African Black Soap vs. African White Soap:
Have you heard of African Black Soap but never heard of African White Soap, you're not alone. While Black Soap gets all the attention, White Soap is the more gentler version of the Black Soap that we all know. So if you find that Raw Black Soap might be too harsh for you, White Soap is perfect for you!
A Brief History 👩🏾🏫📚
African soap-making traditions span centuries, with different regions developing unique formulations based on locally available ingredients. While African Black Soap gained international recognition for its deep cleansing properties, African White Soap remained a well-kept secret, known primarily in specific regions of West Africa.
The key difference? It's all about the base ingredients and processing methods.
Black soap gets its distinctive dark color from plantain skin and cocoa pod ashes, that is turned into potash and is traditionally used in the soap making process. This creates a powerful cleanser that's excellent for deep cleaning but can sometimes be too intense for some.
White soap, is actually the same thing as black soap, just with a shorter cooking time,, resulting in a lighter color and milder cleansing experience that's perfect for daily use and sensitive skin types.
Breaking the "Raw is Better" Myth
Let's address the elephant in the room: 100% Raw African soap isn't always better.
The biggest complaint about Raw African soap is that is can be too harsh on the skin. Most often, people find themselves soaking raw soap in water to soften and dilute the strength of Raw Black Soap.
While traditional 100% Raw African Soaps have incredible benefits, they can also be:
- Too alkaline for daily use (pH levels that are too high)
- Harsh on sensitive or reactive skin
- Lacking in the moisturizing properties
- Manufacturers across regions have different ways of making the soap
That's exactly why we created our collection of reformulated African Black & African White Soaps, taking the best of traditional African cleansing and adding the gentle, skin-loving ingredients that our skin actually craves. Our cold-process soap method turns this 100% Raw Soap into a more gentle formula.
African Black Soap: Deep Cleansing Powerhouse 🛁
Our African Black Soap formula maintains all the traditional benefits while adding extra nourishment:
What Makes It Special❓
- Cleansing: Effective yet very gentle formula
- Acne-Fighting: Natural antibacterial properties help clear breakouts
- Exfoliating: Gently removes dead skin cells for smoother texture
- Hyperpigmentation Support: Helps even skin tone over time
- Rich Lather: Creates a luxurious cleansing experience
Key Ingredients 🔦
- Raw African Black Soap foundation
- Flaxseed (anti-inflammatory and omega-rich)
- Extra Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Kokum Butter
- Honey (antibacterial and hydrating)
- Colloidal Oats (soothing and gentle exfoliation)
- Avocado Oil (vitamins A, D, and E)
- Kaolin Clay (gentle detoxification)
- Aloe Vera (calming and healing)
Perfect For 🎖️
- Normal to oily skin types
- Those dealing with acne or breakouts
- Anyone wanting deeper cleansing
- People comfortable with traditional African soap
- Those with hyperpigmentation concern
Check out our Turmeric & Blk Soap HERE
African White Soap: Perfect for Sensitive Skin 🛁
Our African White Soap is the perfect soap for sensitive skin that needs gentle cleansing. We've created our White Soap with a blend of our Turmeric infusion:
What Makes It Special ❓
- Ultra-Gentle Cleansing: Even milder than our black soap
- High Superfat Percentage: More moisturizing oils left in the bar
- Brightening Power: Fresh turmeric root powder for natural radiance
- Anti-Inflammatory: Flaxseeds and oats to calm irritation
- Perfect for Daily Use: Gentle enough for morning and evening routines
Key Ingredients 🔦
- African White Soap foundation (gentlest base)
- Fresh Turmeric Powder (from real turmeric root for brightening)
- Flaxseeds (anti-inflammatory and omega-rich)
- Honey (natural antibacterial properties)
- Colloidal Oats (soothing inflammation)
- Extra Shea Butter (deep moisture and protection)
- Avocado Oil (skin repair and nourishment)
- Kaolin Clay (gentle detox)
- Aloe Vera (calming and healing)
Check out our Turmeric & White Soap HERE
Perfect For 🎖️
- Sensitive or reactive skin
- Those who find raw black soap too harsh
- First-time African soap users
- People with eczema or dermatitis
- Anyone wanting gentle daily cleansing
- Those seeking brightening benefits without harshness
🧈The Science Behind "Superfat": Why Our Soaps Feel Different
You might wonder why our African soaps feel so different from the raw versions you've tried before. In large, is it because of our cold-process soap-making technique.
One of our secret's... is in our "superfat" formulation.
What is Superfat? During the soap-making process, not all oils and butters (fatty acids) turn into soap. The extras that remain are called "superfat", these are the moisturizing oils that float within the bar, providing an extra boost of nourishment to your skin with every wash. Both our White & Black Soaps have a significant superfat percentage, meaning maximum gentleness and moisture. This is why you won't get that tight, stripped feeling that raw soap often leaves behind.
🫧Side-by-Side Comparison: Which Soap is Right for You?
| Feature | Our African Black Soap | Our African White Soap |
|---|---|---|
| Cleansing Power | Mild cleansing | Gentle, effective cleansing |
| Best For | Normal to oily skin | Sensitive to normal skin |
| Exfoliation | Mild exfoliation | Creamy texture |
| Moisture Level | High superfat | High superfat |
| Special Benefits | Acne-fighting, hyperpigmentation | Brightening, anti-inflammatory |
| Frequency | Daily, morning and night | Daily, morning and night |
| First-Time Users | Start slowly | Perfect starting point |
| Eczema-Prone Skin | Gentle for eczema-prone skin | Ideal choice |
💬 Common Questions About African Soap
"Can I use African soap if I have sensitive skin?"
Absolutely! Our African White Soap was specifically created for sensitive skin. The higher superfat content and gentle ingredients like flaxseeds and oats make it perfect for reactive skin types.
"Will African soap work on non-melanated skin?"
Yes! While these soaps are especially beneficial for melanated skin (which tends to need more moisture and gentleness), the nourishing ingredients work beautifully on all skin tones and types.
"How often should I use African soap?"
Normally with 100% Raw Soap, you would start slowly, but with our enhanced formula, it can be used daily.
- White Soap: Gentle enough to be used daily.
- Black Soap: Gentle enough to be used daily.
"How do you make the raw soap?"
We do not make the raw soap from scratch. We source our Raw Black and White Soaps from Ghana to use in our soap formulas. CLICK HERE to see how the Raw Soap is made.
"What's the difference between your soap and raw African soap?"
Raw African soap can be inconsistent and often too harsh for daily use for some. Our enhanced versions of both the Black and White soap maintain all the traditional benefits while adding skin-loving ingredients and proper pH balance for modern skincare needs.
🙅🏾No need to dilute our soap in water
🫧Non-stripping formula is gentle enough for daily use
🫚Offer a Turmeric blend for those seeking radiance in their skin
🎨You are able to customize your own Black or White Soap
CLICK HERE TO BUILD YOUR CUSTOM SOAP
Can't decide? Why not try both! Many of our customers use White Soap in the morning for gentle cleansing and Black Soap in the evening for deeper cleaning. You can also alternate based on your skin's needs.
Build Your Perfect Soap 🎨
Still not sure which pre-made option is right for you? Create your own custom African soap!
Choose your:
- Base (white or black)
- Additional oils and butters
- Special ingredients (turmeric, flaxseed, honey, etc.)
- Fragrance or fragrance-free
- Specific skin concerns to address
Our custom soap service allows you to get exactly what your skin needs, whether that's extra moisturizing for dry skin, additional brightening ingredients, or special additions for specific skin concerns.
Beyond Cleansing: Building Your Skincare Routine
African soap is just the beginning of your skincare journey. After cleansing with your new BLK LABEL SOCIETY soap, consider:
- Moisturizing Shower Oil - for extra hydration during cleansing
- Body Creams - our Oat Body Cream or Hydrating Body Cream for post-cleansing nourishment
- Solid Body Oil - for targeted dry areas or as an overnight treatment
- Proper Soap Care - our silicone soap dish to keep your handmade bar lasting longer
The Bottom Line: Options for Every Skin Journey
Whether you choose our gentle African White Soap or our enhanced African Black Soap, you're choosing tradition meets innovation. These aren't just cleansing bars, they're a bridge between ancestral wisdom and modern skincare science.
Remember:
- There's no "one size fits all" in skincare
- Your skin's needs may change with seasons, hormones, or life stages
- Both soaps can be customized to your exact preferences
- Gentle doesn't mean less effective, it means more sustainable for your skin
African soap has been trusted for generations because it works. Our enhanced versions make sure it works gently, effectively, and sustainably for your unique skin.
Ready to experience the difference? Whether you start with the ultra-gentle white soap or the mild-cleansing black soap, your skin is about to discover what it means to be truly cared for.
CLICK HERE TO SHOP OUR WHITE SOAP
CLICK HERE TO SHOP OUR TURMERIC & WHITE SOAP
Want to learn more about African skincare traditions? Explore our blog for more insights into melanin-minded skincare, ingredient spotlights, and tips for building your perfect routine.
Black Soap Ingredients:
Olive Oil, Sunflower Oil, Flaxseed Infusion (Distilled Water, Flaxseeds), Raw African Black Soap, Avocado Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Coconut Oil, Castor Oil, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Kokum Butter, Colloidal Oats, Kaolin Clay, Honey, Aloe Vera, Sodium Lactate
White Soap Ingredients:
Olive Oil, Flaxseed Infusion (Distilled Water, Flaxseeds), Raw African White Soap, High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Castor Oil, Avocado Oil, Honey, Sodium Lactate, Turmeric Powder,Colloidal Oats, Kaolin Clay
