What is natural soap and why should you use it?

There is an enormous difference between mass-produced soap and our natural soap bars; and here’s why.

Our natural soaps are 100% natural

It sounds obvious but natural soap is only made from natural ingredients, such as olive oil and shea butter. When soap ingredients are exclusively derived from nature they are rich in nutrients and incredibly nourishing for the skin.

Most industrially-produced “soaps” aren’t real soap at all, they are, in fact, detergents. They contain synthetic ingredients, foaming agents, chemical preservatives and artificial fragrances but can be harmful for your skin and the environment.

Take a look at this long list of ingredients from the label of a well-known ‘beauty bar’. The first, and main, ingredient is a detergent.

Sodium Lauroyl Isethionate, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Sodium Palmate, Aqua, Sodium Isethionate, Sodium Stearate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Palm Kernelate, Glycerin, Parfum, Sodium Chloride, Zinc Oxide, Tetrasodium EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Citronellol, Coumarin, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, CI 77891.

In contrast, our much-loved Savon de Marseille is handcrafted simply and naturally from vegetable oil, marine ash from sea plants and water. It takes two weeks for a Maitre de Savon to make the soap. Traditionally, the mix of oil, alkaline ash and Mediterranean Sea salt water are heated for ten days in cauldrons, then poured into open pits to harden. After being cut into cubes, the soaps are set out to dry in the sun and mistral winds.

Our natural soaps care for the skin

As well as being deeply cleansing, our natural soaps condition and moisturise the skin. The rich, creamy lather you get from the natural oils is long lasting and leaves your skin healthy, nourished and silky-smooth.

On the other hand, the strong detergents and synthetic foam boosters in today’s hand washes, shower gels and shampoos may be fine for cleaning dishes and floors, but they can be harsh on the skin, contributing to dryness and irritated skin conditions.

If you suffer from sensitive or dry skin, do try our natural Savon de Marseille as it’s the soap most often recommended by dermatologists for patients with irritated skin, psoriasis, or eczema.

Our natural soaps are more economical

Natural, handcrafted soaps, like our French bars, may come with a slightly higher price tag than manufactured commercial soap, but they offer so much more value.

First of all, they last a lot longer than ordinary soaps and secondly, the ingredients are of much higher quality and locally harvested in Provence. That old saying, “You get what you pay for,” really is true when you compare handmade natural soap to soap produced with low quality, synthetic ingredients. Plus, of course, don’t forget too that the main ingredient you are paying for in liquid hand wash or shampoo is water!

Our natural soaps are better for the environment

If you use shower gel, liquid soap or shampoo, just think how many plastic bottles and pumps you throw away in a single year. The good news is, our natural French soap bars are entirely plastic free. Also, the natural botanicals and plant oils used in our soaps are safe, eco-friendly and biodegradable. Unlike the chemical compounds found in mass-produced soaps which can end up in our water systems affecting wildlife. Scientists are also increasingly urging people not to use antibacterial soaps which can contain harmful substances like triclosan, a pesticide.

Natural soap is effective

Washing with soap and water helps physically lift bacteria and microbes from your skin and wash them away. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that you don’t need soap with artificial antibacterial ingredients to effectively keep your hands clean. Plain soap works just as well!

Our natural soaps come in different varieties

Our French soap bars come in a range of shapes, sizes, textures and natural aromas from essential oils like lavender and peppermint. You’re not limited to one type of soap, our natural soaps provide all kinds of therapeutic properties, from soothing Lavender and nourishing Donkey Milk to stimulating Citron and naturally antiseptic Tea Tree.

Plant natural French soap in your home and your hands

From their ingredients and skincare benefits to their impact on the environment, our natural French soaps are so much better than mass-produced soap. Every single soap bar is made with care and passion by traditional master soap makers using fresh, locally-sourced and plant-based ingredients. So, why not treat yourself to some natural French soaps today?

Three top reasons to switch to solid natural soap bars