Product Review: African Black Soap

Sabrina Saada

African black soap, otherwise known as Ose Dudu, is a relatively novel product to the United States. Widely used in Africa and many parts of the UK, this skin cure has managed to remain missing from most store shelves. I recently purchased my first bottle of African Black Soap at the Florida Atlantic University Green Market.

What is African Black Soap?

The soap is made from the ash of plantain, cocoa pods, palm tree leaves, and shea tree bark. The leaves and bark are first sun-dried, then roasted in a kettle at a constant temperature. Various oils (palm oil, coconut oil, palm kernel oil) are then added to the mixture and set for two weeks to cure. The plantain skins are high in Vitamin A, E, and iron. It also offers great UV protection because the soap has the highest shea butter content of any product on the market.

                                                       Who can use it?

The soap can be used from head-to-toe on anyone from babies to adults. It works on everything from fine lines and wrinkles to eczema and razor bumps.

                                    What’s the best skin type for this soap?

Not only is is compatible with all skin types (oily, dry, normal) but it can also be great for the scalp irritations and body odors.

  Comments

The first time I tried this soap was on the back of my hand and I could immediately see and feel the difference. The dead skin was polished away, and all that was left was baby-smooth fresh skin. When I used the cleanser on my face I could tell that it had removed all the dirt and oil. The next day my pores were visibly smaller and the appearance of acne and dark spots were significantly reduced. The bottle of black soap I purchased came with two jars of shea butter cream to apply after cleansing. This combination is amazing because the shea butter moisturizes and provides UV protection all day long. The best part about using this product as a skin and body wash is that it’s made from 100% organic materials!

The Ver-e-nice African Black Soap and shea butter creams can be purchased from The Shea Butter People or by calling 561-313-8385!