Frequently Asked Questions

Unrefined shea butter is the pure, natural fat extracted from the nuts of the shea tree, traditionally grown in West Africa. Unlike refined versions that undergo chemical processing and bleaching, unrefined shea butter keeps its natural color, nutty aroma, and powerful nutrients. It’s rich in vitamins A, E, and F—essential for repairing skin and maintaining elasticity.

Real shea butter has a distinctive earthy, nutty smell and a soft, creamy texture that melts quickly when rubbed between your fingers. It’s never completely white; instead, it ranges from ivory to pale yellow depending on the shea nuts used. Authentic shea butter feels rich and moisturizing on the skin—leaving it smooth and hydrated for hours—while fake or refined versions often feel waxy, greasy, or watery.

Shea butter is one of nature’s most effective skin moisturizers. Its high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins A, E, and F deeply nourish dry or damaged skin, restoring smoothness and elasticity. It helps fade scars, dark spots, and stretch marks while soothing irritation caused by eczema or sunburn. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, shea butter can calm redness and protect the skin from free-radical damage.

Absolutely! Shea butter is a natural conditioner that strengthens and softens hair while nourishing the scalp. It’s especially beneficial for natural, curly, or dry hair textures that need extra moisture. Apply a small amount directly to your scalp and massage to improve circulation and stimulate hair growth.

Yes, when used moderately, unrefined shea butter can actually help acne-prone skin. It’s rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that calm irritation and reduce redness caused by breakouts. Shea butter’s natural linoleic acid balances sebum production, helping to prevent clogged pores while still keeping skin hydrated. Vitamins A and E promote healing and reduce the appearance of acne scars over time.

African Black Soap is handcrafted from plant-based ingredients such as cocoa pod ash, shea butter, and palm kernel oil. Unlike regular soaps made with synthetic fragrances and harsh detergents, African Black Soap gently cleanses while retaining your skin’s natural oils. It’s rich in antioxidants and natural exfoliants, helping with acne, eczema, and uneven skin tone. Regular soaps may smell pleasant but often leave skin dry or irritated.

Authentic African Black Soap is made from natural, plant-based ingredients traditionally sourced in Ghana and other parts of West Africa. Its core ingredients include cocoa pod ash, plantain skin ash, palm kernel oil, shea butter, and sometimes coconut oil or honey. The process starts with drying and roasting the cocoa pods or plantain peels, then mixing their ash with water and oils to form a rich, dark-brown paste

African Black Soap offers a wide range of benefits for both skin and hair. It deeply cleanses pores, removes excess oil, and gently exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother and more radiant. Its natural ingredients—cocoa pod ash, shea butter, and palm oil—provide antioxidants and vitamins that help treat acne, dark spots, eczema, and uneven skin tone.

African Black Soap can occasionally feel drying, especially for first-time users or those with very sensitive skin—but that’s only if it’s used incorrectly or if it’s not authentic. Genuine Ghanaian Black Soap naturally balances oil levels without stripping the skin. The initial dryness some people experience is due to its deep cleansing power that removes excess oils and impurities. To prevent dryness, avoid leaving the soap on your skin for too long and always follow with a moisturizer—preferably unrefined shea butter.

Yes. Some commercial versions contain artificial ingredients or dyes. Look for soaps labeled as 100% natural and check for traditional ingredients like plantain ash, cocoa pods, and shea butter like our very own deep cleansing soaps.