Black soap, also known as African black soap or Ose Dudu, is a natural skincare treasure cherished for centuries. Originating from West Africa, this soap is celebrated for its rich, nourishing properties and gentle cleansing abilities.
Unlike commercial soaps laden with synthetic chemicals, black soap is made from all-natural ingredients such as plantain skins, cocoa pods, and shea butter, making it a perfect choice for sensitive and problem-prone skin.
Whether you want to soothe acne, reduce dark spots, or simply enjoy a refreshing cleanse, black soap offers a holistic approach to skincare.
Making your own black soap at home is both rewarding and simple. This recipe will guide you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you create a soap that’s not only effective but also free from any harmful additives.
With a few natural ingredients and patience, you can experience the authentic benefits of this traditional soap right in your own bathroom!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This black soap recipe is special because it uses traditional methods combined with accessible ingredients, allowing you to create a high-quality, natural soap with ease. The ingredients chosen are rich in antioxidants and moisturizing properties, ensuring that your skin stays hydrated and protected.
It’s perfect for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone skin, due to its gentle yet thorough cleansing properties. Plus, making your own soap means you control exactly what goes into it — no harsh chemicals, no artificial fragrances, just pure goodness.
Additionally, this recipe is great for those interested in sustainable living and DIY skincare. The process is fun and connects you to the age-old tradition of natural soap making.
Ingredients
- 16 oz (450g) Cocoa Pod Ash (or plantain skins ash for a milder soap)
- 16 oz (450g) Palm Kernel Oil
- 8 oz (225g) Shea Butter
- 8 oz (225g) Coconut Oil
- 8 oz (225g) Water (distilled preferred)
- 4 oz (115g) Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
- Optional: 1 oz (30ml) Essential Oils (such as tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus for fragrance and added benefits)
Equipment
- Large stainless steel or enamel pot
- Heat-resistant mixing bowls
- Protective gloves and goggles (for handling lye safely)
- Thermometer (to check oil and lye temperatures)
- Stick blender or hand whisk
- Soap molds (silicone or wooden molds lined with parchment paper)
- Measuring scale (to ensure accuracy)
- Spatula
- Plastic or stainless steel ladle
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace and safety gear. Ensure you are wearing gloves and goggles. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid fumes from the lye.
- Make the ash water. If you have cocoa pod or plantain ash, dissolve it in the 8 oz of distilled water and stir well. Let it sit for a few hours to settle, then carefully decant the clear liquid to use as your lye water substitute. If you do not have ash, you can use traditional lye by carefully mixing the lye crystals into water (always add lye to water, never the reverse) and allow it to cool to about 110°F (43°C).
- Heat the oils. In your large pot, combine the palm kernel oil, coconut oil, and shea butter. Heat gently until all are melted and combined. The temperature should be around 110°F (43°C), similar to the lye water.
- Mix lye water and oils. Slowly pour the prepared ash water or lye water into the melted oils while stirring continuously. Use a stick blender or whisk to mix until the mixture reaches a light trace — it should thicken slightly and leave a trail when drizzled over the surface.
- Add essential oils. If you choose to add essential oils for fragrance or additional skin benefits, do so now and mix well.
- Pour into molds. Transfer the soap mixture into your prepared molds. Tap gently to remove air bubbles.
- Cure the soap. Cover the molds with a towel and let the soap sit in a cool, dry place for 24-48 hours until hardened.
- Unmold and cure further. Remove the soap from the molds and slice into bars if necessary. Allow the bars to cure for 4-6 weeks to harden and complete the saponification process.
Tips & Variations
Always handle lye with care — it’s caustic and can cause burns. Wear protective gear and never mix lye in unventilated spaces.
For a gentler soap, substitute some palm kernel oil with olive oil or add more shea butter for extra moisturizing power.
Experiment with different essential oils to customize your soap scent. Tea tree oil is excellent for acne-prone skin, while lavender is soothing and calming.
Want to explore more natural and vegan recipes? Check out these amazing options like Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide or Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g Soap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 0 | Soap is not ingested |
| Fat Content | Trace amounts from oils | Topical use only |
| Vitamins | Vitamins A and E (from shea butter) | Supports skin health |
| Antioxidants | High | From cocoa pod ash and shea butter |
| pH Level | 9-10 (alkaline) | Normal for soap, mild on skin |
Serving Suggestions
While black soap isn’t something you “serve” like food, here are some ways to enjoy and maximize its benefits in your skincare routine:
- Use it as a daily facial cleanser to gently exfoliate and reduce blemishes.
- Apply as a body wash to soothe dry or irritated skin.
- Try it as a shampoo alternative for a natural scalp cleanse.
- Pair with a natural moisturizer or almond paste recipe vegan for smooth, hydrated skin.
Conclusion
Making your own black soap at home is a wonderful way to embrace natural skincare while honoring a rich cultural tradition. This recipe is accessible, easy to follow, and yields a product that can transform your cleansing routine with its nourishing, gentle properties.
By avoiding synthetic chemicals and using wholesome ingredients like shea butter and cocoa pod ash, you ensure your skin receives the best care possible.
Whether you’re new to DIY skincare or looking to deepen your knowledge, this black soap recipe is a perfect starting point. Don’t forget to explore more natural recipes to complement your lifestyle, such as Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
Happy soap making and glowing skin ahead!
📖 Recipe Card: Black Soap Recipe
Description: A traditional African black soap made with natural ingredients for gentle cleansing. It is rich in antioxidants and great for all skin types.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 1 bar (approx. 250g)
Ingredients
- 200g cocoa pod ash
- 150g shea butter
- 100g coconut oil
- 100g palm kernel oil
- 200ml water
- 50g plantain skins (dried and powdered)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- Mix cocoa pod ash with water to create lye solution.
- Melt shea butter, coconut oil, and palm kernel oil together.
- Slowly add lye solution to melted oils, stirring continuously.
- Add powdered plantain skins and stir well.
- Cook mixture over low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and add honey and essential oil if using.
- Pour mixture into molds and let cool for 24 hours.
- Unmold and cure soap for 2-4 weeks before use.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 | Protein: 0g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 1g
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