Packaging: Like I discussed in a previous post, Shea Moisture Argan Oil & Raw Shea Body Scrub, I enjoy Shea Moisture’s overall brand design. The African Black Soap Shea Butter Wash is no exception. While the label is slightly reminiscent of Halloween with its orange font on a black label, I still really enjoyed the packaging. The wash itself is a sort of black/dark purple color which is really atypical of body products.
Consistency: The wash is of a medium consistency. It’s more of a translucent liquid wash instead of a creamy one, which I would typically not go for in the Winter months. But with the strong shea presence, I didn’t worry too much about that. One thing that was unexpected were the small beads in the wash. To be frank, I initially found them to be a little odd but they dissolved so quickly that I didn’t give them too much thought. I later discovered that they are jojoba beads which help this wash nourish the skin during each use. For more on the benefits of jojoba check out this article from Purcell Jojoba International.
Smell: I love sweet-smelling products but initially I found this scent to be overwhelming. To be honest, I’m probably a little hypersensitive to smells and after a few tries I get used to them and this was the case with the African Black Soap Wash. The base is pretty heavy with beets so if you are not a fan of beets or allergic then you should absolutely steer clear. Otherwise, I found the smell to generally pleasant and it smells great in a steaming hot shower.
Price: Fortunately for me, this is one of three products that I purchased a few months ago at Shea Moisture’s pop-up booth at the Bryant Park Holiday Market. They were running a great 3 products for $20 deal at the time which is pretty much a steal! On the shelves the wash typically retails for about $10.
Overall Impression: Trying an alternative to the typical drug store body wash has proven to be a VERY good decision. Originally designed for acne prone & troubled skin, Shea Moisture’s Organic African Black Soap Shea Butter Wash delivered on the promise of nourishing my skin and provided much-needed moisture on dry Winter days. I do have pretty dry skin and Winter only exacerbates the problem due to the low humidity. But I have to say that since I’ve been using this wash I found myself less diligent about lathering up in lotion to prevent those Winter dry skin itchies. I’ve had the bottle since late November and it is now almost February so it lasts as well. Finally, if you are looking for a consistently moisturizing product, shell out a few more bucks for this wash because it’s definitely worth it.