My Honest Review of Koji White African Black Soap with Kojic Acid

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When I first came across the Koji White African Black Soap with Kojic Acid, I was intrigued by its unique promise: combining the traditional cleansing power of African black soap with the skin-brightening benefits of Kojic Acid. Having tried both types of products separately before, I was curious to see how this hybrid would perform. The brand presents it as a bar that not only purifies but also brightens and softens the skin—a multitasking soap meant for both face and body. I decided to test it for several weeks to understand whether it truly balances those benefits without compromising skin comfort.

Packaging

The soap comes in a sturdy cardboard box, reflecting the brand’s eco-friendly approach under its parent company, Bophie Co., Ltd. Each box contains two 80g bars, amounting to a total of 160g. The packaging has a sleek, modern design with dark tones that emphasize its African black soap identity, accented by white and orange lettering that lend it a premium touch. While there’s no transparent window to see the soap inside, the overall presentation feels polished and professional.

I appreciate that the brand emphasizes sustainability—the box material is recyclable, and the product carries the Amazon “Compact by Design” certification, indicating efficient packaging that reduces shipping waste. However, I wish the brand communicated more about the recyclability or biodegradability of its materials directly on the box, as this information would appeal to eco-conscious consumers like me.

Inside, the bars are not shrink-wrapped or sealed, which is typical for many bar soaps. Still, the box itself arrives clean and intact, providing sufficient hygiene assurance.

Ingredients

This soap blends traditional natural ingredients with a few modern cosmetic compounds for stability and performance. Its key components include African black soap elements such as cocoa pod ash and shea butter, alongside oatmeal, aloe vera, and banana peel extract for exfoliation and skin conditioning. The inclusion of Kojic Dipalmitate (a stable form of Kojic Acid) gives it its brightening function, targeting dark spots and uneven tone.

The full formulation features saponified plant oils (palm, palm kernel, coconut), glycerin, cocoa powder, aloe leaf juice, oatmeal, vitamin E, and a synthetic fragrance blend. The texture is slightly gritty due to the oatmeal, giving it a mild scrubbing effect.

While I appreciate the mix of moisturizing agents like shea butter, aloe, and glycerin, the alkaline nature of true soap means it may not suit very dry or sensitive skin. The fragrance components (like linalool and limonene) could also pose irritation risks for those with allergies. On the plus side, it’s vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, and SLS-free, and made in Thailand under GMP-certified facilities—a reassuring sign of quality and safety.

Scent

The scent is surprisingly subtle and pleasant. It carries a light cocoa aroma with faint earthy undertones, which makes the experience soothing and natural rather than overpowering. I personally enjoyed this balance—it’s refreshing without feeling synthetic. It doesn’t linger long after rinsing, which I consider a positive aspect for facial use. The unisex fragrance makes it suitable for everyone, and it complements the soap’s grounding, cleansing vibe.

Lather and Application

This soap lathers beautifully for a natural bar. It produces a rich, creamy foam with minimal effort, whether I rub it directly on my skin or create a lather in my hands. I typically use it after wetting my face and body, gently massaging it in circular motions to take advantage of the oatmeal’s exfoliating texture. The scrub particles are fine enough to polish without feeling abrasive.

It rinses off easily, leaving no residue behind. Immediately after rinsing, my skin feels deeply cleansed and smooth, though sometimes a little tight—a reminder of its alkaline base. Following up with a moisturizer is essential, especially if you have dry or combination skin.

Effectiveness

Over several weeks of consistent use, I noticed this soap does live up to many of its claims—but with some caveats. It provides an exceptionally clean feel and leaves my skin looking clearer and more refined. I found it effective for removing sweat, oil, and impurities, especially after workouts or humid days. The gentle exfoliation helped smooth my skin texture, and I did see a subtle brightening effect on areas affected by dullness or mild pigmentation.

However, it can be drying if used too often, particularly on sensitive areas like the face. The brand advertises it as suitable for sensitive skin, but I would recommend using it once daily or every other day on the face to avoid over-cleansing. For oily or acne-prone skin, this balance might actually be ideal—it cuts through oil without leaving residue.

Overall, I would describe its performance as a deep-cleansing, mildly brightening bar that works best when followed by proper hydration. It won’t replace a dedicated brightening serum, but it complements one well by keeping the skin surface clear and smooth.

Size and Lifespan

Each bar weighs 80 grams, and the soap’s texture is quite hard—much firmer than raw African black soap, which tends to soften quickly. Because of this, a single bar lasts impressively long. With regular daily use, I found that one bar can easily last six to eight weeks, and a two-pack could stretch over three months. This durability is a strong advantage and offsets the higher price point. To make it last even longer, I store it on a dry soap dish away from direct water flow.

Brand Reputation

Koji White is a flagship skincare brand under Bophie Co., Ltd., a Thai-based company founded in 2018. The brand has built its reputation around Kojic Acid–based products that target uneven tone and hyperpigmentation. It’s also recognized for its ethical stance—PETA-certified cruelty-free, 100% vegan, and committed to eco-conscious manufacturing. Their products are made in ISO/IEC 17025-certified facilities, adhering to strict safety and quality standards.

While Koji White’s African Black Soap has earned a loyal following for its results, the reviews tend to be polarized—those with oily or acne-prone skin often rave about its brightening and clarifying power, while users with dry or sensitive skin sometimes find it harsh. I find this division fair and consistent with the soap’s chemistry.

Price and Value

The two-bar pack retails for around $14.95, which makes it roughly $7.50 per bar—significantly higher than other African black soaps like Shea Moisture or Alaffia. However, I think the price reflects its dual-purpose formulation and superior longevity. Since the bar lasts much longer than softer black soaps, its cost per use ends up being quite reasonable. Considering its premium formulation, durability, and ethical production standards, the value feels justified for those looking for a brightening bar that doubles as a skincare treatment.

Availability

The soap is widely available online, including on Amazon, the official Koji White website, and several beauty e-commerce platforms like YesStyle. Some smaller beauty stores in the U.S. also stock it. The brand offers free U.S. shipping on orders over $55 and occasionally runs discounts on first purchases. It’s not as easily found in local supermarkets, but given its niche nature, online ordering is the most convenient route.

Overall Rating