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Avlia 60% Laurel Oil Aleppo Soap Bar — Handmade Natural Olive Oil Soap
$19.99
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Description
Some of the most trusted soaps in the world have just four ingredients. The Avlia 60% Laurel Oil Aleppo Soap is one of them.
Crafted by Syrian refugee artisans living in southern Turkey, this bar carries centuries of knowledge — an ancient soap recipe with roots stretching back over 3,000 years in the ancient city of Aleppo. Every bar is cold-processed by hand, shaped by hand, and pressed with a traditional Arabic seal that has been part of Aleppo soap-making for generations. The naturally dark brown color is the authentic result of the laurel oil content — it is not a dye or additive.
Four ingredients. Nothing else.
Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil · Laurus Nobilis (Laurel Berry) Fruit Oil · Aqua · Sodium Hydroxide
No synthetic fragrance. No sulfates. No parabens. No palm oil. Just the two oldest oil crops of the Mediterranean, combined in a formula soap makers have refined across thousands of years.
Why 60% laurel is the sweet spot for many Aleppo soap users
Laurel berry oil — cold-pressed from the wild bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) trees of the Levant — is what gives Aleppo soap its distinctive earthy, forest-floor character and its rich, creamy lather. At 60% laurel content, this bar sits at the premium end of the Avlia range: intensely aromatic, deeply conditioning, and richer in lather than lower-percentage variants — while still carrying the olive oil's smoothing qualities in full proportion. For those who find the 75% bar very intense, the 60% is a natural entry into the high-laurel experience. For those new to Aleppo soap, it is the bar that most clearly demonstrates what makes authentic Aleppo different from everything else.
The box copy says it well: *formulated with 60% laurel and olive oil to wrap your skin in the natural purity of Mediterranean groves and forests.* That is precisely what this bar does.
Traditional Aleppo soap is made using a cold-process method unchanged for millennia: the oils are saponified in open stone vats, the soap is poured, cut by hand, and left to cure and mature. The dark exterior and greener interior of a well-aged Aleppo bar are markers of authenticity — this is a genuinely traditional cold process soap, not a cosmetically finished product.
A clean beauty bar for everyday use
This is a genuine fragrance-free bar soap and sulfate-free bar soap — containing no synthetic additives of any kind. Palm oil-free, fully vegan, and packaged in zero waste plastic-free kraft paper. Those who prefer a chemical-free soap, a non-toxic body wash alternative, or an all natural bar soap for body and face will find this bar honest and straightforward: what you see on the label is everything inside it.
The four-ingredient formula makes it one of the most minimal and pure handmade artisan soaps available today. It is an unscented natural soap (the earthy laurel aroma is the oil itself, not an added fragrance) and a certified cruelty-free bar soap. People who prefer traditional castile-style soap and clean beauty products find Aleppo soap to be one of the oldest and most trusted options available.
This bar is also excellent as a shampoo bar for hair — laurel oil soap has been used as a hair cleanser across the Mediterranean and Middle East for centuries.
The story behind each bar
Aleppo, in northwestern Syria, is widely considered the birthplace of bar soap as the world knows it. When the Syrian conflict displaced millions, many of the artisans who carried this ancient soap-making knowledge found refuge in Turkey. Avlia works directly with these craftsmen to produce Aleppo soap exactly as it has been made for centuries: the same four ingredients, the same cold-process method, the same Arabic stamp pressed into every bar by hand.
Purchasing this soap supports a craftsman's livelihood and helps preserve one of humanity's oldest living artisan traditions.
Directions
Wet the bar and work into a lather between your hands or on a washcloth. Apply to face, body, or hair. Rinse thoroughly. For a longer-lasting bar, store on a well-drained soap dish between uses and keep away from direct water spray.
Specifications: Net weight 200 g / 7 oz · INCI: Olea Europaea Fruit Oil, Laurus Nobilis Fruit Oil, Aqua, Sodium Hydroxide · Fragrance-free · Sulfate-free · Paraben-free · Palm oil-free · Vegan · Plastic-free packaging · Handmade in Türkiye · SKU: TNS106 · UPC: 731851910179
Browse the full Aleppo Soap collection: https://avliahome.com/collections/aleppo-soap
Ingredients / Material
Beauty Concerns
Scent
Suitable for skin type
Fragrance Notes
Ingredient Preferences
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The Basics: Understanding Aleppo Soap
What exactly is Aleppo Soap?
Aleppo Soap is one of the world's oldest soaps, originating from the city of Aleppo, Syria. It is a hard soap made from a traditional recipe of olive oil, laurel berry oil, water, and lye. It is renowned for its natural, moisturizing, and gentle properties.
What makes Avlia's Aleppo Soap special?
Our soap is made following the authentic, centuries-old tradition. We honor the heritage by using only the highest quality olive oil and laurel berry oil, without any artificial fragrances, chemicals, or preservatives. It's a pure, minimalist soap for all skin types.
What is the history behind Aleppo Soap?
The tradition of soap-making in Aleppo is believed to date back over 2,000 years. The method of using olive oil and laurel berry oil, along with the slow curing process, has been passed down through generations of master soap makers.
Why is it called "Ghar Soap" in Arabic?
"Ghar" (غَار) is the Arabic word for laurel. Since the defining ingredient that gives the soap its unique therapeutic properties is laurel berry oil, it is traditionally known as "Sapun Ghar" or Laurel Soap.
Authenticity & Sourcing
Is this soap genuinely from Aleppo?
Due to the ongoing situation in Syria, many master soap makers have relocated to preserve their craft. Our Avlia soaps are authentically crafted by Syrian artisans in the Gaziantep region of Türkiye, right near the Syrian border, using the original recipes and methods to ensure you receive a genuine product.
How can I be sure my Avlia soap is authentic?
Authentic Aleppo Soap has a few key characteristics:
- Ingredients: The list is short: Olive Oil, Laurel Berry Oil, Water, and Sodium Hydroxide (lye, which disappears during saponification).
- Appearance: It has a hard, dark golden-brown exterior and a deep olive-green interior.
- Scent: It has a natural, earthy, clean scent, not a perfumed one.
- Stamp: Each bar bears the Arabic stamp of the master soap maker.
Is your soap ethically produced and cruelty-free?
Absolutely. We partner directly with artisans who practice fair trade principles. Our soap is 100% plant-based and is never tested on animals.
Ingredients & Composition
What are the full ingredients in Avlia Aleppo Soap?
Our traditional soap contains only four ingredients: Saponified Olive Oil (OleaEuropaea Fruit Oil), Saponified Laurel Berry Oil (LaurusNobilis Fruit Oil), Water (Aqua), and Glycerin (naturally formed during the soap-making process).
What does the percentage of Laurel Berry Oil mean?
The percentage (e.g., 5%, 20%, 40%) indicates the amount of laurel berry oil relative to the total oil content (olive + laurel). A higher percentage means more laurel berry oil, which has stronger purifying and soothing properties.
What is the role of Olive Oil in the soap?
Olive oil is a fantastic natural moisturizer. It cleanses the skin gently while providing nourishment, vitamins, and antioxidants, leaving your skin soft and hydrated.
What is the benefit of Laurel Berry Oil?
Laurel berry oil is the "miracle" ingredient. It is known for its natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties, making it excellent for soothing troubled skin conditions.
Is your soap 100% natural?
Yes. There are no synthetic fragrances, colorants, parabens, sulfates, or preservatives. What you get is pure, plant-derived soap.
Is Avlia Aleppo Soap vegan and palm oil-free?
Yes, our soap is 100% vegan and is completely free of palm oil.
Choosing the Right Soap for You
I'm new to Aleppo Soap. Which percentage should I start with?
We recommend starting with our 5% or 12% Laurel Berry Oil soap. This offers a perfect balance of olive oil's moisturizing properties and laurel oil's gentle cleansing, making it ideal for getting acquainted with the product.
Which percentage is best for sensitive or normal skin?
For daily use on normal, combination, or sensitive skin, our lower percentages (5%-20%) are perfect. They provide gentle cleansing without stripping the skin's natural oils.
Which percentage is recommended for oily or acne-prone skin?
For oily, combination, or blemish-prone skin, a higher percentage of laurel berry oil (20% to 40%) is ideal. The natural purifying properties of laurel oil help to cleanse pores and balance sebum production.
I have very dry skin, eczema, or psoriasis. Which soap should I choose?
Both olive oil and laurel berry oil are beneficial. Many customers with these conditions find relief with higher percentages (20% and up) due to the powerful soothing properties of laurel oil. However, as every skin is unique, you may want to start with a medium percentage and see how your skin responds.
How to Use Avlia Aleppo Soap
How do I use it for my body and face?
Simply wet the bar, lather it in your hands or on a washcloth, and apply to your face and body as you would with any other soap. Rinse thoroughly. It's gentle enough for daily use.
Can I use Aleppo Soap as a shampoo?
Yes! Aleppo soap is a fantastic, plastic-free shampoo alternative. It cleanses the scalp effectively, especially for those with oily hair or scalp issues like dandruff.
How do I properly use it as a shampoo?
Wet your hair thoroughly. Rub the soap bar directly onto your scalp in several places. Massage to create a lather, then work it through to the ends. Rinse very well. Some users experience a transition period; an apple cider vinegar rinse (1 part ACV to 4 parts water) can help remove residue and restore pH balance.
Can it be used for shaving?
Yes, it creates a slick, smooth lather that is perfect for shaving the face or body, helping to prevent razor burn and irritation.
Is it safe to use on babies and children?
Absolutely. The pure and gentle formula, especially the lower percentage (5%) soap, is traditionally used for babies and individuals with delicate skin. It is free of the harsh chemicals found in many commercial baby washes.
Product Characteristics & Expectations
Why is the soap brown on the outside and green on the inside?
This is the signature of authentic Aleppo soap! The soap is aged and cured for a minimum of 9 months. During this time, the exterior oxidizes and turns a deep golden-brown, while the inside, protected from the air, retains the rich olive-green color of the oils.
What does Aleppo Soap smell like?
It has a natural, earthy, and slightly spicy scent from the olive and laurel oils. It does not contain any added perfumes, so the smell is clean and unprocessed.
Does it create a rich, bubbly lather?
Because it's free of synthetic foaming agents, the lather is more creamy and low-profile than commercial soaps. It provides a luxurious, lotion-like cleanse rather than big bubbles.
How long does one bar of Avlia Aleppo Soap last?
Aleppo soap is a very hard, dense, and slow-melting soap. When stored properly on a draining dish, a single bar can last for many weeks, often much longer than conventional soap bars.
Why does my bar look slightly different from the photos?
Each bar of Avlia Aleppo Soap is hand-cut and traditionally made. Slight variations in size, shape, color, and stamp impression are normal and a beautiful sign of its artisanal authenticity.
What is the stamp on the soap?
The Arabic stamp is the seal of the master soap maker. It traditionally signifies the maker's brand and sometimes the percentage of laurel oil, guaranteeing its quality and origin.
Benefits & Skin Concerns
What are the main skin benefits?
It moisturizes, purifies, soothes, and softens the skin. It helps balance skin tone, cleanse pores, and supports the skin's natural barrier without the use of harsh chemicals.
Is it moisturizing or will it dry out my skin?
It is extremely moisturizing. Unlike detergent-based soaps that strip the skin, Aleppo soap's olive oil base cleanses while hydrating.
Is Aleppo Soap hypoallergenic?
Yes, with its minimal, all-natural ingredients, it is considered hypoallergenic and is an excellent choice for those with allergies to fragrances and synthetic additives.
What is the pH level of Aleppo Soap?
Like all true soaps made through saponification, Aleppo soap is alkaline, with a pH of around 8-9. While this is higher than the skin's natural pH, its unique composition with naturally formed glycerin and moisturizing oils ensures it cleanses without stripping the skin's protective acid mantle.
Storage & Care
How should I store my soap to make it last longer?
The key is to keep it dry between uses. Use a well-draining soap dish that allows air to circulate around the entire bar. Do not let it sit in a puddle of water.
Can I store unused bars of soap?
Yes! Aleppo soap gets better with age. Storing unused bars in a cool, dry place (like a linen closet) allows them to cure further, making them even harder and milder.
Comparisons & Miscellaneous
What is the difference between Aleppo Soap and Black Soap?
African Black Soap is made from ingredients like plantain skins and cocoa pods, giving it a soft texture and dark color. Aleppo Soap is a hard, cured soap made from olive and laurel oils. They have different properties, textures, and origins.
What is the difference between Aleppo Soap and Castile Soap?
Castile soap is traditionally made with 100% olive oil. Aleppo soap is a type of castile soap that is enriched with the therapeutic addition of laurel berry oil, making it distinct and more beneficial for troubled skin.
How does it compare to Marseille Soap?
Marseille soap must contain at least 72% vegetable oils, traditionally olive oil. However, modern versions can include palm or coconut oil. Aleppo soap's recipe is more specific, requiring both olive oil and the key ingredient, laurel berry oil.
Does it work in hard water?
Yes, it performs well in both hard and soft water, rinsing away cleanly.
Is the soap biodegradable?
Yes, being made of only natural oils, it is 100% biodegradable and safe for the environment.
Is it tear-free?
No. Like all true soaps, it is not a "tear-free" formula and will sting if it gets in the eyes. Please use caution around the eye area.