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Marseille soap
Potential efficacity for hair loss : ⭐⭐

My recommendation

While there is no scientific evidence to confirm this, I suggest that using authentic Marseille soap may potentially be beneficial in preventing hair loss, thanks to its rich olive oil content.

It's essential to understand that soaps and shampoos are generally less effective than topical solutions in addressing hair loss. Therefore, Marseille soap should not be considered a standalone treatment. It is recommended to integrate it into a comprehensive hair care routine alongside other treatments for a more effective approach to managing hair loss.
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Marseille soap

Marseille soap, originally from the Mediterranean city of Marseille, is a globally acclaimed French product. Traditionally, it’s a green soap made simply from olive oil and vegetable soda, with no added artificial colors or fragrances.

This soap is known for its gentleness and hydrating properties, ideal for skincare and household cleaning. However, it can potentially irritate some people, despite its mild reputation.

Today, you can also find white “Marseille Soap,” often made from coconut or palm oil. Authentic Marseille soap in cube form, whether green or white, contains no added fragrances and must always have a minimum of 72% extra-pure saponified vegetable oil.

The composition of Marseille soap includes:

  • 72% vegetable oils, typically olive oil: sodium olivate
  • Water: aqua
  • Vegetable glycerin: glycerin
  • Salt: sodium chloride
  • A trace of soda, aiding the saponification process: sodium hydroxide

Is Marseille soap effective against hair loss?

I’ve conducted thorough research on this topic, yet I haven’t come across any definitive evidence. While some users suggest that Marseille soap may help prevent hair loss, there’s no scientific study to substantiate this claim.

However, the absence of concrete proof doesn’t automatically render Marseille soap ineffective in combating hair loss. In fact, there is potential for it to be beneficial.

Marseille soap contains olive oil

To understand how Marseille soap might contribute to countering hair loss, it’s essential to examine one of its primary components: olive oil.

I’ve previously delved into the properties of olive oil in an article and concluded that it can be a potent ally in the battle against hair loss. Olive oil boasts three key components, each with remarkable attributes:

  • Oleic Acid: This component holds the potential to reduce DHT production at the scalp and mitigate inflammation (source).
  • Linoleic Acid: Similarly, linoleic acid can lower DHT production at the scalp while triggering the Wnt/B-catenin signaling pathways. These pathways play a pivotal role in promoting hair growth (source)(source).
  • Oleuropein: An exceptional compound, oleuropein has demonstrated its effectiveness in stimulating hair growth, showing results comparable to minoxidil in a study (source).

While there isn’t concrete scientific evidence to confirm Marseille soap’s efficacy against hair loss, its olive oil content suggests it could indeed be a promising option for hair care.

A study comparing Oleuropein and Minoxidil

Oleuropein is a polyphenolic compound with antioxidant properties found in olive leaves, olives, and olive oil.

In a 2015 study conducted by Tao Tong and colleagues, oleuropein was found to be equally effective as minoxidil in stimulating hair growth in mice.

This 28-day study involved 24 mice divided into three equal groups:

  • Group 1: Control solution (placebo)
  • Group 2: Solution containing 0.4mg of oleuropein
  • Group 3: Solution containing 3mg of minoxidil

Here are the results:

As depicted below, both the oleuropein (OP) and minoxidil (MXD) treated mice experienced rapid hair growth, while the control group (CON) exhibited minimal hair growth.

In the chart below, you can observe the hair length measured from day 0 to day 28.

Below, you can also observe that the hair in the oleuropein-treated group had greater thickness:

Here is a cross-sectional image. In this picture, you can clearly see that oleuropein rapidly stimulated the growth of very thick hair:

The authors of the study also aimed to comprehend the workings of minoxidil and oleuropein and reached the following conclusion: oleuropein enhances the expression of various growth factors, such as the Wnt10b/β-catenin pathway. This pathway prolongs the anagen phase and promotes hair growth.

This study provides evidence that oleuropein may offer a promising treatment option for alopecia by stimulating hair growth. Nevertheless, further research involving human studies is essential to validate this assertion.

Concluding thoughts and verdict

In conclusion, even though there is no concrete scientific evidence to support this claim, I personally believe that authentic Marseille soap can be a useful addition to a hair care routine for preventing hair loss. Its rich olive oil content may offer benefits, although it should not be relied upon as a standalone solution. For more effective hair loss management, it is advisable to combine Marseille soap with other treatments.

It’s important to remember that the primary issue with soaps and shampoos is their limited exposure time and the relatively low absorption of active ingredients. Therefore, when addressing hair loss, using a topical solution is generally more effective than relying on soap or shampoo for treatment.

I generally recommend Marseille soap for individuals with short hair, as its high alkaline pH can lead to tangling and stiffness in long hair.

Precautions & side effects

  • Some individuals may experience allergic reactions.
  • Nausea is a possible side effect in certain cases.
  • May lead to seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis in specific individuals.
  • Skin irritation is also a potential side effect.

Treatment analyses

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