Aleppo soap for the face: how to use it according to your skin type
Washing your face with bar soap? The idea is still surprising, as we are so used to cleansing gels and foams. Aleppo soap is an exception, however: made only of olive oil, laurel berry oil, and vegetable soda, it has been gently cleansing facial skin for centuries. Provided you choose the right laurel content and adopt the right techniques. Here's the complete user guide.
Why Aleppo soap is suitable for the face
Facial skin is thinner and more exposed than body skin. It requires a cleanser that respects its hydrolipidic film, the fine natural barrier that protects it from external aggressions. This is precisely the strength of Aleppo soap: its formula contains no synthetic fragrance, no dyes, no preservatives, and no sulfated surfactants. Three ingredients, nothing more.
Saponified in a cauldron according to the traditional method, it retains a portion of natural glycerin and a slight superfat. The result: it cleanses without stripping and leaves the skin supple rather than tight. To understand its composition and benefits in detail, consult our guide to the benefits of Aleppo soap.
Which Aleppo soap to choose according to your skin type?
The laurel oil content determines the purifying power of the soap. This is what guides the choice.
Oily or blemish-prone skin: 35% Laurel. Naturally purifying, laurel oil helps regulate excess sebum and cleanse shiny areas. The Aleppo soap 35% Laurel is the right choice if your skin shines during the day or has blemishes.
Normal to combination skin: 20% Laurel. The balance between the softness of olive oil and the purifying action of laurel oil. It is also the soap for the whole family, usable from 3 years old.
Dry or sensitive skin: Pure Olive. Without laurel oil, Pure Olive Aleppo soap relies entirely on the softness of olive oil. It is the most delicate in the range, suitable for easily reactive skin.
In case of skin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, rosacea), ask your dermatologist for advice before changing your cleanser.
Instructions for use: step-by-step facial routine
The technique matters as much as the soap. Here is the routine we recommend, morning and/or evening depending on your needs.
1. Wet your face with lukewarm water. Never hot: it dilates the pores and weakens the hydrolipidic film.
2. Lather the soap between your wet hands. There's no need to rub the bar of soap directly on your face: lather is enough, and the motion is gentler.
3. Massage gently. With your fingertips, in circular motions, focusing on the T-zone (forehead, nose, chin). Thirty seconds is enough.
4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm or cool water. Poorly rinsed soap residue can cause tightness. Finish with a splash of cool water to tighten pores, then pat dry with a clean towel, without rubbing.
In the evening, Aleppo soap also helps remove light makeup and excess sebum accumulated during the day. For waterproof makeup, precede cleansing with a makeup remover oil.
Mistakes to avoid
Leaving the soap to soak in water. Place it on a draining soap dish: a soap that dries between uses lasts twice as long.
Cleansing too often. Two cleanses a day are sufficient. Beyond that, you stimulate sebum production instead of calming it.
Ignoring a persistent feeling of discomfort. A slight feeling of clean skin that "grips" is normal for the first few days. Persistent redness or tightness is not: switch to a lower laurel content or to Pure Olive, and consult a healthcare professional if the discomfort continues.
Frequently asked questions
Can Aleppo soap replace my usual facial cleanser?
Yes. Its minimalist formula makes it a natural alternative to cleansing gels, provided you choose the laurel content adapted to your skin type and rinse thoroughly.
Does Aleppo soap dry out facial skin?
No, if it is genuine and used correctly. Its natural superfat cleanses without stripping. However, very dry skin will prefer Pure Olive, followed by suitable hydration.
Can I use it around the eyes?
Avoid direct contact with the eyes: like any soap, it can sting. Remove makeup from this area with a gentle vegetable oil.
How long does it take to see a difference?
The skin needs time to adapt: allow two to four weeks of regular routine to appreciate a clearer skin texture and lasting comfort.
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