What is African Black Soap and why is it so popular

African Black Soap is often just referred to as Black Soap, even though it isn’t always black. It can also be found under different names such as Anago or Yoruba Soaps, depending on the region that it’s made in. It can be in shades of brown and has bits and pieces of plants and dried peels, which give it a scrub type of texture. Like the name suggests, it is made in Africa, and the best kind to purchase is Fair Trade African Black Soap because it helps to ensure that proceeds from the product actually go back to help support the communities that make the soap.

It is made from only plant-based ingredients such as plantain skins, cocoa pods, palm tree leaves and shea tree bark. It is first sun dried and then burned in fire pits to create ash. Once this is done, water, coconut oil, palm oil, cocoa pods and shea butter are added to the ash and cooked for at least twenty-four hours. It is hand-stirred and when the soap has solidified, it is scooped out and placed on shelves to cure for many days.

Widely known for being an amazing facial cleanser that combats oil and acne-prone skin while removing harmful bacteria as well as dirt and impurities, African Black Soap is also reputed to be able to subtly lighten skin because it works by removing dead cells on the skin’s surface that allows nutrients such as Vitamins A, E, etc. in.

Some of the many benefits of African Black Soap include:

• It’s safe for all skin types, especially oily skin, but can be drying to skin that is already really dry
• It’s antibacterial and despite its strength, it is gentle enough to use on your face, hands and body.
• It helps with oily and combination skin as the shea butter may add moisture and the coconut oil may help to prevent overactive oil glands.
• It is anti-inflammatory and rich in vitamins A and E, which are both antioxidants that help to combat free radicals on your skin.
• Black soap contains natural exfoliants which may help improve skin’s texture. This is also a key factor in keeping your skin smooth after shaving or waxing.
• It can be safely used to help treat various types of fungus, including toenail fungus and athlete’s foot.
• It may help reduce fine lines and wrinkles because it exfoliates the dead skin and the shea butter and coconut oil may help reduce collagen.

When using African Black Soap for the first time, it may be best to use it once every couple of days to allow your skin to adjust to it, if you have sensitive skin. As with any soap, it is possible for those with sensitive skin to have an allergic reaction, so if your skin becomes irritated or you develop a rash, discontinue use.

Flower City Soap Company’s African Black Soap is made with free trade, authentic Black Soap from Africa and we form it into an easy to use bar with a few of our own skin-healthy ingredients. It is one of our most popular soaps!