# SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Wash & Scrub for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the United States.

Brand: [SheaMoisture](https://lovi.care/skincare/brands/sheamoisture)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/best/exfoliators)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for dry skin; other products fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation for your dry skin due to salicylic acid and willow bark extract, which help decongest pores but do not fully address dryness.
- While the blend essential oil and bisabolol offer some soothing benefits, the formula lacks sufficient emollient and humectant ingredients to adequately hydrate your dry or flaky skin.
- The product is safe for your dry skin as it contains no prohibited or harsh ingredients that would cause irritation.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/oily-skin): High
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin): Average (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/combination-skin): Average
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dark-spots): Average
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): High

## Key ingredients

African Black Soap, Tamarindus Indica Extract, Oil Tree, Shea Butter, Salicylic Acid

## What the research says

- Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- A survey of 100 black soap users demonstrated that the vast majority found the soap helpful for overall skin care and dermatologic conditions such as acne and dark spots. ([The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29104719/))
- Topical application of a water-in-oil cosmetic emulsion containing 4% Tamarindus indica seeds extract significantly improved skin elasticity, moisture content, and surface evaluation parameters in 11 healthy male volunteers compared to a control base over 12 weeks. ([Postepy Dermatologii I Alergologii, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28951709/))
- Tamarindus indica n-hexane extracts from various organs demonstrated anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities by inhibiting nitric oxide and promoting fibroblast migration in in-vitro assays compared to control cells. ([Plants, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36616217/))
- Topical lycopene-enriched virgin olive oil provides effective pain relief similar to a placebo in patients with burning mouth syndrome, showing a strong placebo effect. ([Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24612248/))
- A combination cream of stimu-tex AS and saccharide isomerate reduced erythema, increased skin capacitance, and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to placebo in 20 subjects after fractional CO2 laser procedure without causing serious adverse events. ([Lasers in Medical Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41134387/))
- A skin barrier restoring cream with shea butter, silkflo, and vitamin E increased type I procollagen synthesis, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activity, decreased reactive oxygen species generation, and promoted hyaluronic acid production in H2O2-stimulated human keratinocyte cells compared to untreated cells. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39528438/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20488582/))

## Why other products fit dry skin better

- Phytosphingosine increased filaggrin metabolism and skin hydration in human skin by stimulating filaggrin biosynthesis and degradation leading to natural moisturizing factor formation. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28936777/))
- Malaysian thermal spring water as an adjunct to standard acne therapy improved skin hydration, reduced dryness and stinging, enhanced overall tolerability, and improved the acne disability index in patients with mild to moderate acne. ([The Medical Journal of Malaysia, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38553920/))

## How to apply

- Use this exfoliant as part of your PM routine once a week, increasing slowly to twice a week if your dry skin tolerates it well. Always remember to apply SPF every morning to protect your newly smoothed skin.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but always before your rich moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and let it absorb for a minute. Avoid rubbing to prevent any irritation on flaky areas.
- Apply the product directly to dry clean skin to ensure the best possible tolerance for your dry type. This helps address flaky patches without causing extra stress.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a quick patch test before your very first use. Do not mix this with other strong acids or retinoids on the same night.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Wash & Scrub work for dry skin?

This product works moderately well for dry skin because it helps clear pores, but it does not fully address dryness. An exfoliant treatment for dry skin needs rich hydrating and moisture-locking ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and protect the skin barrier.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for dry skin?

Salicylic acid and willow bark extract help clear out pores, while the blend essential oil and bisabolol help calm dry skin. However, an exfoliant of this type needs rich moisturizing and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to properly hydrate and protect dry skin.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### What does African Black Soap do for dry skin?

Traditional African black soap is generally too harsh for dry skin because its alkaline formula can strip away moisture and disrupt the skin barrier, leading to increased dryness and irritation. Dry skin needs a gentle, hydrating cleanser that contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or ceramides to keep the skin soft and protect its natural moisture barrier.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30160004/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34741581/)

### What does Tamarind Extract do for dry skin?

Tamarind extract helps hydrate dry skin by drawing in moisture and keeping your skin feeling soft and smooth. It may also help improve the skin's texture over time.

### Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

This exfoliant treatment goes into your evening routine once a week. An exfoliant for dry skin needs extra moisturizing and softening ingredients like rich plant butters and hydrating oils to keep the skin smooth and comfortable.

### Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this exfoliant and retinol in your routine, but apply them on alternating nights to keep your skin calm and avoid irritation. Because this scrub does not fully address dryness, a product for dry skin needs rich, gentle oils and hydrating ingredients that deeply soften and restore moisture.

### How often should I use this exfoliant?

Start using this exfoliant once a week to see how your dry skin handles it, and if it feels comfortable and looks good, you may carefully use it more often. To properly care for dry skin, a product of this type needs rich moisturizing and hydrating ingredients to keep your skin soft and smooth.

### Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?

This exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for your dry skin because it contains salicylic acid and willow bark extract to help clear pores. However, because it lacks enough rich moisturizing ingredients, it does not fully address dryness or flaking.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Cetyl alcohol and myristyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $16.97 at Amazon
- [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $19.99 at Amazon
- [Torriden DIVE IN Cleansing Foam](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/torriden/dive-in-cleansing-foam/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $17.00 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $19.99 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-deep-moisture-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $16.99 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Enrich Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/p/skin1004/madagascar-centella-probio-cica-enrich-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — $22.00 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in United States has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Myristyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil, Myristic Acid, Coconut Acid, Jojoba Esters, Polysorbate 60, Glyceryl Caprylate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter Shea Butter, Blend Essential Oil, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Sodium Shea Butterate, Sodium Cocoate, Theobroma Cacao Pod Ash, Salix Nigra Bark Extract Willow Bark Extract, Salicylic Acid, Nigella Sativa Seed Oil, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Bisabolol, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf, Decyl Glucoside, Tamarindus Indica Fruit Extract, Panthenol, Potassium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Undecylenate
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin (this page)
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/sheamoisture/african-black-soap-clarifying-facial-wash-and-scrub/for/dry-skin