Mama Aswan Butters & Oils is a Black woman-owned body care business based in Dayton, Ohio. Since 2016, we’ve helped customers upgrade their routines with authentic Sapo Sponges, African black soap, handmade soaps, nourishing body care, fragrance-free options, and thoughtfully selected bath essentials.

Basically, we’re here to help your shower routine stop acting brand new.

Not every product is made the same way, and we like to keep it honest around here.

Some items are handmade in small batches, some are traditionally handmade by skilled makers, and some are thoughtfully sourced from trusted suppliers. Mama Aswan carries a mix of handmade body care, authentic bath tools, and useful shower essentials that fit our brand and our customers’ routines.

For example, our Sapo Sponges and long mesh body scrubbers are sourced bath nets and our soap dishes are made by skilled makers who know their way around wood and coconut shell better than we do. Product details are listed on each product page so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Many of our products are vegan, but not every item in the shop is vegan. Some products may contain ingredients like goat’s milk, honey, or other animal-derived ingredients, so please check each product listing before ordering.

Mama Aswan does not test finished products on animals. We believe body care should be kind, useful, and not involve bothering innocent creatures minding their business.

If you’re looking for vegan options, check the ingredient list on each product page or email us at Natasha@MamaAswan.com and we’ll help you find the right fit.

Both are made for full-body cleansing, better reach, and a more satisfying shower routine, but they are not the same.

The Sapo Sponge is the authentic African net sponge. It is long, stretchy, textured, quick-drying, and has those small woven knots throughout the material. Those knots are one of the ways you can tell you have the real thing.

The Long Body Scrubber is a wider, softer bath net option. It still gives you that full-body reach, but it has a gentler feel than the Sapo Sponge.

Choose the Sapo Sponge if you want the authentic African net sponge experience with more texture and stretch. Choose the Long Body Scrubber if you want a softer, wider option for everyday washing.

That texture is normal for this type of bath net. The small knots are part of the Sapo Sponge’s design and help give it that exfoliating feel.

They are also one of the ways you can tell you have an authentic Sapo Sponge. Real Sapo Sponges have that distinct netted texture with tiny knots throughout the material. There are plenty of lookalikes out there, but that’s not what you’ll find here.

Your Sapo Sponge should not look perfectly smooth like a regular washcloth, because that’s not the job it came here to do.

Sapo Sponges are hand-cut with scissors, so slight size differences can happen. Some sponges may also have light fraying around the edges or may not be cut as neatly as expected.

The good news? While the edges may not always look as pretty as we’d like, your Sapo Sponge will still work exactly as it should. The fraying does not affect the sponge’s exfoliation, durability, lather, stretch, or your shower experience.

Each sponge is still designed to stretch, lather, and help you reach those “how am I supposed to wash that?” areas.

Nope. Skin is skin, and everybody deserves a better shower. Our products are for anyone who wants to cleanse, exfoliate, moisturize, or treat themselves to something that makes their routine feel good.

Yes. Our authentic Sapo Sponges are hand-cut in Togo and made from 100% nylon, with the visible woven knots and stretchy mesh that distinguish the real thing. With proper care, the durable mesh can last a long time. We don’t sell lookalike bath nets—just the original exfoliating powerhouse.

Because authentic African black soap is traditionally handmade, color, texture, thickness, and consistency may vary. That is normal. It is part of what makes real African black soap unique. Those natural variations do not mean the soap is defective.

We offer fragrance-free and gentle-feeling options, but everyone’s skin is different. Always check the product details, review the ingredients, and patch test first, especially if your skin is easily irritated or you are trying something new. If you prefer fragrance-free body care, start with The White Line.

Body butters and creams can soften or melt when exposed to heat during shipping. If that happens, place the product in a cool area and allow it to firm back up. The texture may change slightly, but the product can often still be used.

Our handmade soap bars can vary slightly in color, swirl, shape, or design. Each batch has its own little personality. The soap will still do its job, even if the design shifts a bit.

Because our products are personal care items, returns are not accepted for hygiene and safety reasons. Please review product details carefully before ordering, and contact us if you have a question before checkout.

Our Creamy Shealoe Butter is richer and thicker, made with shea butter and aloe vera for customers who like a heavier, more buttery feel on the skin. It’s a great choice when your skin wants something that feels extra comforting and substantial.

Smooth Body Cream has a lighter, whipped feel that spreads easily and sinks in nicely without feeling too heavy. Think of it as your everyday moisture bestie when you want soft skin without the “did I just butter a biscuit?” feeling.

If you like a richer body butter feel, choose Shealoe Butter. If you like a lighter cream feel, choose Smooth Body Cream.

A few customer-friendly pairings:

Sapo Sponge + African black soap for a rich, satisfying lather
Sugar Scrub Gel + Smooth Body Cream for exfoliation and moisture
Any Soap Bar + Draining Soap Dish to help your bar last longer
White Sapo Sponge + White Line body care for a simple fragrance-free routine

Let your soap bar dry between uses on a draining soap dish and keep it out of direct water spray. A dry bar lasts longer. Soggy soap is not the goal.

Use the Search link in the header or footer and type the product name, scent, or category you’re looking for. The good stuff is in here somewhere.