You many have noticed the newest addition to our studio, the beautiful Savon de Marseille soap. What exactly is this soap and what makes it different?
Marseille soap is a soap that the French have used extensively at home. It is a traditional hard soap made from vegetable oils. It can only be made in the Marseille region using natural processing methods that were developed in the 1600's and only a master soap-maker can make a soap that displays the Savon de Marseille mark. He/she will be trained over many years to perfect the process. This soap has been produced for about 600 years now!
- Made from 100% natural ingredients
- Each batch must contain at least 72% vegetable oils - olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, or a mixture of those.
- Made with marine ash and sea salted water.
Traditionally, this soap is made by mixing sea water from the Mediterranean Sea, olive oil, and the alkaline ash from sea plants together in a large cauldron. It is heated over several days while being stirred constantly. The mixture then sits until it is ready to be poured into molds. While it is still soft it is cut into bars, stamped, and then left to completely harden. The whole process can take up to one month.
Savon de Marseille soap contains no dyes, no perfume and no lye. It is often recommended by dermatologists for patients with irritated or sensitive skin, dry skin, psoriasis, or eczema. If you see some white powder on the surface of the soap it is just a bit of the sea salt which disappears once the soap is wet.
Ways To Use This Product
1. Beauty Product
Marseille soap is a vegetable soap making it soft and gentle on sensitive skin. You can incorporate it into your skincare routine and it is ideal for face, hair and body. It is hypoallergenic and dermatologists often recommend this soap for those who have eczema or psoriasis. It is also highly recommended for greasy or acne-prone skins and great for hand washing.
Marseille soap is also great for babies and people with allergies. It also makes a lot of lather making it perfect as shaving foam.
2. Laundry Detergent
The Marseille soap cubes are perfect to use on stubborn stains just before washing. It is also ideal for hand-washing delicate items like baby clothes, wool, silk and lace. Just wet the clothes, wash them with the Marseille soap making a foam and then rinse in clean water.
3. Housekeeping
Yes, this soap can be used at home to clean countertops, rugs, bathtubs....really any surface. Rub the soap on a wet rag, sponge or brush and apply directly onto the surface you want to clean. It is also amazing at cleaning your pots and pans! To make it easier we also have pan brushes and dish brushes.
For those who prefer a scented soap, we have available Crushed Apricot Kernels, Crushed Lavender Flower and Crushed Rose petals. All natural and provide an exfoliation.
