A South-of-France classic.
Though olive oil hard soaps have been made in Marseille for over 600 years, it wasn’t until the last few years that the name became a protected designation (yep, just like wines or cheeses). To qualify for that “Marseille soap” stamp, it must be made in Provence, and makers must use just a few natural ingredients: Vegetable oil (at least 72%), seawater, ash and lye (and never any animal fats). At Fer à Cheval, Marseille’s oldest soap factory, a soap master and team of artisans oversee the 10-day process that starts with boiling the ingredients in ancient cauldrons for days and ends with a certified organic, beautiful block of soap. Whether you opt for the Olive (a strongly scented, very-olive-oil-forward green soap), the Végétal (a lighter, pale soap), or one of each, rest easy knowing that you’re sudsing up with an all-natural, hypoallergenic recipe that’s stood the test of time.
Photography by Ty Mecham, Julia Gartland
Meet the Maker
Fer à Cheval
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Marseille Soap Bars (Set of 2)
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