11 Best Soaps For Dark Skin That Improve Its Tone – 2023

Defeat every skin problem with the ultimate solution – nourishing soaps.

By Shiboli ChakrabortiShiboli Chakraborti, Certified Skin Care Coach  • 
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African black soaps have been witnessing growing popularity over the past few years as they have abundant antioxidants and skin-nourishing ingredients. The best soap for dark skin will help improve skin tone, reduce inflammation, irritation, and tackle all the signs of aging. They can also gently exfoliate your skin, fade skin tan, rash, soothe dry patches and rosacea, among other things.

However, choosing the best African black soap might be tricky, with plenty of options available on the market. In this article, we have rounded up the 11 best African black soaps that will leave your skin flawless. Keep reading to have a look at our top picks!

Top Picks
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Best For Acne-Prone Skin: SheaMoisture African Black Soap
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Best For Dry: Sweet Sunnah Black Seed Raw African Black Soap
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Best Organic: Wonderfully Natural African Black Soap
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Best Vegan: Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap
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Best For Damaged Skin: Ancient Health Remedies Ose-Dudu Raw African Black Soap
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Best Hypoallergenic: Incredible By Nature African Black Soap
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Best For Oily Skin: Sky Organics African Black Soap
Price on Amazon
Best For Sensitive Skin: Our Earth's Secrets Premium Raw African Black Soap
Price on Amazon
Best pH-Balanced: O Naturals Skincare African Black Soap
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Best For Anti-Aging: Dudu-Osun Black Soap
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11 Best Recommended African Black Soaps

1. Best For Acne-Prone Skin: SheaMoisture African Black Soap

4.4
SheaMoisture African Black Soap Image: Sheamoisture

This African Black Soap by SheaMoisture is the perfect choice for those with acne-prone skin. It contains skin purifying ingredients like tea tree oil, which reduces excess sebum production and targets acne. The luscious and rich shea butter moisturizes your skin and locks in hydration. The oats, aloe vera, and rosemary extracts in the soap help calm irritation and balance oily skin. This charcoal soap also has detoxifying properties and cleanses your skin by gently scrubbing away dead skin cells and grime. Check out this video to know more about this product.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Tamarind extract, Tea tree oil, Aloe leaf juice, Rosemary leaf extract, and Oatmeal extract

Pros

  • Naturally scented
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Can be a bit drying.
  • May cause breakouts.
Why It’s Worth Buying: There are more than 14,311 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Price at the time of publication: $3.97

2. Best For Dry: Sweet Sunnah Black Seed Raw African Black Soap

4.3
Sweet Sunnah Black Seed Raw African Black Soap Image: Sweet Sunnah Black Seed

This premium soap bar is made authentically in Ghana using the traditional African soap recipe. It deeply cleanses your skin without stripping off its natural moisture. The cocoa pod husk ashes in the soap detoxify your skin and draw out any impurities and excess oils.

This formula is ideal for severely dry and sensitive skin, as it contains soothing ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter. It calms psoriasis and eczema and reverses premature aging. This soap can also be used on your hair for treating scalp issues like dandruff. It helps reduce spots, acne, wrinkles, and bumps on your skin if used regularly.

Key Ingredients: Cacao pod husk, Coconut oil, Shea butter, and Palm kernel oil

Pros

  • Unscented
  • A little goes a long way
  • Vegan
  • Non-GMO

Cons

  • May cause irritation.

protip_icon Pro Tip
Always keep this soap in a soap dish that drains water to allow it to dry post-shower, and prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Price at the time of publication: $13.99

3. Best Organic: Wonderfully Natural African Black Soap

Acne breakouts can cause a lot of discomfort and pain. This all-natural African black soap by Wonderfully Natural is an effective solution to this skin concern. Its authentic African recipe contains essential oils like coconut oil, which rejuvenates your skin and helps clear blemishes. The vitamin E in this soap protects your skin against environmental aggressors. It promotes cell renewal and fades acne scars, dark spots, fine lines, and pigmentation. This soap can also be used to reduce dandruff, eczema, and psoriasis.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Organic shea butter, Organic cocoa pod, Coconut oil, and Palm kernel oil

Pros

  • Organic ingredients
  • Certified by USDA

Cons

  • Dissolves quickly

protip_icon Pro Tip
African black soap can also be used as a shampoo as it has antifungal properties, which can help clean the scalp effectively and prevent dandruff.

Price at the time of publication: $19.99

4. Best Vegan: Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap

4.4
Alaffia Authentic African Black Soap Image: Alaffia

If you are more of a body wash user but still want to try out African black soaps, this body wash by Alaffia is a must buy! The super gentle formula purifies your skin and cleanses away any impurities from your pores. The versatile liquid soap can also be used as a shampoo. It has a refreshing scent of busting citrus and calming ginger for an invigorating shower experience. The formula is handcrafted and contains organic unrefined shea butter, which moisturizes and locks in hydration. Before buying, have a look at this video for more details.

Key Ingredients: Citrus oil, Ginger extract, and Shea butter

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Pleasant smell
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Synthetic fragrance-free

Cons

  • Doesn’t lather much.
Why It’s Worth Buying: The overwhelming 370 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
Price at the time of publication: $16.3

5. Best For Damaged Skin: Ancient Health Remedies Ose-Dudu Raw African Black Soap

4.4
Ancient Health Remedies Ose-Dudu Raw African Black Soap Image: Ancient Health Remedies

This organic African black soap by Ancient Health Remedies is handcrafted traditionally in Ghana. The formula is ideal for severely damaged skin and underlying skin issues like psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. The luscious raw shea butter in the soap cleanses and hydrates your skin, leaving it buttery soft. The detoxifying properties of cocoa pod and plantain help exfoliate and rejuvenate the skin. This soap also reduces the signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, pigmentation, and sagging.

Key Ingredients: Plantain, Cacao pod, Coconut oil, Unrefined shea butter, and Natural vitamin E

Pros

  • 100% vegan
  • Organic ingredients
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • May cause irritation.

protip_icon Pro Tip
For effective cleansing, massage the soap on your skin in a circular motion for at least 90 seconds.

Price at the time of publication: $26.99

6. Best Hypoallergenic: Incredible By Nature African Black Soap

4.3
Incredible By Nature African Black Soap Image: Incredible By Nature

Get flawless and clear skin with this authentic African black soap from Incredible By Nature. The formula is 100% pure and gentle and is ideal for sensitive skin. The plantain skin ash and cocoa pods in the formula leave your skin super smooth and blemish-free. The soap also contains lush and unrefined shea butter that helps strengthen and repair your skin cells while locking in moisture. The natural vitamins and minerals found in these ingredients help fight free radicals. This soap also helps reduce the signs of aging like dark spots, wrinkles, and pigmentation. Watch this video to know more about the product.

Key Ingredients: Plantain skin ash, Palm oil, Cacao pod, Coconut oil, Unrefined shea butter, and Natural vitamin E

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Natural ingredients
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Can be a bit drying.
Why It’s Worth Buying: A whopping 5,790 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
Price at the time of publication: $11

7. Best For Oily Skin: Sky Organics African Black Soap

4.3
Sky Organics African Black Soap Image: Sky Organics

This African Black Soap by Sky Organics is handmade with natural ingredients. The skin purifying formula cleanses your pores, leaving your skin effectively soft, smooth, and refreshed. This soap is ideal for blemish-prone and oily skin types. The vitamin E and shea butter in the soap work wonders on your complexion and protect your skin from environmental damages. This soap feels super moisturizing and soothing on your skin.

Key Ingredients: Cacao Pod ash, Coconut oil, unrefined Shea butter, natural Vitamin E

Pros

  • Vegan
  • Natural scent
  • Sulfate-free
  • Synthetic fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • May cause irritation.
Price at the time of publication: $15

8. Best For Sensitive Skin: Our Earth’s Secrets Premium Raw African Black Soap

4.5
Our Earth’s Secrets Premium Raw African Black Soap Image: Our Earth's Secrets

This value-added combo of three premium soaps by Our Earth’s Secrets is made with naturally sourced ingredients from Ghana. The formula helps cleanse your skin and leaves it perfectly smooth and refreshed. The cocoa pod husk ashes in the soap detoxify your skin and draw out any impurities or excess oils. The vitamin E in the soap helps protect your skin against environmental damages.

Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Unrefined shea butter, Cocoa pod husk, Plantain skin ash, Coconut oil, and Palm kernel oil

Pros

  • Smells good
  • Ideal for sensitive skin
  • Value for money

Cons

  • Slightly sticky texture
Price at the time of publication: $24.99

9. Best pH-Balanced: O Naturals Skincare African Black Soap

4.3

If you have severely dry and irritated skin, this African black soap by O Naturals Skincare is the perfect solution. The shea butter, olive oil, and coconut oil in the formula moisturize dry skin.

The exfoliating Dead Sea mud penetrates your pores to flush out toxins and deeply cleanse your skin. This also helps balance oil buildup and prevents acne flare-ups. The plantain peels are rich in vitamin C, folic acid, and antioxidants, which reverse skin damage. The soothing aroma of lavender oil uplifts your senses and calms your mind. This soap also has an ideal pH of 7.2, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients: Organic shea butter, Plantain, Dead Sea mud, Lavender oil, Coconut oil, Olive oil, and Cocoa pods

Pros

  • pH-balanced
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Mineral oil-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • Overpowering scent
Price at the time of publication: $15.99

10. Best For Anti-Aging: Dudu-Osun Black Soap

4.2
Dudu-Osun Black Soap Image: Dudu Osun

This traditional African soap by Dudu-Osun helps restore damaged skin and heals skin ailments like acne and chronic eczema. It is also a great solution for premature signs of aging. The shea butter and honey work in tandem to revive dry skin and lock in moisture. The aloe vera extracts in this soap soothe irritation and boost hydration. The nourishing formula also balances oiliness and reduces acne flare-ups.

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, Lime juice, Aloe vera, Palm bunch ash, Palm kernel oil, and Pure honey

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Smells good
  • Hydrating formula

Cons

  • May cause irritation.
Price at the time of publication: $4.19

11. Best Scalp Cleanser: Sheanefit Raw African Black Soap

4.6
Sheanefit Raw African Black Soap Image: Sheanefit

Indulge in a deep cleansing bath with this Raw African Black Soap by Sheanefit. The textured soap gently exfoliates your skin by removing the dead skin cells and product buildup. The formula improves your skin texture while imparting a natural and healthy glow. It is infused with shea butter, rich in vitamins A and E, that moisturizes your skin. It helps soothe skin inflammation and irritation. This soap also works as an ideal scalp cleanser and treats dandruff effectively.

Key Ingredients: Plantain skin ashes, Palm kernel oil, Cacao pod, Coconut oil, Shea butter, and Vitamin E

Pros

  • No residue
  • Smells good
  • Handmade
  • Chemical-free

Cons

  • May cause irritation.
Price at the time of publication: $19.99

African Black soaps are made by following ancient formulas that nourish the skin. While these soaps are beneficial for your skin health, there are a few things that you need to consider before investing in one.

What Are The Things To Consider Before Buying An African Black Soap?

  • Ingredients

The ingredients play a significant role in the effective outcome of the soap. Steer clear of any harmful chemicals or harsh ingredients like parabens, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, and mineral oils that can damage your skin. Also, look out for ingredients that you are allergic to! For instance, witch hazel is a beneficial ingredient, but it may cause irritation and inflammation if you are allergic to it.

  • No Fragrances

A few soaps melt our hearts with their fruity and floral smell, but they contain artificial fragrances that may irritate and damage our skin. Hence, opt for soaps with natural scents, such as essential oils and fruit extracts.

  • Skin Type

There is a wide array of African black soaps available for every skin type, texture, and needs. Find out what your skin type is, whether oily, mature, sensitive, or dry. Look for ingredients in the soap that can benefit your skin’s needs to ensure optimal results.

Infographic: Skin Disorders & Ingredients To Avoid On Dark Skin Tones

Knowing what your skin needs is a blessing. You might know which soap to use if you are aware of the prevalent skin conditions in darker skin tones and the ingredients to be avoided. Click on the infographic below to know more about the different skin conditions that people with darker skin tones face and the ingredients they must avoid in their soaps.

Ingredients To Avoid On Dark Skin Tones (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.

Download Infographic in PDF version Download Infographic
Download Infographic in PDF version

African black soaps are trending for the right reasons. They are loaded with the wellness of skin-nourishing ingredients and antioxidants. Besides cleansing your skin by eliminating impurities and dirt, these soaps also keep your skin hydrated and healthy. In addition, some soaps are power-packed to reduce the production of excess sebum, while some help to rejuvenate the skin and combat aging signs. The products listed in our article are packed with the goodness of natural ingredients like shea butter, rosemary, coconut oil, or more to improve the skin tone, eliminate inflammation, and prevent irritation. But, remember to stay away from the products that irritate the skin, especially if you are allergic to any ingredient used in the soaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you use African black soap every day?

The components present in African soap are too harsh for regular usage and, if used excessively, they will make skin sensitive, irritated, or dry.

How long does it take to see results from African black soap?

It might take 2-3 weeks to see satisfactory results from African black soap.

Does black soap tighten skin?

Yes, black soap can tighten the skin. So, always apply moisturizer after using black soap.

Is it okay to use African Black Soap for teenage skin?

Yes, it is ok to use African soap on teenage skin.

Is Kojic Acid Soap good for dark skin?

Kojic acid is safe for all skin tones, including those with a dark complexion.

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