WHAT IS BLACK SOAP?

Alata Samina in the Twi or Akan kasa language from Ghana is Black Soap.

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Raw/Unrefined black soap isn't black.

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It seemed fitting to start with that and toss the myth out upfront.

If you bought yourself a smooth hard bar of black soap that is black -apologies.

You got duped. 

Unadulterated black soap is brown.
Crumbly.
When fresh, malleable and soft.

I tell you this because Black Soap seems to be a hot topic right now, but all are not created equal!

Largely a product of West Africa, my supply hails from Ghana.

This soap is produced in a traditional fashion, using the ash from locally harvested and roasted shea tree bark, plantain skin, and cocoa pods -  the source of the lovely brown hue. It may be customised with herbs as well that may be visible in the final product.

This ash - which serves as the lye or sodium hydroxide component - is combined with oils and butters by way of the hot process method.

In soapmaking, 'HOT PROCESS' is a method which requires a 'cook'. The soap is essentially cooked until the lye (base ash component) has completely reacted with the oils.

This reaction is called saponification - the making of soap!

The soap usually cooks in large drums over a wood fire and after the cook, the soap is ready to use.

Alternatively, the COLD PROCESS method requires days for saponification and 4-6 weeks to cure (become harder and milder).

This is the method we use to create our Artisanal Bars.

Why do I like unrefined black soap?

It is a wonderfully thorough natural cleanser that carries with it the benefits of the plants it was made with 🌱

This special soap will always be a staple in personal storage!

Have you ever used black soap?

#carenaturally