African Black Soap Cleanser 7 / 10

The full breakdown

A traditional formulation rather than a modern surfactant blend — effective for oily or congested skin, but patch-test first since batch consistency can vary more than with lab-formulated cleansers.

Ingredient breakdown

• African Black Soap
  Limited evidence

  A 2021 dermatology review found real evidence that traditional African black soap has antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcal and some Streptococcal organisms, and describes it as gentle and superfatted; the same review notes that many other popularly claimed benefits -- such as anti-acne, exfoliating and scar-fading effects -- remain anecdotal rather than clinically established.

• Shea Butter
  Limited evidence

  Commonly used as an emollient/occlusive to soften skin and reduce moisture loss. Tested clinically as part of multi-ingredient moisturizing formulations (alongside saccharide isomerate or colloidal oatmeal, for example) showing improvements in skin hydration and barrier recovery after skin procedures; standalone shea-butter-only efficacy data is limited.

Best suited to

Oily, Congested