What Is African Black Soap Good For?

• 12 Health Benefits
  • 12 benefits of African black soap
• Potential Side Effects
  • What are the risks of African black soap?

Due to its natural oils, African black soap is good skincare for all skin types, providing exfoliating properties and relief for sensitive skin and eczema.

African black soap, also popularly known as black soap, is an all-natural soap specifically made in regions of West Africa. This product has been gaining popularity recently for many skincare reasons, such as the 12 health benefits discussed below.

In making black soap bars, traditional recipes call for palm kernel oil and the filtrate of burnt cocoa pod ash. Black soap is free from dyes, fragrances, and other additives that take away the purity of natural soaps.

The 12 benefits of African black soap include the following:

1. Safe for most skin types: Because the recipe of this soap is free from any harsh synthetic chemicals or fragrances and uses all plant-derived natural oils and products, it’s a good option for people with sensitive skin and those who are allergic to certain additives. The soap does not contain lye that can damage your biological skin barrier, thus making it a good substitute for modern soaps.
2. Antibacterial properties: Scientific studies have reported that essential oils present in this soap are very effective in killing harmful bacteria and are better at removing and reducing certain bacteria more than medicated soaps. Black soap can effectively remove bacteria such as:
   • Staphylococcus aureus
   • Staphylococcus epidermidis
   • Bacillus spp.
   • Escherichia coli
   • Corynebacterium spp.
3. Reduces acne and pimples: Acne and pimples are inflammatory conditions of the skin where excess oil accumulation allows bacteria to start flourishing and create an infection. Because African soap is antibacterial, it keeps acne and pimples in check.
4. Helps reduce fine lines: People believe that this soap may prevent fine lines and wrinkles because of its antioxidant properties, which may help fight against damaging free radicals that are precipitating factors for skin damage and wrinkles.
5. Helps reduce dark spots: African soap significantly reduces hyperpigmented sites on the skin when it is used regularly.
6. Helps reduce razor bumps: Anti-inflammatory properties of this soap soothe the razor-damaged skin, thus helping reduce bumps.
7. Helps remove makeup: African soap helps clean the oil and debris leftover from makeup and is very gentle on the skin.
8. Antifungal properties: According to studies, African black soap may help prevent the spread of fungal infections, such as Candida albicans and athlete’s foot.
9. Good moisturizing effects: African black soap may contain shea or shea butter, which is an amazing moisturizer for the skin.
10. Soothing for the skin: Black soap provides good relief from itching and suffering associated with rash and other skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
11. Prevents oil buildup in the skin: African black soap helps in the deep cleaning of pores and prevents oil buildup on the skin.
12. Natural exfoliant and good cleanser: African black soap is naturally exfoliating and a good cleanser, helping the skin look brighter, fresh, and smoother.

Black soap is not associated with many harmful effects or serious health risks because it’s made up of all-natural and very gentle plant products. However, sometimes, it can be associated with slight skin irritation and redness in very few percentages of people.

To avoid this, a person can instead lather soap in their palm and use it to clean their skin or hair.

Currently, research suggests that African black soap is safe for most people, and with more studies, a greater amount of knowledge will be available in the future about it.