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Marseille soap is one of the best-known soaps, but also one of the most imitated. Since its name is not protected by an official designation, many products are inspired by it without respecting its fundamental principles. Beyond the traditional method, these imitations do not offer the same effectiveness or versatility that have made true Marseille soap famous. Faced with this confusion, it has become essential to establish clear guidelines to distinguish authentic soaps from imitations.
What is the UPSM?
The UPSM (Union of Marseille Soap Professionals) brings together the four soap manufacturers that still perpetuate the traditional Marseille know-how to this day. It defines precise criteria to preserve the authenticity of Marseille soap and to help consumers recognize a genuine product, made according to the historical method. Recognize authentic Marseille soaps, certified by the UPSM (Union of Marseille Soap Producers),
by the logo on the soap and/or packaging: 
Criteria for genuine Marseille Soap according to the UPSM:
To be considered a genuine Marseille soap, a soap must, among other things:
- Contain a simple composition of 4 ingredients, based on vegetable oils.
- Be free of perfume, coloring, preservatives, animal fat, and additives.
- Be made in a cauldron, according to the traditional method.
- Be made in the Marseille region.
The format is not a criterion of authenticity: genuine Marseille soap can be cubed, bar, soap bar, or flakes. It is the manufacturing method and composition that make all the difference.
Soap makers that perpetuate the true Marseille soap tradition
Today, only a few soap makers still adhere to all the criteria of traditional Marseille soap.
At Au Savon de Marseille, we are proud to distribute soaps from two historic soap makers renowned for their commitment and expertise:
- Savonnerie Marius Fabre, founded in 1900
- Savonnerie Le Sérail, one of the last remaining artisanal soap makers in Marseille
Their soaps are made using traditional methods and meet the requirements defined by the UPSM (Union of Marseille Soap Makers).
Choosing a genuine Marseille soap
Means choosing an authentic, versatile product that is kind to both your skin and the environment. Genuine Marseille soap has many uses – discover them on our blog.
To help you, look for the UPSM certification logo on our product pages.
It guarantees you a genuine Marseille soap, made according to traditional methods.