From Village Craft to Global Staple: The History of African Black Soap

In a small village in Western Africa, a multifaceted gem was born. Africa is home to an abundance of natural resources, which are used in different sectors of life. Specifically, cosmetics herbs take precedence over others, with products such as African black soap making a global impact. 

Handcrafted for multiple generations, African black soap is a staple first cultivated among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo. It is also known as ọṣe dúdú, sabulun salo, and ncha nkota, in the Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo languages of Nigeria. African black soap is one that is said to “come from the ashes” because of the process in which it is made and its ingredients. Made from water, plantain skin ashes, cocoa powder, and palm oil, the plantain skins are first dried under the sun and roasted in a clay oven to make ashes. Other ingredients such as shea butter and coconut oil are mixed in for over 24 hours by local African women. The mixture then dries for about 2 weeks and then it is ready for use. Throughout time, there have been different ingredients added to the soap, creating almost 100 different African black soap variations today. 

African black soap is known for its natural cleansing properties and can treat a multitude of skin conditions. Because of ingredients such as plantain skin, African black soap has gentle exfoliating properties. Additionally, by including shea butter in multiple variations, the soap is known for its moisturizing capabilities as well. It also has antimicrobial benefits that help fight against acne-causing bacteria. Some more benefits include: fading discoloration, soothing skin irritation, and evening out skin tone. African black soap can be used not only to cleanse and exfoliate the face, but the hair as well 

 There are two different categories of soap that are usually on the market: raw and processed. To maximize the full benefits of African black soap, it is necessary to use the raw one, as the processed one includes synthetic chemicals and fragrances that can reduce its quality. The raw one is crumbly and uneven in texture with a myriad of brown and black colors in it. Processed on the other hand, is smooth in texture and a strictly black uniform color. Additionally, some come in the solid, soap bar form and others in liquid form. For a more authentic experience, the solid bar is recommended, as liquid soap contains more added ingredients, however, is better for sensitive skin. 

When looking for raw African black soap, the search can prove difficult. Most times it is found online or in specialty retailers such as Whole Foods. Certain multicultural-focused brands may carry them in major retailers like Target or Walmart as well. Some multicultural brands include SheaMoisture and Nubian Heritage. In terms of Whole Foods, Alaffia and Shea Radiance are two prominent brands. 

Even though it was made from what some may consider scraps or waste, African black soap has become a staple product helping individuals feel confident in their skin. African beauty taps into the resources that the Earth provides them and makes a wonderful product out of it, which the whole world is able to enjoy. 

Works Cited

BGLH Marketplace. (n.d.). The History of African Black Soap. Retrieved February 6, 2026, from https://bglh-marketplace.com/2024/03/the-history-of-african-black-soap/?srsltid=AfmBOor2juKsmzksJ-li5Dso5PxQSGAgCjqtSxAxDiysdTFNHtSVPJ_w

Cisse, B. (2021, June 22). African Black soap: Fascinating history, types & skin benefits. African Fair Trade. https://www.africanfairtradesociety.com/blogs/blog/african-black-soap-fascinating-history-types-skin-benefits?srsltid=AfmBOorpM0q0AEDC3ZYCCU1aIOhhH3mE_W2bK452hk3NL50wX_O1rLBC

Lowe, C. (2024, April 20). What Is African Black Soap Good For? (Beginners Guide). Baraka Impact. Retrieved February 6, 2026, from https://www.barakasheabutter.com/blogs/baraka-blogs/what-is-african-black-soap-good-for-beginners-guide

The History of African Black Soap. (n.d.). Bramble Berry. Retrieved February 6, 2026, from https://www.brambleberry.com/ingredient-information/the-history-of-african-black-soap.html?srsltid=AfmBOopD0ZkY-qC7vSAUqil2WPjk8Vv6K4r6L8q2qRop9mqeAznXTopQ

WebMD Editorial Contributor. (2023, July 22). Health benefits of African Black soap. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/health-benefits-of-african-black-soap