The Beauty of Laurel Berry Oil in Soap

Laurel berry oil has been part of traditional soapmaking for centuries. It's the signature ingredient in Aleppo soap, and it's the reason Sea Spray Soap's Artisanal Aleppo Style Soap looks and feels the way it does. Here's the history, how the bar is made, and how to use it.

The Legacy of Laurel Berry Oil in Soapmaking

A Long History

Laurel berry oil comes from the fruit of the laurel tree (Laurus nobilis) and has been used in soapmaking in the Mediterranean and Middle East for a very long time. Aleppo soap, the traditional bar made with it, comes from the Syrian city of Aleppo and became known for its simple recipe of olive oil and laurel berry oil.

Our Aleppo Style Soap follows that tradition with a small-batch approach.

What Laurel Berry Oil Does in a Bar

Laurel berry oil is extracted by boiling the berries and skimming the oil off the surface. In soap, it adds hardness and a creamy lather. Paired with olive oil, it makes a balanced bar with a mild feel.

How Our Aleppo Style Soap Is Made

Small Batches and a Long Cure

Every bar is made in small batches from olive oil and laurel berry oil. Most soaps are ready in a few weeks. Aleppo style soap cures for at least one year. The long cure lets the bar harden, mellow and dry out, so it lasts longer in the shower.

The Color Change

As the bar ages, the outside oxidizes to a golden brown while the inside stays green. When you cut into an aged bar, you can see the green core. That color change is a sign of a traditionally made Aleppo style soap.

What to Expect

Simple Ingredients

This bar is made with just a few ingredients: olive oil, laurel berry oil, water and lye. There are no synthetic fragrances and no artificial colors. Check the product page for the full ingredient list.

How It Feels

The scent is earthy and subtle, and the lather is creamy. It's a straightforward everyday cleanser.

Tips for Using and Caring for Your Soap

• Let it dry between uses. Use a well-draining soap dish so the bar dries fully.
• Cut larger bars. Smaller pieces are easier to hold and make the bar last longer.
• Use it for more than one job. It works as a body bar, a face bar or a shaving soap.
• Store extras somewhere cool and dry. The bar keeps aging well and gets milder over time.

Try It

If you like a simple bar with a long history, you can order Artisanal Aleppo Style Soap from Sea Spray Soap. It also makes a good gift for anyone who likes traditional soap.