Aleppo soap is one of the oldest soaps in the world: few natural ingredients, a long curing time and a craft tradition coming from Syria. In this guide we look at what it is, how to use it and how to choose between the three laurel oil percentages: 16%, 25% and 70%.
What Aleppo soap is
It is a bar made from olive oil, laurel berry oil and soda extracted from sea salt. It contains no synthetic fragrances or colourings. Laurel oil is the ingredient that makes it recognisable: the more there is, the more prized the soap, dark green inside and with its characteristic scent.
Traditionally it is used to cleanse face and body, for hair and for skin that needs attention. The antiseptic properties of laurel oil are known in tradition, but the soap is not a medicine: for skin problems ask a dermatologist.
16%, 25% or 70%: which to choose
- Aleppo soap 16% (200 g): the gentlest, suitable for everyday use on face, body and hands, also for beginners.
- Aleppo soap 25% (200 g): a balance between gentleness and action, designed for combination or blemish-prone skin.
- Aleppo soap 70% (125 g): the most concentrated and fragrant version, to be used with more care and preferably not every day.
Simple rule: if you have never tried it, start with 16% or 25%. If your skin is sensitive, test on a small area first.
How to use it
- Wet the bar and your skin with lukewarm water.
- Work up a lather in your hands and massage gently.
- Leave for a few seconds and rinse well.
- Let the bar dry on a draining soap dish, away from water.
It can also be used as hand soap, shower soap, for shaving and, dissolved in flakes, for delicate laundry.
How to store it
Keep it dry between uses: it will last much longer. Over time the surface changes colour, which is normal.
Precautions
- Avoid contact with the eyes; if it happens, rinse with plenty of water.
- Stop using it if redness or itching appear.
- Like all soaps it has an alkaline pH: after washing you can apply a moisturiser.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aleppo soap good for the face?
Yes, many people use it on the face. Start with the lower percentages and watch how your skin reacts.
Can I use it on my hair?
Yes, in tradition it is also used as a shampoo; after washing, an acidic rinse (water and lemon or vinegar) leaves hair softer.
Why is it green inside?
The green colour comes from the laurel berry oil, while the outside turns towards ochre over time.
Other soaps and natural products
In the Natural soaps category you will also find the potassium alum soap bar, the tea tree oil soap bar, the calendula soap bar, the nigella soap bar, the aloe vera soap bar and Marseille soap flakes. For home and personal care see the natural deodorants and eco-friendly detergents.
Learn more with the article Aleppo soap, alum and eco detergents: the guide to a more natural home and care and the one on natural rock alum deodorant.
Interested in other traditional practices? Read the Neti Pot guide and the sulphur sticks guide. For questions, write to us.