The Marseille soap, the flagship product of the Rampal Latour collection, has been appreciated for centuries for its natural properties and benefits for skin beauty. Made using an ancestral method, this soap has stood the test of time thanks to its simple but effective ingredients. The composition of olive oil and the other vegetable oils used is gentle on the human body. Among the most important elements that ensure its quality and effectiveness, the pH of Marseille soap plays a primary role. But why is pH so essential, and how does it affect the skin?
What exactly is pH?
pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. On a scale from 0 to 14, a pH of 7 is considered neutral (like pure water). A pH below 7 is acidic, while a pH above 7 is alkaline. The pH of Marseille soap is generally between 9 and 10, which is particularly important. It largely determines the impact of this soap on the skin and its effectiveness as a cleanser.
What are the effects of Marseille soap's pH on the skin?
One of the major characteristics of Marseille soap is its slightly alkaline pH, generally between 9 and 10. This level means that it is more basic than the skin's pH, which is normally around 5.5. Our epidermis is therefore slightly acidic. This difference in pH may seem contradictory, but it actually plays a very beneficial role for the skin. We explain why!
Deep cleaning without irritation
An alkaline pH allows Marseille soap to deeply cleanse the skin while removing impurities and excess sebum without altering the natural hydrolipidic film that protects the skin. This film is essential for maintaining hydration and protecting the skin from external aggressions.
Care for sensitive skin
Unlike other soaps or cleansing products that can be too harsh on the skin, Marseille soap, which has an alkaline pH, cleanses without drying or irritating. This makes it particularly suitable for sensitive skin, dry skin, and people suffering from conditions such as eczema or atopic skin. Note that it is generally recommended for babies and pregnant women.
Soothing and moisturizing properties
Although the pH of Marseille soap is alkaline, it is often enriched with vegetable glycerin, an excellent natural moisturizer. In this way, it can help keep your skin soft and nourished. Rampal Latour's Marseille soap is made in a cauldron using our patented process, which means it does not need to be enriched with glycerin since it is produced naturally during this method. This makes it ideal for dry or irritated skin.
Marseille soap, an ally for the whole family thanks to its pH?
Thanks to its gentle formula and skin-friendly pH, Marseille soap is ideal for the whole family. It can be used both for the body and for the face and even hair. Whether for a bath, shower, or hand washing, this soap is gentle enough to be used daily without risking irritation. When applied to the face, it helps maintain the skin's balance while gently cleansing it.
The different vegetable oils used not only cleanse the skin but also soothe it. In our online store, you will find green Marseille soap with olive oil, as well as white Marseille soap, made from a blend of vegetable oils including coconut oil.
What is the impact of saponification on the pH of Marseille soap?
The manufacturing process of Marseille soap is based on a traditional method called saponification, where vegetable oils (often olive oil) react with caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) to form soaps and glycerin. This process allows for the creation of a very gentle soap that is respectful of the skin. The chemical reaction that occurs during saponification produces a soap with a naturally alkaline pH.
Why is the pH of Marseille soap important for respecting delicate skin?
There are many liquid soaps or shower gels on the market that are formulated to have a neutral pH, that is, around 7, to match the skin's pH. However, this approach may not be as effective for some people with more delicate or slightly oilier skin. The slightly alkaline pH of Marseille soap acts as a true cleanser and is particularly useful for regulating skin prone to imperfections by removing impurities without irritating the skin. It is therefore particularly suitable for oily-prone skin, but also for more sensitive skin.
Why choose Marseille soap?
Marseille soap is a true everyday asset, recognized for its multiple benefits. Its use goes far beyond personal hygiene. It will fit perfectly into your beauty routine, but can also be useful for home maintenance.
Marseille soap can be used as a solid shampoo, especially for sensitive scalps, or as a shaving soap for a creamy lather that protects the epidermis from irritation. Its effectiveness as a hand soap makes it an everyday ally, ensuring impeccable cleanliness while preserving skin hydration.
But its benefits do not stop there. Marseille soap is also an excellent home maintenance product. In the form of flakes, it constitutes an ecological and economical alternative to industrial detergents, ensuring clean and fresh laundry without harsh chemicals. It also proves to be an excellent multi-purpose detergent, whether for cleaning surfaces, washing dishes, or even maintaining leather. It degreases and deeply sanitizes while respecting the environment.
In conclusion, the pH of Marseille soap is a determining factor in its effectiveness and gentleness on the skin. Furthermore, its moisturizing properties, its formula enriched with vegetable oils, and its super-fatting nature make it an ideal product for all skin types, including sensitive or dry skin.
By choosing Marseille soap, you are choosing an artisanal product that is respectful of your skin, your home, and the environment, for gentle hygiene and daily well-being. Whether you opt for solid soap or liquid, enriched with vegetable oils or scented with natural essences, you benefit from the benefits of a quality product with proven effectiveness.



