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A94

African Black Soap All-In-One, Unscented

Alaffia · Soaps & powdersNo red flagsWatch-out7 ingredients · 3 to watch

Passes all four red flags. 3 ingredients to watch.

Grade

AYour red flags
AConsumer Reports strict
AEvidence only

−6 from evidence

Passes all four red flags. No fragrance, sulfates, silicones or contested preservatives.

Ingredients, in label order

Explain every ingredient
  • Aqua/Water/Eau — Neutral. A structural ingredient, such as water, a thickener, a pH adjuster, an oil or a common preservative. No concern at normal levels.
  • Lauryl Glucoside — Good, Mild cleanser. A gentle surfactant. Cleans without stripping the scalp.
  • Potassium Shea Butterate — Watch, Soap. True soap. It's alkaline and can leave a dull film on hair, especially in hard water. An acidic rinse helps. Evidence: weak.
  • Potassium Palm Kernelate — Watch, Soap. True soap. It's alkaline and can leave a dull film on hair, especially in hard water. An acidic rinse helps. Evidence: weak.
  • Glycerin — Good, Moisturizer / soother. Hydrates or calms the scalp.
  • Ociumum Sanctum Leaf Extract — Watch, Plant extract. A botanical extract. Some, such as lavender, chamomile, calendula and holy basil, are aromatic or known allergens even in 'unscented' products. Evidence: weak.
  • Potassium Hydroxide — Neutral, pH adjuster / lye. Adjusts pH. In soap-based products it reacts with the oils to make soap and does not remain free.

Watch-outs

  • 'Unscented' with an aromatic extractHoly basil (tulsi) extract contains eugenol, a known fragrance allergen.
  • Soap-basedThe potassium soaps make it alkaline. If hair looks dull, rinse with diluted vinegar every few washes.

Score breakdown

Starting score100
Soap−3
Plant extract (holy basil)−3
Score94 → A

Where to buy

StoreSizePricePer wash
Brand site32 oz$17.49$0.16/wash