AFRICAN SKINCARE INGREDIENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Natural ingredients, oils, soaps, clays, and other natural beauty products used extensively by Ancient African civilizations for skincare were done because of the harsh weather and environmental conditions. It is no secret that that Cleopatra of ancient Egypt had naturally glowing and youthful skin, thanks to ingredients straight from the earth. Many believe that ancient African skin care holds many secrets to flawless looking skin.

If you have not been using any African skincare ingredient in your skincare routine,  then you are definitely missing out! Here are 10 natural African beauty secrets handed down from generations that you can incorporate into your routine depending on your skin needs.

African Black Soap

African black soap is a traditional soap that comes from West Africa which is also known as “dudu osun” or “alata samina”. The magic of African Black Soap is that each ingredient used in its creation plays an immense role in its amazing ability to clear skin spots and blemishes, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, and other skin conditions, making it a global hot selling beauty product!

Plantain skin: Contains antioxidants, such as riboflavin, vitamin C, thiamine, and folic acid

Coconut Oil: Has anti-inflammatory properties and contains antioxidants that protect your skin from UV damage and prevent skin ageing 

Palm Kernel Oil: Is an excellent moisturizer and emollient that keeps your skin hydrated and nourished.

Palm Oil: Is derived from the palm fruit (and not its kernel) and contains beta-carotene, vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants.

SheaButter: Has anti-inflammatory properties and keeps your skin moisturized and prevents fine lines and signs of ageing.

What are the benefits of African Black Soap? What makes African Black Soap different from other cleansers?

• It contains all-natural ingredients that cleanse, exfoliate, repair, and nourish the skin

• It has antibacterial and antifungal properties to protect damaged skin and fight acne

• It is Chemical-free and a savior for oily skin types

• Multipurpose use as a body wash and facial cleanser, strong enough for any level of dirt and grease

• It is great for treating acne, dry skin, dark spots, and wrinkles

Not every African Black Soap dries out the skin. Try our super conditioning and nourishing African Black Soap Body Wash and experience the difference.

SheaButter

Shea butter has originated from North Africa and is one of the most popular ingredients from African skincare history. The shea butter tree grows in over 21 countries of Africa, which is a remarkable fact in itself.

She butter has its fame in the ancient Egyptian times when Cleopatra used it on a large scale. It is best known for its medicinal properties like soothing skin rashes, stretch marks, acne, prevents dryness and sun protection.

By the way, both our African Black Soaps, Premium Herbal Soap With Basil,Moringa, Neem And Aloe Vera, Luminous Glow Soap With Turmeric, Goat Milk, Honey And Papaya and Detox Soap With Activated Bamboo Charcoal, Bentonite Clay And Dead Sea contain shea butter!

Marula oil

There is an interesting saying in African tribes related to the Marula tree that if you want a baby boy, you should drink tea made from male Marula tree fruits, and if you want a girl, drink tea from the female tree’s fruit.

Marula oil makes the skin soft, hydrated, and supple. Marula oil improves hydration and appearance of your skin. As such it is used for treating dry skin and helps reduce the appearance stretch marks, Marula Oil is very rich in omega 6 and 9 that help regenerate the skin and its high antioxidant content protects the skin from sun damage making it an ingredient of choice in anti-aging treatments. 

Rhassoul or ghassoul clay

This clay has been in use from the 8th century by the North African women. Rhassoul clay is a natural mineral-rich clay found only in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The clay is rich in potassium, sodium, iron, and silica, and has been in use for body, skin, and hair care.

Baobab oil

In Africa, the Baobab tree is known as the tree of life due its medicinal properties,

soothing properties and anti-aging properties. Packed with vitamins A, D & K, baobab oil is a powerhouse for skin recovery, cell renewal, and helps preserve collagen and softens skin with its abundant Omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Shop our unadulterated 100% Pure Cold Pressed Baobab oil to ensure you unlock the full benefit of this antiaging powerhouse.

Argan oil

It is known colloquially as “liquid gold” due to its exceptionally high levels of Vitamin E and essential fatty acids.  These serve as emollients, attracting and retaining hydration in the skin, and have potent anti-inflammatory properties. It’s rich antioxidant profile nourishes and protects the elasticity of the skin.  Our CocoHoney Illuminating Body Lotion and Detox Soap With Activated Bamboo Charcoal, Bentonite Clay And Dead Sea contains argan oil, so it’s perfect for your skin.

Mongongo oil

Also known as Manketti oil, the trees of Mongongo can be found in the Kalahari Desert. This  oil protects the skin from the extreme heat of the sun.

Neem oil

Neem oil comes from the seeds of the neem tree, which is native to India but can also be found in West Africa. This oil might smell a bit like garlic, but it’s highly rich in antioxidants, which are great for protecting your skin from bad environments and and it can even aid the skin in recovering from infections. Our Premium Herbal Soap With Basil, Moringa, Neem And Aloe Vera and African Black Soap Herbal Body Wash contains Neem Oil to clear skin imperfections such as breakouts, spots and scars, and brighten dull blemished skin to reveal the healthy, youthful skin beneath. We also offer unadulterated 100% Pure Cold Pressed African Neem Oil to ensure you get the full benefit of this miracle oil.

Moringa

Moringa, also known as the Miracle Herb superfoods, is filled with phytonutrients, amino acids, and high-value minerals in every part of the plant. Moringa has amazing skin benefits to reduce large pores, fine lines and wrinkles.

The oil contains a high level of monounsaturated fatty acids, oleic being the predominant fatty acid which makes it great for supporting the skin barrier to seal in hydration and protects skin from environmental factors

Our Products that contain Moringa: Premium Herbal Soap With Basil, Moringa, Neem And Aloe Vera and African Black Soap Herbal Body Wash

Rooibos

Rooibos is traditionally used as tea by the Khoisan tribe and can be found in the Cederberg Mountains of the Peninsula in South Africa. Highly regarded as a natural skincare ingredient, rooibos has soothing anti-allergenic properties. People love to use it on sunspots and even pigmentation. Additionally, the copper & zinc found in this plant help in keeping skin soft and smooth.

Kigelia

The Kigelia tree can be found from Tanzania all the way down to KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.

Rich in medicinal bioactive compounds, Kigelia is potent enough to fight bacteria and acne, yet gentle enough to calm distressed skin. People who have irritated or sensitive skin can particularly benefit from Kigelia’s calming and restorative properties.