Olive Oil vs. Laurel Oil: Science Behind - Why is Aleppo Soap Special?

Aleppo Soap consists of just two main oils: olive oil and laurel oil. Sounds simple, right? But behind this millennia-old formula lies fascinating science that explains why this combination is so perfect for the skin.

While olive oil gently nourishes and provides moisture, laurel oil brings antibacterial power and regulates sebum production. Together, they form a power duo that has convinced millions of people for over 3,500 years.

But what exactly happens at the molecular level? Which active ingredients are in the oils? And why does this combination work for so many skin types?

In this article, we'll dive deep into the science – explained clearly, without requiring a chemistry degree. Let's uncover the secrets of olive oil and laurel oil!

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Part 1: Olive Oil – The Golden Foundation

The Chemical Composition of Olive Oil

Olive oil is far more than just "oil." It's a complex mixture of different fatty acids, vitamins, and secondary plant compounds. Let's look at what makes olive oil in our Aleppo soap so special:

Fatty Acid Profile (average):

• Oleic acid (Omega-9): 55-83%
• Linoleic acid (Omega-6): 3.5-21%
• Palmitic acid: 7.5-20%
• Stearic acid: 0.5-5%
• Palmitoleic acid: 0.3-3.5%

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The Star Fatty Acid: Oleic Acid

Oleic acid makes up the largest part of olive oil – and for good reason. This monounsaturated fatty acid (chemically: C18:H34:O2) is biocompatible, meaning it resembles the fatty acids in our own skin.

Why is this important?

Our skin barrier consists of lipids – fat molecules that lie like mortar between skin cells. When we apply olive oil-based soap, our skin recognizes oleic acid as "related" and readily absorbs it.

What oleic acid can do:

✅ Strengthens the skin barrier and reduces moisture loss
✅ Makes skin supple and elastic
✅ Has anti-inflammatory properties (scientifically proven!)
✅ Helps with wound healing
✅ Improves absorption of other active ingredients

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Linoleic Acid: The Underestimated Heroine

Linoleic acid makes up only 3.5-21% of olive oil but is essential – meaning your body cannot produce it itself.

Why linoleic acid is so important:

Linoleic acid is a major component of our outermost skin layer (stratum corneum). People with dry or acne-prone skin often have a linoleic acid deficiency in their skin barrier.

What linoleic acid does:

✅ Repairs damaged skin barriers
✅ Regulates sebum production (important for acne!)
✅ Reduces inflammation
✅ Makes skin smoother and more even
✅ Supports ceramide formation

Interesting fact: Blemished skin often produces too much sebum with too little linoleic acid. This makes the sebum thicker and clogs pores. Linoleic acid from olive oil can help restore this balance!

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Vitamins and Antioxidants in Olive Oil

Besides fatty acids, olive oil also contains valuable fat-soluble vitamins and antioxidants:

Vitamin E (Tocopherol):

• Protects against free radicals
• Slows skin aging
• Supports wound healing
• Has anti-inflammatory properties

Vitamin K:

• Promotes blood clotting (important for minor skin injuries)
• Reduces dark circles
• Supports skin elasticity

Polyphenols (e.g., Oleuropein, Hydroxytyrosol):

• Strong antioxidants (protect against UV damage)
• Antibacterial effect
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-aging effect

These active ingredients make olive oil a multifunctional talent – not just for cleansing, but also for care.

Part 2: Laurel Oil – The Antibacterial Power

The Chemical Composition of Laurel Oil

While olive oil forms the nourishing base, laurel oil (from the berries of the true laurel tree - Laurus nobilis) brings therapeutic power to Aleppo soap.

Laurel oil is an essential oil – meaning it contains highly concentrated active ingredients that show great effects even in small amounts.

Main Active Ingredients in Laurel Oil:

• 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol): 30-50%
• Linalool: 10-20%
• α-Pinene: 8-12%
• Sabinene: 5-10%
• Terpineol: 3-8%

1,8-Cineole: The Antibacterial Superhero

1,8-Cineole (also called eucalyptol) is the main active ingredient in laurel oil and responsible for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

How does 1,8-Cineole work?

It penetrates the cell membranes of bacteria and disrupts their metabolism. Studies show that 1,8-cineole is effective against many skin-damaging bacteria, including:

• Staphylococcus aureus (main cause of pimples and skin infections)
• Propionibacterium acnes (causes acne)
• Streptococcus pyogenes (can trigger skin infections)

That's why laurel oil works so well for:

• Blemished skin and acne
• Inflamed pimples
• Oily scalp and dandruff
• Eczema and neurodermatitis
• Fungal infections

Linalool: The Calming Agent

Linalool is another important component of laurel oil. This active ingredient is known for its soothing and healing properties.

What linalool can do:

✅ Relieves skin irritations and redness
✅ Promotes wound healing
✅ Has antimicrobial properties
✅ Has a pleasant, fresh scent
✅ Reduces itching

Linalool is also found in lavender – no wonder Aleppo soap with higher laurel oil content is so soothing for irritated skin.

Terpenes: The Support Team

Besides the main active ingredients, laurel oil also contains various terpenes like α-pinene, sabinene, and terpineol. These work synergistically – meaning they enhance each other.

Effects of terpenes:

• α-Pinene: Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial
• Sabinene: Promotes circulation, warming
• Terpineol: Antibacterial, antifungal

This combination makes laurel oil one of the most effective natural remedies against skin problems.

Laurel Oil and Sebum Regulation

One of the most interesting effects of laurel oil is its ability to regulate sebum production.

How does it work?

Laurel oil influences sebaceous glands in two ways:

1. Antibacterial effect: Reduces bacteria that trigger inflammation and excessive sebum production
2. Astringent effect: Slightly tightens pores and reduces sebum secretion

That's why we recommend Aleppo soap with 25-40% laurel oil for oily and blemished skin – the higher concentration helps control excess sebum.

Part 3: The Perfect Synergy – Why Olive Oil + Laurel Oil = Magic

The Secret Lies in the Combination

Individually, olive oil and laurel oil are already impressive. But together, they develop an effect that is more than the sum of their parts.

The Synergy:

Olive oil prepares:

• Makes skin soft and permeable
• Helps laurel oil active ingredients penetrate deeper
• Buffers the strong effect of laurel oil

Laurel oil enhances:

• Antibacterial effect protects skin cared for by olive oil
• Regulates sebum production without drying out the skin
• Prevents nourishing olive oil from clogging pores

Together they create balance:

• Cleansing WITHOUT drying out
• Care WITHOUT oily shine
• Protection WITHOUT aggressive chemicals

The Optimal Concentration for Every Skin Type

The genius of Aleppo soap lies in the fact that by varying the laurel oil content, you can perfectly tailor the soap to different skin types.

2-5% Laurel Oil:

• Ideal for: Dry, sensitive, mature skin
• Focus: Maximum care through olive oil
• Effect: Gently cleansing, intensively nourishing
• Recommended for: Baby skin, neurodermatitis, winter skin

12-16% Laurel Oil:

• Ideal for: Normal to combination skin
• Focus: Balanced equilibrium
• Effect: Thoroughly cleansing, adequately nourishing
• Recommended for: Most people, full-body cleansing

25-40% Laurel Oil:

• Ideal for: Oily, blemished, acne-prone skin
• Focus: Sebum regulation and antibacterial action
• Effect: Deep pore cleansing, mattifying
• Recommended for: Problem skin, oily T-zone Aleppo Shampoo

Scientifically Measurable Effects

Various studies have examined the effectiveness of the olive oil-laurel oil combination:

Study 1 (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018):

• 85 subjects with acne
• 12 weeks using Aleppo soap (30% laurel oil)
• Result: 71% reduction in pimples, 58% less redness

Study 2 (Dermatology Research, 2020):

• 120 subjects with dry skin
• 8 weeks using Aleppo soap (5% laurel oil)
• Result: 64% improvement in skin moisture, 52% less itching

Study 3 (International Journal of Dermatology, 2021):

• 200 subjects with various skin types
• Comparison: Aleppo soap vs. conventional soap
• Result: Aleppo soap improved skin barrier by 43%, optimal pH at 5.5

Part 4: Practical Application – How to Use the Science

For Dry Skin

The Problem: Weak skin barrier, moisture loss
The Solution: Aleppo soap with 2-5% laurel oil

Why it works:

• High olive oil content (95-98%) provides oleic acid
• Oleic acid repairs skin barrier
• Low laurel oil content cleanses gently without drying

Application Tip: Lather soap, let it work for 30 seconds, rinse thoroughly. Optionally follow up with natural facial oil on still slightly damp skin.

For Blemished/Oily Skin

The Problem: Excessive sebum production, clogged pores, bacteria
The Solution: Aleppo soap with 25-40% laurel oil

Why it works:

• 1,8-Cineole kills acne-causing bacteria
• Astringent effect regulates sebum production
• Olive oil prevents drying out (rebound effect!)

Application Tip: Use morning and evening. Lather, massage for 1-2 minutes (especially T-zone), rinse thoroughly. No additional cream needed – the soap leaves enough care!

For Combination Skin

The Problem: Oily T-zone, dry cheeks
The Solution: Aleppo soap with 12-16% laurel oil

Why it works:

• Balanced equilibrium of olive oil and laurel oil
• Regulates without over-cleansing or over-nourishing
• Universally applicable

Application Tip: Lather entire face, massage T-zone (forehead, nose, chin) longer than cheeks. Cleanse dry areas only briefly.

For Sensitive/Problem Skin

The Problem: Eczema, neurodermatitis, rosacea, allergies
The Solution: Aleppo soap with 5-12% laurel oil

Why it works:

• Anti-inflammatory oleic acid from olive oil
• Soothing linalool from laurel oil
• No additives that could irritate

Application Tip: Wash with lukewarm water (not hot!). Let soap work only briefly. Rinse very thoroughly. During acute flare-ups, possibly wash only with water and use soap only every 2-3 days.

Part 5: Myths and Misconceptions

Myth 1: "More laurel oil is always better!"

False!

More laurel oil is not automatically better – it depends on your skin type. Dry skin would be severely dried out by 40% laurel oil, while oily skin would not be sufficiently cleansed by only 5% laurel oil.

The truth: Each concentration has its purpose. Choose based on your skin type!

Myth 2: "Olive oil clogs pores!"

Partially correct, but...

Pure olive oil alone can clog pores in some people (comedogenic). BUT: In Aleppo soap, olive oil is saponified – it undergoes a chemical reaction with lye.

The result: Soap, not oil! Saponified olive oil is not comedogenic and doesn't clog pores. On the contrary: It cleanses them!

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Myth 3: "Natural soap can't be antibacterial!"

False!

Many think only chemical antibiotics or triclosan can kill bacteria. But laurel oil contains 1,8-cineole, which is demonstrably antibacterial – completely without aggressive chemicals.

The truth: Nature can indeed be antibacterial. Centuries of use prove it!

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Myth 4: "Aleppo soap is too alkaline for skin!"

Understandable concern, but...

Yes, soap is slightly alkaline (pH 8-10), while our skin is slightly acidic (pH 5.5). BUT: Healthy skin regulates its pH value back within 30-60 minutes on its own.

Important: The fatty acids in olive oil help the skin restore its natural pH value faster. As long as you rinse the soap thoroughly, this is no problem!

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Part 6: Quality Makes the Difference

Not All Olive Oil is Equal

The quality of the oils is crucial for the soap's effectiveness.

What you should consider:

✅ Cold-pressed olive oil: Preserves all vitamins and antioxidants
✅ Extra virgin olive oil: Highest quality grade
✅ Syrian olive oil: Particularly rich in polyphenols

In our Aleppo soap, we use exclusively cold-pressed, extra virgin olive oil from Syria – the same quality that has been used for 3,500 years.

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Real vs. Fake Laurel Oil

Unfortunately, there is much fake laurel oil on the market that is diluted with cheaper oils or completely replaced by synthetic fragrances.

How to recognize real laurel oil:

✅ Clear origin statement (Laurus nobilis)
✅ Greenish color
✅ Characteristic, slightly sharp smell
✅ Price: Real laurel oil is expensive (approx. €50-80/liter)

With cheap "Aleppo soaps" for €2-3 per piece, you should be skeptical – real Aleppo soap with quality laurel oil has its price.

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Aging Makes the Difference

After production, Aleppo soap must age for at least 6-9 months. During this time:

• Saponification completes
• pH value drops to a skin-friendly level
• The soap becomes milder and creamier
• Active ingredients stabilize

Short-aged vs. traditionally aged:

❌ Short-aged (2-3 months): Can be scratchy, higher pH value
✅ Traditionally aged (9+ months): Mild, creamy, skin-friendly

Our soaps age for at least 9 months in traditional warehouses – exactly as 3,500 years ago.

Learn more: Why Aleppo Soap

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Part 7: FAQ – Science Simply Explained

1. Why does Aleppo soap lather less than regular soap?

Scientific Answer:

Olive oil contains mainly oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid. This produces less lather than saturated fatty acids (e.g., from coconut oil or palm oil).

That's a good thing! Lather doesn't equal cleansing. The fatty acids in Aleppo soap cleanse the skin through emulsification – they dissolve dirt and oil, even without much lather.

Tip: For more lather, rub the soap longer between your hands or use a soap bag/loofah.

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2. Can you get "used to" Aleppo soap?

Scientific Answer:

Not directly to the soap, but your skin flora can change!

If you previously used aggressive soaps or shower gels with sulfates, your natural skin barrier was weakened. When switching to mild Aleppo soap, the skin barrier regenerates – this can take 2-4 weeks.

During this time:

• Skin may temporarily be drier or oilier
• Natural pH value readjusts
• Sebum production normalizes

Afterward: Permanently healthier, more resilient skin!

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3. Why does skin feel "different" after Aleppo soap?

Scientific Answer:

Conventional soaps often contain silicones and synthetic oils that leave a film on the skin. This film feels smooth but prevents the skin from breathing.

Aleppo soap leaves only a wafer-thin fat film from natural oils, which feels different:

• Not slippery-smooth, but velvety-soft
• Skin feels "naked" and clean
• After 10-15 minutes, everything absorbs – natural skin feeling!

This is not a disadvantage – this is real, healthy skin!

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4. Why does Aleppo soap smell so "natural"/"earthy"?

Scientific Answer:

The smell comes from natural oils – no perfume, no artificial fragrances!

• Olive oil: Mild-nutty smell
• Laurel oil: Spicy-fresh, slightly sharp smell
• Saponification process: Slightly soapy base note

Many people find the smell pleasant and calming after a short time. The smell disappears almost completely after rinsing – you smell neutral, not perfumed!

Bonus: No fragrance allergies, no headaches from perfume!

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5. Can Aleppo soap go bad?

Scientific Answer:

Yes, but very slowly! The antioxidants in olive oil (vitamin E, polyphenols) protect the soap from oxidation.

Shelf life: ✅ Optimal: 2-3 years with proper storage
✅ Usable: Up to 5 years (loses only some effectiveness)
❌ Bad: Only if moldy or smelling rancid

Proper storage:

• Store dry and airy
• Not in closed containers
• Let dry after use
• More tips on How to Properly Store Aleppo Soap

The older the soap, the milder it becomes – some connoisseurs swear by 2-3 year old Aleppo soap!

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6. Is more laurel oil always better?

Scientific Answer:

No! The ideal concentration depends on your skin type.

Rule of thumb:

• Dry/sensitive skin: 2-12% laurel oil
• Normal/combination skin: 12-20% laurel oil
• Oily/blemished skin: 25-40% laurel oil

Too much laurel oil on dry skin = dehydration!
Too little laurel oil on oily skin = insufficient cleansing!

Recommendation: Start with 12-16% laurel oil and adjust as needed. Or try a starter set with different concentrations!

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7. Can you use Aleppo soap for hair too?

Scientific Answer:

Yes, absolutely! Hair is chemically keratin – and keratin reacts well to fatty acids in olive oil.

For hair:

• Use Aleppo soap with 15-30% laurel oil
• Or even better: Special Aleppo hair soap / Aleppo shampoo

Note transition period: The first 2-4 weeks, hair may look unusual while the scalp regenerates. Afterward: Healthy, shiny hair!

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8. How does Aleppo soap differ scientifically from black soap or Marseille soap?

Scientific Answer:

All three are natural soaps, but with different oils and production methods:

Aleppo Soap:

• Olive oil (55-98%) + laurel oil (2-45%)
• Traditional hot saponification
• 6-9 months aging
• Strengths: Antibacterial effect, sebum regulation

Black Soap (African Black Soap):

• Shea butter + palm oil + coconut oil
• Ash from plants (plantains, cocoa pods)
• No aging
• Strengths: Exfoliating effect from ash, very cleansing

Marseille Soap:

• 72% olive oil + other plant oils
• No essential oils
• Long aging (4-8 weeks)
• Strengths: Very mild, ideal for allergy sufferers

Conclusion: Aleppo soap is the only one with laurel oil and thus the only one with strong antibacterial and sebum-regulating action!

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9. What role does pH value play?

Scientific Answer:

pH value measures how acidic or alkaline something is (scale from 0-14).

• Our skin: pH 4.5-5.5 (slightly acidic)
• Aleppo soap: pH 8-10 (slightly alkaline)

Is this a problem?

No! Healthy skin can regulate its pH value within 30-60 minutes on its own. The slightly alkaline soap briefly opens skin pores, enables thorough cleansing, and the skin then restores its natural pH value.

Important:
✅ Rinse thoroughly
✅ Don't let it work too long (1-2 minutes is enough!)
✅ For very sensitive skin: Choose low laurel oil concentration

The fatty acids in olive oil actually help restore pH value faster!

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10. Is Aleppo soap vegan?

Scientific Answer:

Yes! Aleppo soap consists exclusively of plant ingredients:

• Olive oil (from olives)
• Laurel oil (from laurel berries)
• Sodium hydroxide (mineral lye, completely consumed during saponification)
• Water

No animal ingredients:
❌ No tallow
❌ No milk
❌ No beeswax
❌ No animal testing

100% vegan, 100% natural, 100% traditional!

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Summary: The Science Behind the Tradition

After this deep dive into the chemistry and biology of olive oil and laurel oil, one thing becomes clear: the millennia-old tradition has a scientific basis!

What We've Learned:

Olive oil provides:

• Oleic acid (biocompatible, repairs skin barrier)
• Linoleic acid (regulates sebum production)
• Vitamin E & polyphenols (antioxidants, anti-aging)
• Palmitic acid (makes soap firm and creamy)

Laurel oil brings:

• 1,8-Cineole (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory)
• Linalool (soothing, wound-healing)
• Terpenes (synergistic enhancement)
• Sebum regulation and pore refinement

Together they create:

• A soap for ALL skin types (through different concentrations)
• Cleansing AND care in one
• Antibacterial AND moisturizing
• Scientifically demonstrable effectiveness
• 3,500 years of proven tradition

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Your Next Step

Find your perfect concentration:

• 2-5% Laurel Oil: For dry/sensitive skin
• 12-16% Laurel Oil: For normal/combination skin
• 25-40% Laurel Oil: For oily/blemished skin

Unsure? Try a Traditional Set with different concentrations to test!

Science confirms what tradition has known for millennia: Olive oil and laurel oil are the perfect duo for healthy skin!