THE MANY, MANY WAY TO USE SAVON DE MARSEILLE

THE MANY, MANY WAY TO USE SAVON DE MARSEILLE

In last week's article I talked about the wonderful Savon De Marseille, but do you know that you dont have to use it just for washing hands?

1. As a face wash: It’s amazing for acne thanks to olive oil’s natural anti-bacterial properties. I can vouch for this personally. It works wonders for hormonal breakouts.
2. As a hand soap: Speaking of anti-bacterial properties, use it as hand soap or to sanitize open wounds.
   
3. As a body soap: It’s a great soap for anyone with dry skin, sensitive skin, allergies, or eczema.
4. As a shampoo: You can use savon de Marseille to wash your hair because it’s non-drying. (I haven’t tried because I refuse to stray from liquid.)
   
5. As a baby soap and shampoo: It can be used on the gentlest of skin. It can also be used on the thickest of baby hair. 
6. As a stain remover: As any French grandmother will tell you, it removes stains from clothing like a champ. Rub the wet bar directly on the stain until it forms a pasty crust. Let it sit about an hour before washing.
7. As a laundry detergent: It’s especially great for babies or those with allergies or skin sensitivities. You may be able to find savon de Marseille “en paillettes,” meaning in flake form. If not, use a cheese grater or food processor. 
   
   
   
8. As a dishwashing detergent: Oil washes oil as any makeup artist will tell you, so this makes total sense to me.
9. As a cramp remedy: Put a block under your mattress or under the sheets of your bed while sleeping to avoid cramps. This one sounds folkloric to me, but some French people swear by it. Something about potassium? I don’t pretend to understand.
10. As an all-purpose cleaner: In a food processor, blend 2 tablespoons of grated savon de Marseille with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and one cup of hot water. Transfer to a spray bottle and go to town!
    
11. As a natural pesticide: Mix two tablespoons of grated savon de Marseille with some hot water in a spray bottle. Spray onto plants for natural pesticide.
12. Instead of shave gel: Savon de Marseille is gentle and hydrating enough to be used for shaving. 
    
    
    
13. Instead of toothpaste: I’m skeptical, but again some French people swear by it.
14. To shine your jewelry: Pour boiling water over a small chunk or grated flakes of savon de Marseille. Let your jewelry soak a few minutes, then pull it out shiny as new.
    
15. As a makeup brush cleanser: Savon de Marseille won’t dry out the bristles of natural or synthetic makeup brushes. It leaves them soft and clean (don’t forget about its anti-bacterial properties). It works for paintbrushes, too.

Have any tricks that I left off this list? Share away in the comments below!