The Phocaean City nestled in the Bouches-du-Rhône region is full of treasures, and its famous soap is one of the best. Hypoallergenic, antiseptic, bactericidal, and biodegradable, this natural cleansing soap can do it all. In addition to being used for laundry with Marseille soap, it can also be used as toothpaste, treatment for cramps, stain remover, dish soap, and more. The problem is that unless you come from Marseille and can easily find this traditionally made product, you may quickly come across the 90% of counterfeits sold in stores! Indeed, this label is not regulated and leaves the door open to all kinds of abuse, so how can you recognize real Marseille soap? It’s easy, we’ll tell you everything here!
Here are some tips for recognizing genuine Marseille soap!
1) A soap rich in vegetable oils
Its formula has been regulated since the 17th century with two very simple ingredients: 72% olive oil and 28% caustic soda. Since then, the formula has evolved, but real Marseille soap will always contain 72% vegetable oil (coconut oil, palm oil, or of course traditional olive oil), a mention that must appear on the soap (as well as the name of the soap factory that made it). For ecological reasons, it is recommended to buy soap without palm oil.
2) The list of ingredients is simple
The soap should not contain more than six natural ingredients. Therefore, a long INCI list should raise a red flag. Normally, it should not contain any colorants (E1 + numbers or CI + numbers on the label) or any chemical additives or glycerin! It should also be without preservatives and colorants. Another important point is that it should contain no animal fat. Yet, 80% of industrial Marseille soaps on the market contain animal fat. If you see “sodium lardate” (pig fat) or “sodium tallowate” (beef fat) on the label or no mention of the 100% vegetable origin of the oil, be wary! This is an important point. Indeed, a soap with animal fat will not have the same properties as a soap made from vegetable oil, especially in terms of dermatological benefits or household maintenance (homemade laundry detergent, etc.)!
3) A well-defined color and shape
In general, Marseille soap is a large block (usually 600 g). However, it can also be found in the form of flakes to facilitate the preparation of household and beauty products. This avoids the need to grate it! In terms of color, forget about red, yellow, purple soaps… The real ones are either green or brown if they are made with olive oil, or white if they are made with palm oil, coconut oil, or copra oil.
4) Smell it
Apart from its characteristic odor, Marseille soap should not smell particularly strong because it does not contain any fragrance. Scented soaps with lavender, rose, honey… are just perfumed derivative products. True traditionally made Marseille soap is fragrance-free!
5) Marseille soap has a solid and high-quality consistency
Marseille soap is very hard. When used, it does not easily melt into a mushy mess like fake industrial soaps that try to imitate it. Indeed, it melts slowly when used in low temperatures. Finally, after use, real Marseille soap dries and cracks! Even with cracks, it still keeps for a long time and its properties remain intact, of course.
All these indicators are perfect if you cannot buy it directly from a soap factory in Marseille from a master soap maker!
The properties and uses of Marseille soap
This natural product is renowned for its multiple properties and uses. Without chemical additives or preservatives, it is particularly hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin, making it ideal for sensitive and allergic skin for the whole family. Antibacterial, antiseptic, degreasing, and biodegradable, this soap has a natural composition that makes it an excellent cleanser while also respecting the environment. It is also appreciated for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
How to use Marseille soap?
Marseille soap is a versatile product, respectful of health and the environment, while also being a valuable ally in everyday tasks.
For personal hygiene
Used as body soap, it cleans gently and preserves the skin’s balance. It can also be used as a natural shampoo, particularly suitable for sensitive scalps. Thanks to its gentleness, it can even be used to wash pets. It can also be dissolved in water for a natural and soothing bath. Additionally, some people use its natural and non-irritating formula as a gentle facial cleanser, ideal for sensitive or allergy-prone skin. It deeply cleanses the skin without drying it out. It can also be used as a gentle makeup remover for light makeups.
For household cleaning
For household cleaning, grated Marseille soap is an excellent pre-wash stain remover. Rub the dampened soap directly onto stubborn stains on fabrics or carpets until a crust forms before washing them for better results. Of course, it can be used as a base for homemade eco-friendly laundry detergent for clothes. It will help whiten and refresh white fabrics by deep cleaning them while also respecting colors, especially when combined with baking soda or white vinegar.
Its gentle yet effective formula also makes it a good choice for handwashing dishes by removing grease while being gentle on the skin. It can also be used to clean all household surfaces, including floors and kitchen surfaces. Dissolved in warm water, it helps to clean and maintain wooden furniture by removing dust while respecting delicate surfaces. This mild cleaner also effectively cleans brushes and makeup tools without damaging them.
