Black soap from Africa is also known as ose dudu and anago soap. It is made from the combination of burnt leaves of plantain and palm as well as banana bark, cocoa pods and shea butter. All ingredients are burned in a pot, and coconut oil, palm kernel oil and palm oil are added to the mixture, which is stirred for 24 hours by hand, after which the paste is set to cure for two weeks.
Skin Irritation
African black soap is thought to help soften rough skin and relieve skin irritation caused by acne and rashes, says Jeanne Egbosiuba Ukwendu on Bellaonline.com. It is even considered beneficial for treating skin conditions such as ringworm, eczema and psoriasis, which is when skin cells grow quickly on the surface, forming itchy and dry scales.
Ingredients present in the plantain leaves are thought to be the primary components that give black soap its healing properties. Some of these ingredients include iron as well as vitamin A and E, according to Africaimports.com.
Moisturizer
Black soap contains oils that are beneficial to the scalp and hair, leaving it clean and shiny. It also contains glycerin, which is a humectant, meaning it promotes the retention of moisture. This humectant action will attract and retain moisture in the hair shaft. Avoid using black soap if you have oily hair, as it may aggravate this condition.
Cleanser
African black soap is highly cleansing to the skin and hair and can help in the treatment of dandruff, according to Hosiaonline.com. It contains no chemicals and therefore helps restore natural skin balance while still acting upon harmful bacteria that may cause infection. It is especially beneficial in cleansing off makeup. It may also even out skin discoloration and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
You can also use it to clean wounds on any part of the skin by adding it to your bath water and soaking in it for at least 15 minutes. Since black soap is chemical free, it will not foam as much as conventional soaps.
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