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Marius Fabre

Marius Fabre, Savonnerie
Salon de Provence, France
Marius Fabre Marseille soap is created using a time-honoured traditional soap-making process. It is still cooked in cauldrons and left to dry in the north wind, the Mistral. It takes fourteen days to make it, using only vegetable oils, among them the olive oil that is so precious. The workers at the Marius Fabre soap factory in Salon de Provence still make soap to the rules set by Louis XIV. Marius Fabre have created 'Extra Pur' Savon de Marseille since 1900, using the same simple ingredients which are still used today — olive oil, water salted with Camargue salt (from the nearby Camargue Bay), and marine ash, or soda. The natural salt used is part of the washing procedure, this extra cleaning process is what classifies this soap as 'Extra Pur'.
The Marseille soap making process begins with vegetable oils and caustic soda being mixed in a huge cauldron holding up to 20 metric tons of raw materials. Thanks to the soda and the heat, the oils gradually turn into soap paste. The chemical reaction is known as saponification and is sometimes referred to as the “first change”.
The next stage in the process is called ‘Salting Out’, during which the soap paste is washed several times in salt water to eliminate the remains of the soda. Next the soap is heated to a temperature of 100°C and cooked for ten days. The cauldron fires are lit in the morning and put out at night. Once this is complete, the soap paste is washed several times to purify it, removing glycerol, impurities and non-saponified fatty acids. To get rid of all the impurities left in the soap paste, it is rinsed several times in clear water, hence the “Extra Pur” appellation. All of these stages form a phase known as “la cuite” or the hot process. It is delicate and decisive in the soap-making process and demands the full attention and expertise of the master soap-maker.
While it is still hot, the soap paste is poured into huge floor slab moulds. Stage 7 DRYING 8 hours in the open air. But faster if the Mistral wind is blowing! Stage 8 CUTTING When it is dry, the soap, still in the floor moulds, is cut into 30 kg loafs using a winch-drawn cutter. Then each loaf of soap is machine-cut into different sized blocks. Stage 9 STAMPING Soap bars are hand-stamped and cubes are machine- moulded to stamp them. All six sides of the soap cubes are engraved with the traditional “savon de Marseille” prints. Large slabs of the soap are carried fro the drying room to the cutting room, where the slabs are fed through a slicing machine, to create 2.5kg blocks, ready for hand stamping.
Economical, ecological and biodegradable, Marseille soap is a natural product with no preservatives and no colouring that is both gentle on the skin and respectful of the environment. The soap works equally well as a hypoallergenic body soap, and a household product that will effectively clean, degrease, and remove stains. Famously pure, gentle and emollient, the green olive oil soap is suited to facial, hand, and body use and for dry and delicate skin.
Enduringly popular here at OoU, this soap is prized for its natural qualities and its gentleness. Without any additional scents or perfumes, this soap has a natural olive scent and creates a creamy lather. Long lasting and multi-functional, we've even had customers tell us they use it to clean their teeth. We have Marius Fabre's traditional Savon de Marseille cubes available in 100g, 200g, 400g and 600g.
Another French household staple is Savon Noir Paste, which is made in its own special vat at the factory. A general purpose detergent for use around the home, in the kitchen, for windows, degreasing ovens and hobs, for coloured and grease stained laundry, even as an animal shampoo. Simply use as it is or dilute in a spray bottle or bucket, this versatile soap can deal with many cleaning jobs around the home.

Further Information

Savon de Marseille

Savon de Marseille is a traditional, hard soap made from vegetable oils that has been produced around Marseille, France, for about 600 years. Authentic Traditional Savon de Marseille is made from a simple mixture of vegetable oils (traditionally olive oil or a blend including coconut and palm oils), water, sea salt, and soda. True traditional cubes feature the iconic “72%" stamp, signifying that at least 72% of the content is pure vegetable oil. Genuine Savon de Marseille contains no artificial fragrances, chemical preservatives, or animal fats. This soap is exceptionally gentle, biodegradable, and widely recommended by dermatologists for sensitive or dry skin conditions like eczema. Beyond bathing and facial cleansing, Savon de Marseille is traditionally used for household chores, including hand-washing delicate laundry and cutting grease on dishes.

Savon Noir

Savon noir (French for "black soap") is a traditional, highly alkaline soap made from a base of vegetable oil (usually olive oil) and macerated, crushed olives or olive paste saponified with potassium hydroxide instead of sodium. This unique composition gives it a distinctive dark green-to-black colour and a soft, gel-like paste or liquid consistency rather than a hard bar. Widely used in France as a concentrated liquid or paste, traditional olive-oil black soap acts as an eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaner for floors, ovens, hobs, and windows.

Further Reading

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A 500ml bottle of black potassium olive oil soap made to a unique recipe in Salon-de-Provence since 1900. Batch processed and long simmered in large cauldrons to allow for the slow and thorough saponification of lye and oil and further concentration of the soap. A general purpose detergent for use a..
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A 500ml spray bottle of black potassium olive oil soap made to a unique recipe in Salon-de-Provence since 1900. A natural ally for your plants, spray this ready-to-use diluted black soap on your plants to clean up sooty mould left by greenfly, to get rid of scale insects (rosebushes, ornamental plan..
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Genuine Savon de Marseille, made using 72% olive oil, from Salon-de-Provence where they have been made using the Marseille method since 1900. Batch processed in large cauldrons that are heated to 120°C for ten days allowing for a slow and thorough saponification of lye and oil, after which the curds..
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Marius Fabre washing liquid with Marseille soap shavings, enriched with bicarbonate of soda — a natural, effective solution for environmentally-friendly laundry. Bicarbonate of soda effectively eliminates unpleasant odours thanks to its purifying properties, leaving your clothes fresh and clean. Mar..
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Genuine Savon de Marseille, made using 72% olive oil, from Salon-de-Provence where they have been made using the Marseille method since 1900. Batch processed in large cauldrons that are heated to 120°C for ten days allowing for a slow and thorough saponification of lye and oil, after which the curds..
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Made in Salon-de-Provence by the family soapmakers Marius Fabre, this 75ml tube of nourishing foot cream is formulated with shea butter and olive oil to soften and protect dry skin. Rich without feeling heavy, it absorbs readily to leave feet smooth and comfortable after daily use.Its fragrance comb..
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Ex Tax:£15.00
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£9.75
Ex Tax:£8.13
Made in Salon-de-Provence by the family soapmakers Marius Fabre, this oval soap is enriched with shea butter to produce a rich, gentle lather that cleanses without drying the skin. Formulated with vegetable oils and 99% naturally derived ingredients, it is suitable for every day use. The fragrance c..
£9.75
Ex Tax:£8.13
A thick olive-based paste soap scrub with added ground olive kernels. Produced using traditional processing methods, simmered and concentrated for long hours in open cauldrons this paste soap and scrub is ideal for gently cleaning and restoring hard-working hands, post gardening, decorating, or vehi..
£25.00
Ex Tax:£20.83
A certified organic dry oil from Marius Fabre, to nurture the skin and hair, all year round. Made in Provence, this dry oil nourishes and protects without leaving a greasy residue. Containing olive oil, an ingredient known since ancient times for its moisturizing properties — owing to the omega 6 it..
£39.00
Ex Tax:£32.50
A set of three Savon d'Alep soaps in a gift box with magnetic closure. A 500ml pump bottle of olive and laurel oil liquid soap, with a 170g bar of 30% bay oil Savon d'Alep and a 200g bar of 3% bay oil. Traditionally hot processed through long simmering in large cauldrons, concentrating and..
£26.50
Ex Tax:£22.08
An olive and laurel oil liquid soap made based on the ancient Aleppo recipe in Salon-de-Provence, France. Traditionally hot processed by long simmering in large cauldrons concentrating and allowing for the thorough saponification of the slowly thickening curds, before washing and finally nine months..
£19.50
Ex Tax:£16.25
A thick black hammam style potassium olive and olive husk oil body soap produced in Salon-de-Provence using traditional processing methods, simmered and concentrated for long hours in open cauldrons to produce a thick, rich, emollient paste. Ideal for use on dry or stressed skin, after waxing or epi..
£17.50
Ex Tax:£14.58
A one litre bottle of black potassium olive oil soap made to a unique recipe in Salon-de-Provence since 1900. Batch processed and long simmered in large cauldrons to allow for the slow and thorough saponification of lye and oil and further concentration of the soap. A general purpose detergent for u..
£10.50
Ex Tax:£8.75
A ceramic soap dish, made for Marius Fabre, who are famed for their Savon de Marseille. Measuring 12.7 x 9.7 x 3.2 cm, this soap dish is the perfect fit for Marius Fabre's 400g cubes, and is also great for rectangular soaps. The raised Marius Fabre lettering in the base of the dish serves to keep th..
£14.50
Ex Tax:£12.08
A large bar of fragrance-free olive oil soap, made in France by Marius Fabre. This gentle, creamy lathering soap is especially recommended for sensitive skins and is great for babies. Made solely from vegetable oils, with no preservatives or artificial colouring. Much more economical and e..
£6.50
Ex Tax:£5.42
Genuine Savon de Marseille, made using 72% olive oil, from Salon-de-Provence where they have been made using the Marseille method since 1900. Batch processed in large cauldrons that are heated to 120°C for ten days allowing for a slow and thorough saponification of lye and oil, after which the curds..
£6.75
Ex Tax:£5.63
A 400g cube of white vegetable oil soap from a fourth-generation Savonnerie in Salon-de-Provence, where they have been made using the Marseille method since 1900. Batch processed in large cauldrons that are heated to 120°C for ten days allowing for a slow and thorough saponification of lye and oil, ..
£7.50
Ex Tax:£6.25
A pot of black potassium olive oil paste or putty, made to a unique recipe in Salon-de-Provence since 1900. Batch processed and long simmered in large cauldrons to allow for the slow and thorough saponification of lye and oil and further concentration of the soap. A general purpose detergent for use..
£18.00
Ex Tax:£15.00
A natural, multipurpose white vinegar cleaning spray (500ml). An economical and ecological cleaning product and de-scaler for kitchen (worktops, appliances), bathroom (wash basins, showers, toilets), windows and mirrors, a few drops of white vinegar will remove stubborn marks and limescale without h..
£7.00
Ex Tax:£5.83
An oval bar of 72% olive oil Savon de Marseille soap from Salon-de-Provence where they have been made using the Marseille method since 1900. Batch processed in large cauldrons that are heated to 120°C for ten days allowing for a slow and thorough saponification of lye and oil, after which the curds ..
£8.50
Ex Tax:£7.08
Made in Salon-de-Provence by the family soapmakers Marius Fabre, this nourishing hand cream is enriched with shea butter and olive oil to moisturise and protect dry hands. Smooth and easily absorbed, it leaves the skin feeling soft and comfortable without a greasy finish, making it well suited to ev..
£12.00
Ex Tax:£10.00
A certified organic olive oil anti-dandruff shampoo from Marius Fabre, to protect the hair and give natural volume, all year round. With a blend of essential oils and wood tar oil, known for its antibacterial properties, and also its abilities to sooth and treat itching, irritation, and dry patches ..
£14.50
Ex Tax:£12.08
A box containing two refills for the brass Marius Fabre wall hung soap holder, or Porte Savon. Made from genuine Savon de Marseille, made using 72% olive oil, from Salon-de-Provence where they have been made using the Marseille method since 1900. Batch processed in large cauldrons that are heated to..
£25.50
Ex Tax:£21.25
A raw un-lacquered brass wall mounted soap holder of a type seen since the 1950s throughout France; in public buildings, cafes, restaurants, and campsites. Helps the soap to last much longer, as it is never left to soak, soften, or dissolve away unnecessarily, yet is always on hand when required. Su..
£40.00
Ex Tax:£33.33
750 grams of flaked pure vegetable oil soap from Salon-de-Provence where they have been made using the Marseille method since 1900. Batch processed in large cauldrons heated to 120°C for ten days allowing for a slow and thorough saponification of lye and oil, after which the curds are washed in both..
£25.00
Ex Tax:£20.83
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