African black soap
Natural antibacterial properties make African black soap an excellent alternative to chemical-laden cleansers. In fact, it may actually remove more bacteria than chemical cleansers do. Despite its strength, black soap is gentle enough to use on your face, hands, and body.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, you know that scented soaps and lotions are off-limits. African black soap is naturally fragrance-free — just make sure your chosen product is labeled "unscented."
People with oily or combination skin are also in the clear! Black soap can help balance your skin's natural oil production without stripping necessary oils or adding excess oil to your skin.
Shea butter is a crucial ingredient in black soap. While shea can help relieve itchiness and soothe dry skin, cocoa and coconut oil add moisture.
If you have combination skin, this makes choosing the right soap that much easier. Shea may add moisture, but coconut oil may help prevent overactive oil glands.
Although African black soap can work well for all skin types, using it correctly is key to preventing unnecessary side effects.
Some people find black soap to be drying. You may be able to reduce your risk for this by adding a teaspoon of raw honey to your soap mixture.
To do this:
- Gently break a piece of the soap bar off and drop it in a small mixing bowl.
- Use a spoon or fork to break the soap down into smaller pieces.
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of raw honey to the bowl.
- Mix the honey and soap together to create a black soap paste. You can add more honey as needed.
If you're new to raw black soap, consider using it once every couple of days to start. You can gradually increase your use as your skin gets used to the soap. It's possible to be allergic to any soap. If your skin becomes irritated or develops a rash, discontinue use.
Natural black soap is also rough, so it can