Traditionally used in Africa, black soap is gaining in popularity in the United States. Many people are attracted to the product because it cleans well without irritating sensitive skin. While some varieties are sold with artificial scents added, most types of black soap contain only natural ingredients. Most fans of black soap make their purchases online since the product is rarely sold in stores.
History
Ghana is the country that has been most associated with the creation and use of black soap, says Treehugger, but black soap has been made by a wide variety of tribes and groups in West Africa, each of which has developed its own recipe. Traditionally, black soap has been made by African women, and Love to Know explains that African women have used the product to clean their hair and skin for several decades. It's also used as a gentle cleanser for infants, especially in the country of Togo.
Ingredients
A variety of natural ingredients are utilized in the process of making black soap. Palm leaves, shea tree bark and the husks of plantains and cocoa pods are all roasted. A liquid mixture of water, palm oil and coconut oil also is added before the soap is stirred and left to set, says Treehugger. Although these ingredients are included in almost all types of black soap, some tribes and groups in Africa have developed their own recipes.
Benefits
Black soap commonly is used for its general cleansing properties, including the ability to help relieve acne, clear up oily skin and remove makeup. It also can be applied to hair as a shampoo, says Africa Imports, and is sometimes used to relieve eczema or psoriasis. According to Treehugger, the high concentration of shea butter in black soap offers protection from UV rays. It's also considered a gentle cleanser that is safe for sensitive skin, including that of babies and the elderly.
Considerations
According to Treehugger, many of the varieties of black soap made in Africa contain no artificial ingredients. However, not all black soap products are pure, so inspect the packaging before making a purchase. Also, the cocoa pods used to create black soap might infuse the product with some caffeine. Because caffeine has the potential to be transmitted through the skin, those with a sensitivity to caffeine should limit their use of black soap.
Alternate Names
Black soap also might be referred to as African black soap, Alata Samina or Anago Samina. Africa Imports explains that the names Alata Samina and Anago Samina come from the Twi languange used by northern Ghanaians.
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