How to Choose Your Aleppo Soap: New to Aleppo soap and not sure where to start? You're not alone — the biggest question we get isn't "does it work," it's "which one do I need?" Since every bar is made from just laurel oil, olive oil and water, the laurel oil percentage is really the only variable and it makes a bigger difference than you'd expect.
New to Aleppo soap altogether? Start with, what it is and where it comes from > (https://adiraearth.com.au/blogs/news/all-about-aleppo-soap-laurel-oil), or read about, what laurel oil actually does for your skin > (https://adiraearth.com.au/blogs/news/key-benefits-of-laurel-oil). This guide focuses purely on helping you pick.
Step 1: Start With Your Skin Type:
- Normal to combination skin: a lower to mid laurel oil percentage (around 12% - 20%) gives you the cleansing and antibacterial benefits without being too intense for daily use on both face and body.
- Dry or sensitive skin: look toward the mid-range (around 16% - 35%). The higher laurel oil content means more of its moisture-retaining fatty acids, which helps if standard soap tends to leave your skin feeling tight.
- Oily, acne-prone, or scalp concerns: a higher percentage (35%+) is generally the better fit. The concentrated antibacterial and antifungal properties are more targeted for breakouts, excess oil, or dandruff-prone scalps.
- Very reactive or eczema-prone skin: many customers in this category actually prefer starting lower rather than higher, since it lets your skin adjust gradually. If in doubt, start with a lower percentage bar and work up rather than the reverse.
- Everyone's skin responds differently: if you're managing a diagnosed skin condition, it's worth checking with your dermatologist before switching your routine.
Step 2: Decide What You're Using It For
- Face and daily body wash: lower percentage bar, used consistently
- Shampoo bar / scalp treatment: higher percentage, focus on scalp application
- Shaving: mid-range bars work well as a gentle, moisturising shave soap
- Sensitive family use (including kids): lower percentage, patch test first
Step 3: Choose Your Format
Not everyone wants a bar. If you know your skin type but prefer a different format:
- Aleppo Soap Bars > (https://adiraearth.com.au/products/soap-bars) the traditional format, best value per wash, and the most customisable by percentage.
- Aleppo Soap Shower Gel > (https://adiraearth.com.au/products/soap-gel) same formula in liquid form, ideal if you find bars inconvenient in a shared shower or find a bar too drying to handle daily.
- Body Elixir Oil > (https://adiraearth.com.au/products/body-oil) not a replacement for the soap, but a strong pairing afterward to lock in extra moisture, especially in winter or for very dry skin
Still Not Sure: If you're genuinely torn between two percentages, the safer choice is almost always to go lower first. You can always move up to a stronger bar once you know how your skin responds, but a percentage that's too high too soon can be uncomfortable for sensitive skin types.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of laurel oil should a beginner start with?
If you've never used Aleppo soap before, starting around 12%-16% laurel oil lets you experience the benefits while your skin adjusts.
Can I use a high-percentage bar on my face?
You can, but it's not usually necessary unless you're specifically targeting acne or breakouts, a lower percentage is typically more comfortable for daily facial use.
Do I need different bars for face and body?
Not necessarily, many people use one mid-range bar for both. It only becomes worth separating if you have distinctly different concerns (e.g. an oily T-zone but dry body skin).
How do I know if a percentage is too strong for me?
If your skin feels tight, dry, or irritated after use, that's a sign to move to a lower percentage. Aleppo soap should leave skin feeling clean and conditioned, not stripped.
Does a higher percentage mean a better soap?
Not necessarily "better" — just more concentrated. The right percentage is the one that matches your skin's needs, not the highest number available.
Ready to choose?
Shop our full Aleppo Soap range: https://adiraearth.com.au/products/soap-bars, or read more about; The tradition behind Aleppo soap > (https://adiraearth.com.au/blogs/news/all-about-aleppo-soap-laurel-oil) and what laurel oil does for your skin > (https://adiraearth.com.au/blogs/news/key-benefits-of-laurel-oil).
