Black soap has been traditionally used in many parts of West Africa for many centuries. It is made using indigenous techniques passed down from generations to generations. The African black soap is the only known soap that uses entirely plant material and no harmful chemicals.
This wonderful soap is made with different naturally available oils depending on the region, the colour therefore varies widely from recipe to recipe. Black soap is excellent for all types of skin, more especially for sensitive skin. In Africa, it is used to treat a variety of skin problems, and for everyday use to keep your skin smooth, nourished and healthy.
The oils used in making black soap depends on what is available in the region. Some of the most popular oils include shea butter, palm oil, palm kernel oil and coconut oil. In most cases, a combination of 2 or three. Whereas other natural soap makers use sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide to make their soap, traditional African soap makers use the ash from different plants to saponify the oils.
This gives it a wonderful, nutty, smoky, natural scent. The lather is very rich, creamy and long. Properly made black soap should have a PH level of 7-8 . It is best used with a bath sponge for more abundant lather.
Although it is called black soap and in some cases African black soap, the colour depends on the oil and the ash used in making it. It there varies from brown to black.
Black soap production is mostly concentrated in the West African regions, in countries such as Ghana, Togo, Nigeria and also in Morocco.
For more information on Black soap, please visit http://www.sheabynature.co.uk
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