This traditional black soap is handcrafted in Ghana from local ingredients. Its natural antibacterial, moisturizing, and exfoliating properties are ideal for all skin types, leaving skin clean, clear, and radiant. Black soap has been used for centuries as a remedy for various skin conditions, and contains high concentrations of vitamins (most importantly A and E for the skin) along with multiple forms of antioxidants. All ingredients are sourced ethically and sustainably within Ghana.

How to use: Rub into a rich lather on washcloth, loofah, or sponge and apply to body, face, and hair. Avoid applying directly on skin as plantain particles may cause irritation. Cut into smaller pieces on a cutting board if desired.

A note on black soap making: All soap is made by combining fats and oils with lye, causing the chemical reaction that creates soap (“saponification”). In the case of black soap, the necessary fats and oils are pressed from a variety of native plants, including coconuts and shea nuts. These are mixed with charred plantain leaves containing lye. The final soap mixture is then cured over a matter of weeks in dry heat before ready for use.

Our Ingredients: In West Africa, recipes for black soap can vary from village to village and even household to household. Drawing from these age-old formulas, Bonto Black Soap finds the best balance of traditional ingredients: