One thing I love about owning Nicholas Brooklyn is watching products come back around.
Every few years, social media discovers something that many of us have been using for decades. African Black Soap is one of those products.
People walk into the store all the time asking, “What’s the best soap for my skin?” and African Black Soap is almost always part of that conversation.
But here’s the thing. African Black Soap isn’t a trend. It’s a traditional soap that has been used in West Africa for generations, long before beauty influencers and TikTok made it popular.
Let’s talk about what it is, why so many people love it, and how to use it properly.
What Is African Black Soap?
Traditional African Black Soap originated in West Africa and is typically made from ingredients such as plantain skins, cocoa pod ash, palm products, shea butter, and other natural ingredients depending on the region and family recipe.
No two batches are exactly alike. In fact, authentic African Black Soap often looks rough, uneven, and handmade. That’s one of the things many people love about it.
At Nicholas Brooklyn, we carry several versions because not everyone wants the same experience. Some people prefer the traditional raw African Black Soap. Others like the convenience of a liquid black soap. And some customers enjoy the enriched bar soaps that include ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, cocoa butter, or vitamin E.
Why Has African Black Soap Stayed Popular For So Long?
Simple. People keep buying it because they like how it makes their skin feel.
Generation after generation continues to pass it down because it has become part of many families’ self-care routines. When a product survives for decades without a marketing department behind it, that usually tells you something.
The Different Types of African Black Soap
One thing I always explain to customers is that not all black soap is the same.
Raw African Black Soap. This is the traditional version. It usually comes in chunks and has a rustic appearance. Many customers love it because it feels closest to the original product.
Liquid African Black Soap. This is a great option for people who want something easy to use in the shower or as a body wash. It’s convenient and easy to share with the whole family.
Enriched Black Soap Bars. These are black soaps blended with additional ingredients such as shea butter, aloe vera, cocoa butter, or vitamin E. These options are often popular with customers looking for a more moisturizing experience.
Why Do Customers Love African Black Soap?
Everyone has their own reason. Some people use it as part of their facial cleansing routine. Others use it from head to toe. Customers often tell us they love how clean their skin feels after using it. Some use it daily while others rotate it with their regular soap.
The biggest thing I hear is that people appreciate simple products with recognizable ingredients.
How To Use African Black Soap Properly
This is where many people make mistakes. Because African Black Soap is a deep cleanser, more is not always better.
I usually recommend:
- Start slowly.
- Pay attention to how your skin responds.
- Follow up with a moisturizer if needed.
- Avoid scrubbing aggressively.
Everybody’s skin is different. What works for one person may not work exactly the same for someone else.
Common Questions We Get In The Store
Is African Black Soap only for the face? No. Many people use it on their face, body, hands, and even scalp.
Is the raw version better? Not necessarily. Some people love the traditional raw soap. Others prefer liquid soap or enriched bars. It really comes down to personal preference.
Why does one black soap look different from another? Because authentic African Black Soap is often handmade, and different makers use different ingredient combinations and traditional methods.
Why We Continue To Carry It At Nicholas Brooklyn
There are thousands of new products that come out every year. Most disappear after a few months.
African Black Soap has been around for generations and customers continue to come back for it year after year. That’s usually a sign that a product has earned its place on the shelf.
Whether you’re trying African Black Soap for the first time or you’ve been using it your whole life, we carry several different options at Nicholas Brooklyn so you can find the one that’s right for you.
Visit Us and Explore Our Black Soap Collection
From traditional raw African Black Soap to liquid black soap and enriched shea butter varieties, we’ve got options for just about everyone.
Come by, ask questions, and let us help you find the right one for your skin care routine.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual experiences may vary.
— Monique Nicholas, Owner