Looking for black soap in the UK? The First Lady Fast Actives African Black Soap is a traditionally inspired black soap made with shea butter, vitamin E and apricot kernel extract, designed to cleanse deeply and gently exfoliate face, body and hands.
What does black soap do?
African black soap is traditionally used to deep cleanse and purify skin. Ours is made with shea butter, vitamin E and apricot kernel extract, so it exfoliates gently as it cleanses and is designed to help even the look of skin tone. Read about the dark spot remover soap and glutathione skin brightening, or see our exfoliating soaps.
Our black soap range
Everything below is formulated in the UK and cruelty-free.
Fast Actives African Black Soap for cleansing face & body
Authentic African black soap with shea butter, vitamin E and apricot kernel extract, for face, body and hands.
£2.49Add to basketAfrican Black Soap x 6pcs
A multipack of six African Black Soap bars.
Original price was: £14.94.£13.89Current price is: £13.89.Add to basket
First lady Fast Actives Papaya Skin Brightening Soap
A papaya brightening soap if you prefer a lighter, fruit based cleanse.
£2.49Add to basket
Bright Express Carrot with Amla Brightening Soap
A carrot and amla exfoliating soap for an advanced brightening routine.
£3.79Add to basket
How to use African black soap
Step 1: Wet your skin
Wet your hands and the area you want to cleanse.
Step 2: Lather
Lather the soap between wet hands.
Step 3: Massage gently
Massage onto the face or body in circular motions, avoiding the eyes.
Step 4: Rinse and moisturise
Rinse thoroughly, then moisturise and wear SPF.
Which soap is right for you?
You want true black soap
Choose the African Black Soap.
You want a fruit soap
Try the Papaya Soap, or see our papaya soap guide.
You want more exfoliation
See our exfoliating soap range.
What is African black soap made from?
Traditional African black soap is usually made from plant ash, such as plantain skins and cocoa pod, blended with oils and butters such as shea butter. The ash gives the bar its dark colour and its cleansing, lightly exfoliating feel.
Our African Black Skin Soap is a traditionally inspired bar made with shea butter, vitamin E and apricot kernel extract. The bar is off-black or grey-ish rather than jet black, which is normal. It can be used on the hands, face and body. Avoid the eyes.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I use black soap?
Once or twice a day. Because it exfoliates gently, reduce use if your skin feels dry or tight.
Can I use black soap on my face and body?
Yes, our African Black Soap can be used on hands, face and body. Avoid the eyes.
Is black soap suitable for sensitive skin?
Patch test any new product on a small area first, and stop using it if irritation develops.
Is your black soap cruelty-free?
Yes. First Lady London products are cruelty-free and formulated in the UK.
How can I tell if black soap is genuine?
Traditional black soap is usually off-black to brown, soft or crumbly, and earthy in smell. A perfectly uniform jet-black bar can point to added colour. Check the ingredients list and buy from a seller that tells you what is in the bar.
Can I use black soap if I am pregnant or have a skin condition?
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or you have a skin condition such as eczema, ask your GP or pharmacist before trying a new soap. Patch test on a small area first.
How much does black soap cost?
A single 200g bar currently starts at £2.49, and the six-bar pack costs less per bar.
How do I use black soap?
Wet your skin, work the bar into a lather in your hands and massage gently over the face or body. Rinse well and follow with a moisturiser. Start with a few times a week and build up if your skin is comfortable.
Shop brightening products → Shop cleansing products → See our exfoliating soaps →