I love discovering new body care products, so I was excited to learn about black soap. While I’d heard about it in passing, I hadn’t researched its many benefits—until recently. Since learning all it has to offer, this unique soap has become a household favorite for us and a product I frequently recommend. 

If you, like me, are curious about this uniquely colored soap and why it has gained popularity, you’re in the right place! Read on to learn more about black soap, its benefits, and how to use it. 

What Is Black Soap?

Black Soap is a soap made using burnt cocoa pod ash or roasted plantain skin ash combined with some type of oil, like coconut or palm. While this is the traditional base of the soap, some varieties include shea butter, aloe vera, and honey. The ash gives black soap its namesake dark hue. 

Originally from West Africa, authentic black soap is dark brown or grey in color with an uneven surface. You may even notice the corners of the soap easily crumble. Authentic black soap is free of additives and made without lye or added scents. But its appeal extends beyond its natural, additive-free ingredient list— black soap is loaded with benefits beyond simple cleansing! 

Black Soap Benefits

While black soap is an excellent cleanser for your hands or body, it has many other uses and benefits.   

Antibacterial Properties

Traditional black soap may help wash away harmful bacteria along with dirt and impurities. In fact, black soap has antibacterial properties that may help prevent E.coli and Staph bacterial infections. One study found that traditionally made black soap had higher levels of antimicrobial activity than conventional medicated soaps.1  

Safe for Most Skin Types

Many soaps contain ingredients like fragrances, dyes, and sulfur that can irritate skin—especially for those with sensitive skin or eczema. Black soap is an excellent choice for most people with a range of skin types because it is free of these added ingredients. Discontinue use and consult your dermatologist if you experience discomfort or side effects when using any soap, including black soap. 

May Treat Acne and Blemishes

Black soap may help reduce acne and blemishes in several ways. First, its antimicrobial properties may reduce the number of acne-causing bacteria on the skin’s surface. Second, black soap may improve the balance of oils on your skin, promoting a blemish-free look. Lastly, black soap that contains honey may lessen skin inflammation, reducing the likelihood of blemishes and acne. Black soap can also serve as an exfoliant, helping clear away dead skin cells that could clog pores and lead to blemishes. 

Check out this article for more info on controlling acne and a dermatologist’s answers to the most common skincare questions. 

Exfoliates Skin

While most other bar soaps are smooth to the touch, black soup has an exfoliating texture. The ash, burnt cocoa pods, and plantain skins used in traditional black soap all serve as natural exfoliants for the skin, gently removing dead skin cells that could potentially clog pores and hair follicles and lead to blemishes, blackheads, and ingrown hairs. Black soap is a great alternative to chemical exfoliants that are harsher on the skin and less tolerated by sensitive skin types. 

May Treat Skin Fungus

Fungus is the culprit behind many common issues like dandruff, athlete’s foot, and toenail fungus. Research suggests traditionally made black soap has antifungal properties that may help treat these common health issues and other forms of fungus.2 The ash from dried cocoa pods used in black soap may help inhibit growth of bacteria and microorganisms. Additionally, honey has its own antiseptic and antifungal properties, giving black soap further benefits in protecting skin and treating certain bacterial and fungal conditions. 

Reduces Inflammation

Black soap contains vitamins A and E, two micronutrients with powerful antioxidant properties. Beyond protecting the body against free radicals, antioxidants can also reduce inflammation. Certain skin conditions, like rosacea, lead to uncomfortable and noticeable inflammation. Using black soap may help reduce this inflammation and potentially improve the underlying conditions causing it. Honey, another common ingredient in black soap, offers additional anti-inflammatory properties. 

Treats Dandruff

Although its name suggests it can only be used as a soap, black soap can also be used as a shampoo. Dandruff is a scalp condition with many causes—dry or oily skin and fungus are the most common. When used as a shampoo, black soap may help improve dandruff in several ways. Its antifungal properties can decrease the growth of dandruff-causing fungus on the scalp, help improve the balance of oils on the skin, and hydrate the skin. 

Moisturizes Skin

Common ingredients in black soap, like shea butter and coconut oil, add powerful moisturizing benefits. These oils can lock in moisture, helping improve skin hydration and relieve the itchiness often associated with skin dryness. Black soap’s nutrient composition, including its high vitamin E content, can also help boost skin moisture. For more tips on hydrating your skin, check out this blog. 

How to Use Black Soap

Before you jump right in to using black soap—or any new product—over your entire body, test a small area of skin to ensure you won’t react to any of its ingredients. This is especially important for those with sensitive skin. 

Start by wetting your hands and lathering the soap before applying it to your skin. Once the soap is lathered in your hand, massage it onto your skin just like you would any other soap or body wash. Then, rinse it off completely and proceed with your usual skin and hair care routines. 

Potential Black Soap Side Effects

Although black soap is generally safe for most people, some may experience mild side effects. 

  • Skin irritation: Using too much soap—or using it too frequently—may dry out your skin, leading to irritation. To avoid this, start by using black soap two to three times per week and increase the frequency based on your tolerance. Always moisturize well after using black soap to lessen potential dryness. 
  • Redness: Because black soap is a natural exfoliant, people with sensitive skin may experience redness when first using it. If you notice this, reduce the amount of soap you use and use it less frequently to avoid irritation. 
  • Acne or rashes: The natural exfoliants in black soap may be harsh for sensitive skin, leading to rashes, bumps, or acne in some. If you experience this, consult your dermatologist before continuing to use black soap. 

How to Make Black Soap

While you can purchase black soap, it’s easy to make your own at home! 

  1. Start by combining water and potash (potassium carbonate) in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally, scraping the sides, until the mixture starts to look like ground meat. 
  2. In a separate pot over low heat, warm your oil of choice. Coconut oil is a good option. 
  3. Combine 1.8 ounces of the potash base with 6 ounces of warm water. Next, pour the mixture into the pot with the liquified oil. Bring the heat to high until the mixture boils, then turn off the heat, allowing the solution to thicken and cool.
  4. Make the ash by grinding dried, emptied cocoa pods until they resemble soot. You may also use plantain peels. 
  5. Add the ash to the cooled mixture of oil and potash and combine. Transfer to a storage container and let it sit in the open air for about 48 hours before using. 

Takeaway

The benefits of black soap go far beyond those of traditional soap. In addition to being a good cleanser and natural exfoliant, Black soap may help treat or prevent certain skin conditions and fungal infections. Made with minimal, natural ingredients, black soap can generally be used by a wide range of people with few side effects. Explore the full range of black soap products on the market to incorporate its many benefits into your skincare routine. 

References:

  1. (PDF) Comparative studies on the effect of locally made black soap and conventional medicated soaps on isolated human skin microflora. Accessed July 12, 2024. 
  2. Sg J, Am E, Oj O, Bj B, Mo E, Do D. Antifungal potentials of indigenous black soap commonly used in Ibadan, Nigeria. Academia Arena. 2013;5(7). Accessed July 14, 2024.