African Black Soap vs Moroccan Black Soap (Savon Beldi): Which One Do You Actually Want?

Moroccan black soap, or savon beldi, is a genuine and well-regarded tradition in its own right — an olive-oil paste used in the hammam and scrubbed off with a kessa mitt. West African black soap is a different product that happens to share the name: an ash-and-oil cleansing soap traditionally used for face, hair and body. This article sets out the differences so you can tell which one you are buying.

You will find a side-by-side comparison of region, form, base oils and how each is used, why the shared name causes so much confusion online, and how to check an ingredient list before you buy. See also the complete guide to African black soap and real versus fake African black soap. This is a placeholder page — the full article will be published here shortly.