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I resisted trying Alep soap and making this Aleppo soap recipe for the longest time, even though my mom kept telling me about Aleppo soap benefits and how just how good this soap is for my skin. The thing is, it has a weird greenish-brown color and that kind of put me off. Boy, was I wrong!
It’s become my new favorite soap and I am so happy I know where to buy good quality Aleppo soap online here. I use to always get the DR browner soaps since they are all natural and do not contain nasty chemicals such as EDTA, Parabens, triclosan, dioxane or Sodium lauryl sulfate. I’ve been using DR browner soap for years but since I take a shower twice a day and that this soap is kind of potent, it is drying for my skin and I ended up having very itchy skin, especially on days when the humidity in the air is low!
Alep soap, also known as Aleppo soap or Laurel soap, is a hard soap similar to Castile soap. It is also made from olive oil and lye, but it also has laurel berry oil in it. Laurel berry oil comes from the berries of the same Mediterranean tree that gives us bay leaves! It’s other names, Alep or Aleppo soap, come from the city in which it was first made: Aleppo in modern-day Syria.
Aleppo soap is thought to be the oldest form of soap in the world and said to have been used by Queen Cleopatra of Egypt and Queen Zenobia of the Palmyrene Empire. If it is fit for a queen, then it is made for me or you 🙂
The laurel berry oil is traditionally added at the end of the soap making process, and the higher the laurel content, the more potent and brown the soap will look. This accounts for the variation of colors that range from more green to more brown. The darker brown color is also a signed that the soap is cured for a longer period of time. It is said that the oldest it gets, the better!
Aleppo soap is aged for about a year – this brings the pH level down and makes the soap more durable. In the aging process, the outside of the soap can become a lighter brown, golden color, but the inside will remain green.
Aleppo soap benefits of Aleppo for skin
Laurel soap has many benefits for the skin due to the combination of olive oil and laurel berry oil. What I like the most about it is how soft and nourished my skin feels after using it. I almost do not need to use moisturizer! It is perfect if you have dry and sensitive skin.
Olive oil is nourishing and moisturizing while laurel oil gently cleanses the skin. This makes it ideal for even the most sensitive skin and it can help relieve eczema, itchiness, and acne. Olive oil, also from a traditionally Mediterranean plant, the olive tree, is highly moisturizing. It’s also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory.
Laurel berry oil, from the Mediterranean laurel tree, has antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has a pungent herbal scent. This is why Aleppo soap is also great for acne. It’s not overwhelming, but it is unique!
Together, olive oil and laurel berry oil can alleviate many skin conditions, such as acne and eczema!
Lye is a metal hydroxide traditionally made from ashes. It enables the soap to hold a hard form without adding harsh chemicals or stabilizers to the soap.
How to find a good quality Aleppo soap
Commercial Alep soap makers may add chemical additives, stabilizers, fragrance or coloring. Be sure to check the ingredients of any soap you buy. Remember, real Aleppo soap only has three ingredients: olive oil, laurel oil and lye. Of course, your best option is to go straight to the source to traditional soap makers.
Traditional Aleppo soap may range in color and price depending on the amount of laurel oil used. This can range from 2 to 20% laurel oil. The more laurel oil, the more expensive the soap. I’d suggest experimenting with different soap makers and finding a soap with the concentration of laurel oil that you like the best.
The top quality Aleppo soap still comes from Syria, and many of its factories have been destroyed in the ongoing Civil War there, making this soap tricky to find at times.You can find the real aleppo soap here that contains 20% laurel berry oilcurrently, the price is $18 because it is becoming rare. There are also Aleppo soaps make in Turkey that are still good quality about $5 from la maison du savon.
Aleppo soap recipe at home
Alep soap is not hard to make if you know how to make soap, but it can be hard to find good quality laurel berry oil – and it can be expensive. You can try this aleppo soaprecipe from the nerdy wife.
Look for organic laurel berry oil from producers based in the Mediterranean, but it does not necessarily need to come from Syria. You can find laurel berry oil on Amazon here – 100 ml for $14
Remember, when you finish making your soap it will be a greenish color. You will need to age it for 9 months to get the traditional golden brown color. Aging it makes it better suited for more sensitive skin types as well as more durable!
I’d love to know if you have tried Aleppo soap and what are your thoughts on Aleppo soap benefits for the skin? Let me know in the comments below what kind of soap you are using on a daily basis.
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I hope you have enjoyed my recipe, please share the love and rate ***** in the comments below! Eve Cabanel I’m Eve, a DIY organic skincare recipe creator since 2010 that loves to make a big mess in the kitchen! Homemade face & body creams, body butter, lips balms, face masks, shampoos, and all-natural perfume will have no more secret for you! I am self-taught, read many books, and spend many hours in the kitchen creating brand new homemade beauty recipes. All my recipes are unique and are tested on humans! In 2016, I studied Aromatherapy and became certified by the School of Natural Health Sciences.
I’ve embarked on a journey to empower women to ditch all the chemical-filled commercial beauty products and to share how to make your own organic beauty recipes at home towards a healthier lifestyle.You may also enjoy:
Body Butter Recipe
DIY Beauty Books – My Top 5!
5 Essential Oil Diffuser Recipes
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FAQs
What are the benefits of Aleppo soap for face? ›
Thanks to its soothing properties, antiseptics and disinfectants, Aleppo soap treats the acne problems, eczema, of psoriasis or of dermatosis. Acne : Aleppo soap containing laurel oil has antiseptic properties.
What are the 3 main ingredients in soap? ›There are 3 key ingredients in soap: oil or fat, lye and water.
Can I use Aleppo soap everyday? ›Aleppo soap can be used daily as soap for washing and shampooing, as face mask, as shaving cream, and for bathing infants and babies. Laurel oil is an effective cleanser, with some antimicrobial, antifungal and anti-itching properties.
Can I use Aleppo soap for face? ›Aleppo soap is the original 'all-in-one' product and is perfect for all skin types, including skin prone to dermatitis and other itchy, inflammatory skin conditions. It can be used to wash the face, body and hair, and lathers well to create a natural shaving cream.
Does Aleppo soap clog pores? ›Aleppo soap also helps prevent the pores on your face from clogging and so the process of washing with it reduces the chances of acne.
Which soap is best for face in the world? ›- Best overall: CeraVe Hydrating Cleansing Bar.
- Best for dry skin: Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar.
- Best exfoliating: Glossier Body Hero Exfoliating Bar.
- Best for acne: SheaMoisture African Black Soap.
- Best drug store brand: Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar.
Triclosan and triclocarban are the most common compounds used as antibacterials in soaps. However, other common antibacterial ingredients in soaps include benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, and chloroxylenol.
What is the most active ingredient in soap? ›Sodium hydroxide is employed as the saponification alkali for most soap now produced.
What is the ingredient in No 1 soap? ›Sodium Palmate, Sodium Palm Kernalate, Water, Perfume, Sodium Chloride, Glycerin, Titanium Dioxide, Disodium EDTA, Turmeric Extract, BHT, Citric Acid Cl 47000, Cl 12150.
Can I wash my hair with Aleppo soap? ›Aleppo soap does not contain sulphates, parabens and perfumes, making it an environmentally friendly way to wash your hair. The soap does not irritate your scalp and brings relief to people who have an itchy scalp. Please note that after frequent use Aleppo, makes your hair a little greasier than normal shampoos.
What percentage Aleppo soap is best? ›
To choose the Aleppo soap that suits you best, it is important to look at its composition and especially its percentage of bay laurel oil. → Between 25% and 40% for oily skin.
Is Aleppo soap good for hair loss? ›Because of its antibacterial and antifungal properties, bay leaf oil in Aleppo Soap is good against skin infections and for healing insect bites, cuts and bruises. It is also highly recommended against problems such as hair loss and dandruff.
Why is Aleppo soap green inside? ›During this period, the soaps oxidize on the surface and take on a yellow / brown color but retain the olive green color inside (8). Aleppo soap is an authentic and natural product without dyes, synthetic perfumes, palm oil or preservatives, renowned throughout the world.
How do you store Aleppo soap? ›Aleppo soaps are traditionally stored in spiral stacks to allow the air to circulate and ensure optimal drying. INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE: Apply to wet skin, work into a lather and rinse off with water. thoroughly with clear water. STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS: Keep away from heat and light.
What are the side effects of leaving soap on your face? ›Putting a bar of soap directly on your face can be abrasive and irritate your skin. Bar soaps can be drying. Any cleanser you use on your face needs to have moisturizing ingredients. Most traditional bar soaps don't contain these ingredients and will strip your skin of moisture.
Does Aleppo soap smell bad? ›It does moisturize, and is good for sensitive skin, and likely has all the other claimed benefits. But that scent (and its STRONG--your whole bathroom will smell like it). It does wash away cleanly, though, so don't think you'll smell like it does. Its just something I don't think I'll ever get used to...
How long does it take for Aleppo soap to cure? ›The Aleppo soap takes 9 months to cure using a traditional recipe and process making it extra special – so it would make a wonderful gift for someone you love as well as a treat for yourself.
Which is the No 1 soap in the world? ›World's No 1 | Lifebuoy.
Which is the No 1 bath soap in world? ›Since 1894, Lifebuoy has reached more than 1 billion people with hand hygiene education, helped redefine how millions of children learn the alphabet, and sold soap all over the world.
What is the healthiest soap to use? ›- Yes To Coconut Ultra Hydrating Milk Bar Soap.
- The Seaweed Bath Co. Detox Exfoliating Body Soap.
- Grove Co. ...
- Rooted Beauty Rejuvenating Body Wash.
- method Body Wash.
- Mrs. ...
- Tree to Tub Gentle Body Wash for Very Sensitive Skin.
- Babo Botanicals Sensitive Skin Hydra Therapy Wash.
What kills bacteria inside the body? ›
Antibiotics are medicines that help stop infections caused by bacteria. They do this by killing the bacteria or by keeping them from copying themselves or reproducing. The word antibiotic means “against life.” Any drug that kills germs in your body is technically an antibiotic.
Which soap kills most bacteria? ›Softsoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap has been shown to reduce 99.9% of harmful bacteria and germs, including Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli).
Which dish soap kills the most bacteria? ›Ultra Palmolive Antibacterial Dish Liquid kills 99.9% of bacteria* on your dishes and kitchen surfaces.
What ingredient makes soap last longer? ›Use Sodium Lactate/Salt
Sodium lactate is the liquid salt of lactic acid. It's generally added to cooled lye water at a rate of 1 teaspoon per pound of oils. It does wonders for hardening up your bar, and really helps extend the life in the shower.
If you are looking to increase the size of the bubbles or the amount of lather in your soap recipe, try: Increasing the percentage of oils that contribute to bubbly lather, like coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and babassu oil. Decreasing the superfat of the total oils, as too many free oils can cut down on lather.
What 2 main ingredients are needed to make soap? ›Soap, by definition, is fat or oil mixed with an alkali. The oil comes from an animal or plant, while the alkali is a chemical called lye. In bar soap-making, the lye is sodium hydroxide.
What bar soap ingredients to avoid? ›- Parabens. ...
- Formaldehyde. ...
- Synthetic Fragrances. ...
- Phthalates. ...
- Synthetic Colours. ...
- Triclosan. ...
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. ...
- Propylene Glycol.
Top Picks | Check Price |
---|---|
Best Chemical-Free: Keika Naturals Charcoal Bar Soap | Price on Amazon |
Best For All Skin Types: Truremedy Naturals Remedy Soap | Price on Amazon |
Best For Troubled Skin: The Yellow Bird Soap Bar | Price on Amazon |
The majority of your organic soap base comes from the base oils - which are organic plant-based oils like olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil and hemp oil. As most of these oils are edible too, some manufacturers use food-grade quality oils for the purest quality.
Why is Aleppo soap expensive? ›Aleppo soap and its ingredients
Basically, the higher the proportion of laurel oil, the more expensive and valuable the soap. Olive oil supports the self-regulating function of the skin and thus skin respiration.
What does Aleppo soap smell like? ›
The color is slowly fading from a deep olive to a golden-green. The smell, while overwhelming when it was first made, has faded some, but still has a distinct smokey smell, almost like a campfire.
What does leaving soap in your hair do? ›Soaps can leave your hair dry, frizzy, and brittle as it rips off the natural oil and keratin of the hair.
What soap is 99% pure? ›Procter & Gamble first sold Ivory Soap in 1879 with the taglines "It Floats" and it's "99 and 44/100 Percent Pure."
What is the strongest soap for body odor? ›- Tom's of Maine: Deodorant Soap.
- Mirai: Purifying and Deodorizing Soap Bar.
- Solpri: Shield Antifungus Soap Bar.
- Art of Sport: Body Soap Bar.
- Megababe: Space Bar Underarm Soap.
- Duradry: Deep Cleansing and Deodorizing Wash.
- Lume: Warm Vanilla Soap.
- Hibiclens: Soap and Skin Cleanser.
Nivea is generally a consistent winner among personal care brands in Germany, as well as being internationally successful. Dove and Duschdas, a Unilever brand, were also popular choices.
Which soap is best for hair in daily use? ›- Earthy Sapo Reetha Shampoo Bar.
- Pratha Shampoo Bar.
- The Switch Fix Reparative Shampoo Bar.
- Earth Rhythm Murumuru Butter Shampoo Bar.
- Goli Soda Natural Probiotics Shampoo Bar.
- Trycone Keratin Shampoo Bar.
- Qurez 7 Herbs Organic Shampoo Bar.
- Soap Square Natural Shampoo Bar.
Amla conditions hair, treats dandruff, gives natural shine to hair, nourishes hair from root to tip, and reduces hair fall. Shikakai helps in hair growth. Reetha heals the scalp, henna naturally conditions hair, gives strength and vitalizes. Brahmi and bhringraj promote overall health and growth of hair.
Which soap is best for hair fall? ›- Dove Hair Fall Rescue Shampoo. ...
- Mamaearth Onion Hair Fall Control Shampoo For Hair With onion & Plant Keratin. ...
- Indulekha Bringha Hair Anti-Hairfall Shampoo. ...
- Tresemme Hair Fall Defense Shampoo. ...
- Biotique Bio Walnut Bark Volumizing Shampoo For Fine & Thinning Hair.
Not only does it reduce blackheads, stop spots, make skin feel clean, smell nice but it has quick results! After 1 week I have felt the difference! All the facial products from soap and glory have worked for me! And my skin is the worst!
Does Aleppo soap dry out skin? ›Aleppo soap has a cleansing and antibacterial effect and can be used to clean skin and hair, as well as floors and furniture. The soap supports the natural skin functions and won't dry the skin.
Is Garlic soap good for your face? ›
Garlic has antibacterial , antifungal, antiviral, and antiseptic properties from allicin. Allicin helps to kill the bacteria causing acne. It also helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, and improve blood circulation. These beneficial effects allow the skin to receive more nutrients.
What does rubbing soap on your face do? ›Putting a bar of soap directly on your face can be abrasive and irritate your skin. Bar soaps can be drying. Any cleanser you use on your face needs to have moisturizing ingredients. Most traditional bar soaps don't contain these ingredients and will strip your skin of moisture.
Does Soap and Glory brighten skin? ›Soap & Glory In The Bright of Day Vitamin C Gel Cream 1.69 Oz and Glow with It 10% Vitamin C Serum . 84 Oz SET. Helps Brighten, Smooth and Hydrate Skin. Vegan and Paraben and Sulfate Free.
Which herbal soap is best for face? ›- Himalaya Herbals Nourishing Cream and Honey Soap. ...
- Himalaya Herbals Refreshing Cucumber Soap and Coconut Soap. ...
- Himalaya Herbals Protecting Neem and Turmeric Soap. ...
- Neev Herbal Handmade Soaps Kumkumadi Face Wash Soap. ...
- Neev Herbal Handmade Soaps Charcoal Soap for Deep Pore Cleansing.
Always choose Grade 1 soaps because they contain high total fatty matter and are gentle on the skin. Look for soaps that have TFM not less than 75%.
Does rubbing garlic on face remove wrinkles? ›The polyphenols in garlic protect your skin from the damages that are caused by free radical. The sulphur in it boosts collagen production and helps fade away fine lines and wrinkles. It makes the skin soft and supple and improves skin elasticity. You can crush a few garlic cloves and add to your face mask or cream.
Does garlic remove dark spots? ›Onion contains sulphur which garlic contains an essential compound which can help to treat dark spots on the face. Also, they contain acne fighting properties which can help to treat the acne and also dark spots on the face. Extract some onion juice and mix it with an equal amount of garlic juice.
What happens if we apply garlic on face overnight? ›Yes, garlic has anti-fungal, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and skin smoothing benefits. It enhances blood flow which gives your skin a natural glow and it is also known to increase antioxidant levels of the skin and body.
Should you wash your face with your hands or washcloth? ›Contrary to popular myths, the safest way to wash your face is with your hands; washcloths and scrubs can be too abrasive on the skin, and might potentially harm healthy cells, resulting in irritation. It's therefore essential to wash your hands before washing your face.
What happens if you leave soap on your face too long? ›"Leaving soap on your skin can cause your skin to develop dryness, and can trigger conditions such as eczema," she says. Basically, if you don't rinse away the soap, it does more harm than good to your complexion.
Is it better to wash your face before or after a shower? ›
Have no fear – we've done our share of research, and the answer is clear: post-shower is definitely the way to go. Sure, washing your face in the shower saves time but it can also do more harm than good – like, clogging pores with other products (gross) or drying out skin with hot water (ouch).