Last Updated on February 2, 2025 by Jeremy

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Natural soap isn’t just about cleansing—it’s a centuries-old craft rooted in culture, nature, and sustainability. Across the world, people have long relied on botanical oils, herbs, and plant extracts to create gentle, nourishing soaps that connect us to the landscapes and traditions of different regions.

From the olive groves of the Mediterranean to the shea butter farms of West Africa, natural soap tells a story about the ingredients, environment, and heritage of a place. Whether you’re exploring Moroccan souks filled with fragrant soaps or discovering handmade herbal bars in the rainforests of Costa Rica, the journey into natural soap is as much about global traditions as it is about skincare.

So, let’s take a journey through the origins, ingredients, and destinations that inspire the art of natural soap-making.

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The Origins of Natural Soap: A Global Journey

The art of soap-making dates back thousands of years, with different cultures developing their own unique methods. Here’s a look at some of the world’s most iconic natural soap traditions:

• Aleppo Soap – Syria: One of the oldest known soaps, made with olive oil and laurel berry oil, prized for its moisturizing and antibacterial properties.
• Savon de Marseille – France: A staple in French households, this soap is crafted using Mediterranean olive oil and seawater, following centuries-old techniques.
• Black Soap – West Africa: Made from plantain skins, cocoa pod ash, and shea butter, this deeply cleansing soap originates from Ghana and Nigeria.
• Castile Soap – Spain: A vegetable-based soap originally made with 100% olive oil, known for its mild, nourishing qualities.
• Ghassoul Clay Soap – Morocco: Infused with volcanic clay from the Atlas Mountains, this soap is used in Moroccan hammams for deep cleansing and skin purification.

As you explore different regions, you’ll notice how local landscapes and natural resources influence the soap-making traditions of each culture.

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Exploring Traditional Soap Markets & Workshops Around the World

One of the most exciting ways to experience natural soap-making firsthand is by visiting local markets, artisan workshops, and historic soap factories while traveling. Here are some of the best destinations to explore the art of handmade soap:

1. Aleppo, Syria – The Birthplace of Olive Oil Soap

Aleppo is home to one of the oldest soap-making traditions in the world, dating back over a thousand years. Authentic Aleppo soap, made with olive and laurel oils, is still produced using ancient methods.

• Where to Go: Visit the historic souks (markets) of Aleppo, where artisans handcraft this legendary soap using techniques passed down for generations.
• Why It’s Special: Aleppo soap is known for its antibacterial properties and deep hydration, making it perfect for sensitive skin.

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2. Provence, France – Savon de Marseille Workshops

In Provence, soap-making is an art form, and Savon de Marseille is one of the most famous soaps in the world. Crafted using olive oil, seawater, and natural scents like lavender and rosemary, this soap has been a French skincare essential for centuries.

• Where to Go: Take a soap-making workshop in Marseille or visit traditional factories in Salon-de-Provence to see master soap-makers at work.
• Why It’s Special: It’s 100% natural and biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Book a Savon de Marseille Soap Workshop: Explore Tours in Provence

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3. Morocco – The Hammam Experience & Argan Oil Soaps

Morocco’s traditional hammams (bathhouses) use natural soaps made from ghassoul clay, olive oil, and argan oil, offering a luxurious cleansing experience.

• Where to Go: Explore the souks of Marrakech and Fez, where handmade soaps infused with herbs, saffron, and rose water are popular.
• Why It’s Special: Moroccan soap-making blends cleansing, skincare, and aromatherapy, making it a true sensory experience.

Experience a Traditional Moroccan Hammam: Book a Hammam & Spa Treatment

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4. Ghana – The Home of African Black Soap

African black soap, made from plantain skins, cocoa pod ash, and shea butter, is a staple in Ghanaian skincare. It’s known for its deep-cleansing, anti-inflammatory properties, and is commonly used for acne-prone skin.

• Where to Go: Visit local soap-making cooperatives in Accra or Kumasi, where artisans produce traditional black soap using natural, hand-processed ingredients.
• Why It’s Special: It’s an all-natural, zero-waste soap that has been used for centuries in West African beauty rituals.

Explore Ghana’s Local Soap Markets: Book a Cultural Tour in Ghana

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Final Thoughts: Bringing the World Into Your Skincare Routine

Natural soap-making is more than just a skincare ritual—it’s a way to connect with the landscapes, cultures, and traditions that have shaped this craft for centuries.

Ways to Incorporate Global Soap Traditions into Your Routine:
✅ Buy authentic handmade soaps from markets while traveling.
✅ Visit a soap-making workshop to learn from local artisans.
✅ Bring back local ingredients (like lavender from Provence or olive oil from Greece) to create your own soap at home.
✅ Try traditional bathing rituals like Moroccan hammams or Turkish baths.

Whether you’re sourcing authentic soaps from global markets or creating your own bars inspired by your travels, you’re embracing a tradition that honors both nature and heritage.

So next time you lather up with a handcrafted bar, ask yourself: What story does your soap tell?