14-year-old inventor Heman Bekele created a soap named “skin cancer treating soap” at his science competition, which has an ingredient which is believed to help fight cancerous cells while also healing damaged skin.

     According to the Washington Post, Bekele was inspired by his early beginnings while living in Ethiopia, after seeing people working throughout the day in the sun. Bekele chose soap because it’s easily accessible and affordable.

     “I’m really passionate about skin-cancer research. It’s absolutely incredible to think that one day my bar of soap will be able to make a direct impact on somebody else’s life,” Bekele told the Washington Post. 

      Bekele worked with Deborah Isabelle, a mentor from the science competition challenge, to develop a prototype over several months, which is made using compounds that reactivate the cells guarding the skin.

     “No matter where you live, I think you know and trust soap in comparison to other medicinal products.” Bekele told the Washington post. 

     Although the soap is still in need of improvements, Bekele’s invention has gathered a lot of excitement among researchers. They see potential in his work to provide an affordable way to treat skin cancer.

     Over the next five years, Berkele hopes to create a nonprofit organization that can distribute the soap to communities in need. With a big passion for science and a heart for humanitarian work, Heman Bekele is showing that age is really nothing when it comes to helping others.