Black soap is a soap from Africa made with all-natural ingredients that claims to benefit the skin. This variety of soap is created by burning plant leaves and skins and using the ashes to create the black hue true to its name. The ashes are mixed with moisturizing agents to create the final product.
All-Natural
The Africa Imports website explains that the ingredients in soaps are absorbed into the skin and brought into the bloodstream. For this reason, natural ingredients in soaps are considered better than artificial chemicals found in many store-bought soaps. African black soap generally contains natural ingredients, including the skin of plantains, honey, coconut oil and powder from cocoa pods. It is free of additives found in many soaps, such as animal products, artificial color, fragrance and preservatives.
History
According to Africa Imports, black soap has been used throughout history in West Africa. Black soap is still handmade in this region today. Different villages in Africa create the soap in various ways, so the ingredients and process can change depending on the area. The process for making this soap has been handed down through the generations, and today it is still made with techniques of the past. In Africa, black soap is named Ose Dudu.
Practical Uses
Black soap is often used by Africans for shaving, as shampoo, and as baby soap. Women utilize it during pregnancy, especially for dry skin and stretch marks. It is also used to alleviate a number of skin conditions, such as acne, blemishes, rashes and an excess of oil.
Properties
Black soap has components such as tropical honey and glycerin that moisturize the skin. The vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and iron, in black soap add strength to skin and hair. The Black Women Beauty Central website asserts that black soap deeply cleans and pulls impurities from the skin, as well as lifts aging skin.
Considerations
Some manufacturers sell imitation black soap, dyed black without the benefits of natural black soap. Find real African black soap in health foods stores, African or international specialty stores, or on the internet. The Black Women Beauty Central website explains that black soap comes in lump, bar or liquid forms.
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