African black soap, sometimes called Ose Dudu or Dudun-Ose, is made by hand from the ashes of a number of plants including plantain leaves and cocoa pods, which are mixed with various oils, such as cocoa butter and shea butter oil, and water. The exact recipe varies from maker to maker. The soap has a dark brown color, crumbly texture and a distinctive aroma. Black soap is also available from some vendors as a liquid soap or as a more processed bar soap with added ingredients. Other black soaps include Japanese soaps made with bamboo charcoal.
Cleansing
As with any soap, the primary benefit of using black soap is cleansing. Black soap is a multi-purpose cleanser which can be used by children as well as adults. Black soap can also be used to remove makeup. Charcoal in soap may help absorb bacteria and body odors, providing more thorough cleansing.
Acne
Black soap can help reduce acne outbreaks by reducing oiliness and killing bacteria which cause acne. Charcoal is known for its absorbent properties. Some proponents say using black soap reduces the appearance of acne scars.
Soothing
Users of black soap report that it leaves their skin soothed, reducing irritation from rashes and skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The ashes used in black soap have been used as a traditional folk treatment for skin irritation. Some black soap formulas contain honey, also known for its healing properties. Black soap can be used by people with sensitive skin.
Exfoliation
The ash in African black soap provides gentle exfoliation. This gentle exfoliation may help reduce the appearance of fine lines and discolorations and reduce razor bumps, according to Kristin Underwood of TreeHugger.
Economic Benefits
You can benefit the manufacture and availability of organic products when you purchase organic black soap. You can benefit sustainable economic systems when you purchase soap made by fair trade organizations. For some consumers, these economic benefits are as important as product benefits when making purchasing decisions.
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