African black soap is a traditional West African soap made by cooking plant ash, from cocoa pod husk and plantain skin, with oils such as palm kernel and coconut oil, often with shea butter added. It is soft, crumbly and dark brown rather than truly black. Rub it between wet hands to make a lather instead of putting the raw bar straight on your face, and keep it dry between uses.
How it is made
Traditional black soap is cooked and cured by hand. Plant matter such as cocoa pod husk and plantain skin is sun-dried and roasted into ash, which supplies the alkali that turns oils into soap. The Natural African Black Soap 16 oz Premium cut is handmade in Ghana this way, combining palm kernel oil, coconut oil and stearin oil with unrefined shea butter and natural vitamin E. Because it is lightly processed, each batch can vary a little in color and texture.
Types we carry
| Product | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Natural African Black Soap 16 oz cut | Raw block, 16 oz | Handmade in Ghana, cut to size at home |
| African Black Soap with Organic Shea Butter | 100g bar | Black soap base with organic shea butter |
| Ninon African Black Soap | 140g bar | Plant-ash and vegetable-oil base |
| GZE African Black Soap 3-in-1 Cleanser | 100g bar | Made for face, body and hair |
| OCEAURA Black Soap with Argan & Rose | Soft paste, 200g (7oz) jar | Moroccan beldi style, not West African |
Browse the black soap collection and African natural products.
African black soap vs Moroccan black soap
They share a name but are different products. West African black soap is a firm, crumbly bar made with plant ash. Moroccan black soap, or beldi soap, is a soft paste made by saponifying olive oil, used in hammam bathing. The OCEAURA beldi paste adds argan oil, rose oil and hyaluronic acid. You smooth a paste onto damp skin, leave it for a few minutes in a warm shower, then rinse. Many people follow with an exfoliating mitt.
How to use raw black soap
- Break off a small piece, about the size of a marble.
- Wet your hands and rub the piece between them to make a lather.
- Apply the lather, not the raw piece, to wet skin. Raw black soap can have a gritty texture that feels scratchy.
- Rinse well with lukewarm water.
- Follow with a moisturizer or a few drops of body oil on damp skin.
Start with a few uses a week. Black soap can feel more drying than a cream bar, especially on the face. For a moisturizing step, read body oil vs body lotion.
Storage
- Black soap is soft and absorbs moisture from the air. Keep it on a draining dish, away from the shower stream.
- Store the main block in a sealed bag or container and cut off only what you need.
- A white film on the surface is usually glycerin or moisture, not mold. Wipe it off and let the bar dry.
Hair
Some bars, like the GZE 3-in-1, are meant for hair too. If you would rather use a dedicated bar, the Black Castor Oil Shampoo Bar with Jojoba and Olive Oil is a solid shampoo. See our shampoo bar guide.
Safety
- Patch test on the inner arm before using on the face.
- Keep lather out of the eyes. Rinse with water if it gets in.
- Stop if your skin feels tight, stings or turns red.
- Shea butter comes from a tree nut. Most people with nut allergies tolerate it, but ask your doctor if you have a severe allergy.
Frequently asked questions
Why is African black soap brown, not black?
The color comes from roasted plant ash. Handmade soap is usually dark brown, and the shade varies by batch.
Can I use African black soap on my face?
Many people do. Make a lather in your hands first, start with a few times a week and moisturize afterward.
How long does a block last?
Longer than you might think, since you only use a small piece at a time. Keeping it dry makes it last.
Is Moroccan black soap the same thing?
No. Moroccan beldi soap is an olive oil paste. West African black soap is a firm bar made with plant ash.
This guide is general information about soap and skin care. It is not medical advice.
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