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The different uses of Marseille soap

From an artisanal production with ancestral roots, Marseille soap is one of the essential products of everyday life . Natural soap, ecological detergent, shaving bar, detergent, etc., it can be used in many ways! In addition to its cleansing power, it also has moisturizing and protective properties . What are the different uses of Marseille soap ? The cold saponification which makes it possible to manufacture it is a gentle process, which preserves the properties of the olive oil. What are the benefits of Marseille soap ?

The different uses of Marseille soap

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What is Marseille soap?

The history of Marseille soap

The washing properties of soap have been used since ancient times. According to the Roman encyclopedist Pliny, the Gauls already used a product made from tallow (melted animal fat) and ashes to bleach their hair and style it. It is Aleppo soap, obtained from the mixture of olive oil and bay leaves, which would be at the origin of Marseille soap. Its trade secret would have been brought back from Syria and disseminated throughout the Mediterranean basin thanks to the Crusades, to finally reach the city of Marseille.


The first soap maker using soda , the basic ingredient of Marseille soap, was listed in 1370. In the 17th century, King Louis XIV decided to regulate its formulation in order to limit the designation "Marseille soap" to soaps made solely from olive oil. and produced in the Marseille region. Historically, the fat content must be a minimum of 72% and contain only vegetable oils.


In the 19th century, the manufacture of Marseille soap was distributed among 90 soap factories located in the region. The soap industry reached its peak in 1913 and produced nearly 180,000 tons. After 1950, the boom in industrial cosmetics led to the disappearance of artisanal soap factories. Today, with the exception of a few specialized craftsmen, Marseille soap is mainly made in China and Turkey.

The different uses of Marseille soap

The composition of organic Marseille soap

The composition of Marseille soap comes from an artisanal production with ancestral roots. Traditionally, it contains the following:

  • vegetable oils mainly composed of olive oil, palm oil and copra oil (coconut oil);
  • sea salt, in the form of sodium chloride, from the Mediterranean Sea;
  • water, essential for the saponification process;
  • traces of soda, usually in very small quantities after making the soap.

The name "Marseille soap" guarantees a minimum content of fatty acids in the final composition of the block of soap. On the other hand, it is not a controlled designation of origin. While other fats such as tallow may have been used in its manufacture, the traditional recipe contains only vegetable oils.


Historically, Marseille soap is sold in the format of 600 gram cubes. However, it also exists in the form of small soaps, liquid soap or glitter. To preserve your health and that of the environment, it is advisable to favor formulations based on ingredients from organic farming or holders of Cosmébio or Ecocert certifications .

The different uses of Marseille soap

The benefits of organic Marseille soap

Thanks to its composition based on vegetable oils, water, natural soda and salt, Marseille soap is a very gentle product for the skin. Often recommended by dermatologists, it deeply cleanses the epidermis while moisturizing . Hypoallergenic, it is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive. In case of dermatological problems (eczema, acne, etc.), its composition based on vegetable oils soothes the skin and unclogs pores without clogging them. Finally, its formulation based on ingredients of natural origin preserves the hydrolipidic film of the skin and protects the epidermis. The benefits of Marseille soap are no longer to be proven!

Beauty and health:the different uses of Marseille soap

The different uses of Marseille soap

A natural soap for skin care

Antibacterial and antiseptic , Marseille soap is the ideal product to cleanse the skin on a daily basis! Applied to the face, Marseille soap unclogs deep pores and hydrates the upper layers of the epidermis. Its natural formulation is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive. Thanks to its hydrating properties , it preserves the thin film of sebum that protects the skin from external aggressions.


Find out how Marseille soap helps fight acne in our dedicated article!

A shower gel for the whole family

In the form of a soap block or shower gel, Marseille soap is perfectly suited for daily use . Adults, children, the elderly, it is for the whole family. To take full advantage of its benefits, moisten the soap and rub it between your hands. Then apply the foam created on the face and body and rinse thoroughly with clean water. As a shower gel, it is used like a classic product.

A shampoo for shiny hair

Used in the form of a shampoo, Marseille soap is particularly suitable for short or medium-length hair. Pure, it is mainly intended for oily scalps. Thanks to its washing properties, it cleans, purifies and eliminates excess sebum for shiny hair .


Applied to dry or tired hair, the moisturizing properties of olive oil nourish and strengthen the hair fibre . Its discreet fragrance leaves a delicate smell of Provence on your hair.


Note that Marseille soap shampoo is not suitable for daily use, as it is likely to irritate the scalp. To preserve the vitality of your hair, it is best to space out the washes a few days.

The different uses of Marseille soap

A toothpaste for a bright smile

Marseille soap can be used as toothpaste! Its composition based on ingredients of natural origin gives it antiseptic and healing properties. It removes tartar and contributes to the good health of your teeth and gums. For a dazzling smile, rub your wet toothbrush on your soap and then brush your teeth. Then just rinse with cold water to remove the soap. Use organic Marseille soap and limit its use to two to three times a week, alternating with your usual toothpaste.

A shaving cream for hair


The foaming power of Marseille soap makes it an excellent shaving foam ! Thanks to its antiseptic properties, it soothes the skin after shaving. For fans of old-fashioned shaving, just moisten your shaving brush before rubbing it on the soap. Apply the resulting foam generously to the area to be shaved and shave. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with clear water. Because it is rich in olive oil, Marseille soap naturally moisturizes the epidermis and does not require aftershave.

The different uses of Marseille soap

Other uses of Marseille soap

Marseille soap cleans and disinfects superficial lesions of the skin thanks to its antiseptic properties. Applied to insect bites, it relieves itching .

The benefits of Marseille soap for home maintenance

The different uses of Marseille soap

Glitters for DIY laundry

In the form of flakes or shavings , Marseille soap is the essential ingredient of homemade laundry detergent. Combined with water, baking soda and soda crystals, it washes clothes like a regular detergent. Most ? You can choose the perfume according to your desires by adding essential oils!


Applied dry, it removes stubborn stains such as blood, coffee or fat. For tough stains, just leave it on for a few hours before washing the garment in the washing machine.

A natural dishwashing product

To wash your dishes , rub your sponge against the Marseille soap before proceeding as usual. Its degreasing power effectively removes grease and stubborn stains.

A multi-purpose cleaner

Soft and natural, Marseille soap adapts to all surfaces! Kitchen or bathroom , walls and ceilings, simply rub a damp cloth on soap and gently soap the area to be washed. Marseille soap is an ecological alternative and without chemical additives to industrial detergents. In addition to cleaning your interior, you are doing something for the planet!

Other uses of Marseille soap

Mixed with hot water, Marseille soap (grated or shavings) cleans teak furniture and protect them from the weather. To wash your leather sofas, take a damp cloth and gently rub the surface. Another tip, olive oil moisturizes the leather and restores its shine! Finally, the Marseille soap cleanses the brushes used for make-up.


Derived from ancestral know-how, Marseille soap is the result of handcrafted manufacture produced in its region of origin, the South of France. Obtained from the cold saponification process, it preserves the nourishing properties of olive oil. Both soft and moisturizing, the benefits of Marseille soap for the skin are well established. Thanks to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, it deeply cleanses the epidermis and effectively eliminates impurities. The different uses of Marseille soap don't stop there! Detergent, dishwashing product, multi-purpose cleaner, it is an essential ally for home maintenance.


And you, how do you use your Marseille soap? Share your recipes with us in the comments!