Black soap from Ghana is one of the healthiest soaps available on the market today. Taking on a typically soft and organic shape, Ghana black soap possesses a delicate texture and an all-natural earthy smell. Because it is not oily, this soap may be effectively used in cleansing the face, hair, hands and body. Ghanaian black soap is recognized for the numerous skin benefits it contains in providing a cleansing process that is all natural.
Despite its numerous benefits, Ghana black soap does have one disadvantage in that it dries skin, leaving the user with a tight feeling, even though it doesn’t give dry patches. It is therefore important to use your black soap along with a good moisturizer, if it doesn’t already contain one.
Ingredients
Ghana black soap is made from plantain skins, palm leaves and cocoa pod powder which are harvested and air-dried, then blended with oils and butters such as Shea butter, coconut oil, kernel oil and cocoa butter. It is the plantain skins that largely contribute to the effectiveness of this soap.
How It Is Made
The plants used in the manufacture of black soap are first harvested and dried in the sun, and thereafter roasted in clay ovens to produce ash. The heat in the oven needs to be constant so as to obtain the perfect brownish black color, smell and texture. Thereafter, the cocoa pod powder is added. This powder is derived from the shell of the cocoa fruit which also contains natural healing properties. In a very precise procedure, the roasted plantain skin is then mixed with palm and palm kernel oil to form the soap.
The roasting procedure produces a deep, dark brown color which has black specs throughout, and that is where the black soap derives its name. This ash is mixed with water and filtered to produce the Ghanaian black soap. The roasted plantains will ultimately determine the color of the black soap: the longer you roast the plantains, the darker the soap will be.
Benefits
Ghana black soap is rich in vitamins E and A, as well as iron which helps to cleanse the skin, leaving it smooth and supple. The vitamin E in Ghana black soap also makes it ideal for use on sensitive skin as it aids in healing and protecting the skin. Before you apply black soap on your face, be sure to conduct a patch test on the inside of your elbow. This will help you ensure that you are not in fact allergic to the ingredients that this soap contains.
Black soap is also great for preventing the signs of aging as it is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols which are beneficial for the suppression of free radicals that cause premature aging. As a make-up remover, Ghana black soap is very effective due to the fact that it is rich in butters and oils.
Acne/ Acne Scars/ Cystic Acne
The soap also possesses antibacterial properties that aid in the prevention of acne, acne scars and cystic acne, along with other skin blemishes. Black soap from Ghana is designed to penetrate the skin and pull out embedded impurities. It is however important to note that black soap will not rid the skin of existing acne. All it does is aid in the prevention of excessive oil production and hindering the growth of bacteria on the skin.
Cream Mask
Ghana black soap is also available in the form of a cream mask that is ideal for targeting stubborn blackheads with impressive results. Simply apply the Ghana black soap cream mask on the face once you notice the appearance of a blackhead and wear it for 15 minutes before rinsing off.
Eczema
Ghana black soap is not soap in the conventional sense as it does not contain any chemicals or SLS which are typically found in almost every type of soap. It is this property what makes it great for individuals suffering from eczema. Because it is rich in Shea butter, which is typically used as a moisturizer by itself, black soap works well for eczema. Therefore instead of stripping the skin down as most other soaps do, black soap will help to further moisturize it.
Hair Benefits
Ghana black soap may be used as a shampoo. This is because it does not contain any sodium lauryl sulfate, the lathering agent that tends to strip hair of its natural oils. It instead serves as a gentle cleanser for your scalp. Ghana black soap may also be used in the treatment and prevention of dandruff. This is because black soap contains anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties that are beneficial in the prevention of the growth of bacteria on the scalp. These properties also work well in providing relief for minor scalp irritation. It is advisable for individuals who experience itching of the scalp or excessive dandruff to consult an expert in the treatment of scalp disorders.
Coastal Scents
Coastal Scents is a popular type of black soap from Ghana that is handmade and formulated using natural ingredients including Shea butter for its moisturizing, nourishing and soothing properties. The ingredients used in the manufacture of Coastal Scents are harvested from Ghana’s tropical regions and enriched with 30% unrefined Shea butter. This soap works well in soothing and protecting all skin types, and serves as a gentle and effective cleanser for everyday use. In accordance with Fair Trade guidelines, the manufacturer of Coastal Scents supports women in Ghana’s northern region (who produce the soap) with packaging training and credit facilities.
Black soap may be converted into a liquid by adding it to water and allowing it to sit for a couple of hours. This liquid may thereafter serve as a liquid cleanser that is just as effective as the solid soap. Ghana black soap is also available in the form of a black jelly that serves a similar purpose. To obtain this liquid cleanser, add small pieces of the black soap to a container. Cover with water and leave the mixture overnight.
