Marseille Soap -From Marseille France.

The Ancient History Of SoapMaking

The Ancient History of Soapmaking

Long before modern cleansers, the art of soapmaking was already thriving along the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean. Marseille soap, or Savon de Marseille, has its roots in ancient traditions that stretch back over 2,000 years.

The earliest evidence of soap dates to ancient Babylon around 2800 BCE, where soap-like substances were made by boiling fats with ashes. The craft spread through Egypt, Greece, and Rome—civilizations that recognized soap not only for cleanliness but also for its medicinal properties.

By the 7th century, Arab chemists had refined soapmaking techniques, introducing scented oils and using sodium hydroxide (lye) to create a firmer, purer bar. These innovations journeyed westward, eventually reaching Europe.

It was in Marseille, France, during the 12th century, that soapmaking blossomed into an artisanal tradition. With access to pure olive oil, alkaline ash from sea plants, and Mediterranean seawater, Marseille became a hub for high-quality, natural soap. By the 17th century, strict laws under King Louis XIV standardized its ingredients and methods—cementing Savon de Marseille as a protected symbol of purity and craftsmanship.

Today, true Marseille soap is still made in traditional cauldrons using at least 72% vegetable oils, free of artificial additives, perfumes, and animal fats—an enduring legacy of ancient ingenuity and French excellence.