Methods of production Production of Black soapinvolves the following: step I: Select a base oil which could be palm oil, palm kernel oil or shea butter. If using palm oil, you can extract it yourself by processing coconut palms in a hand press. But since this is a laborious work, and palms are hard to get in some regions, you can purchase palm oil that has already been extracted. The quantity of base oil needed will vary depending on the quantity of soap you wish to make, the quantity of oil to be used should not exceed half the capacity of your double boiler. However, those who wish to make a large quantity of soap generally process it in batches. Here are the steps: Step II: Remove the cocoa beans from the pods and burn over low flame until they turn to ashes, Oven roast the plantain skins (or alternative ingredient), burn the plantain skin creating an ashes that will be beached to release its component parts. Step III: Fill the three big pots with the burnt ashes, number the set of pots A – C, add water to pot A. STEP IV: The filtered drain from pot A will be transferred to pot B, that of pot B will be transferred to pot C. At this point the water must have been highly concentrated. This will now be transferred to the flat iron pot for cooking which can last for a day or two, until the water becomes very thick. STEP V: Heat the base oil over low heat until it is melted and heated through. STEP VI: Pour the thick heated filtered water to the heated base oil, while stirring; add more until you achieve the desired shade of dark brown or black. Continue stirring over low heat until the liquid is smooth. STEP VII: In the process of stirring, a frothy, waxy substance will begin to form at the surface. Scoop this liquid soap from the surface of the boiler as it forms, continue until all the water has boiled off. Transfer it into a mold or pound in the mortar to make the soap smooth , then cut to the shape desired. The finished product will now be used or sold.