1791

In 1791, Nicolas Leblanc, a French chemist, invented caustic soda from seawater salt. In his factory in Marseille, a revolution had just taken place!

The Master Soap Makers of Marseille – who have acquired a particular know-how by producing olive oil-based soap, as in Aleppo (Syria) or Gallipoli (Italy) – gradually improved their processes: thus, began modern “Marseille” saponification.

Unlike cold production, it is based essentially on the use of noble oils mixed with soda and cooked in a soap factory. This original 4-step process was codified by decree as early as 1812…and more recently in 2003. To meet consumer expectations, Provendi has developed liquid Marseille soap.