Moroccan black soap, also called beldi soap, has been part of hammam culture for generations. Its soft, dark, olive-based paste is used to cleanse, soften and exfoliate the skin. Lately, a version scented with oud has been drawing attention from people who want the traditional ritual to feel a little more luxurious.
What makes black soap special
Authentic Moroccan black soap is made mainly from olive oil and macerated olives, which gives it its gel-like texture and deep color. It is different from African black soap, which is made from entirely different ingredients. Many people use it as a face and body cleanser, then follow with a kessa glove to remove dead skin.
Why oud is catching on
Oud is a rich, woody, resinous fragrance with a long history in the Middle East and North Africa. In perfumery, woody and oud-style notes have become more popular in recent years, and shoppers have carried that taste over into bath and body products. Pairing oud with black soap gives the hammam ritual a warm, spa-like scent that lingers after rinsing.
Who it suits
Oud-scented black soap appeals to people who already love the hammam routine and want a stronger fragrance, as well as to those shopping for gifts or a more indulgent bathing experience. Sensitive skin can still be a concern with any strongly scented product, so patch-test first.
How to use it
- Wet your skin in warm water to soften it.
- Apply a small amount of black soap and leave it on for a few minutes.
- Gently exfoliate with a kessa glove, then rinse thoroughly.
- Follow with a moisturizer or a light oil.
Choosing a good product
Look for a soap that lists olive oil high in the ingredients, avoids unnecessary synthetic additives, and clearly states its fragrance source. Oud fragrance should be listed on the label so you know exactly what you are buying.
Try our Oud black soap
If you want to try oud-scented black soap yourself, our Argan'It Organic Moroccan Black Soap with Oud is a 250g (8.8 oz) traditional hammam savon noir, available now at arganit.com.