African black soap has been used across West Africa for generations, and it's now one of the most popular natural cleansers in the world. If you've never tried it, or you've bought a bar and aren't sure how to use it, this guide covers the basics.
What is African black soap?
Traditional African black soap is made by hand, mainly in Ghana, Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. It's usually made from the ashes of locally harvested plants, such as cocoa pods, plantain skins and palm leaves, cooked with oils and butters like shea butter, palm kernel oil or coconut oil. The ashes give the soap its dark brown color.
Real black soap is usually soft, slightly crumbly and uneven in color, and it can look quite different from bar to bar. Smooth, perfectly black bars are often a commercially made version.
Why do people love it?
- It cleanses well. It lathers richly and removes dirt and oil.
- It's versatile. Many people use it on the face, body and even the scalp.
- It's simple. Traditional bars have a short, plant-based ingredient list.
How to use African black soap
On your face
- Break off a small piece. Keep the rest of the bar dry.
- Rub the piece between wet hands to make a lather. Don't rub the bar directly on your face, because the rough texture can scratch.
- Massage the lather gently over damp skin for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Rinse well with lukewarm water and pat dry.
- Follow with a moisturizer, since black soap can feel drying.
On your body
Lather a piece with a washcloth or loofah and wash as usual. Follow with a body lotion or body oil to keep skin soft.
Tips for every skin type
- Dry or sensitive skin: start with once a day or every other day, and always moisturize afterward.
- Oily skin: many people use it once or twice a day. Still follow with a light moisturizer.
- Everyone: patch test first. Wash a small area and wait 24 hours before using it all over. Stop if you notice stinging or redness.
How to store black soap
Because traditional black soap contains no hardeners, it softens quickly in water. Keep it on a draining soap dish or in a sealed bag, away from the shower spray. Cutting a large bar into smaller pieces helps it last.
Black soap variations
You'll also find black soaps mixed with extra ingredients, such as turmeric or shea butter, plus handmade soaps inspired by traditional recipes. Browse our bar soaps, including large African black soap bars and our Organic Handmade range.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use black soap every day?
Many people do. If your skin feels tight or dry, cut back to every other day and moisturize more.
Why is my black soap soft or sweating?
That's normal for traditional black soap. It's made with natural oils and absorbs moisture from the air. Keep it dry between uses.
Does black soap expire?
It lasts a long time if stored dry, but it's best used within a year or so of opening.
Shop all bar soaps, available as a single bar or a 3-pack.
