History of Marseille soap: a thousand-year-old heritage

Marseille soap is a true symbol of the region to which our Aubagne campsite belongs. Its history dates back to the 12th century, when the Cistercian monks of Provence perfected the art of making soap by mixing cow’s milk andolive oil harvested from local farms.

Today, Marseille soap continues to play an essential role as a care and cleaning product that goes beyond its production in Marseille soap factories. Its qualities, in terms of respect for the skin and the environment, are widely recognized.

Discover the fascinating evolution of this legendary product, from its traditional manufacture to its modern use.

A history rooted in the city of Marseille

Marseille has a long tradition of soap-making, dating back nearly 700 years. Over the centuries, soap production in Marseille has evolved, notably under the impetus of Colbert, Louis XIV’s minister, who regulated soap-making to guarantee quality.

By 1660, the town already boasted seven soap factories producing impressive quantities of soap, a thriving industry that reached its peak in the 18th century. However, after the First World War, production began to decline, although it continued to play a central role in the region.

Traditional manufacturing

The manufacturing process for Marseille soap remains faithful to traditional methods. The soap is obtained by a saponification process in a cauldron. This begins with the cooking of oils in cauldrons, mixed with soda andwater. This method creates a high-quality soap that respects tradition and natural products. Once this stage has been completed, the soap is poured into molds, then dried for several weeks before being cut.

A pure, natural product

Authentic Marseille soap contains no perfumes, colorants or chemical additives. It is made from 72%vegetable oil, mainly olive oil, and is safe for the skin. Not only is this soap effective for cleaning, it also has dermatological benefits, particularly for sensitive skin. What’s more, its use is generally recommended by dermatologists to treat skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.

A versatile, environmentally-friendly soap

Beyond its dermatological virtues, Marseille soap is also often used as a household product. It is particularly effective for gentle cleaning and disinfecting. This natural product is also environmentally friendly, as it contains no harsh chemicals. Its many benefits make it a versatile product to have in every home.

Recognizing genuine Marseille soap

It’s important to know the difference between genuine Marseille soap and imitations. Authentic soap is distinguished by its green color (when made witholive oil) or white color (when made with other vegetable oils such as copra or peanut). Top-quality soaps also often bear a distinctive seal guaranteeing their authenticity, such as that of theUnion des Professionnels du Savon de Marseille.

Marseille soap today

Today, although production of Marseille soap has declined, it remains an iconic product of the city. A number of traditional soap factories still exist in Marseille, where soap continues to be made according to ancestral methods. Thehistory of Marseille soap is part of the city’s and the region’s identity, a precious heritage that has been handed down from generation to generation.

Marseille’s traditional soap factories

Today, only a handful of Marseilles soap factories still perpetuate thehistory of Marseilles soap and traditional soap-making in cauldrons.

Among them, houses such as Le Fer à Cheval and Savonnerie du Midi open their doors to visitors, allowing them to discover the secrets of soap-making and understand the ancestral process that makes this product such a key part of the local heritage.

In particular, visitors can observe saponification in the cauldron, a method that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Thehistory of Marseille soap is intimately linked to the history of the city itself. A true artisanal product, Marseille soap has stood the test of time to become a symbol of French know-how. Today, it continues to represent excellence in skincare and cleaning products, embodying both the richness of the Provence region and the traditional craftsmanship of the city of Marseille!