African black soap
African Black soap
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Known in “Ose Dudu”, a Yoruba term which translates to “Black Soap”, African black soap is one of the most popularly known soaps made in Africa. It originated in Nigeria, though it is generally more patronized and produced in sister West African country, Ghana.
“Ose Dudu” is exported and sold all over the world as it is noted for holding the remedy to many skin disorders and for general skin care. It is made from only organic materials such as plantains, cocoa pods, palm tree leaves and shea bark and banana, which are sun-dried and roasted.
Water and oils such as coconut oil, palm and shea butter are added and cooked while being stirred vigorously over high heat for the soap to be made. Sometimes, cassava flour is added during preparation. There are so many superstitious beliefs behind this soap as it is advised that preparers must be in good terms with their husbands and must not quarrel among themselves while making the soap, else it would not be made well. Watch below how indigenous women make the soap.
