So I've been experimenting with different natural, gentle, eco-friendly and frugal dog soaps. I had an early post of links to homemade dog soaps, and I've tried the castile soap recipe. But to be honest, I am a lazy person and can't follow directions (hence, I'm a horrible baker, too!). I like to "eyeball" measurements. So if you're like me, recipes are crap. I'm not saying everyone should do what I do, but IF you don't have time or patience to measure stuff out, this is what worked for me...
I did some research and very little is said about using this on dogs, but there were a couple of articles. So I went ahead and tried using African black soap on my own fluffy babies, Millhouse and Mochi. African Black Soap is made from only a few natural ingredients - Palm Kernel Oil, Cocoa Pods and sometimes Plaintain Skins. That's it! I've been using it for the past 10 years on my own skin, and then I tried it on my hair. It's amazing how my sensitive skin feels and looks better from using it! And my hair is shiny, clean and isn't greasy (when I used to use regular shampoo/conditioner, it caused acne on my face). And I know that dogs have very sensitive skin and people should NEVER use regular human shampoo or soap on them! The picture I posted in this entry is Mochi, my newly adopted American/Olde English Bulldog. She has sensitive skin, so I was careful when I bathed her with black soap for the first time. Isn't she a cute squishy face? That's her, after her bath :)
When she dried off, her fur was soft and she smelled clean. Not perfumey - just clean! I was so happy to have discovered this paraben free, all-natural soap alternative for dogs (and humans!).
If you're a local Atlantan, I highly recommend using the local brand, Erzuli. They have awesome products at reasonable prices! Beware of purchasing black soaps with more than 3 ingredients. Those are not "genuine" black soaps, and some may even contain dyes and fragrances to make it look like black soap - but it isnt'!!!! So be very careful, especially when it comes to our beloved pets!!!!
NOTE: After use, store the soap somewhere so it can dry, and KEEP it dry. It contains no added glycerin or binders, so if it's left in the shower or somewhere wet, it will dissolve! Also, I designate one bar of black soap to the dogs, and another to myself - I wouldn't want to have a stray doggie hair on my face! :P
~ Jenny Bunny Bunns <3
1 comments:
I came looking for your blog because I remember you posting something on FB about it and it had something about Black Soap.
I've been using it for about 2 months now. First, I went to Walmart and got some "Black soap" from the ethnic dept. It totally looks like full on glycerin, just colored black. Read some reviews on it and people were raving about how great it is. It did nothing for my acne. Boo.
So when I ran out I went to get more, because it gave me that squeaky clean feeling that I love. (Love french milled soaps for that reason)(which Dove or some soap is claiming on it's commercials is 'residue' left over, not cleanliness) Anywho, so I got another one and after about half the bar, I started thinking... you know; Jenny says this stuff is supposed to be awesome. It is not. Something is wrong. So I went back to your blog and re read it. D'oh. too many ingredients so I headed to the herb shop. They had one with 4 ingredients in it, the optional one being lemon grass or lavender. I got the lemon grass one and my face felt sooo good. I have a cut on my hand and Holy Moley that burned, so it told me it must be good for an antiseptic. Acne Fighting Power! Wahoo!
I love the way it feels, but honest to goodness, it's doing nothing for my skin. I've been using the 'new' black soap (the real deal) for almost a month now and I was just noticing how gross my face is. It's feeling oily and I am spotted like you wouldn't believe with acne right now. I have to be doing something wrong. I use it once a day. Am I doing it too often? I know this is going to work... I really do, I just feel like giving up because I'm not seeing results. I have terribly oily skin and very few products (ok, so no product) actually works for me. It has gotten to the point that I can't even wear makeup anymore, except on my eyes - so I figured that maybe THAT would help too, not packing my oily pores full of manufactured product.
I don't know what to do. I totally am on a budget and I can't pay someone to care for my skin for me!! I'm gonna stick it out for a few bars but I really need some results.
When I get some results, I'm gonna go on a makeup hunt to see what works best. Makeup for oily skin is tough to find.
Bunny Nose-wiggles to you!!
xo
-Tasha
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