What Is African Black Soap Made Of? (Explained)

What Is African Black Soap?

African black soap, also known as black soap or African soap, is a traditional skincare product originating from West Africa. It is crafted from natural ingredients such as plantain skins, cocoa pods, palm kernel oil, and shea butter, which are locally sourced and processed using traditional methods. 

These ingredients are sun-dried and roasted, then mixed with oils and water to form the soap. The result is a dark-colored soap with a slightly grainy texture, renowned for its gentle cleansing properties and various skincare benefits. 

Watch a video of the process: Making Black Soap

African black soap is cherished for its ability to cleanse the skin without stripping away its natural oils, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types. It's also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it effective in treating acne, eczema, and other skin conditions. Overall, African black soap is celebrated for its natural ingredients and versatility in promoting healthier, clearer skin.

Try our Liquid Black Soap Body Washes Here!

Key Ingredients in African Black Soap

African black soap contains a harmonious blend of natural ingredients, including:

Plant Ash

Plant ash is a crucial component of African black soap, lending it its characteristic dark color and contributing to its exfoliating properties. It helps to cleanse the skin by removing dead cells and impurities, leaving it fresh and revitalized.

Plantain Skins

Palm Tree Leaves

Cocoa Pods

Shea Tree Bark

Oils and Butters

African black soap also contains various oils and butters that enhance its moisturizing and emollient properties. These include:

Shea Butter

Coconut Oil

Palm Kernel Oil

These oils and butters work in harmony with the other ingredients in African black soap to cleanse, nourish, and rejuvenate the skin, making it a beloved skincare staple with numerous benefits.

The Traditional Production Process: A Multi-Day Journey

The traditional production process of African black soap is a multi-day journey that involves several key steps:

Sun-Drying and Burning Plant Materials to Create Ash

The process begins with gathering plant materials such as plantain skins, cocoa pods, and palm tree leaves. These ingredients are then sun-dried to remove moisture and enhance their potency. Once dried, they are burned to create ash, which is a vital ingredient in African black soap. The ash contributes to the soap's cleansing and exfoliating properties.

Mixing the Ash with Water and Oils/Butters

The next step involves mixing the plant ash with water and natural oils or butters such as shea butter, coconut oil, or palm kernel oil. This creates a thick, dark-colored paste that serves as the base of the soap. The combination of ash and oils/butters provides the soap with its cleansing, moisturizing, and nourishing properties.

Cooking and Stirring the Mixture for an Extended Period

Once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, the soap mixture is cooked over a low flame for an extended period, typically several hours. During this time, the mixture is continuously stirred to ensure even heating and prevent burning. The cooking process allows the ingredients to blend together and undergo chemical reactions, resulting in the formation of soap.

Curing the Resulting Paste into Bars

After the cooking process is complete, the soap mixture is allowed to cool and harden. It is then shaped into bars or molded into various shapes, depending on the maker's preference. The soap bars are left to cure for several days or weeks, allowing them to harden further and develop their characteristic texture and aroma.

This is labor-intensive and requires patience and skill. However, the result is a high-quality, natural soap with numerous skincare benefits, cherished by communities in West Africa and beyond.

 Shaping Black Soap Bars

Watch a video of the process here: Making Black Soap

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Main Ingredient in African Black Soap?

The main ingredient in African black soap is plant ash, which is created by burning plant materials such as plantain skins, cocoa pods, and palm tree leaves. The ash is combined with water and natural oils or butters such as shea butter, coconut oil, or palm kernel oil to create the soap's distinctive dark-colored paste. This blend of ingredients gives African black soap its cleansing, moisturizing, and nourishing properties.

What Does African Black Soap Smell Like?

The scent of African black soap can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the production process. Generally, African black soap has a natural, earthy aroma with hints of roasted plant materials and the oils and butters used in its formulation. Some variations may have a slightly smoky scent due to the ash content, while others may have a more pronounced fragrance from added essential oils or herbs.

Can I Use African Black Soap on My Hair?

Yes, African black soap can be used on the hair as well as the body. Its natural cleansing and moisturizing properties make it suitable for gently removing dirt, oil, and product buildup from the hair and scalp without stripping away natural oils. African black soap can help to balance the scalp's pH, soothe irritation, and promote healthy hair growth. However, it's essential to follow up with a conditioner or hair oil to replenish moisture and prevent dryness, especially for those with dry or curly hair.

Conclusion: What Goes Into Making African Black Soap?

In conclusion, crafting African black soap is a labor-intensive process that involves a combination of natural ingredients and traditional techniques. The main ingredient, plant ash, is derived from sun-dried and burned plant materials such as plantain skins, cocoa pods, and palm tree leaves. This ash is then mixed with water and natural oils or butters like shea butter, coconut oil, or palm kernel oil to create a thick paste. The mixture is cooked and stirred for an extended period, allowing the ingredients to blend together and undergo chemical reactions. Finally, the resulting paste is cured into bars, ready to be used for cleansing and nourishing the skin. African black soap embodies centuries-old knowledge passed down through generations, offering a holistic approach to skincare that celebrates the natural abundance of West Africa.