When the soap issemi-hard, cut it into bars and let them cure for a few weeks. This soap should cure fairly fast since it’s partially cooked. Scapagnini G, Davinelli S, Di Renzo L, et al. Cocoa bioactive compounds: significance and potential for the maintenance of skin health. Nutrients. 2014;6(8):3202-3213. doi:10.3390/nu6083202 Shea butter has a high percentage of fatty acids and allantoin which work to heal skin by increasing cell generation. Allantoin also soothes, softens and protects the skin. Together they can effectively reduce acne breakouts and reduce the appearance of acne scars. Removes excess oil Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Ogbolu DO, Oni AA, Daini OA, Oloko AP. In vitro antimicrobial properties of coconut oil on Candida species in Ibadan, Nigeria. J Med Food. 2007 Jun;10(2):384-7. doi:10.1089/jmf.2006.1209

This second recipe is more technical than the first because it involves making your own substitute lye with banana skin/leaves or cocoa pods. Roast them until they turn to ashes and then add shea butter, olive oil, coconut oil, safflower or sunflower oil, and vegetable oil. Cook it for a bit then pour into a mold. When it has somewhat hardened, cut it into bars and cure for a few weeks. This recipe is probably the closest to the real thing albeit the extra hard work. This may make it beneficial to use when a person has athlete’s foot or another fungal infection. 10. It has potential moisturizing effectsKarim AA, Azlan A. Fruit pod extracts as a source of nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. Molecules. 2012 Oct 10;17(10):11931-46. doi:10.3390/molecules171011931 https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/3c8d/e2bbaee9864c8d4a663ae5124cb75f68e9c1.pdf?_ga=2.145959990.364537019.1594319718-1427344174.1593433677 Coconut oil promotes wound healing and protects skin from water loss, both of which contribute to stabilizing the skin barrier. Selamoglu Z, Dusgun C, Akgul H, Gulhan MF. In-vitro antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extracts of some contained-allantoin plants. Iran J Pharm Res. 2017;16(Suppl):92-98. Cocoa butter is a natural fat extracted from the cacao bean. It’s been used for years as a moisturizer. It's vitamin-rich and helps the skin retain moisture and improves elasticity. Cocoa butter is also said to improve the appearance of stretch marks. It has also beenused to ease skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and other rashes.

For some patients with acne or razor burn, mechanical exfoliation can make the condition flare up instead of get better,” says Dr. Vij. “As always, beware when using a new product to see which way your skin goes.” 5. Helps with mild skin rashes Did you know you can make your own lye? And it can even be full of nutrients that will benefit your skin.

It is often used by men during shaving because of the high shea butter content that protects the skin. As an acne treatment, it can soothe lesions and the accompanying sensations of irritation and pain. It can prevent future acne breakouts by clearing oil, debris and bacteria from the skin’s surface. Overall, this soap can support skin health by nourishing skin. Exfoliates It’s a good alternative to chemical products if you’re looking for a product with natural ingredients,” says Dr. Vij. 4. Reduces or prevents razor burn

Shea butter (karite butter), made from the nuts of the karite tree,helps tostrengthenskin and repair damage. It has been used to heal burns, sores, and scars and to treat psoriasis and eczema. It also helps promote cell renewal. These properties have positive effects on the skin and can help remove harmful bacteria as well as dirt and impurities.

Plantain skins and leaves have a high concentration of iron and vitamins A and E. Vitamin E helps with tissue structure, is healing, and helps moisturize the skin, improving texture and tone. Vitamin A benefits collagen production.Allantoin in the leaves of plantain stimulates the growth of new skin cells. Look for some of the following products to make sure you’re buying the real thing while also supporting related communities: Cut or pull a small portion of soap off the bar or dissolve it in water, so it’s smoother and gentler to use. Niki E. Evidence for beneficial effects of vitamin E. Korean J Intern Med. 2015 Sep;30(5):571-9. doi:10.3904/kjim.2015.30.5.571

Oge’ LK, Broussard A, Marshall MD. Acne Vulgaris: Diagnosis and Treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2019 Oct 15;100(8):475-484. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31613567/ While there have not been any studies on its effect on Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria related to acne development , this soap may have the potential to have the same effect on C. acnes bacteria. Reduces inflammation The gentle nature of the soap allows it to be used by pregnant women (for stretch marks, skin conditions by hormonal changes) While deeper exfoliation may be beneficial for some people with acne, it may be too harsh for those for sensitive skin or more severe acne.It’s possible to be allergic to any soap. If your skin becomes irritated or you develop a rash, discontinue use.