Q&A for How to Make Black Soap

To enhance the color of your soap, consider using charcoal as an exfoliator for your skin. Charcoal not only provides color but also offers excellent exfoliating properties. Alternatively, you can opt for mica powder, a safe and natural black pigment. Adding mica powder to your soap recipe will effectively darken its color while maintaining its safety and natural appeal.

To pack homemade soap, place it in a nice little satchel bag. Mesh bags are ideal for this purpose because they are aesthetically pleasing and make great gifts that people will enjoy. Unlike plastic, which can manipulate the texture of the soap by removing waxes, mesh bags preserve the soap's texture when packed.

Put a pan or pot on your gas cooker or stove. Put a little water in it, then rest another pan inside the first one so that it doesn't touch the water. This is your double boiler. Pour your base oil into the second pan/pot.

There are no exact measurements as the amount of ingredients is dependent on the consistency of soap you would like to make. For example, using more shea butter will make the soap harder, adding castor oil makes it creamier and easier to lather, and almond oil makes it more malleable.

I've seen many people do their African black soap with several oils, such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and castor oil. And the ABS I buy contains several oils, too, so, it should be fine.

You can use either one, but I would recommend unripe.

No, depending on what you put into it. Putting in lemon puts your skin at risk of burns and sensitivity toward sunlight - so that should be avoided. ABS is drying, so moisturize right after use.

You can, but it is not recommended. Lemon in particular can make your skin extra sensitive to sunlight; you can end up with very bad sunburns. Instead, consider adding a natural exfoliater to the soap, such as oatmeal. You can also take a milk bath or use yogurt as a separate treatment.

Yes. You can add carrot shavings as you scoop into molds, although this will reduce the shelf life since there is no preservative in it. You can also mix in ground turmeric for skin toning. Mashed or cubed papaya or pawpaw is wonderful for skin lightening. Some others are bearberry, licorice and goat's milk.

No, you should let it sit for two to three days first.

It depends on the size of the batch, and how strong you want the scent to be. I'd start small. Remember that less is more if you're using a very strong scent like eucalyptus.

Traditional black soap is by feel of the desired consistency, since homemade potassium hydroxide or pot ash qualities can be inconsistent. You can buy potassium hydroxide online that will give you a more consistent texture and run it through a lye calculator. I do not think it will make your soap brown/black, though. Another option would be a 50% sodium hydroxide to 50% potassium hydroxide to make a hybrid soap.

Anything that is marked with a #5 recycling logo. Just line with parchment paper for easier removal. You can also use a well cleaned out Pringles can.

Oil and liquid separation will occur and you can end up with an exothermic volcanic eruption.

It's best to use unripe plantains, but you can also use the ripe ones.

You can buy them from your local market in the fruit section.

To avoid this, try adding rosemary extract or a preservative to ensure that no mold forms on your soap.