An Honest Review of Zakia’s Morocco Black Soap (2025)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our full disclosure here.

If you’re someone like me who’s always on the lookout for products that offer both indulgence and efficacy, then you’ve probably come across Moroccan black soap at some point. I had heard a lot about its use in traditional hammam rituals and the almost magical exfoliation it promises, so I finally decided to try Zakia’s Morocco Black Soap. After weeks of using it, I feel ready to share my experience—the good, the bad, and everything in between. This isn’t your typical bubbly soap; it’s something quite unique, and my review will walk you through what you can actually expect from it. Spoiler: it completely transformed how I approach body exfoliation.

Packaging

When the soap arrived, I was immediately struck by its jar packaging. It’s not a bar soap; instead, it comes in a wide-mouth PET plastic jar, which is recyclable and easy to scoop from—a small but thoughtful detail. I appreciated that the design reflected its Moroccan roots, with subtle motifs and earthy tones that made it feel artisanal rather than flashy.

Functionally, the jar works well, but I do wish it were transparent. Since the soap has a dark, rich brown color and a thick, gel-like texture, I often found myself opening the lid just to check how much was left. The packaging is practical overall, but a little care is needed to keep water out when using it in the shower. I’ve made it a habit to scoop out just what I need before stepping in.

Ingredients

Zakia’s Morocco Black Soap sticks to traditional, natural ingredients, which is something I highly value. The base is made from olive oil and macerated olives, and some versions are enriched with Argan oil. There are no PEGs, parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances, or mineral oils. That made me feel confident applying it even to my sensitive skin.

Even though it’s marketed as “organic,” it doesn’t carry a formal USDA certification. Still, the ingredients are ethically sourced, with the olive oil and other components coming directly from Moroccan artisans and women’s cooperatives. It’s also free from any harsh chemicals, making it a safer option for sensitive skin. The thought that I’m indirectly supporting Moroccan women’s cooperatives added a meaningful layer to my purchase.

Scent

The scent experience with this soap is very personal. I started with the original unscented version, but it does have a natural, slightly smokey aroma, likely from the olive processing. It’s earthy and raw, which I personally found authentic and soothing. However, I know some friends who expected a truly neutral scent and were a bit thrown off by it.

Zakia’s offers other variants like Lavender, Eucalyptus, Rose Blossom, and Amber Musk. I later tried the Eucalyptus and absolutely loved its refreshing, almost spa-like vibe. The scent doesn’t linger on the skin for long, but it definitely enhances the bathing ritual while you’re using it. For me, the Lavender one has become my go-to for winding down in the evenings—it brings a subtle calm to my routine.

Lather and Application

This soap doesn’t behave like typical commercial soaps, and that’s important to know upfront. It doesn’t foam or bubble; instead, it turns into a creamy, lotion-like emulsion when worked with a loofah or cloth. At first, this threw me off, but I soon understood that the real magic lies in the application ritual.

You apply a small amount to warm, damp skin and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. Then, using a Kessa glove, you exfoliate in firm strokes. The difference in my skin texture after doing this was astonishing. One caution: the exfoliation can feel intense if you’re new to it, so starting gently is key.

Also worth mentioning: it works wonderfully as a shaving medium. The slippery consistency allows the razor to glide smoothly, and I experienced zero razor burn—a rare thing for me. It’s actually replaced my shaving cream entirely.

Effectiveness

If you’re looking for a deep cleanser and exfoliator, this is where Zakia’s Morocco Black Soap truly shines. It cleared out my pores and left my skin feeling almost squeaky clean. That said, it didn’t strip my skin dry. On the contrary, I felt noticeably softer and more hydrated afterward.

I also tested it on my face (a little nervously at first), and to my surprise, it worked beautifully. I noticed a bit of a glow and no post-wash tightness. It even helped with minor breakouts. I’ve also seen real improvements in rough patches on my arms, thanks to the enzymatic exfoliation when paired with the Kessa glove.

One thing to highlight: if you’re into self-tanning, this soap does a fantastic job prepping the skin. It sloughs off all dead cells, creating a smooth base for a more even tan. Just make sure to give yourself a bit of time to go through the full process properly. I even saw a noticeable improvement in areas prone to Keratosis Pilaris, especially on my arms and thighs.

Size and Lifespan

The soap is available in both 8 oz and 16 oz jars, which I find convenient. I started with the smaller one, and even with regular use, it lasted me several months. A little goes a long way, so you truly get your money’s worth.

One minor hiccup: in one of my orders, the consistency seemed slightly thinner than usual. While the soap still worked, it did feel like I was going through it faster. I later read that the soap may become more liquid over time, especially as it nears the end of its shelf life. This isn’t a dealbreaker but something to be aware of. I now store mine away from direct sunlight and make sure the lid is always tightly closed.

Brand Reputation

Zakia’s Morocco is a family-run business, and that really shows in the care they put into their products. Founded by a Moroccan-American couple, the brand stays true to its mission of promoting traditional Moroccan beauty rituals. They partner directly with women’s cooperatives in Morocco, which I deeply respect.

They also have a strong online presence and actively engage with their customers. While they haven’t racked up a long list of awards, the positive customer reviews and return buyers speak volumes about their credibility. I personally appreciated the transparency on their website—no vague marketing speak, just clear information about ingredients and how to use the product properly.

Price and Value

You can expect to pay around $16 to $20 for the 8 oz jar and about $25 to $30 for the 16 oz version. While it’s pricier than your average store-bought soap, I genuinely believe it’s worth it for what you’re getting—a natural, spa-quality product with long-lasting value.

They also offer gift sets and occasional discounts, which make it even more appealing if you’re considering it as a gift or planning to repurchase. The shelf life is pretty solid, especially if you store it correctly. When you factor in how many uses you get per jar, it’s actually a good investment.

Availability

Getting your hands on Zakia’s Morocco Black Soap isn’t difficult, especially in the US. It’s available on Amazon, Etsy, Walmart Marketplace, and the brand’s official website. While it’s not something you’d typically find in drugstores, online access more than makes up for it.

Occasionally, certain scents might be out of stock, but I’ve never had trouble finding at least one variant available. They even offer bulk sizes for spas or regular users. I’m tempted to try the larger professional size just to avoid reordering for a while!

Overall Rating

After weeks of use, I’d give Zakia’s Morocco Black Soap a solid 8.7 out of 10. It’s incredibly effective, feels luxurious, and aligns with my preference for ethical and natural skincare. There are minor inconveniences, but the overall performance makes up for them. I can’t imagine my self-care routine without it now.

Tips & Recommendations

If you’re trying this soap for the first time, I recommend purchasing it along with a high-quality Kessa glove. Follow the traditional ritual—warm water soak, soap application, waiting period, and exfoliation—to really see its full potential.