AFRICAN BLACK SOAP (ANAGO SOAP)

African Black Soap is a soap that originated from West Africa, Nigeria to be precise. Currently, it is now produced in many other West African countries, such as Ghana. It has many names depending on its location. In Ghana, it is called 'Anago/Alata Soap' and it is referred to as 'Ose Dudu' in Nigeria which is a Yoruba direct translation of Black Soap.
In recent years, African black soap has gained recognition and acceptance in the market especially in regards to being an all-natural plant-based soap for healthy skin and hair. 

MORE ABOUT THE AFRICAN BLACK SOAP

 

African black soap is a handmade, natural, and plant-based soap. It is free of chemicals, dyes, fragrances, and other additives. But for commercial purposes some companies use these, so to be sure always check the labels of various products to be certain that it does not contain any. 
Traditional African black soap is made of ingredients such as palm kernel oil and the filtrate of burnt plant matter (cocoa pod, plantain leaves). For other nourishing benefits, natural ingredients like coconut oil and Shea butter are added.

The African Black Soap derives its dark-brownish color rather than black look from the roasted plant. The ingredients may vary based on the country in which the black soap is produced. Some do not have the cocoa pods and therefore use plantain leaves which gives similar benefits, and vice versa.

At  Afrikinky, our black soap is made in Ghana which is the home of Cocoa,  therefore we use ingredients like Cocoa-pods ash, Shea butter, coconut oil, and water without any additives or chemicals. 

PRODUCTION PROCESS

First, the plant matter (either the cocoa pods or plantain leaves) are sun-dried then burnt into ash. Next water and various oils like coconut oil and melted Shea butter are added. The mixture is placed on the fire to cook and continuously hand-stirred for hours for the soap to harden. After the soap hardens, it is scooped and molded into desired shapes. 

 

BENEFITS OF AFRICAN BLACK SOAP (SKIN)

African Black Soap can be used for both the skin and hair. There are many nutrients such as Vitamins A & E, antioxidants, minerals like potassium & magnesium, all within the ingredients used in making the soap unlike the lab-made nutrients found in other soaps.
Some of these benefits include;

• Balancing oil production; having excess oil on the face or the skin can lead to clogged pores which can cause breakouts of acne. Using African Black Soap cleans and washes oil off the face.  This prevents the buildup of oils on the skin, leaving the skin less oily and more balanced. 
• It is naturally exfoliating because of how rough the African Black Soap is by nature. Therefore by applying directly on the face, it acts as an exfoliate, removing dead skin and leaving the skin clearer and fresher. (This should be done once in a while and not regularly). 
• It contains antibacterial properties; it’s able to help clear bacteria, acne, and blemishes than most medicated soaps. It can also reduce the impact of eczema. 
• It is moisturizing; with Shea butter as its base and oils like coconut oil being infused, it leaves the skin moisturized. 
• Some other benefits include; healing breakouts, fading scars, brightening complexion, etc. 

             HAIR BENEFITS

•  It is anti-fungal, antibacterial making it a good replacement as a shampoo for hair washing to help prevent dry and itchy scalp.

•  It also leaves hair and scalp soft and moisturized after washing because it contains Shea butter and coconut oil.

•  It’s an exfoliating benefit, just like the skin, removes dead cells before they clog your hair follicles.

•  Its feed nutrients to the scalp; the vitamins and minerals listed above that are found in our Afrikinky black soap feed nutrients and healing to your scalp, ones that your hair follicles can use to aid 

DIY HOMEMADE FACE-MASK WITH AFRICAN BLACK SOAP

This recipe helps to clear dead skin and give skin a glowing nourished look. This mask can also help get rid of pimples, reduce sebum production and smooth out dark spots.

 INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon of Bentonite clay(Ayilo)
• 1/4 Tea spoon of African Black Soap
• 1 Tea spoon of Oil of choice (Argan oil ,Olive oil, Baobab oil, Neem oil)

DIRECTIONS:

• All you need to do is combine all three ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend away.
• Once you have a fine powder add a tea spoon of water to a tablespoon of the mask mix and apply to face.
• Finally, allow it to sit for about 15 minutes or until its completely dry before rinsing off. Your skin will certainly feel softer smoother and clearer after using this mask.

Try this out and thank me later!!!

NB: Black soap is safe for all types of skin but could be drying and irritating to sensitive skin and other skin types when not used to it. Would help if the soap is mixed with honey or lathered in the palms before applying (rubbing the lather unto their damp skin, face, or hair) to reduce the harshness/irritation.

Preferred moisturizers or our Afrikinky Shea butter, Shea oil, and Cocoa butter should be applied after washing with Afrikinky Black soap. 

Now that you have read this article, I hope it has enlightened and cleared any misconceptions about African Black Soap, and ready to Experience Afrikinky black soap to feel its goodness and freshness. Visit www.AFRIKINKY.com

Share some misconceptions you’ve had about African Black Soap or some good experiences you’ve had in the comment section below…