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The origins of African Black soap come from the Yoruba people of Southwestern Nigeria. They called the soap “ose-dudu” which literally translate to “black soap”. The most popular form of black soap is a combination of Ose-dudu and the leaves of Cam wood tree also known as osun. Together this forms dudu osun, which has the exfoliating properties due to the rough texture of ground cam wood.
The exact make up of black soap varies depending on its origins. Plants such as plantain skins, palm tree leaves, cocoa pods and Shea tree bark, are first dried and then burned to produce ash (which supplies the alkali required to convert or Saponify the oils and fat). Water, various oils and fats (such as coconut oil, palm oil, palm kernel and Shea butter) are added to the ash. The mixture is cooked in what we call hot process and stirred and allowed to settle for 24 hour. After the soap is scooped out and set to cure.
The specific ingredients can vary depending on the region and the recipe used by the soap maker, but generally, black soap is made from natural ingredients such as:
Plantain skins: Plantain skins are a key ingredient in black soap. They are dried and then burned to create ash, which is an important component of the soap-making process.
Cocoa pod ash: Cocoa pod ash, similar to plantain skins, is also burned and used in the production of black soap. It contributes to the dark color and provides exfoliating properties.
Palm oil: Palm oil is often used as a base oil in black soap. It helps to moisturize the skin and gives the soap its characteristic texture.
Shea butter: Shea butter is another common ingredient in black soap. It adds moisturizing properties and helps to soften the skin.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil is sometimes included in black soap recipes for its cleansing and moisturizing properties.
Water: Water is used to dissolve and mix the ingredients together during the soap-making process.
Other botanical ingredients: Depending on the specific recipe, black soap may contain additional natural ingredients such as honey, aloe vera, or various herbs and essential oils for fragrance and additional skin benefits.
