I LOVE this stuff, use it a lot (as well as a fave shower gel), especially in a bath because it's SO moisturising and there are divine colors and scents, however, even though it's not terribly expensive and really lasts, beware imitations that don't give you the benefits of this time honored Marseille Soap and how it's made and probably more important, what it's made with.
So if you've always wondered or never heard of it, do yourself a favor and get some .. read on as to why !
- Marseille Soap
is a delicate mixture of olive oil and vegetable oils, alkaline ash (derived from sea plants) and salted water from the Mediterranean.
- Originally only olive oil was used (and failure to do so was punishable by law), but when manufacturing processes introduced the use of soda in the soap, other oils were introduced to prevent the soap being too hard and brittle.
- First step is the emulsion of the oils and lye in large vats.
- The mixture is slowly heated in cauldrons.
- Impurities are removed from the cauldron in a complex filtering process (carried out three times).
- When to pour and let it harden is a closely guarded secret, passed down from one Master to the next.
- Marseille is the center of the manufacturing of the soap, and this industry also spun off a candle manufacturing, using by products of the soap manufacturing process. The process has also been exported to other countries, and Marseille Soap
- The soap is cooled and cut into cubes and stamps before being set out to dry and harden outside.
- Auithentic Marseille Soap
This is my fave, the Le Pere Pelletier Savon De Marseille Soap
in the old style container (which resides in my rustic kitchen) and one I use a lot, as well as the large lavender block. I cut them with a heated knife into smaller blocks. It is SUCH good value
in the old style container (which resides in my rustic kitchen) and one I use a lot, as well as the large lavender block. I cut them with a heated knife into smaller blocks. It is SUCH good valueTypes of Marseille soap
- Traditionally the cubes are green or white. The white cubes are usually made with palm oil and the green ones with at least 50% olive oil.
- Now colored cubes are also available, with lavender scent and other scents.
- Both types are very moisturizing and gentle, suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
Why use Marseille soap ?
- It is all natural and still gentle. This soap can be used for babies and for the most sensitive skins.
- It is used in French households for everything from laundry to washing faces (and helps sensitive skins for people with allergies, so try it in laundry too). Many use it as a shampoo as well.
- Dermatologists recommend it!
- Vegetable oils means the soap is bio-degradable and less harmful to the environment.
- Not tested on Animals
- Economical. Even taking importing and shipping into consideration, Marseille Soap
- For ease of use, you can cut onto smaller pieces, or shave into flakes.
If you have questions or just want recommendations, drop me an email, comment or facebook note
Ciao!
from Chez
a Bona Fide Glam Junkie
Ciao!
from Chez
a Bona Fide Glam Junkie
) and sell out, you know it's good.. oddly though, it's pretty affordable if you collect it as you can and because it lasts, really lasts, it's a good investment.
(my fave cosmetic oil), Pure Organic Hemp Seed Oil ROCKS and is a rich source of Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs), 9 Key Amino Acids, a perfect 3:1 ratio of Omega-3 and Omega-6 Linoleic Acids, natural proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and nutrients that are vital to skin hydration, nourishment and conditioning.
