Raw African Black Soap | Uses, Storage, Pros & Cons

100% Raw African Black Soap

Not all natural products are worth the money much less a second glance. There is a soap, however that is gaining popularity for it's natural-ness and benefits. It is called Raw African Black Soap.

Not All Black Soaps are the Same
Many companies are selling Black Soap too, but it is the  Raw African Black Soap, that has been allauded with a myriad of benefits for your skin. If you see a soap that is fully black and does nto have brown and golden tones, it is not the traditional african black soap and has probably been altered to and died which changes the chemical makeup of the product, hence, altering its benefits as well. So what is Raw African Black Soap and how does it differ from black soap?

The black soaps that look like the one above are NOT the traditional Raw African Black Soap

What is Raw African Black Soap?
Raw African Black Soap, an all-natural product that originated out of Western Africa, traditionally contains a mixture of cocoa pod ashes, plantain skin ashes and palm oil. Some also contain extra virgin coconut oil and honey. The texture of the soap is soft so a special storage method is recommended.

Raw African Black soap is not black but ranges in dark tones as shown in this image

Uses of Raw African Black Soap
The soap can be used for your entire body including your hair/scalp and your body. It is most commonly used on the face as a face mask or daily face wash. Some people add water and heat it or allow it to sit overnight in order to melt it for use as a shampoo.

Raw African Black Soap can also be used as a shampoo

How to Store African Black Soap
Raw African black soap absorbs a lot of moisture form the air which makes it very malleable. It will last longest if kept in a sealed, dry container such as a soap dish which snaps shut.  Avoid using zip lock bags etc. as you will lose a lot of product on the bag.

These travel soap containers are perfect to keep out additional moisture

Benefits of Using African Black Soap
Black soap :

• relieves oily skin
• relieves eczema and rosacea 
• mildly exfoliates the skin & helps to reduce dark spots with daily use
• reduces acne
• is great for removing makeup as it is rich in oils
• economical (a little goes a long way)
• helps to reduce premature ageing as it contains antioxidants and vitamins
• works well on sensitive skin

Disadvantages of Using African Black Soap

• Black soap can be very drying for people with ry skin or those in cold climates. This can be easily alleviated by using moisturizer after washing. I highly recommend Aloe Vera Gel.
• Black soap is lauded for it's benefits in relieving rosacea and eczema however it may need to be coupled with a moisturizer as the dryness can cause itching.

100% Raw African Black Soap can be purchased online or in Jamaican at Rêve Jewellery & Accessories in Devon House Courtyard, Kingston or Earth Elements in St. Andrew, Jamaica.