Description
- TRADITION: Marseille soap or Savon de Marseille is a traditional hard soap made from vegetable oils that has been produced around Marseille, France, for about 600 years. The first documented soapmaker was recorded there in about 1370. By 1688, Louis XIV introduced regulations in the Edict of Colbert limiting the use of the name savon de Marseille to olive oil based soaps. The law has since been amended to allow other vegetable oils to be used.
- SEA INSPIRED: The soap is made by mixing sea water from the Mediterranean Sea, olive oil, and the alkaline chemicals soda ash (sodium carbonate) and lye (sodium hydroxide) together in a large cauldron (usually making about 8 tons). This mixture is then heated for several days, stirring constantly. The mixture is allowed to sit until ready, then poured into a mold and allowed to set slightly. While still soft it is cut into bars, stamped, and left to completely harden. The whole process can take
- OVERSIZE: 300 gram square bar is an oversized, luxurious size
Since 1802 Le Chatelard has been harvesting French lavender for culinary uses as well as all sorts of lavender scented products for the home. Enjoy the soothing scent of this lavender soap, packaged in a cube shaped metal tin. Give it as a gift, but be sure to get one for you, too!
