Societal norms and science expect regular shaving, moisturizing, showering and shampooing the skin to washing clothes to stay clean and smell fresh. Have you ever pondered over how Africans cleansed themselves before the advent of western antiseptic agents? African Black Soap (ABS) is a renowned traditional soap saponified chiefly in West Africa and noted for its ability to nourish skin naturally.
ABS is medicinal containing antioxidants, vitamins, Allantoin, iron and lauric acid agents. These essentials help with tissue structure, healing, retain moisturize, improve texture, tone, elasticity, stimulate collagen production and growth of new skin cells to provide amazing therapeutic relief. As an adaptogenic product, it has the unique ability to balance and tone different types of skins by keeping your skin refreshed and silky smooth. This article highlights its origin, manufacturing process, uses, patronage and promotion.
ORIGIN OF AFRICAN BLACK SOAP
Observing hygiene is important to prevent sanitary infections which contribute 88 per cent of deaths from diarrheal diseases. Washing the body regularly is important to avoid skin infections since the body is easily infected with worms found in human and animal faeces and urine, in surface water, defecation areas, soil, and shoes. This depletes its nutrients. Washing with water and soap is the best is best way to keep hygienic. Where soap is not available, a substitute, such as ash and water, is recommended. It varies in colour depending on the ingredients used and the method of preparation but it is never actually pure black. The name simply connotes its African-ness.
SAPONIFICATION
There are two main types of ABS namely laundry and bathing soaps. When it comes to black soap, most say that the fewer ingredients, the better. The black soap is made from local materials available. There are two basic ingredients namely soda and oil. The soda is distilled from ashes of either sun-dry cocoa pod or plantain finger skins. The length and heat for roasting must be constant to achieve perfect colour, texture and smell. Plantain skins and leaves hold high concentration of iron and vitamins A and E. Cacao has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Oils come from any of oil palm, kernels, coconut and shea butter depending on what is available. The choice of soda and oil are mixed, stirred and heated at regular temperature for hours often overnight till the desired effect is achieved. Raw soap is allowed to cool and then moulded into forms, which is rarely smooth or uniform in shape, colour, weight and size due to absence of artificial fragrance, colouring, preservatives and uniform design.
USES
ABS can be used for bath, washing and laundry. ABS is used as body and skin cleaning agent to remove germs and refresh the body after contact with environmental toxins. ABS is used as antiseptic on food utensils, preparation surfaces and wash cloths to keep them clean and kill germs that cause illness.
In many rural areas where there is lack of treated water, it is the soap of choice as it lathers efficiently and effectively in hard water. ABS also has anti-fungal, antibacterial and ant-septic properties which make it good for cleansing and detoxifying the skin. It is one of the best treatments for skin diseases. ABS works exceptionally well in both the bath and laundry as it increases the blood flow to the skin and removes toxins from the body. It makes you more beautiful and boosts your self-confidence.
BENEFITS
ABS is invigorating and stimulating. It is a powerful product containing deep cleansing anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties that can help to significantly increase treatment of more dermatoses such as psoriasis, eczema, dry patches, rashes, dermatitis, freckles, dark spots, and fine lines.
Its Vitamin A and E, non-comedogenic and anti-microbial properties are great for clearing up oily skin by stopping acne from forming, removing acne scars, helping promote cell renewal, reducing cell damage caused by environmental toxins, diminishing appearance of wrinkles and ageing as well as soothing sensitive skin. Among a myriad of skincare benefits derived from ABS include alleviating razor bumps, provide exfoliating on dead skin cells, helping reduce inflammation, fades skin discolourations, firms and tones skin, and improves skin texture for more supple and glowing skin.
PATRONAGE AND PROMOTION
The patronage of ABS’s domestic used to be on the decline but with current desire by many of the middle class citizens of African descent to apply products best suited to their nature, the market for the soap is very bright. As contribution of ABS to the skincare and body hygiene is becoming more visible and assured, producers are exploring new markets to reek in revenues. It has become a fast-growing commodity among the African American community. ABS can also be found online or at your local store abroad.
CHALLENGES
There has not been extensive study to fully examine and explore all the possible side effects of ABS, for instance some black soap is more potent than others and can be drying. ABS is deficient in standardized quality assurance.
The colour, smell, level of potency, amount of ingredients used, and amount of time for saponification, sizes and weight depend on each manufacturer. There is no conscious attempt to promote the soap both domestically and internationally. This challenge is compounded by the attitude of western Africans with a taste for foreign-made soaps. The black has been clouded out of the competition by multinationals that enjoy economies of scale and comparative advantage.
The black soap gives your skin more health benefits so go ahead and use one to fight against environmental damage and signs of aging. Stakeholders need an aggressive marketing strategy designed to educate and restore confidence as alternative natural skincare remedy. Governments in West Africa should promote black soap business by providing information on design and lower taxes on production and use. Missions abroad should actively facilitate the promotion and export through trade fairs and partnerships with long-term view to change approach.
By Kojo Gyabaah
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