African Bar Soap (EXTERNAL USE ONLY)

What it is

Skin Gourmet African Black Soap is a traditional Ghanaian soap bar crafted from cocoa pod ash, palm kernel oil, and raw shea butter, with absolutely nothing else added. The cocoa pod ash contributes natural potash, which reacts with the oils during soapmaking (saponification) to create a hardworking cleanser that lifts away sweat, excess oil, and daily buildup.

Why it works for skin (the “how,” not hype)

Deep, effective cleanse without synthetic additives: Palm kernel oil is naturally rich in lauric acid, which creates a firm bar and a strong cleansing lather, ideal for removing grime and helping skin feel fresh.

Balanced finish, not that “tight” feeling when used correctly: Raw shea butter contributes conditioning fatty acids and a naturally protective feel, helping offset the more cleansing nature of lauric-rich oils. Shea’s unsaponifiable fraction also contains bioactive compounds studied for soothing and barrier-supportive potential in topical use.

What to know about pH (this is the grown-up part):

Traditional ash-based soaps are typically alkaline, and repeated exposure to high-pH cleansing can disrupt skin barrier homeostasis in some people, especially if they are dry or sensitive. Translation: it’s powerful, so usage and aftercare matter.

How it can be “for all skin types,” honestly

This bar can work across skin types because it’s minimalist, fragrance-free, and preservative-free, and because you can control dose and frequency. Oily and combination skin often tolerates more frequent cleansing, while dry or sensitive skin typically does best with shorter contact time, fewer uses per week, and immediate moisturizing after.

How it’s made and where it’s from

Our black soap is handmade in Ghana using a traditional West African approach: plant material (here, cocoa pod) is dried and burned to ash, the alkaline salts are extracted, and then combined with oils and butter so the mixture saponifies into real soap. Ours is sourced from Ghana’s Eastern Region, Kukurantumi, and stays true to the “recipe-only” standard: no added parabens, no added preservatives, no fillers.

Tip:

This bar is intentionally big, cut what you need and store the rest, your future self will thank you. Do not keep it in water, and avoid leaving it in a humid spot, because black soap can soften and lose its shape over time. Store it in a cool, dry place away from water, or cut off a piece for daily use and refrigerate the rest, it lasts longer and behaves itself. Because it’s a real soap bar with a minimalist recipe and no added water, it’s naturally long-lasting when stored properly, it’ll keep for ages (not literally a thousand years, but close enough to make you feel impressively responsible).