The Phocaean city nestled in Bouches-du-Rhône conceals many treasures and its famous soap is one of the best. Hypoallergenic, antiseptic, bactericidal and biodegradable, this natural washing and cleaning soap can do it all. In addition to washing with Marseille soap, it can be used as toothpaste, cramp treatment, stain remover, dishwashing liquid, etc. The problem is that unless you come from Marseille and therefore can easily find this traditionally manufactured product, you can quickly come up against the 90% of counterfeits sold commercially! Indeed, this name is not controlled and leaves the door open to all kinds of abuse, so how can we recognize real Marseille soap? It’s easy, we tell you everything here!
Here are tips for recognizing real 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 a real Marseille soap will always contain 72% vegetable oil (coconut oil, coconut oil, palm oil or of course traditional olive oil), a statement which must appear on the soap (just like the name of the soap factory that made it). For ecological reasons, however, it is advisable to purchase a soap without palm oil.
2) The ingredient list is simple
The soap should not contain more than six natural ingredients. Therefore, an extended INCI list should alert you. Normally, there are no colorings (the E1 + numbers or CI + numbers on the label) nor any chemical additives or glycerin! It is also preservative and coloring free. Another important point, it must not contain no animal fat. Or, 80% of commercial industrial Marseille soaps contain it. If you see “sodium lardate” (pork fat) or “sodium tallowate” (beef fat) on the label or any mention of the 100% vegetable origin of the oil, beware! This is an important point. In fact, a soap made from animal fat will not have the same properties as a soap made from vegetable oil, particularly in terms of dermatology or home maintenance (homemade laundry, etc.)!
3) A well-defined color and shape
In general, Marseille soap is a large cube (most often 600 g). However, it can also be found in the form of flakes to facilitate the preparation of household and beauty products. This avoids having to grate it! Color wise, we forget the red, yellow, purple soaps… The real one is either green or brown if it is with olive oil or blanc if it is palm oil, coconut or copra oil.
4) Bring it to your nose
Apart from its characteristic smell, Marseille soap smells nothing special, because it does not contain perfume. Soaps scented with lavender, rose, honey, etc. are only scented derivative products. Real, traditionally made soap is fragrance free !
5) Marseille soap has a solid and qualitative consistency
Marseille soap is very hard. So when you use it, it doesn’t melt into pasty piles like the fake industrial soaps that try to imitate. In fact, it melts with difficulty when used at low temperatures. Finally, after use, the real Marseille soap dry and cracked ! Even with cracks, it keeps for a very long time and its properties of course remain intact.
All these clues are perfect if you can’t buy it directly in a Marseille soap factory from a master soap maker!
The properties and uses of Marseille soap
This natural product recognized for its multiple properties and uses. Without chemical additives or preservatives, it is particularly hypoallergenic and gentle on the skinmaking it ideal for sensitive and allergic skin for the whole family. Antibacterial, antiseptic, degreasing and biodegradablethis soap has a natural composition which makes it an excellent cleanser while respecting the environment. It is also appreciated for its moisturizing and soothing properties.
How to use your Marseille soap?
Marseille soap is a versatile product, respectful of health and the environment, while being a valuable ally in daily tasks.
For personal hygiene
Used as a body soap, it gently cleanses and preserves the balance of the skin. It can also be used as a natural shampoo, particularly suitable for sensitive scalps. Thanks to its softness, it can even be used to wash pets. It can also be dissolved in water for a natural and soothing bath. Furthermore, some people use natural and non-irritating formulation as gentle facial cleanserideal for sensitive skin or prone to allergies. It then cleanses deeply without drying the skin. Finally, it can be used as a gentle makeup remover for light makeup.
For home maintenance
In terms of household use, grated Marseille soap is an excellent stain remover at the time of pre-wash. So rub dampened soap directly on stubborn stains on fabrics or carpets until they form a crust before washing them for the best result. Of course he can serve as a base for an ecological homemade detergent for clothes. It will then help to whiten and revive white fabrics by cleaning them thoroughly while also respecting the colors, especially combined with baking soda or white vinegar.
Its gentle, but effective formula also makes it a good choice for washing dishes by hand by eliminating fat while being respectful of the skin of the hands. It can also be used globally to clean all surfaces in the houseincluding floors and kitchen surfaces. Dissolved in lukewarm water, it allows you to clean and maintain wooden furniture by eliminating dust while respecting delicate surfaces. This gentle cleanser finally allows you to effectively clean makeup brushes and tools without damaging them.