La Corvette - Savonnerie du Midi

The History of Savonnerie du Midi

The history of La Corvette’s Marseille soap is closely tied to Savonnerie du Midi, one of the last historical soap factories still active in the city of Marseille. Founded in the 19th century, this soap factory has overcome numerous challenges, including the decline of the industry caused by the advent of synthetic detergents in the 20th century. However, a commitment to authenticity and quality allowed La Corvette to be reborn and solidify itself as a brand emblematic of authentic Marseille soap.

Since the Middle Ages, Marseille has been the heart of natural soap production, largely due to its strategic location and the ideal climate for the soap-drying process. With precise regulations dating back to the Napoleonic era, and even earlier through an edict promoted by Colbert in 1688 under Louis XIV, the production of Marseille soap has been strictly and officially defined, making it synonymous with quality and certified origin. Savonnerie du Midi continues to keep these traditions alive, making La Corvette a brand that not only represents the past but also the excellence of the present.

ECOCERT Certification: The Guarantee of a Natural Soap

One of the great advantages of La Corvette’s Marseille soap is its ECOCERT certification, obtained under the ECODETERGENT standard. This certification ensures that products meet strict ecological standards and that each stage of production is environmentally focused. This certification guarantees that the soap is made only with natural ingredients and that the production process respects the authenticity of traditional techniques.

For consumers, this certification represents a guarantee of a pure and safe product, free from harmful and polluting substances. The philosophy of La Corvette and Savonnerie du Midi is to promote a more natural and environmentally friendly lifestyle, which is why every soap is made without dyes, fragrances, or preservatives. With ECOCERT, La Corvette reaffirms its commitment to transparent, careful, and sustainable production.

UPSM: The Protection of Authentic Marseille Soap

La Corvette is one of the founding members of the Union of Professionals of Marseille Soap (UPSM), an association founded to protect and promote genuine Marseille soap. The UPSM has established strict criteria to certify products as “traditional Marseille soap.” These criteria include:

1. Geographical Origin: The soap must be produced exclusively in Marseille and its historic area.

2. Production Method: The traditional production process requires cooking in large open-air cauldrons for a period of 7 to 10 days.

3. Composition: Marseille soap must be made from pure vegetable oils without additives, perfumes, or dyes.

The UPSM represents an important guarantee for consumers, as it defends the integrity and authenticity of Marseille soap. Thanks to an independent monitoring system, CERTIPAQ, certified products always adhere to the association’s quality charter.

The Traditional Production Method

La Corvette’s Marseille soap is made exclusively using the traditional cauldron-cooking method. This process consists of five main stages:

1. Empatage: The vegetable oils are heated with soda, creating an emulsion that initiates the saponification process.

2. Relargage: The soap is separated from excess water with the addition of sea salt, a crucial step for a purer soap.

3. Cooking: This is where complete saponification occurs, during which the oils fully transform into soap.

4. Washing: The soap is washed several times to remove impurities and excess glycerin.

5. Liquidation: This final stage gives the soap its smooth and homogeneous texture.

This method, overseen by the master soapmaker, is a tradition passed down through generations. Only with this process can authentic Marseille soap be obtained.

Premium Ingredients

The ingredients of La Corvette’s Marseille soap are chosen with great care to ensure a completely natural and high-quality product. The traditional recipe uses only vegetable oils, such as olive oil or RSPO-certified palm oil (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil), sourced from sustainable farms. The selection of certified and sustainable raw materials is a pillar of La Corvette’s philosophy, committed to ensuring an ethical product that respects natural resources.

The absence of artificial additives, fragrances, and preservatives makes La Corvette soap hypoallergenic, suitable for even the most sensitive skin and delicate fabrics. The emollient and moisturizing properties of the vegetable oils used make each soap ideal for both skin cleansing and garment washing, offering a safe and natural alternative to conventional detergents.

La Corvette: A Symbol of Authenticity and Sustainability

Today, La Corvette is synonymous with authenticity, quality, and environmental respect. Each La Corvette product represents a guarantee of naturalness and safety, perfect for those who wish to reduce the environmental impact of their daily choices without compromising on effectiveness. The Savonnerie du Midi, with its UPSM membership and ECOCERT certification, offers a range of products that respect not only consumers but also the environment and tradition.

In summary, choosing La Corvette means embracing a philosophy of sustainable living and respect for artisanal traditions. La Corvette’s Marseille soap is more than a product for personal and household care: it is a symbol of authenticity that represents the best of Marseille’s tradition and French craftsmanship.