Good to know: African black soap is a strong, natural cleanser. If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, patch test first and check with a doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure.
01What is African black soap?
African black soap is a traditional soap from West Africa, made in Ghana, Nigeria and neighbouring countries. In Ghana it is often called alata samina. It is typically brown to black, slightly crumbly, and has an earthy smell rather than a perfumed one.
Its colour and character come from the way it is made: plant materials are burned to ash, and that ash is cooked with oils until it turns into soap. Because it is handmade, every batch and every bar looks a little different.
02What is it made from?
Recipes vary by maker. Common ingredients are the ash of plantain skins and cocoa pods, together with oils and butters such as palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil and shea butter. Our own black soap is rendered the traditional way, using cocoa pod ash, plantain skin and shea.
03How to use African black soap
- Wet the bar or your hands and work up a lather, or use a sponge or washcloth.
- Massage it gently over your face or body, then rinse well with clean water.
- Start slowly — because it is a strong cleanser, use it a few times a week at first rather than every day, and follow with a moisturiser such as shea butter.
- Keep the bar dry between uses on a draining soap dish; it dissolves quickly if left sitting in water.
Many people use it to cleanse oily or blemish-prone skin, but results vary from person to person and it is a cleanser, not a treatment. If you have persistent skin problems, see a dermatologist.
04Where to buy African black soap in Ghana
The Mother's Shea online store offers the African Black Soap Bar (150 g) and the Black Soap Liquid Wash (250 ml), which is the same recipe reworked into a pump bottle for the shower. Both ship across Ghana and internationally.
05African black soap wholesale and private label
If you run a shop, distribute skincare, or want to launch your own black soap brand, we supply African black soap in bulk, and can discuss private-label options. See the black soap product page and request a quote with your volume and destination.
06Frequently asked questions
What is alata samina?
Alata samina is the name commonly used in Ghana for African black soap, a traditional soap made from plant ash and natural oils.
Can I use African black soap on my face?
Many people do, but it is a strong cleanser. Start with a couple of uses a week, rinse well and moisturise afterwards. Stop if your skin feels tight or irritated.
Why is my black soap crumbly or soft?
Handmade black soap is naturally crumbly and can soften if it sits in water. Keep it dry between uses.
Where can I buy African black soap in Ghana?
Mother's Shea sells a black soap bar and a liquid wash through its online store, and supplies black soap wholesale from Tamale.
Do you sell black soap wholesale?
Yes. Request a quote with the volume and destination and our export desk will reply with pricing and options.
07Keep reading
Try Mother's Shea black soap
Made the traditional way with cocoa pod ash, plantain skin and shea.