Natural facial cleanser: African black soap

With so many products promising to repair blemishes and zap pimples, you want a mild cleanser that not only makes the promises but does the job. One little known natural beauty secret is the African black soap.

Nubian Heritage African Black Soap, $3.79, The Vitamin Shoppe

Used as a major beauty product in West Africa, black soap is known as a gentle and effective cleanser for the face and body.   

Black soap could be made from banana leaves, palm tree leaves, and various other parts of trees and plants. The ingredients are then burned in a kettle or pan. 

To solidify the soap, water is poured over the mixture with shea butter, palm oil, and other oils. 

The soap can help ease acne, relieve eczema and psoriasis, and moisturize dry skin. Also, the soap leaves you with a softer impression than other soaps that may be too harsh and drying to your skin. 

Black soap can be found at many local natural food markets, health stores, and drugstores. Be aware of some bottled liquid black soaps that can be too watered down that you wouldn't benefit from its natural properties.