Savon de Marseille: A Versatile and Authentic French Soap Specialty
When you think of classic French specialties, what comes to mind? You’d be right to cite camembert, wine, perfume, and high fashion – but if you didn’t think of soap, we’re here to introduce you to Savon de Marseille.
Savon de Marseille, or Marseille soap, has a rich history. According to French soap makers Fer à Cheval, Marseille soap stems from the Mediterranean Basin where Syrians created its ancestor, Aleppo soap, from olive oil, bay laurel oil, salt, lye, and water. During the Crusades, Aleppo soap made its way to the South of France, and Marseille soap was born.
In 1688, King Louis XIV regulated Marseille soap with the Edict of Colbert, thus safeguarding soap factories in Marseille and ensuring the soap’s success. The Edict outlined the acceptable ingredients for authentic Marseille soap, including pure olive oil from Provence plus salt and lye from Camargue. Later on, both palm oil and coconut oil became common ingredients in Marseille soap. At this time, the soap was most commonly used for washing laundry.
The Golden Age of Marseille soap began in the 19th century and stretched until World War II. Soap factories took over Marseille, employing 30% of the population. Marseille soap was exported around the world and gained an international reputation. However, after World War II, Marseille soap fell out use as washing machines and washing powder rose in popularity.
Today, Marseille soap is experiencing a renaissance, enticing consumers with its simple, natural ingredients and low-waste character. Moreover, Marseille soap is unbelievably versatile and can be used as…
- Dish Soap
- Make-up Remover
- Laundry Detergent
- Jewelry Cleanser
- Hand Soap
- Household Cleaner
- Biodegradable Insecticide
- Stain Remover
- Clarifying Shampoo
- …and more!
Additionally, Marseille soap products abound in French supermarkets. Liquid laundry detergents, multi-surface spray cleaners, concentrated dish soaps, cream cleaners, body washes, and cosmetics are just a few examples of retail items that contain Marseille soap or Marseille soap fragrance. Our two favorite such products are the Cif Kitchen and Bathroom Spray and the Carrefour Laundry Detergent.
Savon de Marseille is an illustration of the best of French tradition and savoir-faire. Give it a try next time you need to clean, well, anything!
Have you heard of Marseille soap? Let us know your favorite way to use it in a comment.
Check out this video to watch us visit Marseille, France!
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