The short version
Real Aleppo soap is made of olive oil and laurel oil, nothing else. The laurel oil content is the quality mark: the higher it is, the more nourishing and premium, from around 5 percent for everyday use to 40 percent for very sensitive skin. It is mild, versatile and, stored dry, keeps for years.
Long before shower gel came in plastic bottles, there was Aleppo soap. Named after the Syrian city of Aleppo, it is considered one of the oldest soaps in the world and is still made today by the same simple principle: two oils, water, a natural lye, and plenty of time. No fragrance, no dye, no preservative.
That very simplicity is what makes it so popular. Let us look at what it can do and how to tell good from bad.
How it is made
Olive oil is saponified with a natural lye, and towards the end the precious laurel oil is added. The still-soft mass is poured onto the floor, cut into blocks by hand, stamped and then cured in the open air for many months. During this time the soap hardens inside and develops its typical golden-brown patina outside, while the core stays green. This long curing is why Aleppo soap is so mild and long-lasting.
The laurel content decides
It sets the care level, the price and the feel on the skin. This rule of thumb helps when buying.
| Laurel content | Best for | Character |
|---|---|---|
| approx. 5 to 12 % | everyday, body, household | affordable, cleanses strongly, good for normal skin |
| approx. 16 to 25 % | face, hair, dry skin | noticeably more nourishing, pleasant feel |
| approx. 30 to 40 % | very sensitive, blemish-prone skin | especially mild and rich, higher price |
What to use it for
Face & body
A mild daily cleanse, even for sensitive and blemish-prone skin. A higher laurel share nourishes more.
Hair
Usable as a solid shampoo bar. Follow with an acidic rinse and the hair lies soft and shiny.
Shaving
Lathered up it makes a nourishing shaving foam that does not dry out the skin.
Sensitive skin
Free of fragrance and dye, often well tolerated. Many with dry skin swear by it.
How to spot real Aleppo soap
- Ingredients only olive oil and laurel oil (often listed as Olea Europaea and Laurus Nobilis)
- Golden-brown to beige outside, clearly green when cut
- After curing it often floats in water
- A plain, slightly earthy laurel scent, no perfume
- No laurel content stated? Then be cautious
Choosing a good Aleppo soap
For a first try a medium laurel share is versatile and pleasant. What to look for:
- A clearly stated laurel content (16 to 25 percent for face and hair)
- Only olive and laurel oil in the ingredients
- Traditionally cured, without additives
Frequently asked
What does the percentage on Aleppo soap mean?
Is Aleppo soap good for the face?
Why is my Aleppo soap green inside and brown outside?
How do I store Aleppo soap correctly?
Find the right soap
From the original bar to the solid shampoo, we help you choose.
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