Moroccan Black Soap

If you have ever been to a hammam in Marrakesh or Casablanca, you know the first step: a dark, soft paste spread over warm skin. This is Moroccan black soap, called savon beldi (“traditional soap”). It is the foundation of every hammam ritual, and it is easy to use at home.

What is Moroccan black soap?

Moroccan black soap is a soft soap traditionally made from olive oil and crushed olives. Its deep brown color comes from the olives, and its texture is closer to a gel or balm than to a bar of soap. It does not foam much, and that is normal. [confirm our formula and ingredients]

Why use black soap?

It softens the skin. Left on warm, damp skin for a few minutes, black soap softens the top layer of the skin. This makes exfoliation with a kessa glove easier and more effective.

It cleanses gently. It removes impurities and leaves the skin clean without the tight feeling of harsh soaps.

It prepares the skin to absorb care. After a black soap and kessa ritual, skin feels smoother and body oils and moisturizers sink in better.

How to use Moroccan black soap, step by step

1. Take a hot shower or bath for 5 to 10 minutes to warm and soften the skin.
2. Scoop a small amount of soap (a spoon helps, like our Palais Pearl Caviar Spoon and spread it over damp skin.
3. Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes, staying in the warm room.
4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
5. Exfoliate with a kessa glove using firm, long strokes.
6. Rinse again and apply a body oil or moisturizer.

For the full ritual, read our guide: How to Do a Moroccan Hammam at Home.

How often?

Once a week for most skin types, or every two weeks for sensitive skin. Avoid the face unless the product is labelled for it, and never use it on broken or irritated skin.

How to choose a good black soap

• Look for a short, natural ingredient list based on olive oil.
• The texture should be soft and glossy, not dry or cracked.
• A traditional black soap has a natural, earthy scent; some versions add essential oils like eucalyptus.

Our Casablanca Noir Black Beldi Soap

Our Casablanca Noir Black Beldi Soap is inspired by the soap our grandmother used in the hammam. Pair it with our Hammam Bath Glove, or get everything together in The Hammam Ritual.