Though it may look a bit strange, black soap is just as clean as the white and light-colored soaps common in the U.S. and Europe. In fact, this type of soap has been used in African countries for centuries. Black soap has been noted for its capability to clear oily skin and relieve acne using only natural ingredients.
Benefits
Black soap is commonly used to treat acne and other bumps and spots on the face and body. It is an effective product for relieving oily skin and removing makeup as well, says Africa Imports. Black soap may also be used as a shampoo. The soap contains shea butter, which helps protect skin from UV rays, explains Treehugger. Black soap may also help eliminate wrinkles and fine lines, relieve skin rashes, remove body odor and gently exfoliate the skin.
Types
Black soap can be purchased in either liquid or solid form. Black soaps have a dark color that corresponds to the length of time its ingredients have been roasted: the longer the roasting process, the darker the product, says Africa Imports. Although the soap does not have a strong smell naturally, some producers add artificial scents to the soap during processing.
Recipe
To make black soap, the leaves and bark of plantains, cocoa pods, shea trees and palm trees are dried out and and roasted in a kettle. Then water, palm oil, cocoa oil and palm kernel oil are added. After stirring it for a day, the mixture is set out to cure for two weeks. Some recipes and cooking processes for black soap may vary according to the region or tribe from where they originate.
History
Black soap has been created and used in many African countries for years. Although the soap is often associated with Ghana, it is also common in Togo for cleaning the sensitive skin of newborns. This type of soap is commonly made by African women, some of whom are protected by fair trade agreements, says Treehugger. Black soap is sometimes referred to as Anago Samina or Alata Samina, both of which originate from the Twi language of northern Ghana, says Africa Imports.
Warning
Black soap contains a high concentration of glycerin, causing it to absorb moisture from the air quickly. This type of soap will last longer when stored in a sealed, dry container or bag, explains LovetoKnow. This applies only to the solid bars of black soap, not liquid black soap.
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