Olive oil soap, made from olive oil and lye, is a Middle Eastern handicraft that dates back over a thousand years. It is traditionally made in the Levant (Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Israel, Jordan) from 100% natural materials. Essential oils and traditional herbs are often added to remedy skin ailments such as dandruff, rosacea, eczema, and acme, as well as to heal wounds and sooth insect bites. Olive oil has long been known to serve as a deep moisturizer, regenerating and softening skin cells. Olive oil soap can be found today in suqqs and in apothecary shops, and is still commonly made at home.
Check out Canaan Fair Trade to find out more info on olive oil soap, as well as other goods produced in Palestine.
Buy olive oil soap and support local artisans here.