The Yoruba name for black soap is ose dudu, words for soap and black, respectively. Black soap is an age-long skincare remedy known throughout the ages to protect and heal damaged skin. Skin damages can be caused by various reasons, such as harsh weather, genes or hormones which causes acne and other blemishes, the effect of the sun, etc. People have been battling with these various skin conditions for ages. However, African soap has been proven to be a miracle product that treats virtually all skin conditions. African black soap (Ose dudu) originated with the Yoruba people of Nigeria and in other West African nations. The soap is derived from plantain skins.
Skincare benefits of African black soap include:
- Purifying skin
- Balancing oil production
- Healing breakouts
- Fading scars
- Brightening complexion
Typical African black soap tends to be brown rather than black. It is usually crafted with ingredients sourced from western Africa, Nigeria or Ghana specifically. Whatever black soap brand you use must be free of chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances, and preservatives because the African black soap is a natural soap. Below are the main ingredients that make up pure black soap (other natural ingredients could be added for extra nourishing properties):
- Shea butter: This is the base (main component) of the soap. It gives the soap its cleansing and moisturizing properties.
- Palm kernel oil: This is a moisturizing and skin-balancing ingredient.
- Cocoa pods or plantain leaves: These are the ingredients that give the soap its dark hue. The plantain leaves are cooked until they turn into ash or charcoal. They help to detoxify and exfoliate the skin. They also contain antioxidants to neutralize free radical damage.
- Coconut oil: This is often added for its moisturizing effect.
Dudu Osun Tropical Naturals’ Pure African Black Soap
The Dudu Osun soap is made in Nigeria. It is the most popular black soap brand in Nigeria with abounding testimonies of how it solves skincare issues. It is a bit hard in texture than some other brands. Its core ingredients are shea butter, palm kernel oil, and cocoa pod ash, along with some other ingredients added for their moisturizing or nourishment purposes. Dudu Osun soap contains essential oils as fragrance. This soap is especially best for oily skin types, as it removes excess oil on the face. It is a good treatment for skin conditions such as acne. However, even if you have oily or combination skin, the soap can be drying when you begin using it. So, you must use a good moisturizer when using the Dudu Osun soap. Dudu Osun soap gradually exfoliates the skin so it might take some time to see visible results. When buying the Dudu- Osun soap, beware of fake products and ensure you buy only from reputable supermarkets or online stores in Nigeria.
SheaMoisture African Black Soap
This is another trusted black soap brand that you can find in Nigeria. It is great for acne-prone skin that needs balancing as it helps to heal the skin while making it clean, supple and bright. It also helps to calm eczema and itchy skin. SheaMoisture Black soap is made with shea butter and helps to balance the skin. The soap might be a bit strong for dry or sensitive skin so you must make sure to use a good moisturizer after. This black soap has quickly become a much-loved cleanser worldwide. It is made from Shea butter, Palm Ash, Tamarind Extract, Tar and Plantain Peel. This blend helps calm and clear blemishes from the skin.
Avila Naturalle Herbal Soap
Avila Naturalle is a leading natural skincare and food company based in Nigeria. The brand is a leading manufacturer of 100% natural body care and household products in West Africa. One of the brand’s best-selling products is the Avila Naturalle black soap. Avila is committed to promoting natural skin care products to eradicate skincare problems. Avila Naturalle Herbal Soap also known as HLS (Herbal Lightening Soap) is 100% organic and natural. Hence, it is free from chemicals.
Benefits of the Avila Naturalle Herbal soap
Alleviate Acne (pimples): Many people have testified to how the Avila black soap improved their skin as regards acne. The soap also solves skin conditions that arise from bacteria and fungi.
Lighten the skin: The Avila soap has natural ingredients that can lighten skin that has been tampered by the sun, pregnancy, or other issues. These ingredients act as exfoliating agents, thus removing dead skin cells and gradually returning the skin to its natural fairness.
Smoothening properties: Avila Naturalle Herbal soap keeps the body fresh and smooth. The brand especially promises that when the black soap is used consistently along with other products from the brand, one will notice that it gradually removes black spots.
- Cleanse and moisturizes your skin
- Reduces the appearance of Acne
- Nourishes and smoothens the skin
- The Avila herbal black soap is made with organic oils, plant butter, and spices
- It leaves the skin soft
- Hydroquinone free
- 100% natural
Jimpo-ORI Natural Exfoliate African Black Soap
Jimpo- ORI is an Organic skincare brand that makes the Jimpo- ORI Natural Soap. The soap is specially formulated for baby skin but can be used by adults too. It is 100% natural. Jimpo- ORI black soap is produced from a blend of Shea Butter, Aloe Vera Extract, Coconut, Cam-wood extract and Neem. These ingredients help to gradually exfoliate the skin. The Jimpo-ORI African Black Soap also helps to heal all kinds of skin ailments such as eczema, rashes. It is also good for the removal of the dead, keratinized skin cells sitting on the skin’s surface. Thus it leaves the skin feeling smoother and looking fresher.
Benefits of Jimpo-ORI Exfoliate Black Soap
- Daily skin Exfoliation (face and body)
- Dry skin relief
- Dry scalp or irritated scalp relief
- Stretch mark prevention
- Minor burn relief
- Reduce acne
- Promotes an even skin tone
- Prevent after shave bumps and itching
- Soften tough skin on feet
- Helps restore skin elasticity
The Jimpo- ORI black soap is to be used twice daily and consistently for the best result.