Since as early as the ninth century, Master Soap Makers in Marseille have created exquisite, gentle soaps using native olive oils and alkaline ash from marine plants of the Mediterranean Sea. However, it wasn’t until 1688 and an edict under the mercantilist- policies of Jean-Baptiste Colbert that these fine soaps- containing 72% vegetable with NO animal additives – came to be known as “Savon De Marseille
Marseille soaps popularity continued through the 1700’s. In the 1880’s the number of soap works in the region peaked at nearly 100. The early 1900’s brought the arrival of mass-produced synthetic soaps and detergents. Washing machines made soap blocks less necessary in every home, but many a households continued to trust only the purity and gentleness of the authentic green soaps from Marseille to wash everything from linens to floors to little faces.
Now less then five master soap makers still craft Marseille soap according to the centuries-old tradition. It takes our Maitre De Savon (Soap- Master), two weeks to make Savon De Marseille. The delicate mixture of Olive Oil, alkaline ash from the sea plants of the Mediterranean sea salted water are heated for ten days in antique cauldrons, then poured into open pits where it hardens.
The fine white powder on the surface of the soap is a bit of the sea salt, which will disappear once the soap is wet. This beloved characteristic affirms the authenticity of genuine Savon De Marseille. Fresh Marseille soap can be a bit moist. It actually arrives wet when we unpack it. It’s our favorite day, because then when we wash our hands after unpacking it…they are like silk. Allowing it to dry and harden will make it last longer.
Savon De Marseille is recommended by dermatologists all over the world, and endorsed by two local dermatologists and oncologists locally, for post radiation treatment. It’s purity and moisturizing properties make it ideal for sensitive skin. Dry skin, Eczema, Psoriasis, and more.
Savon De Marseille is totally biodegradable, requires little packaging, no animal testing, and it’s manufacturer is environmentally friendly, leaving almost little to none carbon footprint.