Description
Nina Malanje African Black Soap
What is African black soap?
African black soap (also called African soap or black soap) is the latest skin care product to reach “holy grail” status, and for good reason.
Touted as a solution for breakouts, hyper pigmentation, stretch marks, and everything in between, black soap is the ultimate beauty buy for those on a budget. A one-size-fits-all approach to flawless skin?
And unlike the synthetic soaps you find at the drugstore, authentic black soap is handmade from plant-based ingredients in Africa. Each fair-trade purchase supports sustainable production and, in some cases, directly benefits communities in need.
- It’s antibacterial
Natural antibacterial properties make African black soap an excellent alternative to chemical-laden cleansers. In fact, it may actually remove more bacteria than chemical cleansers do. Despite its strength, black soap is gentle enough to use on your face, hands, and body.
- It’s safe for all skin types
If you have dry or sensitive skin, you know that scented soaps and lotions are off-limits. African black soap is naturally fragrance-free — just make sure your chosen product is labeled “unscented.”
People with oily or combination skin are also in the clear! Black soap can help balance your skin’s natural oil production without stripping necessary oils or adding excess oil to your skin.
- It’s moisturizing
Shea butter is a crucial ingredient in black soap. While shea can help relieve itchiness and soothe dry skin, cocoa and coconut oil add moisture.
- It won’t make your skin oily
If you have combination skin, this makes choosing the right soap that much easier. Shea may add moisture, but coconut oil may help prevent overactive oil glands.
- It helps soothe irritation
African black soap may also soothe itchiness and irritation caused by eczema, contact dermatitis, and skin allergies. It may even help clear rashes related to eczema and psoriasis. To maximize these benefits, find a soap with oatmeal added.
- It’s anti-inflammatory
Black soap is rich in vitamins A and E. These vitamins are both antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and attacks on otherwise healthy skin tissues. This may be helpful for people who have inflammatory conditions like rosacea.
- It helps fight acne
On that note, black soap may also help fight acne. In addition to balancing your skin’s natural oils, the soap’s shea content may help repair damaged cells. Its antimicrobial properties may even clear severe acne caused by Propionibacterium acnes bacteria.
- It may help reduce fine lines
Shea butter and coconut oil may help reduce collagen loss and encourage new development. In turn, this can help plump up fine lines and wrinkles. The rough texture of the soap can also exfoliate dead skin cells that make fine lines more noticeable.
- It helps protect against photoaging
Antioxidants found in shea butter can help protect your skin from photoaging. Over time, sun exposure can cause sun spots (age spots), but black soap may offer another barrier.
- It helps improve skin texture
African black soap is chock-full of natural ingredients, but part of its benefits come from its form. When left unprocessed, the raw ingredients that make up black soap leave the product far less smooth than the average drugstore soap bar. This makes it a natural exfoliant, which may help improve skin texture.
- It helps prevent razor burn and related rashes
Exfoliation is another key factor in keeping your skin smooth after shaving, waxing, or other methods of hair removal. Exfoliating will help remove dead skin cells before they can clog your hair follicles. The moisture in African black soap may also help prevent the lumps and bumps that result from razor burn.
- It may help reduce hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation is often caused by acne scarring and sun damage — two things that African black soap may help soothe or prevent.
- It may help minimize the appearance of scars and stretch marks
Thanks to its shea butter and vitamin E content, black soap may help reduce the redness and overall appearance of stretch marks and other scars. It may also help minimize related itchiness.
- It’s antifungal
One study on the effects of African black soap found the product effective for seven types of fungus — this includes the common Candida albicans yeast. You can safely use African black soap to help treat conditions like toenail fungus and athlete’s foot.
