I must admit I have a real passion for “Savon de Marseille,” commonly known as Marseille soap :). This emblematic French product, crafted in the historic city of Marseille, is a must-have souvenir from any visit to the region. The bond between Marseille and its soap stretches nearly 700 years, dating back to the first recorded soap maker in the late 14th century. Yet, you must exercise caution: many industrial imitations exist, though none match the original’s quality.
True Savon de Marseille contains at least 72% vegetable oils—a fact proudly stamped on each cube, whether green or white—and is free from dyes, fragrances, or synthetic additives. To guarantee you’re purchasing authentic Marseille soap, verify the logo of the “Union des Professionnels du Savon de Marseille.” This consortium includes four traditional soap factories in the Bouches-du-Rhône area, three of which are based in Marseille itself. These factories employ the “au chaudron” method, where vegetable oils meld with soda in large cauldrons to create the soap.
This post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own. I only feature products I truly love and personally select. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Merci!
The 4 Main Soap Factories in Marseille
- Savonnerie Fer à Cheval: Offers global shipping, including to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
- La Corvette Savonnerie du Midi: Currently limits its shipping to Europe.
- Savonnerie Marius Fabre: Ships only within France and to selected nearby regions, including Corsica, Monaco, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
- Savonnerie Le Serail
I absolutely love the distinctive scent of the green Marseille soap cube, made from olive pomace oil! Last summer, I placed an order with the Savonnerie Fer à Cheval, indulging in several products for my home. Here are my top recommendations, which I definitely plan to reorder ;).
1. Uses of Marseille Soap in the Kitchen
I highly recommend several Marseille soap products for the kitchen, all of which have earned a permanent spot on my re-purchase list. Firstly, if you haven’t yet experienced the versatility of the classic Pure Olive Cube Marseille Soap, available in both 100g and 300g sizes, it’s a must-have ;). This all-purpose soap effortlessly cleans everything from kitchen tables and dishes to handwashing and stain removal.
One of my favorite finds is the Andrée Jardin x Fer à Cheval Signature Box, which I plan to include in my next order. This elegant set features a soap dish and a nail brush, both crafted from thermo-heated ash, perfect for a stylish kitchen setup. For those in search of exquisite soap dishes, these ceramic options from Carron Paris are truly beautiful, as is this small soap holder by Diptyque.
If you prefer liquid soaps for dishwashing, the Fer à Cheval Dishwashing Liquid is excellent and effective. I also use the Black Soap, or “Savon Noir,” a versatile cleaner that effectively cleans and degreases my kitchen, floors, and all other washable surfaces throughout the house. Additionally, I absolutely adore the Marseille Liquid Soap White Tea and Yuzu. Its divine scent is a delightful addition to any kitchen, and I look forward to re-ordering it along with the Fresh Scented Water in the same White Tea & Yuzu fragrance. It’s a luxurious way to keep your hands clean without drying them out.
2. Marseille Soap is Perfect for Laundry
You can create your own laundry detergent with Marseille soap in just a few minutes using only four ingredients! This DIY method is not only straightforward but also more eco-friendly and cost-effective compared to purchasing commercial detergents from the supermarket. The resulting product is hypoallergenic, free from colorants and fragrances (unless you choose to add essential oils), and contains no additives.
Ingredients for 1 liter of homemade laundry detergent:
- 30g of Marseille soap ( or pure olive)
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda (for deodorizing)
- 1 teaspoon of soda crystals (for gentle disinfecting)
- 1 liter of hot water
- An empty 1-liter bottle
- Optional: a few drops of lavender essential oil for its soothing properties, lemon essential oil for its purifying action, or Scots pine essential oil for a fresh scent. Note: Do not add essential oils if the detergent will be used for baby laundry, as even organic essential oils may not be suitable for sensitive skin.
Instructions:
- Dissolve the shaved Marseille soap in 1 liter of hot water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Add the baking soda and soda crystals.
- If desired, incorporate 5 to 10 drops of your chosen essential oil.
- Transfer the mixture to the empty bottle and shake well before each use.
- Apply directly to stains before washing. For optimal performance, descale your machine regularly with a glass of white vinegar in the softener compartment.
Note: Using vegetable Marseille soap results in a neutral scent, while olive Marseille soap imparts a mild olive fragrance. Choose the type of soap based on personal preferences or sensitivities.
Et voilà! I hope you enjoyed this exploration of the renowned Savon de Marseille. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments below.
