Black soap is made from plantain skin, coca pods, shea butter, palm leaves, palm oil & kernel oil. The plantain skins, coca pods, and palm leaves are set out to dry for 2 weeks. The leaves are then burned in a kettle, and water is added to the ashes, which are then filtered. Shea butter, palm oil, kernel oil, and cocoa butter are added to the water. The soap is hand-stirred for at least 24 hours and then set to cure for 2 weeks. Black soap is unique in that it contains no preservatives, colour enhancers or fragrance. It creates a soft lather without the animal fat additives that are commonly used in soaps today. Black soap literally cleans all the impurities out of the skin from the inside out. Black soap is a natural source of vitamins A, E, and iron, which help to strengthen the skin and hair. Black soap also contains a high amount of glycerin, which absorbs moisture from the air and literally deposits it into the skin, making the skin soft and supple. Tradition says that black soap is good for thinning face lines, helping to even out dark spots on the skin, relieving eczema, psoriasis, & eliminating blemishes & and body odour. Black soap is used to gently exfoliate the skin addition of shea butter provides ultraviolet protection. Along with that, black soap can be used during pregnancy and afterwards to prevent getting stretch marks and protect from dry skin that is often accompanied by pregnancy. Black soap can also be used as a hair shampoo; the shea butter in the soap softens the hair, while the vitamins give it strength. Men can also use Black soap in shaving, as it's also an aid in relieving razor bumps. The high shea butter content leaves the skin smooth & protected.