Now Reading: The 3 Best Moroccan Black Soaps I’ve Found for Effectively Exfoliating Dead Skin Cells
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The 3 Best Moroccan Black Soaps I’ve Found for Effectively Exfoliating Dead Skin Cells
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If you’ve ever heard of Moroccan black soap but haven’t tried it, let me be the first to say: you’re missing out on one of the most transformative exfoliating rituals I’ve experienced. As someone constantly exploring natural skincare options, I was introduced to Moroccan black soap a few years ago, and I haven’t looked back since. These soaps aren’t your average sudsy cleansers. They’re thick, buttery pastes rooted in centuries-old hammam (Moroccan steam bath) traditions, designed to soften dead skin and prep it for removal using a coarse kessa glove.
What makes Moroccan black soap stand out is its unique ability to detoxify, hydrate, and exfoliate in one go. It doesn’t rely on harsh scrubbing particles or chemical exfoliants. Instead, it uses natural ingredients like olive oil to gently loosen dead skin, making way for glowing, soft, and renewed skin. I’ve tried a handful over the years, but these three brands have consistently impressed me in terms of quality, results, and value. Here’s my honest take on them.
1. Zakia’s Morocco Black Soap
My journey with Moroccan black soap actually began with Zakia’s Morocco, a family-run brand that proudly blends traditional Moroccan practices with U.S.-based packaging and distribution. One of the first things I appreciated about Zakia’s was the wide-mouth PET plastic jar—it made scooping out the rich, dark brown paste easy (though I had to be cautious not to let water get in).
The texture is smooth and buttery, almost like softened jelly, and the scent options are beautiful. I personally prefer the original unscented version, which has a natural, slightly smoky aroma that feels authentically hammam-inspired. The Eucalyptus and Lavender varieties are also excellent if you’re in the mood for something more invigorating or relaxing.
Application is a ritual: I apply it to damp skin, let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then go in with a kessa glove. The peeling effect? Satisfyingly visible. You can literally see rolls of dead skin come off. My skin always feels baby soft after, and there’s no greasy residue. In fact, I often skip moisturizer afterward because of how smooth and hydrated my skin feels.
Another thing worth mentioning is the quality of ingredients. It’s 100% natural, made with olive oil and water—no PEGs, parabens, or synthetic fragrances. Some jars are also infused with Argan oil for extra nourishment. I also like that Zakia’s partners with women’s cooperatives in Morocco, supporting ethical sourcing.
The 8 oz jar is reasonably priced and lasts a long time. It doesn’t lather like traditional soaps, but that’s not the point. This is about deep cleansing, gentle exfoliation, and indulging in a spa-worthy ritual at home. If you’re new to black soap, Zakia’s is a fantastic place to start.
2. Natural Elephant Moroccan Black Soap
The next standout in my lineup is the Natural Elephant Moroccan Black Soap, which I discovered while hunting for more budget-friendly options. It comes in a compact 7 oz plastic jar with a screw-on lid—nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.
What really sets this one apart for me is its authentic hammam vibe. The texture is thick and gooey, and it spreads easily on warm skin. I tried the Eucalyptus version first, and while the scent was a bit medicinal at first, I grew to appreciate its spa-like aroma during my self-care sessions. The lavender option is milder and more soothing.
Like Zakia’s, this soap doesn’t foam. Instead, it softens skin for the exfoliating step. And yes, using a kessa glove is non-negotiable here too. The exfoliation experience is effective and satisfying, though I found that if I didn’t soak long enough beforehand, the results weren’t as dramatic. Once I nailed the timing, the dead skin came off like magic.
The formula uses natural ingredients, primarily saponified olive oil, with options that include Argan oil or essential oils. It’s free from parabens and sulfates, which makes it a safe bet even for my sensitive skin (though a patch test is always wise). What impressed me most was how hydrated and refreshed my skin felt post-use. It’s not stripping at all.
Natural Elephant often sells combo packs with a kessa mitt included, which adds to the value. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to get into Moroccan skincare without spending a fortune—and still get real results.
3. Feriha Moroccan Black Soap
The third black soap that truly earned a place on my shelf is Feriha Moroccan Black Soap. What initially attracted me to this brand was the variety it offered. From Argan Oil to Eucalyptus to the striking blue Nila variant, FERIHA adds some modern flair to traditional Moroccan formulas.
I tried the Eucalyptus version first, and I loved its fresh, spa-like scent. It’s uplifting, especially in colder months. But the Nila variant deserves a shoutout too—it has a deep indigo hue and is marketed to help with skin brightening and concerns like “strawberry legs.” That claim intrigued me, and after a few consistent uses, I did notice a smoother appearance on my thighs and arms.
Like the others, FERIHA comes in a 200g jar with a thick, paste-like texture. The exfoliation process follows the same hammam-inspired method: apply to damp skin, let it sit, then scrub with a kessa glove. It felt slightly tacky at first, but once rinsed off, the softness and glow were undeniable.
The ingredients are what you’d expect in a high-quality black soap—saponified olive oil, water, and sometimes organic Argan oil. I appreciate that FERIHA is free from artificial colors and fragrances, relying instead on natural essential oils and plant-based additives. The brand emphasizes its products are handcrafted in Morocco, and it shows in the authenticity.
What sets this soap apart is the targeted approach. Different formulas are tailored to different needs. If you’re after a simple deep cleanse, the original version does the job beautifully. If you want help with uneven tone or persistent rough patches, the Nila or Aker Fassi versions might be a better match.
FERIHA is also very budget-friendly and easy to find online. The quality is impressive given the price point, and I love that it delivers visible results without the high-end label markup.
Concluding Thoughts
In a world of overwhelming skincare options, Moroccan black soap stands out for its simplicity, effectiveness, and connection to centuries of tradition. If you’re tired of scrubs that don’t deliver or cleansers that leave your skin dry, these soaps offer a refreshingly honest alternative.
Zakia’s Morocco is perfect for those looking for a luxurious, authentic spa experience with ethically sourced ingredients. Natural Elephant is an excellent entry point for budget-conscious users who still want quality and tradition. And FERIHA brings versatility and customization, with unique formulations that target specific concerns.
Just remember, the kessa glove is essential to unlocking the true power of these soaps. Don’t skip it.
Whichever brand you choose, give yourself the time to enjoy the process. Light a candle, take a steamy shower, and treat your skin to something truly special. Trust me, your skin will thank you.
