FAQ about African Black Soap

What is African Black Soap?

Black Soap or African Black Soap aka Anago Soap or Alata soap, originates from West Africa. It has been used for centuries in Ghana, Nigerian. Togo. It's methods and secrets have been passed down from generation to generation to keep the soap close to mother nature and avoid exploitation & imitations. Many have tried to create their version of black soap with all kinds of ingredients. Ghana's Alata soap is the best quality black soap.

For centuries, Ghanaians have used Black Soap to help relieve acne, oily skin, clear blemishes and various other skin issues. African Black soap has also been used to achieve beautiful skin. Africans have also used this natural soap for bathing and washing their hair. Great for removing make-up. Black Soap will leave your skin feeling soft, clear and smelling delicious. This soap is not scented.

Alata Samina or Anago Samina is the term used in the local dialect called Twi to refer to Black Soap or African Black Soap. Alata or Anago is a reference to the people of the Northern Region of Ghana, mainly the Hausa tribe. Alata Samina is now used all over Ghana.

What does African Black Soap look like?

Traditional Black Soap is brownish-black in color. It is softer than commercial soaps with an organic shape. It has a delicate texture & a natural earthy smell. It is not oily or scented. Black Soap has been used for black hair care & black skin care for centuries. Today people from all walks of life are benefiting from this amazing African soap. African black soap is mostly found in Ghana. However, other African countries have their own version of African black soap. Nothing compares to the original African black soap from Ghana. Note: This African Black Soap is not the mass produced African Black Soap in boxes all over the market.

What are some of the properties of African Black Soap?

Helps deep clean skin. Used on most skin types including rough and dry. Helps clear skin of bumps & spots.
Helps reveal radiant, fresh & healthy skin. Helps relieve acne, oily skin & other skin problems.
Great for removing make-up. Helps against premature facial lines. Lathers well.

Alata Samina is great for Showering. Bathing. Washing your Hair. Washing your Face Washing your Feet

Are all African Black Soaps the same?

No they are not. As the name suggests "African" tells you there are varieties based on the country and region. Ingredients, benefits of the ingredients all factor into the color, texture and longevity of the soap. This does not include black soap imitations sold on the market.

How is Black Soap made?

Black Soap or African Black Soap main ingredient is plantain skin. It is a natural source of vitamins A & E and iron. (Plantain is a popular food in Africa, South America, Central America & other parts of the world. It can be found in ethnic or international grocery stores such as Latino, Caribbean or African. It looks like banana but much bigger. It does not taste like a banana & has to be cooked before eating) The skin of the plantain is gingerly dried to a precise texture in the sun. It is then roasted in order to achieve a particular color, texture & smell. In some recipes, Cocoa Pod is used instead of plantain skins. Other recipes use both. Cocoa Pod is the shell of the Cocoa fruit. The cocoa beans are used for making chocolate or cocoa butter among other things.

The roasted plantain skin is mixed with palm oil, palm kernel oil to form the soap. The roasting of the plantains determines the color of the soap. The longer the plantains are roasted, the darker the soap. African Black Soap is centuries old, has numerous benefits & is not scented. It can be used by anyone who wishes to improve the quality of their skin. Bear in mind the making of this amazing soap varies in ingredients depending on the region. It's a simple but labor intensive soap. It's a process that requires patience.

What is the Shelf Life of Black Soap?

Honestly. Traditional Black Soap has no expiration date per say. Generally soap is used often. But you should at least use your soap within 24 months.

Why does Black Soap get softer in the shower?

Black soap does not contain hardeners & synthetics. It is a pure soap so it retains it's natural glycerin. Unlike commercial soaps the natural glycerin is not removed. Glycerin is a humectant so it attracts moisture in the black soap. Always place your black soap on a dry surface.

Why does my Black Soap have white film on it?

The white film is called ash. It is a natural occurrence in soap making. Water gets rid of it. It does not affect the soap. To avoid it, store your soap properly either wrapped or in an airtight container.