Many genuine organic enthusiasts have been asking me to do a post for us to know more about African black soap A.K.A Ose dudu, Ose abuwe etc.
I will be very brief so as not to leave room for confusion.
The soap originated from OYO State. I put it to you today that there is no soap on earth that we can say is 100% organic apart from this OYO originated soap. Yea it contains Lye and other conventional soaps too are produced with Lye.
The difference is in the formation:
Caustic soda is syntethically produced while Lye used in the production of ABS is organically processed with the use of plants remain (cocoa pods, plantain peels, Shea tree bark, palm kernel fruit bunch, Camwood extracts).
They are burnt into ashes and subjected to fermentation and filteration the result of which is herbal LYE.
This explains why it is considered the safest soap for those who shun caustic soda.
Point to note:
Soaps formulated based on the use of Lye (caustic soda) if using cold process method will eventually render the soap with no Lye present after saponification takes place. The vegetable glycerine emitted during production is allowed to be reabsorbed if organic soap that is truly organic.
What makes up soap?
It is simply a scientific combination of Lye + Oil.
More reason I remain one of the ardent believer in no Lye no soap.
In Abs production we use oils like palm kernel oil premium or Coconut oil and shea butter to fortify the soap. You can as well call it recommended carrier oils in abs. Some carrier oils may not work with this 100% organic abs. You will do well to share with us when you try with other famous carrier oils.
Let me explain the phases involved in the production of Abs.
Phase 1: Liquid gel stage.
Phase 2: paste stage
Phase 3: granules/flakes stage.
They are all raw and no additives, no fillers etc.
(Hint: in between the phases you can also produce abs bar soap).
Warning:
African black soap which originated from Nigeria was exported to Ghana by the OYO women pepper merchants who travelled to Ghana. The alata sellers (pepper sellers) introduce the soap to Ghana.
But because we do not know the value of our inheritance, we now see many today gunning for the soap tagged ‘Ghana soap’.
I asked what is that fascinating? Most Ghana soaps I saw in Accra and even Togo are laced, garnished with all kind of chemicals, hardened after pounding to incorporate those unsafe powders, decorated and wrapped tightly with brown paper.
I will advise you get the abs paste version that comes raw and subject it to other forms of concortions which you have control over. (Always ensure your additives should be skin friendly and safe).
Tips:
For body or hair shampoo go for abs liquid gel raw version.
For abs paste products go for abs paste base raw version.
For all kinds of abs base products go for the granules/flakes. It can be reconverted to any of the phases if you are well grounded.
Let me stop the lecture here today.
See pictures below as guide only.
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