SHEA AFRICAN BLACK SOAP BODY POLISH

African Black soap also known as “Ose dudu” in Yoruba parlance is our black pride. The soap is made up some natural ingredients which includes; plantain peel ash,cocoa pod ash, honey, palm kernel oil, honey , shea or cocoa butter.

Commercial forms of this soap is available for sale in some drugstores, however, it is important to know that some of these industrially made versions contain some preservatives, addictives, colorings or chemicals that might have adverse effects on our health. The best way to go is the natural way. These soaps retail for cheap prices at local market. The composition of the soap however varies from region to region, some are more drying than the others. African black soap has the following benefits:

1. Exfoliation; this soaps exfoliates the skin properly sloughing off any form of dead skin to reveal a smoother and fresher skin.
2. Combating inflammation and soothing the skin: black soap is one of the best approaches to fighting skin problems such as psoriasis and eczema.
3. Black soap contains shea butter/ cocoa butter which both have strong moisturizing properties, enhancing the skin.
4. Black soap improves the tone of the skin, making it firm and plump.
5. Black soap is an excellent cleanser and make up remover
6. Black soap helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and facial lines.
7. Black soap can be used in place of shaving creams to remove unwanted hair or to shave mustache.

Ingredients in Pre-made Black Soap

The ingredients in pre-made black soap and their functions respectively are;

1. Palm kernel Oil: This oil usually confused with palm oil,is gotten from the nuts of palm fruit. It is black in color and has a strong black smell. Popularly referred to as “kernel pomade” in the Southern part of Nigeria, it is used as cream to make skin soft.
2. Plantain ash: it serves as the alkaline base of the soap.
3. Shea Butter: nourishes and moisturizes the skin
4. Honey: has antibacterial properties and improves the tone of the skin.

      Pre-made black soap can be used on its own after adding water, however, I love to customize mine to give me glowing skin. The ingredients for the black soap polish and their measurements are;

1.1  tbsp. of castor oil

2.1 tbsp.of olive oil

3.2 tbsp. of honey

4. A clenched fist size of pre-made black soap( bought from the market).

5.10 drops of carrot oil

6.1 tbsp. of kojic acid mixed in 50ml of water.

Kojic acid is gotten from the fermentation of rice.It is effective in lightening screen. It is a safe active ingredient found in most cosmetics. It lightens dark spots and improves the tone of the skin. It is a natural substance that has been proven to be free of carcinogens. It is relatively safe to use and it will not permanently alter your natural skin functions.

PROCEDURE

Carefully mix all ingredients by hand with a spatula in a glass jar. Do not use a blender or whisk or hand mixer to avoid creating bubbles, making it possible to get into a container. Pour into an air tight container and you are good to go.

The famous "Dudu Osun" is a black soap

You can try making yours today.
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