Moroccan black soap — savon beldi — is the heart of the Moroccan bath, and it is wonderfully simple once you know the rhythm. The most common reason women feel underwhelmed by it is technique: soap on dry skin, rinsed off too soon, no kessa glove. Here is how we recommend using it at home, based on more than 25 years of selling Moroccan bath products in the UAE.
What it is
Black soap is a soft, dark-brown paste traditionally made from olive oil and black olive pulp. It doesn't foam much. Instead, it melts onto damp skin and softens the surface layer so that a kessa glove can lift away dull, dead skin afterwards. Our Original Scented Moroccan Black Soap is lightly fragranced and made for weekly use at home.
What you'll need
- One tablespoon of black soap
- A Moroccan kessa exfoliating glove
- A warm, steamy bathroom
- A clean towel and a body oil or moisturiser
- A small bowl and a dry spoon, so water never gets into the jar
Shop everything you need in our Moroccan bath collection.
Step by step
1. Steam first
Shower in warm water for 5-10 minutes, or let the bathroom fill with steam. Black soap works best on warm, well-hydrated skin.
2. Apply to wet skin
Warm a tablespoon of soap between your palms with a splash of water and smooth it over your body in gentle circles, working from the legs upwards. Keep it away from the eyes and intimate areas.
3. Leave it on for 5-10 minutes
This is the step most people skip. Let the soap sit in the steam while you condition your hair or simply relax.
4. Rinse
Rinse thoroughly with warm water. Don't dry off — the glove needs wet skin.
5. Exfoliate with the kessa
Wet the glove and use firm, straight strokes in one direction with medium pressure. The little grey rolls you see are dead skin cells. Two or three passes per area are enough; your skin should feel warm, never sore.
6. Rinse and moisturise
Rinse in lukewarm water, pat dry, and apply a thin layer of pure Moroccan argan oil while your skin is still slightly damp. Explore more in our argan oil collection.
How often?
- Normal or oily skin: once a week
- Dry or sensitive skin: every 10-14 days, with a shorter leave-on time
- Before an event: two or three days ahead, not on the day
Common mistakes
- Applying soap to dry skin
- Scrubbing too hard — redness is not the goal
- Exfoliating within 24-48 hours of waxing
- Dipping wet fingers into the jar
- Skipping moisturiser afterwards
For a spa-style finish, add a handful of Argan Rose bath salt with chamomile or lavender to a warm foot soak. You'll find more traditional bars in our Moroccan soap collection.
FAQ
Can I use black soap on my face?
Yes, in a very small amount for two to three minutes, avoiding the eye area. Skip the kessa on the face, or use it very lightly on non-sensitive skin.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Patch-test on your inner arm and wait 24 hours. If there's no redness or itching, use it with a shorter leave-on time and lighter exfoliation.
When will I see results?
Skin feels softer from the first use. With a weekly routine, it looks smoother and more even over time.
How should I store it?
Somewhere cool and dry, away from direct steam, with the lid tightly closed. A softer texture in summer is normal.
Can I use it during pregnancy?
It is a rinse-off cleanser, but avoid very hot baths during pregnancy and check with your doctor if you have any specific condition.
Order from Lotus Flower
Lotus Flower Honey & Herbs: 100% authentic Moroccan products, in the UAE since 1998. Delivery in 1-3 working days to all emirates, with an AED 15 delivery fee and free delivery on orders over AED 150. Pay cash on delivery, by card, or in 4 interest-free payments with Tabby. Return or exchange any product within 7 days of delivery, including opened products.
Not sure what to choose? Chat with us on WhatsApp +971502028263, or visit our shop or our stand in the Moroccan Pavilion at Global Village during the season.
