Ashanti Natural African Black Soap (Argan)

Black soap goes by a number of different names including African black soap, Anago Soap, Alata Simena, Ose Dudu, Duchi, Alata Soap, and Anago Samina. Traditionally, black soap is made by ash from the leaves and bark of local plants. Shea tree bark, plantain, palm leaves, and cocoa pods are sun dried, then put in a kettle to be roasted. To ensure proper color, texture, and smell, the temperature must be kept even and constant. Palm oil, coconut oil, Shea butter, cocoa pod powder, other oils, and water are added. The mixture must then be stirred for at least a day, then set and cured for two weeks.