Olive oil soap is one of the oldest cosmetics in the world, used since antiquity for its exceptional benefits. Natural, gentle, and suitable for all skin types, it is making a strong comeback in our bathrooms as a healthy alternative to industrial shower gels. In this expert guide, discover why organic PGI olive oil soap is the ideal choice for your skin and that of your entire family.
What is Olive Oil Soap? History and Production
The Heritage of Aleppo and Marseille Soap
Olive oil soap originated over 3,000 years ago in the Middle East. The famous Aleppo soap (Syria) and Marseille soap (France) are the heirs of this millennia-old tradition. Traditional Aleppo soap:
- Olive oil + laurel bay oil
- Hot saponification
- Drying for at least 9 months
- Green on the outside, beige on the inside
Authentic Marseille soap:
- At least 72% vegetable oils (olive, palm kernel, palm)
- Cauldron saponification
- Green or white cube
- Stamped "72% vegetable oils"
Cold Saponification: The Artisanal Method
Our organic PGI olive oil soaps are made using the cold saponification method, which preserves all the properties of olive oil. Process:
- Mixing organic PGI olive oil with vegetable soda
- Natural chemical reaction at room temperature (< 40°C)
- Formation of soap + natural glycerin
- Pouring into molds
- Drying/curing for 4-6 weeks
Benefits of cold saponification:
- Preserves 100% of vitamins and antioxidants
- Natural glycerin is retained (ultra-moisturizing)
- Superfatting is possible (additional nourishment)
- Eco-friendly (no cooking = energy savings)
Why PGI Olive Oil?
PGI = Protected Designation of Origin
- Guaranteed geographical origin (Provence, Nyons, Nîmes...)
- Controlled superior quality
- Traditional production methods
- Full traceability
- Rich in polyphenols and vitamins
The 10 Benefits of Olive Oil Soap for the Skin
1. Intense and Lasting Hydration
Olive oil contains unsaturated fatty acids (omega-9) and natural glycerin which:
- Deeply nourish the skin
- Maintain the hydrolipidic film
- Prevent dehydration
- Leave the skin soft without a greasy feel
2. Gentle on Sensitive Skin
pH close to that of the skin (9-10 vs 5.5) Unlike industrial shower gels (pH 7-8), olive oil soap:
- Does not disrupt the skin's balance
- Does not damage the protective barrier
- Suitable for atopic skin, eczema, and psoriasis
- Hypoallergenic
3. Powerful Antioxidant Properties
Vitamins E and polyphenols:
- Neutralize free radicals
- Prevent premature aging
- Protect against pollution
- Natural anti-aging effect
4. Gentle and Effective Cleansing
- Removes impurities, sebum, and pollution
- Without stripping or drying out
- Creamy and smooth lather
- Easy rinsing, leaving no residue
5. Soothes Irritation
Anti-inflammatory properties:
- Calms redness and itching
- Relieves mild sunburns
- Soothes after shaving
- Reduces skin inflammation
6. Cellular Regeneration
Vitamin A (natural retinol):
- Stimulates cell renewal
- Improves skin texture
- Fades scars and imperfections
- Evens out skin tone
7. Suitable for All Skin Types
- Dry skin: Intense nourishment
- Oily skin: Regulates sebum without clogging
- Combination skin: Perfect balance
- Sensitive skin: Maximum gentleness
- Mature skin: Natural anti-aging
- Baby skin: Completely safe (> 3 months)
8. Eco-Friendly and Zero Waste
- 100% biodegradable
- No plastic packaging
- Long-lasting (1 soap = 2-3 shower gel bottles)
- Local artisanal production
- Minimal carbon footprint
9. Economical
- Price: €3.50 per 100g soap
- Duration: 4-6 weeks (daily use)
- Monthly cost: ~€2 vs €8-12 for shower gels
- Multi-purpose (body, face, hands, shaving)
10. Free from Harmful Ingredients
0% :
- Sulfates (SLS, SLES)
- Parabens
- Silicones
- Synthetic dyes
- Artificial fragrances
- Chemical preservatives
- Palm oil
Organic PGI Olive Oil Soap Collection: 12 Natural Varieties
Our collection of organic PGI olive oil soaps (€3.50 each) offers 12 varieties enriched with natural ingredients to meet all needs.
1. Organic Green Clay Soap
For: Oily, combination, and acne-prone skin Benefits:
- Green clay: Purifies, absorbs excess sebum
- Tightens pores
- Matifies skin tone
- Deeply detoxifies
Use: Face and body, 1-2x/day
2. Organic Cherry Soap
For: All skin types, children Benefits:
- Cherry extract: Antioxidant, vitamin C
- Natural gourmand fragrance
- Softening
- Brightens skin tone
Use: Daily, for the whole family
3. Organic Jasmine Soap
For: Dry, sensitive, mature skin Benefits:
- Jasmine essential oil: Regenerating, soothing
- Delicate floral fragrance
- Enhanced hydration
- Natural anti-aging
Use: Evening, for a relaxing moment
4. Organic Lemon Soap
For: Dull, tired skin, dark spots Benefits:
- Lemon essential oil: Brightening, purifying
- Natural vitamin C
- Evens out skin tone
- Good-looking effect
Use: Morning, for a boost
5. Organic Lime Soap
For: Oily skin, blackheads Benefits:
- Lime: Astringent, antibacterial
- Regulates sebum
- Tightens pores
- Fresh and invigorating fragrance
Use: Morning, T-zone
6. Organic Coconut Soap
For: Dry, dehydrated skin Benefits:
- Coconut oil: Ultra-nourishing
- Abundant creamy lather
- Exotic fragrance
- Intense hydration
Use: Daily, after sun exposure
7. Organic Sweet Almond Soap
For: Sensitive skin, babies (> 3 months), eczema Benefits:
- Sweet almond oil: Soothing, hypoallergenic
- Extremely gentle
- Calms irritation
- Delicate fragrance
Use: Daily, for the whole family
8. Organic Goat Milk Soap
For: Dry skin, eczema, psoriasis Benefits:
- Goat milk: Vitamins A, B, C, D
- Repairing and soothing
- Deep hydration
- Strengthens the skin barrier
Use: Daily, for atopic skin
9. Organic Pineapple Soap
For: Dull skin, uneven texture Benefits:
- Pineapple enzymes: Natural gentle exfoliation
- Immediate radiance
- Smooths skin
- Tropical fragrance
Use: 2-3x/week, for exfoliation
10. Organic Orange Soap
For: Tired skin, lack of radiance Benefits:
- Sweet orange essential oil: Vitamin C, invigorating
- Revitalizes skin
- Energizing fragrance
- Antioxidant
Use: Morning, for an energy boost
11. Organic Argan Soap
For: Mature, dry skin, anti-aging Benefits:
- Organic argan oil: Vitamin E, fatty acids
- Natural anti-wrinkle
- Intense nourishment
- Cellular regeneration
Use: Daily, for an anti-aging routine
12. Organic Raspberry Soap
For: All skin types, teenagers Benefits:
- Raspberry extract: Antioxidant, vitamin C
- Gourmand fruity fragrance
- Gentle purifying
- Brightens skin tone
Use: Daily, for sensory pleasure
How to Choose Your Olive Oil Soap?
According to Your Skin Type
Oily/combination skin:
- Green Clay (purifying)
- Lime (astringent)
- Orange (matifying)
Dry/dehydrated skin:
- Coconut (nourishing)
- Goat Milk (repairing)
- Argan (intense nourishment)
Sensitive/reactive skin:
- Sweet Almond (soothing)
- Goat Milk (hypoallergenic)
- Jasmine (gentle)
Mature/anti-aging skin:
- Argan (anti-wrinkle)
- Jasmine (regenerating)
- Orange (antioxidant)
Dull/tired skin:
- Lemon (brightening)
- Pineapple (exfoliating)
- Orange (vitamin C)
According to Your Specific Needs
Eczema/Psoriasis: Goat Milk, Sweet Almond Acne/Imperfections: Green Clay, Lime Dark spots: Lemon, Pineapple Hydration: Coconut, Argan Babies/Children: Sweet Almond, Cherry, Raspberry
Directions for Use: How to Use Olive Oil Soap?
For the Body
- Wet the skin in the shower
- Lather the soap between the hands or directly on the skin
- Massage in circular motions
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water
- Pat dry (do not rub)
Frequency: 1-2x/day
For the Face
- Wet the face with warm water
- Lather the soap between the hands
- Apply the lather to the face and neck
- Gently massage for 30-60 seconds
- Rinse thoroughly with cool water
- Apply toner + serum + cream
Frequency: Morning and/or evening
For Shaving
- Wet the area to be shaved with warm water
- Generously lather the soap
- Apply the thick lather
- Shave normally
- Rinse with cool water
Benefits: Protective lather, soothing, moisturizing
For the Hands
- Unlimited daily use
- Gentle and non-drying
- Healthy alternative to industrial liquid soaps
Storage and Shelf Life
How to Store Your Soap?
Golden rules:
- Soap dish with drainage (avoid standing water)
- Let dry between uses
- Avoid direct contact with water from the showerhead
- Store in a dry and ventilated place
- Cut in half if the soap is too large (extends its life)
Shelf Life
- Daily use (1 person): 4-6 weeks
- Occasional use: 2-3 months
- Storage before use: 12-18 months
Tip: The more the soap dries, the longer it will last!
Olive Oil Soap vs Industrial Shower Gel
| Criterion | Organic Olive Oil Soap | Industrial Shower Gel |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | 3-5 natural ingredients | 20-40 synthetic ingredients |
| Hydration | Natural glycerin retained | Glycerin often removed |
| pH | 9-10 (mildly alkaline) | 5.5-7 (acidic/neutral) |
| Sulfates | 0% | Present (SLS, SLES) |
| Packaging | Recyclable paper/cardboard | Plastic |
| Duration | 4-6 weeks | 2-3 weeks |
| Price | €3.50 (1 month) | €4-8 (2-3 weeks) |
| Environmental impact | Minimal | High |
The 5 Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Leaving the soap in water It melts and loses its properties. Use a draining soap dish. ❌ Rubbing directly on the face Too aggressive. Lather in your hands first. ❌ Using water that is too hot Dries out the skin. Prefer warm water. ❌ Not moisturizing afterward Even gentle, soap cleanses. Apply a moisturizing cream. ❌ Buying a "fake" Marseille soap Check the composition: at least 72% vegetable oils, without additives.
Testimonials: They Have Adopted Olive Oil Soap
"I have had eczema since childhood. Goat milk soap has transformed my skin. No more itching!" — Claire, 38 years old, atopic skin "No more chemical shower gels. Green clay soap has purified my oily skin. Stunning result." — Thomas, 25 years old, oily skin "I use sweet almond soap for my 6-month-old twins. Gentle, natural, perfect for their delicate skin." — Sophie, 32 years old, mom "At 55, argan soap has become my anti-aging ally. My skin is firmer and more hydrated." — Martine, 55 years old, mature skin
FAQ: Your Questions About Olive Oil Soap
Is olive oil soap suitable for the face? Yes, perfectly! Choose a suitable variety (sweet almond, jasmine) and lather in your hands before applying. Can it be used on hair? Yes, but occasionally. It can dry out hair in the long term. Prefer a suitable shampoo. Does olive oil soap lather? Yes, but less than a shower gel (no sulfates). Creamy and smooth lather. Is it suitable for babies? Yes, from 3 months. Prefer sweet almond or goat milk (hypoallergenic). How long does it last? 12-18 months before use, 4-6 weeks once started (if stored properly). Can it be used for shaving? Absolutely! Protective, soothing, and moisturizing lather. Ideal for sensitive skin. Is olive oil soap really eco-friendly? Yes: biodegradable, no plastic packaging, local artisanal production, long-lasting.
Take Action: Adopt Organic Olive Oil Soap
No more letting chemicals attack your skin. Our organic soaps with PDO olive oil offer a natural, healthy alternative that is gentle on your skin and the planet. Why choose our organic soaps? ✅ PDO olive oil from Provence (premium quality) ✅ Artisanal cold-process saponification ✅ 12 varieties for every need ✅ 100% natural, with no chemical additives ✅ Affordable price (€3.50 each) ✅ Suitable for the whole family (babies, children, adults) ✅ Zero-waste and eco-friendly ✅ Made in France 👉 Discover our collection of 12 organic soaps and transform your beauty routine today. Discovery Offer: Order an assortment of 3 soaps and find your favorite at a reduced price. Satisfaction Guarantee: Visibly softer and more hydrated skin from the very first use, or your money back.
Back to Basics for Healthy Skin
You deserve products that are healthy, natural, and effective. With our organic soaps with PDO olive oil, you are choosing simplicity, quality, and respect for your skin. Don't wait any longer: join the natural movement and give your skin the very best. Your skin will thank you!