Marseille is a city in the south of France that is famous for its traditional hard soaps that have been made there since the 1600’s. They are made with many different flavours and made a big come back in the 80’s when people decided to search for products which were more environmentally friendly and kind to their skin.

The soaps were originally made from a vegetable oil base and then later an olive oil base was introduced. They are generally made with natural ingredients. In 1688 Louis IV passed the Order Of Colbert authorizing the use of Savon de Marseille label for olive oil soaps. The order states that the soap comprises of 72% of olive oil. 132 soap makers were established by the year 1924, but by 1950 there was a sudden increase of petrol-based soaps and the olive oil soaps became dated. At present there are only five savonneries who can claim the genuine title Soap de Marseille and have the authentic mark to prove it. It is identified by a small square soap block with the Union des Professionals du Savon de Marseille clearly indicated on the packaging.  Anything else is deemed as a counterfeit.

Marius Fabre is a longstanding company that produces Marseille soap. Such companies are otherwise known as “savonneries.” Watch the video below to learn more about traditional Marseille soap.

Here is a list of vocabulary related to Marseille soap:

Marseille soap = Savon de Marseille

Soap making factory = Savonnerie

Ecologic = écologique

Biodegradable = Biodégradable

Without parabens (solvants) = Sans solvent

Without artificial colours = Sans colorant

Black soap = Savon noir

Flavour(ed) = Parfum(ée)

Olive oil = l’huile d’olive

Shea butter = Au beurre de karité

Bitter almond = à l’Amande amère

Heather honey = Au miel de bruyère

Cherry flower = Fleur de cerisier

Violet = à la Violette

Orange peels = Écorces d’orange

Orange blossom = Fleur d’orange

Apple blossom = Fleur de pommier

Cinnamon = Cannelle

Honeysuckle = Chèvrefeuille

Lavender = à la Lavande

Brasil nut = Noix du Brésil

Coconut = Noix de Coco

Crushed Rosemary = Romarin broyé

Crushed lemon = Citron broyé

Goat milk = Lait du chevre