Aleppo soap is probably one of the best-known personal-care products. Many women use it, including fans of natural cosmetics. It is rich in nutrients, safe for skin health, and can be used by anyone. See how it’s made, what properties it displays, and what to use it for.
What is Aleppo soap?
It’s a traditional Syrian soap from the Aleppo city when it’s been handmade for over 2000 years. Originally, it was made from laurel oil, olive oil and a foam-forming agent. The Aleppo soap has a light brown color, is hard and comes in big bars. Sometimes it is enriched with red clay, jasmine, Dead Sea salt, herbal and flower extracts. It smells of olives and foams well.
How is the Aleppo soap made?
Olive oil is mixed with a foaming agent and water, and then heated up. After a week, laurel oil in a given concentration is added. The manufacturing process takes place from November to March. The mixture is poured into molds, cooled and cut into pieces. The resulting bars should be dried for 9 months.
How to use the Aleppo soap?
The Aleppo soap can be used in different ways:
- as a shaving cream
- as a cleansing face mask
- as a shampoo, leaving it on scalp for then minutes
- as a newborn and baby wash
- as a face wash
- for washing delicates
Properties of Aleppo soap
- it has antibacterial and antifungal effect
- it clears face of blackheads and whiteheads
- it reduces unhealthy shine in oily skin
- it moisturizes and softens the skin
- it prevents dryness
The Aleppo soap is alkaline while the skin’s pH is slightly acidic. That’s why we need a toner after using the soap. Good news: the Aleppo bar doesn’t cause irritations, and it’s suitable for all skin types.
How to choose the right Aleppo soap?
While choosing your Aleppo soap, you need to focus on two things: the concentration of laurel oil and the needs of your skin. These factors are strictly connected.
5-10% – this concentration means the soap is very mild and ideal for dry or sensitive skin
10-20% – the most popular choice, good for combination and “normal” skins
30-40% – more intensive effects, recommended for oily skin
40% and beyond – strong antiseptic effect, designed for acne-prone skin
Where to buy the Aleppo soap?
The Aleppo soap is available at stores with organic or Arabic cosmetics.