African Black Soap

The traditional recipe of African black soap is a closely guarded secret that is only known to the families that prepare it. The recipes may differ from region to region. However, they have a few common ingredients. The local tribes of West Africa usually use ingredients like palm oil, coconut oil, raw African shea butter or shea tree bark, cocoa pods, plantain skin, and honey for making this extraordinarily rich soap.

Usually, the plant parts are collected and then sun-dried. They are then roasted until they turn into ash. Then, different types of plant fats, such as coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, and other fats are added to it, and this mixture is stirred on heat for at least 24 hours until it solidifies. Once it is solid, the soap is cured for at least two weeks before using it.

The ingredients found in this soap make it special and extremely beneficial for the skin. They are:

• Plantain skin: Contains antioxidants, such as riboflavin, vitamin C, thiamine, and folic acid .
• Coconut Oil: Has anti-inflammatory properties and contains antioxidants that protect your skin from UV damage and prevent skin aging
• Palm Kernel Oil: Is an excellent moisturizer and emollient that keeps your skin hydrated and nourished
• Palm Oil: Is derived from the palm fruit (and not its kernel) and contains beta-carotene, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants.
• Shea Butter: Has anti-inflammatory property and keeps your skin moisterized and prevents fine lines and signs of aging.