African Black Soap Recipe

How to Make Black Soap: 15 Steps (with Pictures) wikiHow

WebSep 7, 2022 · 1. Heat the castor oil and coconut oil over low heat in a deep pot. Pour 4 ounces (120 mL) of castor oil and 4 ounces (120 mL) of coconut oil into a deep pot. Set …

1. Purchase organic potash from an online supplier. You may also be able to find it in a store that specializes in African grocery, but those may be difficult to find. It’s typically sold in 2.5 to 3-ounce (94.71 to 113.65-g) bags. Make sure that it’s food grade or labeled for soap-making. Potash is ash that comes from different sources, such as cocoa, plantain, and clay. Any of these will work for black soap, but they may affect the final color and texture. You can buy potash online from stores that specialize in soap making supplies or African grocery.
2. Combine your potash and warm water in a stainless steel pot. Pour 2.5 to 3 ounces (94.71 to 113.65) of potash into a medium-sized stainless steel pot. Stir in 2 ⁄2 cups (590 mL) of warm, distilled water. Potash isn't as harsh as lye, but it can still affect your skin. Put on plastic, rubber, or vinyl gloves, and don't take them off until after you've finished making the soap. Don't use tap or filtered water. They may contain minerals, which might affect the soap in the end. If you can’t find a stainless steel pot, then an iron pot will work just fine. Don't use aluminum as it will react with the potash.
3. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Keep an eye on the water as it comes to a boil. Once the potash starts to heat up, it may start to bubble and boil over. This should only take a couple of minutes, but be patient. You need to bring the potash to a boil because it helps jump-start the saponification process.
4. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 30 minutes, stirring often. The potash is ready when it starts to harden and take on a crumbly texture, like ground meat. This will typically happen after about 30 minutes. As the potash cooks, be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pot often with a rubber spatula. The potash will absorb the water and turn solid. You can help it cook faster by flattening it across the bottom of the pot with your spatula. Watch out for bubbles; don’t let the potash boil over. If it starts to happen, lift the pot off the stove for a moment or two until the bubbles die down.

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