Black soap & kessa glove: the Moroccan scrub

This is the heart of the Moroccan hammam: a black soap that softens the skin and a rough glove that exfoliates it. Done right, the pair leaves skin incomparably soft. Here is the method.

What is beldi black soap?

Beldi soap is a soft soap made from saponified olive oil, dark brown with a jelly-like texture. Unlike regular soap, its job is less to wash than to soften the surface layer of skin before exfoliation.

Step 1: prep the skin

Take a very hot shower with the door closed for 5 minutes to create steam. Spread a hazelnut-sized amount of black soap over damp skin and leave for 5–10 minutes. Rinse.

Step 2: scrub with the kessa

Put on the kessa glove while skin is still wet. Rub in long, firm strokes, always in the same direction, limb by limb. Small rolls of dead skin appear — the sign it's working. Avoid the face, chest and any irritated areas.

Step 3: purify and nourish

To go further, apply a ghassoul wrap mixed with rose water for 10 minutes, rinse, then nourish still-damp skin with argan oil.

Mistakes to avoid

Scrubbing dry skin (always wet and softened), rubbing too hard or going over the same area repeatedly, sun exposure straight after, and scrubbing more than once a week.

Frequently asked questions