When it comes to traditional, all-natural soaps, Marius Fabre Savon de Marseille is one of the most well-known and respected brands. Rooted in a rich history dating back to 1900, this French soap is renowned for its pure ingredients, artisanal production methods, and multi-purpose use. I had heard many great things about this soap, so I decided to give it a try and see if it lived up to the hype. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts on everything from its packaging and scent to its effectiveness and overall value.
Packaging
One of the first things I noticed about Marius Fabre’s Savon de Marseille soap is its simple, eco-friendly packaging. Unlike many modern soaps that come in excessive plastic wrapping, this one is packaged in recyclable paper or cardboard. The design is quite traditional, staying true to the brand’s heritage. While it may not scream luxury, it does have a rustic and authentic feel, which I appreciated.
Another nice touch is that the soap itself is often visible through the packaging, allowing you to see its color and texture before use. The clearly labeled ingredients and usage instructions make it easy to know exactly what you’re getting. The soap itself typically comes in a cube or rectangular block, making it easy to handle. While the olive oil-based soap starts off green, I did notice that it changes color over time, shifting to a brown or beige tone due to oxidation. This might seem odd to some, but it doesn’t affect the quality or performance at all.
Ingredients
If you’re someone who cares about what goes into your skincare products, Marius Fabre soap won’t disappoint. It contains 100% natural ingredients, primarily vegetable oils like olive oil and copra oil. The soap is free from artificial additives, colorants, and fragrances, which is a huge plus for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
With 72% pure vegetable oils, it offers a nourishing and moisturizing effect. The soap is naturally alkaline (pH 9-10), which helps cleanse effectively while maintaining skin balance. I also appreciated that it’s certified by the Union of Marseille Soap Professionals (UPSM), ensuring authenticity and quality. While it’s not certified organic, the brand emphasizes ethical sourcing and minimal processing.
One thing to note is that some varieties contain palm oil, which can be a concern for those avoiding it for environmental reasons. However, Marius Fabre has been actively working to phase it out and increase transparency in their sourcing.
Scent
The scent of this soap is one of its most distinct yet subtle qualities. Unlike artificially fragranced soaps, this one has a mild, natural scent derived from olive oil. It’s a bit nutty and earthy, but not overpowering at all. If you’re someone who prefers strong floral or fruity scents, this might not be the soap for you. However, I personally appreciated the clean and simple aroma, which feels very natural.
One of the best things about this soap’s scent is that it doesn’t linger on the skin for long. It’s unisex and neutral, making it suitable for everyone. While there are limited-edition scented versions occasionally released, the classic unscented version remains the most popular.
Effectiveness
Now, onto the most important aspect—how well does it actually work? I was pleasantly surprised by how well this soap lathers. Despite being made with pure oils and containing no synthetic foaming agents, it produces a rich, creamy lather that feels luxurious on the skin. It cleanses effectively without stripping away natural oils, leaving the skin feeling clean and refreshed.
I did notice a slight “squeaky clean” sensation after the first few uses, but this disappeared over time as my skin adjusted. The soap rinses off easily and completely, which is a big plus compared to some natural soaps that can leave a residue.
What really stood out to me is its versatility. It’s gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. In fact, some users have reported improvements in conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne after using it regularly. While I don’t have major skin issues, I did notice that it left my skin feeling soft and balanced.
Beyond personal care, this soap is also multi-purpose. It works well for laundry, dishwashing, and even pet care. Some people even use it for shaving, as the creamy lather provides a smooth surface. I tried it as a shaving soap and found that it worked surprisingly well, though it does require some extra lathering effort.
Size and Lifespan
One of the major selling points of this soap is its long lifespan. The bar is very hard and dense, meaning it doesn’t dissolve as quickly as many conventional soaps. I found that even with regular use, it lasted significantly longer than most other soaps I’ve tried.
It’s available in various sizes, from 100g to 600g, and even bulk sizes for those who want a long-term supply. I appreciated that there are smaller sizes available for travel, making it easy to take on the go.
To extend its lifespan, I recommend storing it on a well-drained soap dish and allowing it to dry between uses. Otherwise, it can become a bit sticky if left in water for too long.
Brand Reputation
Marius Fabre has a strong reputation for producing high-quality, traditional soaps. As a family-owned company since 1900, they take pride in using authentic, time-honored methods to make their products. They’re also known for their commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing.
The brand is certified by the Union of Marseille Soap Professionals (UPSM) and holds the Living Heritage Company label, further solidifying its credibility. Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many users praising the soap’s effectiveness and purity.
Price and Value
While not the cheapest soap on the market, Marius Fabre’s Savon de Marseille is well worth the investment. Given its high-quality ingredients, long lifespan, and versatility, I found it to be an excellent value for money.
The price varies depending on the size, but it’s competitively priced compared to other natural soaps. The company also offers gift sets and bulk purchasing options, which can help save money in the long run.
Availability
The soap is widely available online, including on major retailers like Amazon and the company’s own website. While it may not be as commonly found in local grocery stores, specialty shops and eco-friendly stores often carry it.
- 100% natural ingredients
- Long-lasting and economical
- Eco-friendly and biodegradable
- Multi-purpose use
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Slightly expensive compared to regular soaps
- Can feel “squeaky” clean at first
- Hard to find in local stores
Overall Rating
After using this soap for a while, I can confidently say that it lives up to its reputation. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a natural, long-lasting, and versatile soap. I’d rate it 9/10, with only minor drawbacks related to availability and price.
Would I buy it again? Absolutely!
