OLIEKOLONIE

14/06/2024

Savon de Marseille: A Timeless Tradition

Step into the world of Savon de Marseille, and you'll find yourself enveloped in a rich history of craftsmanship and tradition. Originating in the port city of Marseille, France, this iconic soap has been cherished for centuries, renowned for its purity and versatility.

The story of Savon de Marseille dates back to the 9th century when soap-making techniques were brought to Marseille by crusaders returning from the Holy Land, likely inspired by Aleppo soap from Syria. Made from a simple recipe of olive oil, alkaline ash from Mediterranean seaweed, and sea salt, this soap quickly gained popularity for its gentle yet effective cleansing properties.

Over the years, Savon de Marseille evolved into a symbol of French heritage and craftsmanship. During the 17th century, King Louis XIV granted Marseille soap makers a royal monopoly, solidifying its place as the soap of choice among nobles and commoners alike. Its reputation spread far and wide, with exports reaching across Europe and beyond.

Despite the industrialization of soap production in the 19th century, the traditional methods of making Savon de Marseille have endured. Today, artisans still craft this iconic soap using the same age-old techniques, blending natural ingredients with time-honored expertise.

Savon de Marseille remains a beloved household essential, cherished for its gentle cleansing properties and hypoallergenic nature. Whether used for washing delicate fabrics, cleaning dishes, or pampering the skin, this timeless soap continues to captivate hearts around the world, a testament to the enduring legacy of craftsmanship and tradition.

30/04/2024

Now available at Health & Living - George (Est. 2001)! Your destination for wholesome, untainted food. Say goodbye to harmful industrial practices. They’re passionate about preserving health, animal welfare, and the environment through biodynamic agriculture. For more info, visit their website (https://www.healthandlivinggeorge.com/) or find them on Facebook (Health & Living).

27/11/2023

A little bit of this and a little bit of that…

In the fascinating world of soap-making, the quest for unique and effective ingredients has led artisans and innovators to explore an array of unconventional substances throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, the pursuit of cleanliness and skincare has spurred the use of some of the most unusual and unexpected ingredients in the creation of bar soaps. Read the full article here >>>

In the fascinating world of soap-making, the quest for unique and effective ingredients has led artisans and innovators to explore an array of unconventional substances throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern times, the pursuit of cleanliness and skincare has spurred the use of some...

25/11/2023

Boerseep: A South African Treasure

Boerseep, a time-honoured soap deeply embedded in the cultural history of South Africa, holds a rich legacy steeped in tradition, resourcefulness, and practicality. This iconic soap, often associated with rural life and Afrikaner heritage, carries a heritage that echoes the resilience and ingenuity of the early settlers in the region. Read the full article here >>>

Boerseep, a time-honoured soap deeply embedded in the cultural history of South Africa, holds a rich legacy steeped in tradition, resourcefulness, and practicality. This iconic soap, often associated with rural life and Afrikaner heritage, carries a heritage that echoes the resilience and ingenuity....

25/11/2023

African Black Soap: A Centuries Old Skincare Secret

African black soap, a renowned skincare treasure originating from West Africa, carries within its sooty hue a legacy steeped in tradition, natural ingredients, and time-honoured craftsmanship. This iconic soap, known by various names across the region, embodies centuries of heritage and serves as a testament to the wisdom of traditional African skincare practices. Read the full article here >>>

African black soap, a renowned skincare treasure originating from West Africa, carries within its sooty hue a legacy steeped in tradition, natural ingredients, and time-honoured craftsmanship. This iconic soap, known by various names across the region, embodies centuries of heritage and serves as a....

23/11/2023

Ashes to Ashes, Soap to Soap
In the annals of human history, the art of soap-making traces its origins to ancient civilizations where resourcefulness and ingenuity were at the forefront of innovation. Long before the advent of sophisticated laboratories and specialized ingredients, our ancestors discovered a simple yet remarkable method of making soap using two elemental components: ashes and water. Read the full article here >>>

In the annals of human history, the art of soap-making traces its origins to ancient civilizations where resourcefulness and ingenuity were at the forefront of innovation. Long before the advent of sophisticated laboratories and specialized ingredients, our ancestors discovered a simple yet remarkab...

23/11/2023

How to Make The Soap We Make

Crafting cold-process artisan soap is a captivating blend of science, creativity, and patience. This meticulous process, rooted in tradition yet open to innovation, allows artisans to create luxurious bars of soap using natural ingredients while preserving their beneficial properties. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the key steps involved in making cold-process artisan soap... Read the full article here >>>

Crafting cold-process artisan soap is a captivating blend of science, creativity, and patience. This meticulous process, rooted in tradition yet open to innovation, allows artisans to create luxurious bars of soap using natural ingredients while preserving their beneficial properties. Here’s a com...

23/11/2023

Hot or Cold? Both Are Soap!

In the world of artisan soap-making, the crafting process is an art form that marries science, creativity, and a deep respect for natural ingredients. At the core of this craft are two prominent methods: cold-process and hot-process soap making. Each method brings its own set of characteristics, benefits, and considerations, shaping the final product in unique ways. Read the full article here >>>

In the world of artisan soap-making, the crafting process is an art form that marries science, creativity, and a deep respect for natural ingredients. At the core of this craft are two prominent methods: cold-process and hot-process soap making. Each method brings its own set...

23/11/2023

A Slippery Soap: Artisanal vs Commercial

The world of soap is diverse, offering a range of choices from artisanal, natural ingredient-based soaps to commercially mass-produced varieties found on store shelves. Understanding the differences between these two categories can shed light on their respective benefits and drawbacks. Read the full article here >>>

The world of soap is diverse, offering a range of choices from artisanal, natural ingredient-based soaps to commercially mass-produced varieties found on store shelves. Understanding the differences between these two categories can shed light on their respective benefits and drawbacks.   Artisanal,...

22/11/2023

Soleseife Soapmaking: A Time-Honored Tradition for Luxurious Artisanal Soaps

Soleseife, a lesser-known yet exquisite method in the realm of artisan soapmaking, holds a rich history rooted in European traditions. Derived from the German word “sole” meaning brine or saltwater and “seife” for soap, Soleseife is a process that involves the use of saltwater in soap production, resulting in unique and luxurious bathing bars. Read the full article here >>>

Soleseife, a lesser-known yet exquisite method in the realm of artisan soapmaking, holds a rich history rooted in European traditions. Derived from the German word “sole” meaning brine or saltwater and “seife” for soap, Soleseife is a process that involves the use of saltwater in...