Known to be rich in olive orchards, Lebanon has kept the ancient soap making tradition alive. Natural soaps bars made with olive oil are produced in cities from the north to the south of Lebanon.
Some brands even use other bases to craft their soaps, such as milk. Here are some of the Lebanese soap brands you should switch to (yesterday).
#1 Bader Hassoun – Khan Al Saboun
Badder Hassoun Eco-Village located in the Koura region in North Lebanon comes from generations of soap making masters. The family business of soap-making dates back to the 15th century when they began producing soap in 1408.
Recently, their business has begun to bloom and attract a wider audience with the introduction of more products such as liquid soap, shampoos, body oils, facial toners, and more.
In 2014, they created the world’s most expensive bar of soap made of pure gold dust, diamond powder, olive oil, and virgin honey. Dubbed “Qatar”, the 160 grams bar cost around $2,800.
#2 Khawabi Abboud Soap
Hailing from Sidon, the name of this soap brand was inspired by the “Khawabi” being the plural of Khabia, which are the traditional clay containers where freshly pressed olive oil is stored dating back to the 18th century.
#3 Raghwé
Raghwé is a whole new world of soap beautifully packaged like pieces of art. Rather than using olive oil, they handcraft soap with goat milk and a large variety of essential oils.
Goat milk is ideal for hydrating and healing the skin, leaving you with a radiant and youthful glow. According to the brand, it can help treat acne, eczema, psoriasis, and dry or sensitive skin.
#4 Saboun Baladi
It’s more common that olive oil soap comes in the form of bars, but Saboun Baladi has genuinely created the perfect liquid version.
In addition, they craft artisanal handmade natural soap mixed with different essential oils.
#5 Senteurs d’Orient
This luxurious natural soap brand is driven by powerhouse women who’ve made a fusion between two culturally rich countries, sensual Lebanon and sophisticated Japan, through the finest handcrafted soap.
#6 Sharkass Soap
Finally, we’ll leave you with this sweet old man who comes from a family of soap makers. They’ve handcrafted soap since 1803 and still use a vintage soapmaking machine and techniques.
You can visit the historic atelier in the old souks of Tripoli and meet Mohamad Sharkass and his family who live in the atelier.
