Nigerian grandmothers and mothers already had their own skincare secrets well stored in calabashes, clay pots, and simple kitchen steps before the beauty shelves were occupied with imported serums and the famous twenty-step Korean skincare routines.

 A scoop of the African shea butter (ori) before school. Washing off with a lather of black soap at the end of a hot day. Palm kernel oil was applied to the body till it had the shimmer of bronze under the African sunshine

These were care rituals tried and true through the ages and influenced by climate and by culture. With the ever-changing fads in skincare, these simple and surprisingly effective natural Nigerian remedies cannot be forgotten, and are time-tested and simple yet effective against them.

Also Read: Skincare brands flaunting Naija steeze to the world

Shea butter (Ori)

Often called “nature’s moisturizer,” shea butter is rich in fatty acids and vitamins A and E. It deeply hydrates dry skin, fades scars, and even soothes eczema. For many Nigerian households, ori is the first skincare product a baby ever knows.

African black soap (Ose Dudu)

Handmade from plantain ash, cocoa pods, and palm oil, black soap is one of West Africa’s oldest cleansers. It helps clear acne, even out skin tone, and remove excess oil, without stripping the skin’s natural barrier

Palm kernel oil

Dark and nutty in aroma, palm kernel oil has antibacterial and anti-aging properties. It locks in moisture and is often used on babies’ skin. Traditionally, women massaged it in after baths for a natural glow.

Coconut oil

Whether for hair or skin, coconut oil is a multitasker. It reduces inflammation, moisturizes, and works well as a natural makeup remover. In coastal Nigerian towns, it is a staple of both skincare and cooking

Aloe vera

Grown in many home gardens, aloe vera gel is a quick fix for burns, rashes, and sun irritation. Its cooling and hydrating properties make it perfect for our hot climate.

Turmeric (Atale pupa)

Used in Yoruba and Hausa kitchens, turmeric has also earned a reputation as a natural skin brightener. When mixed into masks, it helps reduce hyperpigmentation and gives a healthy glow.

Honey

Nigerian honey, especially the raw and unprocessed variety, is rich in antioxidants. Applied directly, it heals wounds, hydrates skin, and fights bacteria.

 Why are these remedies important anyway?

When international brands are selling their wares on miracle results (and perhaps at a miracle price), these homegrown, all-natural products tell us that skincare does not have to be fancy or alien. To many Nigerians, they are not only remedies, but also part of culture, to show that whole wellness can be indigenous.

Anita Chinedu