Moroccan black soap, or savon noir, is the heart of every Moroccan hammam. It isn't a bar of soap at all but a soft, rich paste made from olives. Applied to warm, damp skin, it softens the top layer of dead skin so a kessa glove can lift it away, leaving skin incredibly smooth.
What is Moroccan black soap?
Traditional black soap is made by saponifying olive oil with potassium, which gives it its deep colour and gel-like texture. Our Moroccan Black Soap is made in Morocco from olive oil, water and potassium. We also make it with oud, for a warm, luxurious scent: Moroccan Black Soap with Oud.
Moroccan black soap benefits
- Cleanses deeply: removes impurities and excess oil while respecting the skin.
- Prepares for exfoliation: softens dead skin so it lifts away easily with a kessa glove.
- Smoother skin: helps reduce the look of rough, bumpy texture and strawberry skin.
- Softens: olive oil leaves skin soft and supple, not stripped.
- Before hair removal: exfoliating with black soap and kessa helps free trapped hairs.
How to use Moroccan black soap
- Warm up: take a hot shower or bath for 5–10 minutes. This step is essential: warmth softens the skin and opens the pores so the black soap works more effectively.
- Apply: turn off the water and spread a small amount of black soap over damp skin.
- Wait: leave it on for 5–10 minutes. This is the step most people skip, and it makes all the difference.
- Rinse: rinse off the soap.
- Exfoliate: scrub with the Kessa Glove in circular motions. You'll see the dead skin roll away.
- Nourish: rinse, pat dry and seal in moisture with Argan Oil or Prickly Pear Seed Oil.
Use once a week. For the full step-by-step, read our guide to doing a Moroccan hammam at home.
Optional boosters
For enhanced results, mix your black soap with one of these before applying:
- ½ teaspoon of Nila Powder: helps exfoliate and brighten for a more even, radiant look.
- ½ teaspoon of Akker Fassi Powder: for a natural glow, improving the look of dull or tired skin.
- Tebrima Powder: for a deeper, more fragrant exfoliation.
Original, Oud or Liquid with Nila?
- Original: the traditional black soap for everyone.
- With Oud: the same ritual with a warm, luxurious oud scent, loved by men and women.
- Liquid Black Soap with Blue Nila: a silky liquid version with nila to brighten. See our guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Moroccan black soap the same as African black soap?
No. Moroccan black soap is a soft olive-oil paste used before exfoliating. African black soap is a different product, usually a bar made from plantain and shea.
How long do I leave black soap on?
5–10 minutes on warm, damp skin, then rinse and exfoliate.
Can I use black soap on my face?
Our black soap is designed for the body. For the face, try our Ranila Powder Mask or Rhassoul Clay.
How often should I use it?
Once a week is ideal for most people.
Is it good for strawberry legs?
Yes. Black soap with the kessa glove is the classic Moroccan way to smooth rough, bumpy skin. See our strawberry legs guide.
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Safety
Patch Test Recommended: Before using the product, we recommend carrying out a patch test on a small area of skin 24 hours prior to full application. Discontinue use if any irritation occurs.
Upon receiving your product, please read the label and instructions carefully before use for important safety and caution information.
