It is very easy for any manufacturer to name his soap "Marseille soap", because there is no appellation, AOC or IGP. This is why the market is flooded with fake Marseille soaps produced in particular in China, Turkey and Tunisia. It should be known that more than 80% of these fake soaps contain animal fats. In addition to posing a moral problem, these soaps do not benefit from the same properties as a real Marseille soap, renowned for its many benefits (body, face, hair, housekeeping, etc.). In order not to be fooled by all these fake Marseille soaps, it is important to be vigilant when buying. By following our advice, you will see that recognizing a real Marseille soap will be child's play.
The composition of Marseille soap is relatively simple. It contains 100% vegetable oils. These oils can be derived from different plants. On the list of ingredients, you can find “sodium olivate” (from olive oil), “sodium cocoate” or “sodium palmate” (from palm oil). If the label says “sodium lardate” (pork fat) or “sodium tallowate” (beef fat), move on. The presence of animal fat means false Marseille soap. It must be extra pure and composed of at least 72% oil. Marseille soap is mainly made from water, oils, soda and salt exclusively. You may also see “sodium palm kernelate”, “aqua”, “sodium chloride” and “sodium hydroxide” written on it. Extended lists should alert you. Never more than 6 ingredients! It must also be guaranteed free of perfume, preservatives and colorants.
Without detailing the list of ingredients on the label, you can also focus on the general appearance of Marseille soap. Know that this iconic soap has a specific shape. It looks like a cube. It usually weighs 600 grams. It also has a specific color. You can find some in shades of green or brown if the soap is olive oil. It can also be white or beige if it is palm oil or coconut oil. In any case, this soap cannot be purple, blue, pink or yellow since it never has dyes. The sides are stamped with the name of the soap factory that made it. We can also find his mark. Feel free to smell the soap! Know that it has no scent, just its specific smell. Its manufacturing process follows traditional techniques. To be sure, you can also opt for the homemade production of your Marseille soap!
