Short answer: Moroccan black soap, called savon beldi or savon noir, is a soft, dark-brown paste traditionally made from olives and olive oil. It is used in the hammam to loosen dead skin before exfoliating with a kessa glove.
What is Moroccan black soap made of?
Authentic beldi soap is made from crushed black olives and olive oil, saponified with potassium. It is rich in vitamin E, which is why it leaves skin soft rather than stripped. Many versions are scented with eucalyptus, argan, rose, or oud.
How to use Moroccan black soap, step by step
- Steam or soak in a hot shower or bath for 10 minutes to open the pores.
- Apply a thin layer of black soap to damp skin and avoid the eyes.
- Leave it on for 3 to 5 minutes. Do not let it dry.
- Rub gently in circles with a kessa exfoliating glove.
- Rinse with warm water and follow with a light moisturizer or argan oil.
How often should you use it?
Once or twice a week is plenty for most skin types. Daily use can be too drying.
Where to start
Try our best-loved scent, Argan'It Black Soap with Argan and Rose, or explore the Moroccan Black Soap Trio Pack to compare three scents. For the full ritual in one set, see the Moroccan Hammam Trio.