Monday, March 10, 2025

Black Soap: How to Use It and Its Benefits

African black soap

While I enjoy learning about new personal care products, black soap has been around for a very long period. I hadn't previously considered its numerous advantages. Learning all it has to offer, many have come to love this unusual soap as a household favorite.

If, like me, you're intrigued by this especially colored soap and why it's become so popular, you're in the right place! Keep reading.

What is black soap?

Burnt cocoa pod ash or roasted plantain skin ash mixed with a particular kind of oil, like coconut or palm, is what black soap is made of. This is the usual base for soap, but some types also have shea butter, aloe vera, and honey in them. The ash gives black soap its dark color.

Real black soap comes from West Africa and is a dark brown or gray color with a rough surface. A few of the corners of the soap may even start to fall apart easily. Real black soap is made without lye or added smells and doesn't have any extra ingredients. However, the appeal of black soap extends beyond its natural, additive-free composition. It has many other uses as well.

Advantages of Black Soap: In addition to cleaning your hands and body, black soap has many other uses.

Antimicrobial Qualities

In addition to dirt and pollutants, traditional black soap may help remove dangerous microorganisms. Actually, black soap has antibacterial qualities that could help stop bacterial illnesses from Staph and E. coli. According to one study, black soap manufactured the old-fashioned way had more antibacterial activity than medicated soaps.

Safe for the majority of skin types

Fragrances, colors, and sulfur are among the components found in many soaps that can irritate skin, particularly in people with eczema or sensitive skin. Since black soap doesn't contain these extra additives, it's a great option for most people with a variety of skin types. If any soap, including black soap, causes discomfort or adverse effects, stop using it and see your dermatologist.

Black soap can treat acne and blemishes

Black soap may assist with acne and pimples in a variety of ways. First, its antibacterial qualities may lower the presence of acne-causing bacteria on the skin's surface. Second, black soap may help to balance the oils on your skin, creating a blemish-free appearance. Finally, black soap with honey may reduce skin inflammation, lowering the risk of pimples and acne. Black soap can also be used as an exfoliator, clearing away dead skin cells that can block pores and cause blemishes.

Exfoliates skin

Black soap, unlike most bar soaps, has an abrasive texture. Traditional black soap contains ash, burnt cocoa pods, and plantain skins, which act as natural exfoliants for the skin, gently eliminating dead skin cells that could block pores and hair follicles, resulting in blemishes, blackheads, and ingrown hairs. Black soap is an excellent alternative to chemical exfoliants, which are rougher on the skin and less accepted by delicate skin types.

May treat skin Fungus

Fungus is the cause of many common problems, including dandruff, athlete's foot, and toenail fungus. According to research, traditional black soap has antifungal qualities that may aid in the treatment of many common health concerns as well as other types of fungus. The ash from dried cocoa pods in black soap may aid in limiting the growth of germs and microorganisms. Honey also has antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, which add to the benefits of black soap in terms of skin protection and treatment of specific bacterial and fungal disorders.

Reduces inflammation

Black soap contains vitamins A and E, two micronutrients with strong antioxidant possibilities. Antioxidants not only protect the body from free radicals, but they can also lower inflammation. Certain skin diseases, such as rosacea, cause painful and obvious inflammation. Using black soap may help reduce inflammation while also potentially improving the underlying issues that are generating it. Honey, another popular component in black soap, has extra anti-inflammatory benefits.

Treats dandruff

Despite its name, you can use black soap as both a soap and a shampoo. Dandruff is a scalp ailment that has multiple origins, the most frequent of which are dry or oily skin and fungus. When used as a shampoo, black soap may help with dandruff in a variety of ways. Its antifungal characteristics can inhibit the growth of fungus that causes dandruff on the scalp, improve the balance of oils on the skin, and moisturize the skin.

Moisturizes the skin

Shea butter and coconut oil, two common components in black soap, have great moisturizing properties. These oils possess the capacity to retain moisture, enhancing skin hydration and alleviating the common itching associated with skin dryness. Black soap's nutrient profile, which includes a high vitamin E level, can also assist in increasing skin hydration. Check out this blog for more skin hydration suggestions. It has the potential to alleviate acne and blemishes.

Black soap may assist with acne and pimples in various ways. First, its antibacterial qualities may lower the presence of acne-causing bacteria on the skin's surface. Second, black soap may help to balance the oils on your skin, creating a blemish-free appearance. Finally, black soap with honey may reduce skin inflammation, lowering the risk of pimples and acne. Black soap can also be used as an exfoliator, clearing away dead skin cells that can block pores and cause blemishes.

Refer to this post for more information on acne control and dermatologists' solutions.

Exfoliates skin

Black soap, unlike most bar soaps, has an abrasive texture to the touch. Traditional black soap contains ash, burnt cocoa pods, and plantain skins, which act as natural exfoliants for the skin, gently eliminating dead skin cells that could block pores and hair follicles, resulting in blemishes, blackheads, and ingrown hairs. Black soap is an excellent alternative to chemical exfoliants, which are rougher on the skin and less accepted by delicate skin types.

May Treat Skin Fungus

Fungus is the cause of many common problems, including dandruff, athlete's foot, and toenail fungus. According to research, traditional black soap has antifungal qualities that may aid in the treatment of many common health concerns as well as other types of fungus. The ash from dried cocoa pods in black soap may aid in limiting the growth of germs and microorganisms. Honey also has antibacterial and antifungal characteristics, which add to the benefits of black soap in terms of skin protection and treatment of specific bacterial and fungal disorders.

How To Use Black Soap

Before you apply black soap—or any new product—to your entire body, test a small patch of skin to make sure you do not react to any of its contents. This is particularly important for people with sensitive skin.

Begin by soaking your hands and lathering the soap before applying it to your skin. Massage the soap into your skin as you would any other soap or body wash. Then, thoroughly rinse it out and continue with your usual skin and hair care routines.

Possible Effects of Black Soap

Most people can use black soap without any problems, but some may have mild side effects.

Skin irritation: If you use too much soap or too often, it can dry out your skin and make it irritated. To keep this from happening, use black soap twice or three times a week at first, and then more often if you can handle it. To avoid getting dry, always use a lot of moisturizer after using black soap.

Redness: Due to its natural exfoliating properties, black soap may initially cause redness on sensitive skin. If you see this, use less soap and less often to keep your skin from getting irritated.

Rashes or acne: The natural exfoliants in black soap may be too rough for people with sensitive skin, giving them rashes, bumps, or acne. If this happens to you, talk to your physician before you continue using black soap.

How to Make Soap Black

You can buy black soap, but it's really simple to make your own!

Put water and potash (potassium carbonate) in a pot over medium-low heat to begin. Scrape the sides of the bowl every so often as you stir the mixture until it starts to look like ground meat.

Warm up your chosen oil in a different pot over low heat. You could use coconut oil.
6 ounces of warm water should be mixed with 1.8 ounces of the potash base. After that, add the mixture to the pot with the oil that has become liquid. Heat the mixture on high until it boils. Then turn off the heat and let the solution cool and thicken.
To make the ash, grind up dried, empty cocoa pods until they look like soot. You can also use the tops of plantains.
When the oil and potash have cooled, add the ash and mix them together. Move it to a storage bin and leave it outside for 48 hours before you use it.
  1. Put water and potash (potassium carbonate) in a pot over medium-low heat to begin. Scrape the sides of the bowl every so often as you stir the mixture until it starts to look like ground meat.
  2. Warm up your chosen oil in a different pot over low heat. You could use coconut oil.
  3. Mix 6 ounces of warm water with 1.8 ounces of the potash base.
  4. Add the mixture to the pot with the oil that has become liquid. Heat the mixture on high until it boils.
  5. Turn off the heat and let the solution cool and thicken.
  6. To make the ash, grind up dried, empty cocoa pods until they look like soot. You can also use the tops of plantains.
  7. When the oil and potash have cooled, add the ash and mix them together.
  8. Move it to a storage bin and leave it outside for 48 hours before you use it.
There are many more benefits to black soap than to regular soap. Black soap cleans well and naturally exfoliates. It may also help treat or stop some skin diseases and fungal infections. Since black soap is made with few natural ingredients, it can be used by most people without any problems. Check out all the different kinds of black soap on the market to add its many skin-care benefits to your routine.


Photo by Monstera Production
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49 comments

  1. That sounds interesting. I know similar soaps. The original is definitely better. Preferably with shea butter.

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    1. Yeah, shea butter always hits different! Original is usually the best.

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  2. Que bien, se de lo bueno que es la legía( que se obtiene de la ceniza) antiguamente es lo que usaba en los campos para limpiar las ollas de grasas y quemados, lo mismo que las cubiertas de las mesas o mesones donde se cocinaba, claro por lo exfoliante y lo desinfectante...la ceniza es un gran aliado en el jardín.
    Me gustó lo del jabón, creo que lo he tenido en alguna ocasión.

    Tengas buena semana.
    Abrazos.

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    1. True, lye’s pretty versatile! It’s wild how it works in so many areas, from cleaning to the garden. Glad you liked the soap!

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  3. I've never heard of black soap before. It seems to be really good :-D

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    1. It is! Black soap is packed with natural ingredients and great for the skin. Definitely worth trying out!

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  4. I need to check into this. It sounds like a soap I can get behind.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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    1. For sure, it’s worth a try! It’s super natural and gentle. Let me know what you think when you give it a go!

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  5. I have never heard about black soap, but it sounds like a wonderful product. I like the idea of no additives.

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    1. It really is! The simplicity of no additives makes it so pure and effective. Definitely worth checking out!

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  6. Wow! I had no idea of all the benefits. Thank you for the great report.

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    1. Glad you found it helpful! It’s amazing how much it can do. Happy to share!

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  7. Interesting post. I have never heard of black soap. I do know (but I don't use) gray soap.
    Melody, I salute you and I wish you a happy week!

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    1. Gray soap is interesting too! Black soap is definitely worth checking out—it’s got a lot of skin benefits.

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  8. Przyznam, że nie używałam jeszcze takiego mydła, ale wszystko przede mną.

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    1. You’re in for a treat! Definitely worth giving it a try when you get the chance.

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  9. Wow. I have never heard of black soap. It might be useful for me because I have problems with my foot nails (because of the pills I have to take). I will not try and make it myself, but I will look for it and buy it. Thank you. :)

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    1. You're welcome! Black soap could definitely help with skin issues. Buying it ready-made is a smart move! Hope it works out for you. :)

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  10. Boa tarde de segunda-feira, com muita paz e saúde. Acho que no estado de Minas Gerais, Cidade Histórica de Itabirito, tem um sabão ou sabonete preto, só não sei sua composição.

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    1. Good afternoon! I hope you're having a peaceful day too. It’s possible that there’s a local version of black soap in Itabirito. Many places have their own variations, so it might be worth checking out local shops or markets to see if they offer it and ask about its ingredients. Let me know if you find out more!

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  11. Replies
    1. You're very welcome! I'm glad you found it interesting! Feel free to reach out if you have more questions.

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  12. Nunca he usado jabón negro. Tomó nota . Te mando un beso.

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    1. Nice! It’s definitely worth a try when you get the chance. Let me know how it goes!

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  13. Sounds fantastic.. I hadn't heard of black soap before.

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    1. It really is! It’s got some awesome benefits. Definitely worth checking out if you get the chance!

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  14. interesting product.....I'll try to find it in the market....
    # Have a great day

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    1. Awesome! Hope you find it easily. Let me know what you think once you try it!

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  15. Where my mother is from, ash has also been used to make natural cleaning products. Ash was also used to treat skin and any damage done to the skin such as cuts and so on. So, I'm familiar with the fact that ash can have disinfecting and anti-inflammatory properties.
    It's wonderful to hear about these traditional black soaps from Africa and about their content. I'm sure both the traditional and the modern versions have many benefits.

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    1. Exactly! It’s all-natural and super effective. Hope you enjoy it when you try it out!

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  16. Great post! Information I didn't know about black soap's benefits.
    Have a nice day :-)

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    1. Thanks so much! I’m glad you found the info helpful. Have a wonderful day as well!

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  17. Honestly I didn't know about black soaps's benefit but a friend of mine gifted me wth one. Now I know that is a really good product!!!

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    1. That's awesome! It’s always a pleasant surprise when you discover something new and beneficial. Glad you're enjoying it!

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  18. Recuerdo de niño ver a mi madre hacer jabón para lavar la ropa con aceite usada de cocina, sosa caustica y agua. El lugar debía estar ventilado y lo hacía en un barreño de metal.
    He visto jabones de todo tipo pero no recuerdo estos de color negro.

    Saludos.

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    1. That’s such a cool memory! Homemade soap has such a unique process. Black soap, though, is a bit different—it’s made from natural ingredients like plant ash and oils, giving it a gentler touch compared to traditional soaps. It’s worth trying out if you ever come across it!

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  19. I haven't tried this kind of soap before, but would definitely like to, especially after all of the benefits that you shared. It's wonderful that it can be useful for many different skin types and works to exfoliate the skin. There are so many benefits! I love that it is possible to make your own (and that you outlined how to do it) but I am probably going to look out for some pre-made soap instead. I would love to try it for myself! Thank you as always for your informative and interesting post. I just love reading your blog <3

    the creation of beauty is art.

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    1. Thank you so much for the kind words! I'm really glad you enjoy reading. 😊 Black soap is definitely worth trying, especially since it’s so versatile for different skin types. Buying pre-made is a great way to start if you don’t want to make it yourself. Hope you enjoy it when you get the chance to try it!

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  20. Much to my shame, I hadn't heard of black soap until I read your post. Its benefits seem to be incredible, so I'm going to have a lookout for it. Thank you for sharing Melody! xxx

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    1. No shame at all! It's great that you're discovering something new, and black soap really does have some amazing benefits. I hope you find some soon and enjoy it! Thanks for reading, and you're very welcome!

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  21. I like using black soap and have heard a lot about its benefits.
    Happy new week!

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    1. That's awesome! Black soap really does have so many great benefits. Glad to hear you're enjoying it!

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  22. Olá, querida amiga Melody!
    Era o preferido do meu pai. Gosto do perfume dele, deixa um cheiro agradável. Não sabia que devíamos evitar uso contínuo para não causar ressecamento.
    Atualmente trouxe fragrâncias do sabonete de carneiro artesanal, estou gostando muito.
    Tenha dias abençoados!
    Beijinhos fraternos

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    1. Hello, my dear friend! That’s sweet to hear your father loved it too. Yes, it’s great to know the balance with black soap—too much can dry out the skin. Lamb’s milk soap sounds wonderful, especially with those fragrances! Wishing you a blessed day as well!

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  23. We also use natural soaps. This black soap is similar to our sulfur soap. There are many natural soaps such as rose, donkey milk, sulfur soap. It is used for hand, body and skin cleaning and sometimes in the bath. Thanks for the black soap information Melody. ✔🌹💕🍀🎁😊

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  24. Thank you for this wonderful and extensive rundown on African Black Soap. I have a bar of it in my Amazon cart to purchase when I am running low on soap. I have been very curious about its benefits and you have me even more excited to give it a try. I do like that you have included a recipe for homemade black soap as an alternative to purchasing your own. I am usually limited on time, so I'll buy a pre-made bar for my first try, but maybe this summer I'll have a little free time to make my own.

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  25. A very valuable post, it is worth spreading knowledge about such aspects that are important for health, and incidentally also for beauty.
    I know black soap, I used it once and I will probably go back to it, because I have very fond memories of the time when I used it.
    Warmest greetings to you.

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  26. Hola amiga, me gusto lo del jabón negro parece muy útil, gracias por pasar por mis escritos.
    Abrazo

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  27. Lulu: "Uh-oh, soap? That sounds like it might mean ... A BATH."
    Java Bean: "¡No quiero bañarme!"

    ReplyDelete

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