Key Takeaways

• Castile soap is a plant-based bar soap made from olive oil, water, and lye, with no animal fats. It originated from the Castile region of Spain.

• What makes Aleppo soap stand out is its laurel berry oil content. Published studies highlight the benefits of laurel berry oil throughout history for sensitive skin.

• e'lioe's Aleppo soap comes in 3 variants, with percentages of laurel berry oil ranging from 1% to 40%. This allows you to choose the formulation that best suits your skin's needs.

• For dry and reactive skin, the laurel berry oil in Aleppo soap may offer properties that a plain olive oil bar does not.

Introduction

Did you know that both Castile and Aleppo soap start with the same olive oil base? What is it that actually sets them apart?

At first glance, they seem almost identical. Both have been used for centuries and are valued for their simple, natural formulations. But there is one key ingredient present in Aleppo soap, and that difference can matter, especially for those with dry or sensitive skin.

To understand what sets Aleppo soap apart, it helps to first look at how Aleppo soap and Castile soap are connected.

Two Soaps, One Origin

Aleppo soap began in the city of Aleppo, Syria, where it was traditionally made with olive oil and laurel berry oil. As the craft of soapmaking spread to other parts of the Mediterranean, soapmakers adapted the recipe using ingredients that were available locally.

In Spain's Castile region, olive oil was easy to source, but laurel berry oil was not. As a result, soapmakers created a simpler olive oil-based soap that eventually became known as Castile soap.

Although both soaps share the same olive oil base, one key difference remains today. Aleppo soap still contains laurel berry oil, while Castile soap is traditionally made with olive oil alone. This additional ingredient does more than distinguish one soap from the other. It also contributes to the characteristics that have made Aleppo soap a popular choice for dry, sensitive, and reactive skin. So, what exactly is laurel berry oil, and what does it add to the soap?

What Laurel Berry Oil Adds

Laurel berry oil is cold-pressed from the berries of the Laurus nobilis tree. It is the ingredient that distinguishes Aleppo soap from Castile soap, giving the bar its characteristic deep green interior and natural itch-soothing properties. Published research has identified compounds in Laurus nobilis that help explain Aleppo soap's long history of use on sensitive and reactive skin, although individual experiences may vary.

How the Two Soaps Compare in Use

For skin that is reactive, persistently dry, or prone to irritation, the ingredients in a cleanser are worth considering. While both Castile soap and Aleppo soap are traditional olive oil-based cleansers, Aleppo soap offers greater efficacy and flexibility with the addition of laurel berry oil in different concentrations.

At e'lioe, Aleppo soap is available in three laurel berry oil concentrations, each recommended for three different skin types (Normal to sensitive skin, Irritation-prone skin, and Troubled skin)

As your skin changes over time, you can choose a concentration that better matches its needs.

Cleansing naturally removes some of the skin's surface oils, so applying a moisturiser afterwards helps support the skin barrier. This is why e'lioe pairs Aleppo soap with argan oil as a simple 2-step routine for dry, sensitive, and reactive skin.

Each e'lioe Aleppo soap bar is traditionally cured for nine months before sale. By doing so, this makes every bar harder, longer-lasting, and milder. It lathers gently, doesn't soften quickly in water, and contains no liquid preservatives. To help it last longer, you can keep it on a draining soap dish between uses.

For more on how e'lioe formulates the bar, the ingredient breakdown on this blog covers all the details you need to know.

Is Aleppo Soap Right for You?

Both Castile soap and Aleppo soap are traditional, plant-based cleansers with a shared history. If you prefer a simple olive oil soap for everyday cleansing, Castile soap remains a timeless option.

However, if your skin is dry, sensitive, or prone to irritation, Aleppo soap offers more than a plain olive oil base. The addition of laurel berry oil gives it skin-soothing qualities, while e'lioe's varying concentrations make it easier to choose a formulation based on your skin’s level of sensitivity and current needs.

As with any skincare product, individual responses vary. If you have an active skin condition, always do a patch test on a small area of your skin first and seek advice from a dermatologist if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Castile soap the same as Aleppo soap?

No. Both are olive oil-based natural bar soaps, but Aleppo soap contains laurel berry oil. Published research notes properties in Laurus nobilis that help explain why Aleppo soap has historically been associated with sensitive skin. The Aleppo formula is also the older of the two. European soapmakers adapted it without laurel berry oil because the ingredient wasn't locally available. That is how the Castile soap version came to be.

2. Which may suit sensitive skin better, Castile soap or Aleppo soap?

Aleppo soap may be more suited to sensitive skin because of its laurel berry oil. The published research on Laurus nobilis helps explain that history. The percentage system lets you choose a concentration that matches your skin's current condition. e'lioe's range starts at 1%, the gentlest option. Individual responses vary, and patch testing before full facial use is always advisable.

3. What does the laurel berry oil percentage mean?

It shows how much of the oil content is laurel berry oil, with the remainder being olive oil. A higher percentage means more soothing power to calm itchy and irritated skin, going from a gentle 1% bar for normal to sensitive skin up to a rich 40% bar for troubled skin.

4. Can Aleppo soap replace Castile soap in a daily routine?

Yes. It works well as a daily cleanser for sensitive skin on both face and body. It rinses cleanly without leaving residue. The main difference is the earthy scent from the laurel berry oil. It's natural, not an added fragrance. The 1% variant is the most neutral starting point.

5. Does the 9-month curing time make a difference?

Yes. As described in e'lioe's guide to Aleppo soap, curing for 9 months allows the bar to lose excess moisture gradually. The result is a harder, longer-lasting, and milder bar. It lathers more gently and holds its shape well over time.

Conclusion

For sensitive or dry skin, the key difference between the two formulas is laurel berry oil. It adds documented properties and a history of use that a plain olive oil bar doesn't carry. e'lioe's three concentrations let you match the formula to your skin rather than settling for a single fixed bar.

The range is available in e'lioe's collection, from the Aleppo soap on its own to the 2-step solution paired with argan oil. Free shipping across West Malaysia on all orders above RM130.