The French soap that’s made the same way since the 1800s

In a Parisian boutique, a cube of soap, plain, olive-green, and stamped with "72% huile d'olive", sits unassumingly on a wooden shelf. This is Savon de Marseille, a product that has remained virtually unchanged for over three centuries.

Despite its modest appearance, this traditional soap continues to captivate both locals and visitors, often selling out in shops across the city.

A legacy rooted in tradition

The origins of Savon de Marseille trace back to around 1370, with Marseille emerging as a hub for soap production due to its access to essential ingredients like olive oil and sea salt.

In 1688, King Louis XIV's Edict of Colbert codified the soap's composition, mandating that only soaps made from olive oil and produced in Marseille could bear the name "Savon de Marseille." The edict also prohibited all soap factories from using animal fats.

One of the most renowned producers, Savonnerie Fer à Cheval, established in 1856, continues to uphold these traditional methods. Their soap-making process involves heating a mixture of olive oil, alkaline ash, and Mediterranean sea water in large cauldrons for several days. The mixture is then poured into molds, allowed to set, cut into bars, and left to harden naturally, a process that can take up to a month.

Marseille soap is traditionally green or white. The white soap is made with palm oil, and the green with at least 50% olive oil.

Appeal in modern times

Despite the proliferation of modern soaps and detergents, Savon de Marseille maintains a dedicated following. Its minimalist composition free from synthetic additives, fragrances and colorants, resonates with those seeking natural and hypoallergenic options.

The soap's versatility is another draw; it's used not only for personal hygiene but also for household cleaning and even as a natural pesticide in gardens.

In Paris, specialty shops and markets often see these traditional soaps selling out. Brands like Marius Fabre, Savonnerie du Midi, and Rampal Latour continue to produce authentic Savon de Marseille, following age-old recipes and techniques.

A symbol of sustainable living

Beyond its practical uses, Savon de Marseille embodies principles of sustainability and simplicity. Its biodegradable nature and long-lasting qualities align with contemporary values of environmental consciousness. As consumers increasingly seek products with transparent origins and minimal ecological impact, this centuries-old soap finds renewed relevance.

For all its history, Savon de Marseille survives because it works. It's not marketed as a luxury, but it aligns with the habits of those who value lasting things: simple to make, slow to produce, and difficult to improve upon.

What keeps it relevant isn’t nostalgia. It’s that, after 170 years, no one’s really made a better version.