A friend asked me the other day what is so special about Marseille soaps. I’ve been using them for years, in France and here in Australia. Used by my great grand-mother, grand-mother and my own mother, I’m just following the family tradition. Despite, I must admit, using some commercial soaps -the most natural possible and without EDTA- when I’m running out , I assure her that Marseille soap is the best soap she will ever find. I come up with a list all the good reasons she must give it a try.
A quick history …
- In the first century, the Romans used a soft detergent called “sapo” to wash their hair, discovered through their conquest of the Gauls. It was in the XVIe century, that soap manufacturing came to Provence. This was due in large part to the fact that the principal ingredients of soap, olive oil, salt and soda ashes were produced in the region (in the Camargue region). As a result, Marseille became the first official soap manufacturer in France, followed closely by Salon-de-Provence and Toulon.
The authentic Marseilles soap is a 100 % natural product, exclusively made with vegetable oils such as olive oil, without any coloring or artificial additives. It must contain 72 % of oil, percentage which is stamped on every cube of soap.
Because the appellation Savon de Marseille is not a registered trade mark, everyone can use it and make soap called Marseille soap. So beware to all the imitations in the market. Our authentic Savon de Marseille is the real thing, traditionally made, passed on from many generations. Our grand-mothers used it and we do to.
So why is this a unique soap to privilege and include in our homes?
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Rampal Latour Marseille soaps It is a natural product: Marseille soaps are 100 % natural, based exclusively on 72% vegetable oils and some will have added essential oil and flowers for the scent (lavender, rosemary and rose petals). Most of all, they do not contain parabens preservatives, EDTA or other petrochemicals present in industrial soaps.
- Environment friendly and not tested on animals: The authentic Marseille soap is biodegradable, colouring and preservatives free unlike most industrial soaps. Furthermore, research and quality controls are made in special laboratories which do not require animal testing.
- Economical: Due to its natural virtue and composition, it lasts twice as long as an ordinary soap find in the supermarket (who generally will melt quickly). For a 250g Marseille soap and a shower a day for one person, count nearly two good months of use.
- A beauty product: It is a hypoallergenic product because it does not contain any chemicals or preservatives and is ideal for sensitive and allergy prone skins. It is often recommended by dermatologists for acne, eczema, psoriasis and for all fragile and sensitive skins. Due to its pH at 9.5 it doesn’t cause any irritation and is smooth and gentle on the skin.
- A stain remover: This is our grandmother dirty laundry secret! For centuries, the Marseille soap is well known to be a fantastic stain remover. As a natural washing powder it is gentle on delicates linen (wool, silk, baby cloth) and avoid allergies and irritations. As a stain remover, gently rub the humidified Marseille soap (the big block ones) on dry cloth before washing or mixed some soap flakes with warm water and let the stained cloth soaked for 30 min to overnight ( depending on the stain).
Used against night cramps: If you want to avoid the unpleasant night cramps, place a cube of soap at the bottom of your bed.- A toothpaste: ideal for dental care, it can be used as a toothpaste (good for your gums).
- An antiseptic: Rub gently Marseille soap on the affected area. You will notice a faster healing process as well.
- Repel clothes moths : Place a piece of Marseille soap cube in the middle of your clothes, it will act as a moth repellent.
- A shaving soap : For the Madames and Messieurs, lather up your Marseille soap until you get a nice, creamy foam, it will be a perfect shaving soap. The olive oil in Savon de Marseille will have the protective effect on the skin that feels soft and smooth.
It is simply a healthy, effective, practical, economic, ecological and biodegradable product : a quality product for the whole family.
If you think of any other use or simply want to share your thoughts, please do not hesitate to leave a comment.
