You're standing in front of the natural soap shelf, feeling overwhelmed: Aleppo soap, Black soap, Marseille soap – all promise natural care, all are centuries old, all have devoted fans. But which one is right for you?
The truth is: there's no universal "best" soap. Each of these three traditional soaps has its own history, unique ingredients, and specific benefits. The best choice depends on your skin type, your needs, and your personal preferences.
In this comprehensive comparison, we'll examine all three soaps closely, show you the differences, and help you discover which natural soap is perfect for you.
The Three Queens of Natural Soaps: Origin & History
Aleppo Soap: The Great-Grandmother of All Soaps (Over 3,500 Years Old)
Origin: Aleppo, Syria – considered the world's oldest solid soap
The history of Aleppo soap dates back to ancient Mesopotamia. For over 3,500 years, it has been produced in the Syrian city of Aleppo using traditional methods. In 2024, it was finally officially recognized by UNESCO as intangible world cultural heritage.
The Legend: Reportedly, even Cleopatra used Aleppo soap for her beauty care. During the Crusades, crusaders brought the soap to Europe, where it laid the foundation for all modern plant-based soaps.
Traditional Production: The soap is cooked in huge cauldrons at high heat. Olive oil is saponified with sodium hydroxide, and near the end of the process, the precious laurel oil is added. After hardening, the soap mass is spread on the floor, cut into pieces, stamped, and air-dried for 6-9 months.
Distinguishing Feature: Brown-golden on the outside, olive green on the inside.
Discover our collection: Traditional Aleppo Soap
Black Soap: The African Wonder (Centuries Old)
Origin: West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Togo, Benin)
African Black Soap "Ose Dudu" (ose = soap, dudu = black) has been an integral part of West African culture for centuries. For the people there, it's far more than just a care product – it's considered a healing remedy.
The Tradition: The recipes are often passed down as family secrets from generation to generation.
Traditional Production: Peels of plantains, cocoa pods, or palm leaves are burned, and the ash is mixed with water, palm oil, coconut oil, and shea butter.
Distinguishing Feature: Deep brown to black color, often irregularly shaped and rough.
Marseille Soap: French Elegance (Since the 14th Century)
Origin: Marseille, France
"Savon de Marseille" has been produced in Marseille since the 14th century and gained royal fame under King Louis XIV.
The Connection to Aleppo: Marseille soap is the direct descendant of Aleppo soap! The crucial difference: Marseille soap contains no laurel oil but consists of at least 72% pure olive oil.
Distinguishing Feature: Light beige to cream-colored, very hard and uniformly shaped.
The Ingredients in Direct Comparison
Aleppo Soap:
- Main Oils: Olive oil 60-98% + Laurel oil 2-40%
- Special: Laurel oil (antibacterial)
- pH Value: approx. 7.5-8
- Additives: None
Black Soap:
- Main Oils: Palm oil, coconut oil, shea butter
- Special: Plant ash (exfoliation) + shea butter
- pH Value: approx. 9-10
- Additives: None
Marseille Soap:
- Main Oils: Olive oil min. 72% + coconut oil
- Special: Pure olive oil
- pH Value: approx. 9-10
- Additives: Traditionally none
The Decisive Differences:
- Laurel Oil (only in Aleppo Soap): Antibacterial, antifungal, regulates sebum production. Perfect for acne and dandruff.
- Plant Ash (only in Black Soap): Rich in minerals, natural exfoliating effect.
- Shea Butter (especially in Black Soap): Extremely nourishing and moisturizing.
Skin Types: Which Soap Suits You?
For Dry & Sensitive Skin
- Black Soap - Extremely moisturizing through shea butter
- Aleppo Soap (2-5%) - Gentle cleansing with olive oil
- Marseille Soap - Mild, but less moisturizing
For Normal & Combination Skin
- Aleppo Soap (12-16%) - Perfect balance
- Marseille Soap - Gentle cleansing
- Black Soap - Can be too intense
Start with our Traditional Sets
For Oily, Blemished Skin & Acne
- Aleppo Soap (25-40%) - Strongly antibacterial
- Black Soap - Deep cleansing, exfoliating effect
- Marseille Soap - Too mild for acne
For Scalp & Hair
- Aleppo Soap - Specifically developed for hair
- Black Soap - With acidic rinse
- Marseille Soap - Only for very oily hair
Aleppo Shampoo: Hair Care Collection
Application & Handling
Aleppo Soap:
- Hardness: Medium to firm
- Lather: Creamy, medium
- Durability: 2-3 months
- Storage: Drainage soap dish needed
Black Soap:
- Hardness: Soft, brittle
- Lather: Little
- Durability: 1-2 months
- Storage: Very dry
Marseille Soap:
- Hardness: Very hard
- Lather: Abundant
- Durability: 3-4 months
- Storage: Uncomplicated
Scent
- Aleppo: Laurel scent, herbaceous
- Black: Earthy, smoky, like cocoa
- Marseille: Mild olive oil, neutral
Complexity
- Simple: Marseille (no adjustment period)
- Medium: Black (rinse off dark traces)
- Demanding: Aleppo for hair (4-6 weeks adjustment)
Pros and Cons
Aleppo Soap
Advantages:
✓ Customizable (2-40% concentrations)
✓ Effective for skin problems
✓ For hair & body
✓ UNESCO World Heritage
Disadvantages:
✗ Can dry out with wrong concentration
✗ Adjustment period for hair
✗ Laurel scent takes getting used to
✗ More expensive than Marseille
Black Soap
Advantages:
✓ Extremely moisturizing
✓ Natural exfoliation
✓ Helps with pigmentation spots
✓ Fair Trade
Disadvantages:
✗ Soft consistency
✗ Dissolves quickly
✗ Dark traces
✗ Quality varies
Marseille Soap
Advantages:
✓ Very mild
✓ Suitable for allergy sufferers
✓ Long durability
✓ Affordable
Disadvantages:
✗ Less effective for problems
✗ Not for oily skin
✗ Can be drying
Decision Guide
Choose Aleppo Soap if you:
✓ Have skin problems ✓ Want individual customization ✓ Want to use for hair & body ✓ Appreciate UNESCO tradition
Choose Black Soap if you:
✓ Have dry skin ✓ Want natural exfoliation ✓ Want to lighten pigmentation spots ✓ Want to support Fair Trade
Choose Marseille Soap if you:
✓ Have sensitive skin ✓ Want uncomplicated care ✓ Are a beginner ✓ Want affordable option
FAQ
-
Is Marseille just Aleppo without laurel oil?
Yes. Marseille = olive oil, Aleppo = olive oil + laurel oil.
-
Best soap for eczema?
Aleppo 5-12% laurel oil or our Black Soap.
-
Are all vegan?
Yes.
-
Can Aleppo Soap be used for Hair Washing?
Yes of course, better to use Aleppo Conditioner afterwards.
-
is Aleppo Soap safe for baby?
Yes, Aleppo Soap is safe for babies, we recommend low concentration of Aleppo Soap (2-5%).
30-Second Test
Answer 4 questions:
1. Main concern?
- A) Skin problems → Aleppo
- B) Moisture → Black
- C) Simple → Marseille
2. Time investment?
- A) Best solution → Aleppo
- B) Care + exfoliation → Black
- C) Simple → Marseille
3. Most important?
- A) Effectiveness → Aleppo
- B) Intensive care → Black
- C) Tolerance → Marseille
4. Skin type?
- A) Oily/blemished → Aleppo
- B) Dry/mature → Black
- C) Sensitive/normal → Marseille
Can You Combine Them?
Yes! Popular combinations:
By Body Zone:
- Face: Aleppo low concentration
- Body: Marseille
- Problem areas: Aleppo high concentration
By Weekday:
- Daily: Marseille/Aleppo low
- 2-3x/week: Black as exfoliation
- For breakouts: Aleppo high concentration spot treatment
By Season:
- Summer: Aleppo higher concentration
- Winter: Black/Aleppo low concentration
Summary
- Aleppo Soap: For skin problems, customizable, for hair, UNESCO heritage
- Black Soap: For dry skin, exfoliation, pigmentation spots, Fair Trade
- Marseille Soap: For sensitive skin, uncomplicated, beginners, affordable
Your Next Step
Option 1: You Know Which One
Aleppo:
- Check our Traditional Sets
- Begin with 10%
Black:
- Made in Ghana/Nigeria
- High shea butter content
- 2-3x/week
Marseille:
- 72% stamp
- Palm oil-free
- Daily
Option 2: Unsure?
Aleppo Starter Set recommended!
- 2-12% for sensitive skin
- 12-16% for normal skin
- 25-40% for oily skin
- Explore Starter Set
Conclusion
Aleppo, Black, and Marseille soaps are all masterpieces of traditional soap-making. The "best" soap is the one that suits your skin type.
Our recommendation: Aleppo soap is the most versatile through various concentrations.