With so many soaps on the market claiming to be Savon de Marseille, knowing how to spot the genuine article is more important than ever.

Authentic Marseille soap is defined by its purity, traditional craftsmanship, and time-honoured production methods. Here’s what sets it apart.

Simple Ingredients

True Savon de Marseille is made using only vegetable-based oils—never animal fats. It contains no artificial colours, synthetic fragrances, or preservatives.

In fact, traditional recipes use just a handful of ingredients:

• Vegetable oils (such as olive or coconut oil)
• Water
• Salt
• Sodium hydroxide

The 72% Rule

One of the key signs of authenticity is the 72% vegetable oil content. This is often stamped directly onto the soap and reflects its high-quality formulation.

Made Using Traditional Methods

Authentic Savon de Marseille is produced using the historic Marseille process, a method that has remained unchanged for centuries.

This involves five stages:
mashing, release, cooking, washing, and liquidation, all overseen by an expert soap maker. The soap is slowly cooked in large cauldrons, allowing it to develop its renowned purity and durability.

Made in Marseille

True Savon de Marseille must be produced in the Marseille region of France. While many soaps use the name, only those made in this area using traditional methods are considered genuine.

Recognisable Characteristics

There are a few tell-tale signs of authentic Marseille soap:

• A stamped weight marking
• A natural white film caused by salt (completely normal)
• A slightly soft texture when fresh, which hardens over time

Why Authenticity Matters

Choosing authentic Savon de Marseille means choosing a product rooted in heritage, simplicity, and quality. It’s gentle on the skin, long-lasting, and free from unnecessary additives.

If you’re looking for a soap that combines tradition with everyday luxury, authentic Savon de Marseille is hard to beat.