Thoughts On Nature’s Form Raw African Black Soap

We received an email from Barbara of Nature’s Form asking us to review their new authentic raw African Black Soap from Ghana, Africa. We have not done any reviews on products outside of YASOU skin care before. But how this soap is made, working with nature and using all raw natural ingredients, was of interest to me. For centuries African Black Soap has been known for its cleansing and healing power.

The first step in making the soap is drying the skins of the Plantain fruit to a precise texture in the hot African sun. The skins are then roasted in a clay oven to achieve a particular color, texture and fragrance. The longer they are dried the darker the color of the soap. Then the base is carefully mixed with Palm Oil (which contains the hard to find toctrienols, members of the vitamin E family) and Palm Kernel Oil. Generous amounts of Ivory Shea Butter are then mixed in. The soap is hardened by being put into molds and left for days in the African sun. It is packaged into air-tight bags in Africa to preserve its integrity.

The soap is said to be used for many skin conditions and in many skin treatments including Psoriasis scalp, Eczema, dry skin, skin lightening and whitening, Dermatitis and Acne. The impressive list of natural ingredients consists of organic Palm Oil, organic Cocoa Pod, organic Palm Kernel Oil, organic Coconut Oil, organic unrefined Shea Butter (38%), organic Plantain Skin Ash, Purified Water, Natural Vitamin E and Natural Sodium.

I primarily tested the soap by using it to cleanse my body during showers. I found the soap texture to be smooth but I did notice that the soap quickly dissipated when the water was hitting it, meaning the soap would almost melt with the water. The smell was not pleasant to me at first but then I barely noticed a smell at all. It did not lather excessively which is okay with me because that’s a sign that it is all natural.

After my shower as I was drying off I noticed my skin felt softer and not so dry. The second time I used the soap I had the same experience but I applied YASOU hydrating body cream with essential oils and it was a great combo with the soap. My skin felt smooth, silky and supple. I like Nature’s Form’s Raw African Soap and I do recommend it with one cautionary note. Don’t leave it in the shower letting water pour over it because it may not last very long. Strategically place it someplace dry before, during and after you shower or place it in a soap container. Will it cure your acne? I’m not sure because I have only tested it for a few weeks. However, I believe in natural raw ingredients and do think it’s worth giving it a try!

African black soap or ose dudu originated with the Yoruba people in Nigeria and the Yoruba communities in Benin and Tog. The Yoruba words ose (“soap”) and dudu (“black”) literally translates to “the black soap.” To learn more about “The Black Soap,” how the black soap is made, and where to purchase it, visit Naturesform.net.

Thank you, Barbara, for sending us your African Black Soap and giving us the opportunity to try it.