African Black Soap
An all-purpose cleanser that clears body acne without stripping.
Black soap has traditionally been used in West Africa as a remedy for many skin ailments, from discolouration and acne to eczema and rashes. It suits all skin types, including the most sensitive, and works on the face, body and scalp.
It is made with ash from roasted plantain skins — a good source of vitamins A and E — along with roasted cocoa pods, coconut oil, shea and cocoa butter. The soap is free of lye, which the plantain skin ash replaces. The cocoa pod ash provides the mildest form of exfoliation, gentle enough for every day.
It cleanses, exfoliates, de-oils and moisturises at once. There is no fragrance oil or essential oil in it — the earthy scent is the ash itself.
Key Actives
Plantain Skin AshKela chilka bhasma
Musa Sapientum Peel Ash
Traditional West African replacement for lye. Also a source of vitamins A and E.
Cocoa Pod AshCocoa pod
Theobroma Cacao Fruit Shell Ash
Provides the mildest form of exfoliation — gentle enough for daily use.
Shea ButterShea
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter
Rich in fatty acids. Replaces what cleansing takes out, so skin does not feel stripped.
Cocoa ButterCocoa
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter
Deeply moisturising and protective. Helps skin retain water after washing.
Aloe Vera Leaf ExtractGhrit Kumari
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Soothes and cools skin that has been cleansed or exfoliated.
What it does
- Cocoa pod ash exfoliates gently enough for every day
- Shea and cocoa butter moisturise while it cleanses
- Traditionally used for acne, eczema and pigmentation
Who it’s for
Works for
- All skin types, including sensitive
- Body acne, blemishes and uneven tone
- Mild daily exfoliation
- Use on face, body or scalp
What it feels & smells like
- Smell
- Earthy and slightly smoky, from the plantain and cocoa ash. No added fragrance or essential oil.
- Texture
- A soft, dark liquid soap. Lathers up more than it looks like it will.
- Sensation
- Skin feels clean and soft rather than tight. Follow with a body oil if your skin runs dry.
How to use it
What to expect
- First useLathers more than you expect. Skin feels clean and soft rather than tight. The earthy smell rinses away.
- Week 1Body acne and blemishes look calmer. Skin is less oily by evening.
- Week 3Uneven tone on the body starts to even out. Rough patches feel smoother from the daily mild exfoliation.
- Week 6Pigmentation and old blemish marks look lighter. A 200g bottle used daily on the body runs out around here.