Authentic African Black Soap All-In-One
Authentic African Black Soap All-In-One
Product Description
Product overview
A versatile, centuries-old liquid cleanser handcrafted from Fair Trade shea butter and West African palm kernel oil. Use it as a body wash, face cleanser, shampoo, or shaving soap — one bottle for your entire routine. Sulfate-free, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and rooted in Togolese tradition.
4-in-1 Multi-Purpose Cleanser
Use as a face wash, body wash, shampoo, or shaving soap. One bottle simplifies your entire routine without compromising on gentle cleansing.
Texture & feel
SENSORY4-in-1 Multi-Purpose Cleanser
Use as a face wash, body wash, shampoo, or shaving soap. One bottle simplifies your entire routine without compromising on gentle cleansing.
Centuries-Old Traditional Recipe
Handcrafted using saponification with ash extract, then sun-cured for three weeks following the home remedies of Togolese mamans passed down through generations.
Fair Trade & Community Empowerment
Sourced from women-led cooperatives in West Africa. Every purchase supports education, maternal care, and environmental sustainability in Togo.
Ultra-Minimal 6-Ingredient Formula
Only six naturally derived, recognizable ingredients. No fillers, no preservatives, no synthetic additives — just pure, clean cleansing power.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. All ingredients are gentle, plant-derived, and traditionally used safely during pregnancy in West Africa.
Free from ferments, fatty acid esters, polysorbates, and oils that feed malassezia yeast. The saponified fats are wash-off and do not leave problematic residue.
As a wash-off product with saponified oils rather than free oils, this soap has extremely low pore-clogging potential. Suitable for acne-prone skin.
Sulfate-free, fragrance-free (unscented version), paraben-free, and phthalate-free. Minimal ingredient list reduces the chance of irritation.
Like all true African black soaps, this has a higher pH than skin's natural level (~5.5). May feel drying for very dry skin. Follow up with a moisturizer after use.
While suitable for all skin types, individual reactions may vary. Patch test on a small area before first use, especially if you have reactive or eczema-prone skin.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSaponified Shea Butter (Potassium Shea Butterate)Proven
Fair Trade certified, unrefined shea butter is saponified (converted to soap) using traditional methods. It provides gentle cleansing while retaining some of shea butter's natural moisturizing properties including vitamins A and E.
- Source: Harvested by women-led cooperatives in Togo, West Africa
- Benefit: Rich in oleic and stearic acids that condition skin during cleansing
- Evidence: Shea butter has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and emollient properties in dermatological research
Saponified Palm Kernel Oil (Potassium Palm Kernelate)Proven
West African palm kernel oil, designated Orangutan-safe, is saponified to create the soap's primary cleansing base. Palm kernel soaps produce a rich, stable lather and effectively remove dirt and excess oil.
- Source: Small-scale farmers in the Maritime region of Togo, extracted using traditional methods
- Benefit: Excellent cleansing and lathering agent, naturally derived
- Safety: Orangutan-safe certified — no deforestation of orangutan habitats
Lauryl GlucosideProven
A gentle, plant-derived surfactant made from coconut and corn glucose. Acts as a mild co-surfactant to help the soap lather and cleanse without stripping the skin's natural moisture barrier.
- Type: Non-ionic surfactant — among the gentlest cleansing agents available
- Benefit: Biodegradable, non-irritating, and suitable for sensitive and baby skin
- Safety: EWG rated 1 (lowest hazard) — widely regarded as safe for all skin types
Ocimum Sanctum (Holy Basil) Leaf ExtractPromising
Also known as Tulsi, this sacred herb has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It provides antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits, helping to purify and protect the skin during cleansing.
- Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant activity documented in ethnobotanical research
- Benefit: Helps soothe minor skin irritation and supports overall skin health
- Tradition: Integral ingredient in authentic West African skin care remedies
6 ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Lauryl Glucoside, Potassium Shea Butterate, Potassium Palm Kernelate, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Potassium Hydroxide
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as the first step in both your AM and PM skincare routines. Can also replace your body wash, shampoo, and shaving soap for a simplified all-in-one regimen.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Skin or Hair
Thoroughly wet your face, body, or hair with lukewarm water before applying. For shaving, dampen the area you plan to shave.
Apply a Small Amount
Dispense a small pump into your hands or onto a washcloth. A little goes a long way — you only need 1-2 pumps per area. Can also be diluted with water for an even gentler wash.
Massage & Lather
Work into a gentle lather and massage over skin or scalp using circular motions. For face cleansing, be gentle and avoid the eye area. For shaving, build a protective cushion of lather.
Rinse Thoroughly & Follow Up
Rinse completely with warm water and pat dry. Follow with your toner, serum, and moisturizer. For hair, follow with a conditioner if desired.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You want a single, multi-purpose product for face, body, and hair
- You prefer clean, minimal ingredient formulas with no synthetics
- You have sensitive skin and need a sulfate-free, fragrance-free cleanser
- You value ethical sourcing, Fair Trade, and community empowerment
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need a safe daily cleanser
- You have oily or acne-prone skin looking for gentle clarifying
Consider alternatives if:
- You have extremely dry skin that needs a cream or oil-based cleanser
- You prefer thick, luxurious lather — this soap is thinner and lighter
- You want a low-pH (acidic) cleanser for a damaged moisture barrier
- You need a heavy-duty makeup remover (consider double cleansing instead)
- You want a strongly scented, spa-like shower experience
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESEffectively removes excess sebum without harsh stripping. The clarifying properties of charcoal-derived black soap help balance oil production over time.
Can be drying due to alkaline pH. Diluting with water and always following with a rich moisturizer is recommended. Consider limiting facial use to a few times per week.
Cleanses oily zones effectively while the shea butter base provides enough gentleness for drier areas. Great all-over body wash for combination skin.
Sulfate-free and fragrance-free formula is gentle for most sensitive skin. Patch test first due to alkaline pH. Many users with eczema report positive results.
Antimicrobial properties of traditional black soap help fight acne-causing bacteria. Non-comedogenic, fungal-acne safe formula reduces breakouts over time.
Results timeline
MONTHS 2–3Initial Deep Cleanse
Skin feels noticeably cleaner after each wash. Some users experience mild dryness or tingling as skin adjusts to the natural soap. No residue or soapy film remains.
80% noticed cleaner feeling skinSkin Begins to Balance
Oiliness starts to reduce as skin adjusts. Breakouts may temporarily surface (purging period) as the deep cleansing draws impurities out. Skin texture begins to smooth.
65% noticed reduced oilinessVisible Clarity Improvement
Breakouts diminish noticeably. Skin tone appears more even as dead skin cells are gently removed with each wash. Dark spots begin to fade for many users.
70% noticed fewer breakoutsLong-Term Skin Health
Consistent use shows sustained improvement in acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin texture. Skin feels soft, clarified, and healthy without harsh chemical intervention.
60% noticed fading dark spotsRatings by platform
9K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely versatile — replaces multiple products (body wash, face wash, shampoo, shaving soap)
- Only 6 clean, recognizable ingredients with nothing synthetic
- Gentle enough for sensitive and eczema-prone skin without sulfates
- Fair Trade, vegan, cruelty-free, and supports West African communities
- Great value at ~$10 for 16 oz with multi-purpose use
- Rinses completely clean with no residue or soapy film
- Effective at reducing breakouts and clarifying oily skin
- Unscented option perfect for fragrance-sensitive individuals
Criticized
- Very thin, watery consistency — not the rich, thick lather some expect
- Can be drying for dry skin types due to alkaline pH
- Minimal lather compared to conventional sulfate-based soaps
- Not ideal as a standalone shampoo for very dry or color-treated hair
- Plastic bottle packaging could be more environmentally friendly
- Formulation can vary slightly between batches (natural product)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAlso uses raw African black soap with shea butter. Slightly thicker consistency and stronger earthy scent. Comparable cleansing power but sourcing is less transparent than Alaffia's Fair Trade model.
Traditional bar format rather than liquid. Includes honey and aloe vera for extra moisturizing. Stronger, more fragrant scent. Very effective for acne and dark spots but less convenient for multi-purpose use (hair, shaving).
Castile (olive oil) based rather than African black soap. More concentrated formula that must be diluted. Similarly versatile multi-purpose soap but lacks the charcoal-derived detoxifying properties unique to black soap.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Body Wash
Dr. Natural Pure Black Liquid Soap
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep bottle tightly closed when not in use to prevent the product from drying out.
Plastic squeeze bottle with flip-cap or pump dispenser (varies by retailer)
16 oz exceeds TSA carry-on limit. Transfer to a travel bottle under 3.4 oz (100 ml) for flights, or purchase the 2 oz travel size.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes. This soap contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients flagged as unsafe during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Its six-ingredient, plant-derived formula includes only saponified shea butter and palm kernel oil, a gentle surfactant, holy basil extract, and water. Women in West Africa have traditionally used black soap during and after pregnancy for centuries. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have specific concerns.
Yes. This soap is fungal acne safe. It contains no ferments, fatty acid esters, polysorbates, or other ingredients known to feed malassezia yeast. The oils in the formula are fully saponified (converted into soap), meaning they do not remain as free fatty acids on the skin. As a wash-off product, any trace residue is rinsed away, making it an excellent choice for fungal acne-prone skin.
Since this is a wash-off cleanser, it can generally be used before applying retinol, vitamin C, or chemical exfoliants. However, because African black soap has a naturally alkaline pH (~9.5), using it immediately before strong actives like AHA/BHA may increase sensitivity. If you experience irritation, consider using the soap in the morning and your active ingredients at night, or alternate days. Always wait for skin to return to its natural pH before applying actives.
This soap works best for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types due to its clarifying and antimicrobial properties. It is also well-suited for sensitive skin thanks to its sulfate-free, fragrance-free formula. Those with dry skin can use it but should follow up with a rich moisturizer, as the alkaline pH may feel drying. For very dry skin, limit facial use to 2-3 times per week and dilute with water.
Most users notice a cleaner, fresher feeling immediately. Within 2-4 weeks of consistent use, you can expect improvements in skin texture and reduced oiliness. Breakouts typically decrease after 4-6 weeks. For fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, allow 2-3 months of regular use. Note that some users experience a brief purging period in the first 1-2 weeks as impurities are drawn out.
This product is a cleanser and should be used as the first step in your skincare routine, both morning and evening. After cleansing, follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). It can also be used as your body wash in the shower and even as a shampoo or shaving soap, making it a true all-in-one product.
No. With a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5, this soap has a very low risk of clogging pores. The oils in the formula are fully saponified, meaning they have been converted into soap molecules rather than remaining as free oils. As a wash-off product, it spends minimal time on the skin and rinses clean without residue. It is safe for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
The soap has a shelf life of approximately 12 months after opening. Store it in a cool, dry place with the cap closed. Natural product batches may vary slightly in color and consistency, which is normal and does not affect performance. The 16 oz bottle typically lasts 2-3 months with daily multi-purpose use, or longer if used only as a face wash.
Verdict: Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap All-In-One is a standout choice for anyone seeking a clean, ethical, and versatile daily cleanser. With just 6 plant-derived ingredients, Fair Trade certification, and centuries of West African tradition behind it, this soap delivers effective cleansing for face, body, and hair without synthetic chemicals. It excels for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin. The main trade-off is its thin consistency and alkaline pH, which may not suit very dry skin without a follow-up moisturizer. At roughly $10 for 16 oz, it offers outstanding value as a multi-purpose product that replaces several bottles in your bathroom. An excellent choice for conscious consumers who want simplicity, transparency, and results.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Lauryl Glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Palm Kernelate
Cleansing
|
|
|
| 0 |
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
Dark Spots
|
|
| 0 |
Potassium Hydroxide
Buffering
|
|