bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of skin infections.
• Moisturization: Coconut oil can deeply penetrate the skin, providing long-lasting hydration and nourishment.
• Protein Content: Coconut oil contains proteins that can help strengthen and protect the skin's barrier function.

African black soap made with shea butter, and coconut oil creates a powerful cleanser that can offer a range of skincare benefits. However, it's important to note that individual results may vary, and it's always a good idea to patch test new products before using them on your entire face.

Mix and Mold Method

Ingredients:

- 100 grams of black soap crumbs

- Water (approximately 20-50 ml (adjust based on desired consistency)

- Essential oils: 5-10 drops  (such as lavender, tea tree, peppermint, or your preferred scent)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing your workspace and gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools to make the black soap bars.
2. Break the black soap into small crumbs or shavings using a grater, knife, or your hands. The smaller the pieces, the easier they will absorb water and become easy to mold
3. Place the 100 grams of black soap crumbs in a bowl. Ensure that the bowl is suitable for use in the microwave to prevent any accidents.
4. Begin by adding a small amount of water to the bowl with the black soap crumbs. A good starting point is to add approximately 20-30 grams 
5. Mix the water and soap crumbs together thoroughly. The water will help soften the soap and make it easier to mold.
6. Assess the consistency of the mixture. If the soap mixture is too thick, gradually add more water while stirring until you reach the desired texture. If it's too runny, you can add more soap crumbs to thicken it.
7. Once you have achieved the desired consistency, consider adding a few drops of essential oils to the soap mixture for fragrance. Essential oils not only add a pleasant scent but also offer potential aromatherapy benefits.
8. Mix the essential oils into the soap mixture evenly to distribute the fragrance throughout.
9. Proceed to pack the soap mixture into molds of your choice. You can use silicone molds, ice cube trays, or even shape the bars by hand for a more rustic look.
10. Allow the soap bars to cool and harden at room temperature for several hours or overnight. You can also place them in the refrigerator to speed up the setting process.
11. Once the soap bars have hardened, carefully remove them from the molds. If you encounter any difficulty, gently push on the back of the molds or flex the molds to release the soap bars.
12. Let the soap bars dry completely before using them. This step helps to ensure that the bars are firm and long-lasting.

By following these detailed steps and adjusting the water amount based on the desired consistency of your soap mixture, you can create personalized black soap bars with the added benefits of essential oils for a delightful aroma. Enjoy the process of making your own handmade soap bars!

Double Boiler Method

Ingredients:

• 100 grams Black soap crumbs
• 20-50ml Water (adjust based on desired hardness - less water makes it harder)
• 5-15 drops Essential oils of your choice (optional)

• Pot or double boiler
• Whisk
• Mold

Instructions:

1. Melt the black soap: Place the black soap crumbs in a pot or double boiler and heat over low heat, stirring continuously until the crumbs have melted and the mixture is smooth.
2. Add water: Gradually add water to the melted black soap, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. For a firmer soap, use less water.
3. Add essential oils (optional): If you want to add a fragrance, stir in your chosen essential oils at this point.
4. Pour into molds: Pour the soap mixture into your prepared molds.
5. Let it set: Allow the soap to set undisturbed for 24-48 hours.
6. Unmold and enjoy: Once the soap has solidified, carefully remove it from the molds and let it cure for a few weeks before using.

Tips:

• Quality ingredients: Use high-quality black soap crumbs for the best results.
• Temperature control: Avoid overheating the mixture, as this can cause the soap to separate.
• Mold preparation: Ensure your molds are clean and dry before pouring the soap.
• Experimentation: Feel free to experiment with different ratios of black soap and water to achieve your desired consistency and hardness.

By following these simple steps, you can create natural black soap bars using only black soap crumbs and essential oil. Enjoy the process and the satisfaction of making your own handcrafted beauty products!