The fabrication of “Savon de Marseille” is thought to have started around 1230 in a small workshop in Marseille (south of France).

The soaps formula was constantly improved until 1688 when, Colbert, Louis the 14th’s minister, imposed, by decree, very strict rules regarding the fabrication of the soap.

The fabrication has 4 stages:

.      Saponification or paste producing

Vegetable oils (or olive oils) and sodium carbonate (often called soda) are mixed together in cauldron which can contain 20 tons of raw materials. Under the action of soda and heat, the oils gradually become soap paste. This chemical reaction is the saponification or paste production. The soap paste is rinsed several times with salt water to remove the remaining soda. 

·                  The cooking of the soap in a cauldron

The soap mixture is cooked for 10 days, at a temperature around 120°C; during this stage, the excess water and impure elements are eliminated.

·        Washing the mixture to get rid of any impurity

The mixture is rinsed with pure water: it is this final procedure that awards the name “extra pure” to Marseille soap.

·                          Liquidification of the soap

The mixture is poured while hot into large recipients and dried for 48 hours in sunshine and fresh air, allowing for evaporation and solidification

     Once dry, the soap is cut, in the moulds, into 35 kilo blocks by a wheel-operated  blade.  These blocks are then cut up in a machine producing 2.5 kilos, I kilo, 600g, 500g and 400g blocks.

The white film that you can see on the external surface of Le Serail Marseille soap (called "le masque", the mask), is a sign of purity and authenticity.

It's due to the natural reaction of the salt contained in the soap with the outside air; when the soap dries the mask comes through and gives the soap its aged and antique look.

The mask disappeared after the 1st use of the soap (once in contact with water).

Le Serail  is 1 of the 3  traditional Marseille soap manufacturers still in activity in Marseille. 

All other manufacturers are industrial factories who don’t follow the authentic manufacturing process; the quality of their soaps can be inferior.

It takes 14 days to produce the genuine Marseilles soap Extra pure.

It must contain 72 % of oil, percentage which is stamped on every cube of soap.

 Benefits:

Natural and effective: Marseilles soap is more and more recommended by doctors as an alternative to other modern products which can cause skin problems.

Respectful of the environment: Marseilles soap does not pollute. It is 100% biodegradable (no artificial coloring). As a natural product, it contributes to the protection of nature.

Gentle: Recommended for all skin types and also recommended to wash clothes, silk, lace and baby clothes.

Not tested on animals: research and quality controls do not require animal testing.

Economical: Marseilles soap lasts up to twice as long as ordinary soap, and is perfumed in the mass. Its longevity makes it an economical product