Alaffiia''s Authentic Black Soap is made from a centuries old recipe of handcrafted shea butter and West African palm oil. Saponification is provided by adding ashes to the hot oils, then cooking it for six hours. The last step is curing the soap in the sun for three weeks, resulting in a gentle hand & body wash.

In West Africa, black soap is known by its Yoruba name, Osse Dudu. Dudu means "black", which comes from the extensive cooking of soap to the point of charcoal. Many cultures in West Africa use charcoal to detoxify and purify the skin.