Authentic Marseille soap serves as a powerful natural defense against the coronavirus. Experts agree: the most effective protection starts with thorough handwashing using soap.
With hydroalcoholic gels in short supply, Marseille soap emerges as the ideal natural alternative. Not only does it effectively combat the virus, but it's also 100% natural, economical, biodegradable, free of dyes, and naturally bactericidal. This traditional product played a key role in reducing infectious diseases during the 19th century, thanks to its unchanged recipe developed over centuries.
Marseille soap originated in Marseille in the 15th century. Early versions used animal fats, but these were soon replaced by vegetable oils like olive oil.
In 1688, during Louis XIV's reign, Colbert's edict established strict standards, mandating pure olive oils without animal fats or other additives. This recipe has remained largely unchanged since.
The 1789 invention of caustic soda allowed for higher oil content. By 1840, additions like palm, peanut, and copra oils enhanced its white color and foaming properties, while flax imparted a yellow hue.
These qualities made Marseille soap an essential hygiene staple, contributing to lower infant mortality and fewer infectious diseases in the 19th century. In 1913, 90 factories produced 180,000 tons annually—a testament to its popularity.
Modern detergents later overshadowed it, but recent studies confirm its effectiveness in virus elimination through handwashing.
The composition of genuine Marseille soap is simple and entirely natural: vegetable oils, soda, salt, and water. This makes it fully biodegradable, with no perfumes, colorings, chemicals, or preservatives.
It's hypoallergenic, suitable for sensitive skin, unalterable (no expiration), and far more economical and eco-friendly than shower gels—reducing plastic waste significantly.
Marseille soap excels at breaking down fats, targeting the lipid envelope surrounding the COVID-19 virus. This disrupts the virus, rendering it inactive.
Julie Fabre, great-granddaughter of Marius Fabre (founder of the Salon-de-Provence soap factory in 1900), explains: "Marseille soap destroys fats, so it destroys the lipid membrane that surrounds the virus."
With rising demand, counterfeits abound—95% of 'Marseille' soaps are fake. Spot the real one with these hallmarks:
- Produced in Marseille or the surrounding region.
- Made via the traditional 'Marseille process' in a cauldron over five steps.
- Exclusively vegetable oils—avoid labels listing 'sodium lardate' (pork fat) or 'sodium tallowate' (beef fat).
- Stamped with '72% vegetable oils' on one side.
- Simple shapes: cube, square, parallelepiped, flakes, or chips—never novelty shapes like hearts.
- Green, brown, or beige color; other hues indicate derivatives.
Notably, supermarket brand 'Le Petit Marseillais', made by Johnson & Johnson, is unrelated and best avoided.
To discover: My Marseille Tricks to Recognize the Real Savon de Marseille.
Beyond hygiene, Marseille soap's versatility shines in household tasks. It's ideal for laundry—follow this simple recipe.
It safely disinfects baby clothes for delicate skin; details here.
Excels at stain removal, like foundation marks; see how here.
Washing with it repels mosquitoes all summer; learn why here.
Surprisingly, it relieves night cramps and rheumatism, eliminates fishy pan odors, and prevents washing machine leaks.
Available at organic stores, traditional soap factories, or online here.
