African black soap comes from West Africa but is mainly exported out of Ghana. It is made by women to fair trade, which allows women to help in supporting their families and villages. While it is considered luxury type soap, it is probably one of the most unheard of soaps on the market. You can't just walk into your local pharmacy or five and dime and pick up a bar of black soap. In most areas of the United States, this is a product that would have to be special ordered. Black soap is most commonly made from the ashes of local plants and barks such as Shea and palm, as well as cocoa pods and palm tree leaves. The leaves are left to dry out in the sun, the roasted in a pot which helps to ensure the color, fragrance and texture of the soap. Then various oils such as palm, coconut and palm kernel are added along with water. Shea butter and cocoa pod powder are added to the mixture and are stirred for two days before being left to cure for two weeks.
There are various recipes for black soap and most tribes and communities have their own secret mix of oils, plants, and cooking techniques which accounts for the differences in color. African Black Soap contains honey, Shea butter, Osun or camwood, Palm kernel oil, Cocoa Pod ash, palm bunch ash, aloe vera, Ume juice water, and a secret blend of essential oils. The soaps that are exported from Africa tend to be pure and do not contain artificial ingredients like the black soaps make in Europe or the United States. The essential oils used in these products soothe the skin to soft perfection while giving it a luxurious glow.
African Black Soap has many benefits thanks to its natural ingredients. The peels of plantains used in the recipes give the soap vitamins A, E and iron. The Shea butter is included in such high amounts that it provides natural protection against UV rays. Black soaps can be used on both your body and in your hair. They can be used to help dry skin, rashes, scalp itchiness, body odor and are good for sensitive skin. Many black soap makers claim the soaps to be beneficial against skin aging, chronic eczema, acne, freckles and dark spots. Sellers of African Black Soap, also claim that it is marvelous on sensitive skin because of its natural ingredients and can be used safely on infants.
African black Soap for acne has astonishing results in reducing blemishes. It cleanses deep into your skin to wash away the dirt and bacteria particles found under the surface. Black soap can also be used as a shampoo and eliminates dandruff just after a few uses. There has been some research into benefits of African Black Soap by the University of Maryland. The university confirmed the soap helps prevent dry skin and stretch marks. However, even though it is claimed to be appropriate for sensitive skin it is harsh and hurts if you get it in your eyes. Consumers of black soap have given varying reports of its effectiveness on acne that span the spectrum. Most people report some relief but excessive drying.
When buying black soap a person should be careful and pay close attention to what they are purchasing. True African black soap is not found in a hard brick or shaped bar. With the high level of fatty acid in the soap, it is impossible to cause it to be hard enough to stay in a bar shape. True black soaps are in a liquid form or a malleable loaf like shape. There are over 100 different types of black soap being sold on the market today. You must be weary of which soaps you buy with harmful ingredients that could potentially harm you. Getting authentic black soap is a challenge. Check the ingredients and make sure they are correct before making your purchase. Authentic black soap doesn't contain preservatives. If you are lucky enough to find the soap in your local store, you must make sure you store it correctly. It is much too hard to come by to abuse it. When not in use, it should be wrapped in plastic. Keep the soap covered in a dust free environment. Plastic baggies are perfect for storing the soap. Do not leave it in the shower or bath. You want to keep the moisture away from the soap itself when not bathing.
Based on the available research, the African Black Soap Reviews of consumers and claims the makers themselves make, it would suggest that the soap be used mainly on people that already have oily skin. Soap can dry your skin out. Evaluate it frequently to see if it is causing your skin damage. Don't use the product if it causes you skin problems. As with any treatment for skin conditions you should probably check with a dermatologist before continued use of the black soap as there seems to be some effects of over drying. The majority of reviews says that it is a fabulous product but should be used with moderation. Too much product use will be bad for you.
While more clinical research should probably be done as to the benefits of this product, it is considered safe for use. When you search for this soap, make sure it is authentic because it has been found that many have tried to knock it off in other counties. Some report that in the United States, people dyed ordinary soap black and are calling it African Black Soap while charging you inflated prices making people think they were getting a specialty item. It won't hurt anyone to use the knock-off product, but consumers are getting totally ripped off by these hoaxes in being charged $10.00 or more for a bar of soap that should only cost $2.00.
Educate yourself when buying products and make sure you are getting the real deal. Nothing is more infuriating then discovering that you have been scammed. If you do happen to find the soap in a store, count yourself lucky and don't be afraid to try new things. Give it a shot! This soap may be just what you need.
