Alaffia''s Authentic African Black Soap contains Ethically Trade unrefined shea butter for a skin cleansing & moisturizing experience that is silky smooth. In West Africa, black soap is known by its Yoruba name, Ossé Dudu. Dudu means the color "black", which comes from extensive cooking of the soap to the point of charcoal. Many cultures in West Africa use charcoal to detoxify and purify the skin. No chemical preservatives, color enhancers, or synthetic fragrances are used.