How to Choose Aleppo Soap: A Laurel Berry Oil Percentage Guide
New to Aleppo soap and not sure where to start? One of the most common questions we hear is: which laurel oil percentage should I choose?
Traditional Aleppo soap is made with olive oil and laurel oil, with water and alkali used during the soap-making process. What changes from bar to bar is the balance between olive oil and laurel oil.
At Adira Earth, our Aleppo Soap Bars range from 12% to 55% laurel oil, giving you the choice to find the percentage that best suits your skin, routine and preferred cleansing feel.
New to Aleppo soap altogether? Start with What Is Aleppo Soap? to learn about its history, ingredients and traditional craft. You can also discover more about laurel oil in Aleppo soap and why the percentage matters.
What Does the Laurel Oil Percentage Mean?
The percentage tells you how much laurel oil is used in the oil blend.
A higher percentage does not automatically mean a better soap. It simply changes the balance between laurel oil and olive oil and gives the bar a more pronounced laurel character.
The best percentage is the one your skin feels comfortable using consistently.
Step 1: Start With Your Skin and Cleansing Preference
Normal to combination skin:
A lower laurel oil percentage, such as 12%, 16% or 20%, is a good place to begin. These bars are well suited to everyday cleansing and are often the easiest introduction to Aleppo soap.
Dry or sensitive skin:
Consider starting in the 16% to 35% range. If your skin tends to react easily or feels tight after cleansing, begin at the lower end and see how your skin responds before moving higher.
Oily skin or those who prefer a stronger cleanse:
A higher laurel oil percentage, such as 35%, 40% or 55%, may be a better fit. These bars offer a more robust cleansing feel and can suit skin or scalps that become oily more easily.
Very reactive or eczema-prone skin:
Some people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin prefer a higher laurel oil concentration, including 40% and 55%. However, there is no single percentage that will suit everyone, and higher does not automatically mean better for every sensitive skin type. We recommend patch testing first and choosing the percentage that leaves your skin feeling most comfortable after cleansing.
Step 2: Think About How You Will Use It
Aleppo soap is traditionally a versatile cleanser, so the percentage you choose can also depend on where you intend to use it.
Face:
Start with a lower to mid-range percentage for regular facial cleansing.
Body:
Choose according to your skin type and how your skin feels after washing. Your skin should feel comfortably clean, not tight or stripped.
Hair and scalp:
Aleppo soap can also be used for hair and scalp cleansing. If you are new to using it this way, begin with a lower or mid-range percentage before trying a stronger bar.
Shaving:
The naturally creamy lather can also be used for shaving. A lower or mid-range bar is a practical place to start.
Family use:
For general family cleansing, we suggest beginning with one of the lower percentages and patch testing when introducing any new product to sensitive skin.
A Quick Guide to Adira Earth's Laurel Oil Percentages
12% Laurel Oil
A gentle starting point for everyday cleansing and normal skin.
16% Laurel Oil
A step up from 12% while remaining suited to regular daily use.
20% Laurel Oil
A balanced everyday option for those wanting a little more laurel oil in their routine.
35% Laurel Oil
A mid-to-higher laurel concentration for those who prefer a more pronounced Aleppo soap experience.
40% Laurel Oil
A higher laurel oil concentration for people who already know they prefer a stronger cleansing feel.
55% Laurel Oil
Our highest laurel oil concentration, suited to those specifically looking for a high-laurel Aleppo soap.
Does More Laurel Oil Mean Better Aleppo Soap?
No. This is one of the biggest misconceptions about Aleppo soap.
A 55% bar is not automatically better than a 12% bar. They simply contain different proportions of laurel and olive oil.
Think of the percentage as a way to personalise your cleansing routine rather than a quality rating.
If you are trying Aleppo soap for the first time, starting lower is usually the simplest approach. You can always move to a higher percentage once you understand how your skin responds.
Step 3: Choose Your Format
Prefer traditional soap? Explore our Aleppo Soap Bars and choose from six different laurel oil percentages.
Prefer liquid cleansing? Our Aleppo Soap Shower Gel offers the Aleppo cleansing ritual in an easy-to-use liquid format.
For skin that enjoys extra nourishment after showering, follow cleansing with The Sama Body Elixir while the skin is still slightly damp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of laurel oil should a beginner choose?
For someone who has never used Aleppo soap before, 12% to 20% is a practical starting range. Begin lower and adjust according to how your skin feels.
Can I use a high-percentage Aleppo soap on my face?
You can, but a high percentage is not necessary for everyone. For everyday facial cleansing, many people prefer beginning with a lower or mid-range bar.
Do I need different Aleppo soaps for my face and body?
Not necessarily. Many people use one bar for both. You may prefer different percentages if your face and body have very different cleansing needs.
How do I know if my Aleppo soap is too strong?
Pay attention to how your skin feels after cleansing. If it repeatedly feels tight, uncomfortable or overly dry, try a lower laurel oil percentage or reduce how frequently you use it.
Is 55% laurel oil better than 12%?
No. It simply contains a greater proportion of laurel oil. The right Aleppo soap is the percentage that works comfortably with your skin and routine.
Ready to choose? Explore our complete Aleppo Soap collection.
Start simply, listen to your skin and remember that the highest percentage is not necessarily the right one.
Explore our Aleppo Soap Bars to find your preferred laurel oil percentage, or learn more about how Aleppo soap is traditionally made.
