Alaffia is a Washington State skin, hair and body care company with deep roots in Western Africa. The word ‘alaffia’ is a common West African greeting meaning a state of peace, health and well-being. The company’s mission is to alleviate poverty and advance gender equality through the fair trade of indigenous resources and community empowerment initiatives.

The organization and their products are fair trade certified and they work closely with shea butter and coconut farmer co-operatives with over 700 members. They are certified Fair Trade/Fair for Life by Ecocert and proceeds from sales return to West African communities to support empowerment and gender equality programs, including reforestation, school supplies, eyeglasses, bicycles, maternal care and school construction projects.

Alaffia’s Authentic African Black Soap is made from a centuries-old recipe of handcrafted shea butter and Orangutan-safe West African palm oil. Saponification is reached by adding potash to the hot oils, then cooking it for six hours. The last step is curing the soap in the sun for three weeks, resulting in a gentle and effective Authentic African Black Soap soap that cleanses, clarifies and softens skin. Suitable for any skin type, even the most sensitive, these mild, gentle soaps are truly ‘all-in-one’ hair and body care that can be used for hair, face, hands, body and shaving needs