The African Black soap popularly known as Dudu-Osun in some markets is a hand-made natural soap, which is suitable for people with oily or acneic skin
What is African Black Soap?
In some markets, the African Black soap, popularly known as Dudu-Osun is a hand-made natural soap suitable for people with oily or acneic skin types. Some of these soaps are also beneficial for people with severely dry skin. The African black soap originates from West Africa, and its sources from raw farm produce such as:
- Ashes of plantains
- Ashes of palm leaves
- Cocoa pod powder
- Shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Palm oil
- Honey
Origin of the African Black Soap (Dudu-Osun)
The African black soap has a couple of names relative to the different communities that highly use it. The Yoruba people of Nigeria, Benin, and Togo call it "Ose Dudu." Ose in Yoruba means soap, and Dudu "black," which translates to soap. In Ghana, it is known as Anago Samina or Alata Samina. (Anago represents a sub-group of Yoruba, known today as the Republic of Benin). Samina means soap in the Twi dialect.
History holds that the African black soap originates from the Yoruba women of Nigeria. During the pre-colonial era, they were highly involved in agriculture and were responsible for processing raw farm produce into finished goods for trading.
Content of the African Black Soap
- Water
- Shea butter (shea butter bark)
- Plantain bark (rich vitamins A & E and iron as well)
- Palm tree leaves
- Palm Kernel
- Palm oil
- Coconut oil
- Tropical honey
Common Uses of the African Black Soap (Dudu-Osun)
The African black soap, due to its rich content, is commonly used for the following:
- Women use it for skincare to combat skin conditions caused by hormonal changes, e.g., dry skin and stretch marks.
- To reduce body odour.
- It can be used as shampoo for your hair ( i.e., to help alleviate scalp itchiness and irritation).
- To relieve oily skin.
- Skin conditions, such as acne & eczema.
Benefits of the African Black Soap
Anti-Inflammatory
Black Soap contains cocoa butter, a natural fat extracted from the cacao bean. This makes it rich in vitamins A and E, both antioxidants. This helps combat free radicals and attacks on healthy skin tissues. This is helpful for people with inflammatory conditions.
Antibacterial Properties
Some studies showed that samples taken from black soap showed natural antibacterial and anti-fungal properties, which makes it an excellent alternative to other synthetic cleansers. The black soap's antibacterial properties significantly inhibit bacteria's growth, which helps treat skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and other skin conditions. Despite its strength, the African black soap is gentle to use on your:
- Hands
- Face
- Body
Exfoliates Skin
Ingredients in the African black soap are naturally exfoliating. It helps clear dead skin cells, blocking pores, causing irritations such as razor bumps.
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Reduces Hyperpigmentation (Dark Spots)
Shea butter is one of the vital ingredients in black soap. Shea butter also contains vitamins A and E, strengthening skin and repairing the damage. It also treats dermatitis and heals burns, scars, and sores. African Black soap helps protect the skin from the sun, which reduces dark spots caused by sun damage.
Improves Skin Texture
Some benefits of the African black soap comes from its form, as it is greatly endowed in natural ingredients. When the black soap isn't processed, the raw ingredients (in it) leave the product far less smooth than other synthetic soaps. Its raw nature makes it a natural exfoliant, which can help improve skin texture.
NB: Have in mind that you may also find black soaps with added essential oils such as eucalyptus to promote relaxation.
If you need the African black soap, you can contact +237654-792-382 on WhatsApp and Telegram.
Check out other health tips like the Fantastic health benefits of lemon you didn't know.
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