My Honest Review of Alaffia Liquid African Black Soap (2025)

I’ve always been curious about African Black Soap, ever since a friend recommended it to me after their trip to West Africa. They raved about its natural properties and how it helped with their skin issues, which immediately piqued my interest. So, when I came across Alaffia’s Liquid African Black Soap, I knew I had to give it a try. This product promises to be an all-in-one solution for face, body, and even hair care. After using it for a while, I’m here to share my honest experience – the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Packaging

Let’s start with the packaging. The soap comes in a simple, functional plastic bottle with either a pump dispenser or a flip cap. The pump dispenser is convenient and helps control how much product you use, which is a big plus for me. It prevents waste and keeps things clean.

However, I did feel that the plastic packaging could be more eco-friendly. In a world where sustainability matters, I would have preferred something more environmentally conscious, like a glass bottle or biodegradable material. That said, refill options are available, which can help reduce waste. The labeling is clear, providing all the necessary information about ingredients, certifications, and usage instructions.

Overall, while the packaging is practical, it’s not particularly unique or eye-catching. It gets the job done, but there’s room for improvement in terms of sustainability.

Ingredients

One of the reasons I was drawn to this soap is its natural ingredient list. It’s made in Togo, West Africa, using traditional methods. The key ingredient is shea butter, known for its moisturizing properties, along with other fair-trade and ethically sourced ingredients.

I appreciate that the soap is free from harsh chemicals like sulfates and parabens. It’s also cruelty-free and vegan, which aligns with my personal values. The soap is gentle enough for sensitive skin, but as with any product, individual reactions may vary. Doing a patch test is always a good idea if you have concerns.

A standout feature is the brand’s commitment to supporting women’s cooperatives in West Africa. Knowing that purchasing this product contributes to community development projects makes me feel good about using it.

Scent

I’m someone who loves a good scent in my skincare products, and Alaffia didn’t disappoint. The soap is available in various natural scents, such as Eucalyptus Tea Tree, Lavender Ylang Ylang, Citrus Ginger, Unscented, Hemp Olive Leaf, Peppermint, Rosewater Peony, Tangerine Citrus, and Wild Lavender. Personally, I like the Peppermint and Eucalyptus Tea Tree variants the most. The Peppermint scent is especially invigorating during a morning shower, giving a refreshing, cooling sensation that helps wake me up. On the other hand, the Eucalyptus Tea Tree is perfect for unwinding after a long day, as its soothing aroma feels calming and therapeutic.

If you prefer something more subtle or have sensitivities, there’s an unscented option available. The scents are derived from essential oils, which I appreciate because they feel more natural and less artificial.

The scent strength is moderate – not overpowering, but noticeable enough to make your shower experience enjoyable. I also noticed that the scent doesn’t linger on the skin for too long, which can be a plus for people who prefer not to have lingering fragrances.

Effectiveness

Effectiveness is where this soap shines. It’s marketed as a multi-purpose product, and I tested it on my face, body, and hair. Here’s how it performed:

• Face: I was a bit hesitant to use it on my face because I have acne-prone skin. Surprisingly, it didn’t cause any breakouts and actually helped reduce some blemishes. The antibacterial properties of traditional African Black Soap likely played a role here.
• Body: The soap produces a gentle lather and leaves the skin feeling clean but not stripped. It also rinses off easily, which I appreciate. Some soaps leave a residue, but that wasn’t the case here.
• Hair: I tried it as a shampoo and found it worked well for a quick cleanse. However, since it’s a bit thin in consistency, I had to use more than usual to get a decent lather. It’s probably best for people with short hair or those who want a simple, natural shampoo option.

I also noticed that it works well with different water types, which is great if you live in an area with hard water. It’s also a non-comedogenic product, meaning it won’t clog pores.

One thing I loved is that, despite its dark color, the liquid doesn’t stain towels or shower surfaces. The soap also has some exfoliating properties in certain variants, offering a gentle scrub without being harsh.

That said, the thinner consistency might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some people prefer a thicker, more luxurious lather, and this soap’s natural formulation results in a lighter lather.

Size and Lifespan

The soap comes in two main sizes: 16 fl oz (473 ml) and 32 fl oz (946 ml). I opted for the 16 oz bottle with a pump dispenser, which is perfect for everyday use. The larger size is more economical, especially if you plan to use it frequently or for the whole family.

Alaffia also offers refill options, which I appreciate for reducing plastic waste. There’s even a bar soap version available if you prefer a solid format.

In terms of lifespan, I found that a little goes a long way. Since it’s moderately concentrated, you don’t need to use a lot each time. Depending on your usage, a 16 oz bottle can last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.

Brand Reputation

One of the reasons I trust Alaffia is because of their strong ethical values. The brand is well-known for its fair-trade practices and commitment to sustainable sourcing. They work closely with women-led cooperatives in West Africa, helping to empower communities through job creation and social projects.

I’ve also seen positive reviews from other customers who appreciate the brand’s transparency and focus on natural ingredients. Alaffia’s commitment to cruelty-free practices and vegan products is another big plus.

They’ve received awards and recognition for their social impact and fair-trade initiatives, which further boosts their credibility. One inspiring example is their maternal care initiative in Togo, where Alaffia has funded thousands of safe births by providing essential healthcare services and supplies to women in need. This effort not only improves maternal health but also strengthens community bonds, making it clear that every purchase directly contributes to life-changing projects.

Price and Value

The price of Alaffia’s Liquid African Black Soap is fairly reasonable, especially considering the quality of the ingredients and the ethical sourcing practices. A 16 oz bottle costs around $10, which is comparable to other natural soaps on the market.

While some might find it a bit pricey compared to conventional soaps, I think it offers good value for money. The fact that it’s a multi-purpose product also adds to its cost-effectiveness. Instead of buying separate face wash, body wash, and shampoo, you can use this one product for all three.

There are also special offers and discounts available through Alaffia’s website and other retailers. For those who plan to use it regularly, the refill options can save money in the long run.

Availability

Alaffia’s products are widely available both online and in physical stores. You can find them at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods Market. They’re also available on Amazon and Alaffia’s official website.

For those who prefer shopping at specialty stores, the soap is often stocked at health food stores and natural product shops. Shipping costs and times vary depending on the retailer, but it’s generally easy to get your hands on this soap.

Pros & Cons

Overall Rating

After using Alaffia’s Liquid African Black Soap, I’d give it an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It’s a fantastic natural product with strong ethical values, and I appreciate the brand’s commitment to community empowerment. The soap works well as an all-in-one solution, and I love that it’s gentle enough for daily use.

While there’s room for improvement in terms of packaging and consistency, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re looking for a natural, multi-purpose soap that aligns with sustainable values, Alaffia’s Liquid African Black Soap is worth trying.