3 Simple Ingredients, Crafted with Elegance: The Story of Nablus Soap

The Making of the 3 Ingredient Castile Soap Bar 

Despite its seemingly simple recipe—virgin olive oil, water, and a natural sodium compound—the journey of the olive oil soap industry in Nablus, West Bank, is anything but simple. It’s a story of resilience and refinement, woven through centuries of artistry, war, earthquakes, and economic siege.

These modest white blocks, lightly scented and gently effective, remain beloved across Middle Eastern households. Today, as the world seeks cleaner, more sustainable options, this ancient product is experiencing a global revival—led by companies like LivPure Naturals, which is reintroducing it to North American markets under the name Castile 3 Ingredient Soap.

A Millennia-Old Tradition Rooted in the Levant

For over a thousand years, Palestinian women have devoted a portion of each olive harvest to soapmaking. But in Nablus, this cultural ritual became both a thriving industry and a deeply respected craft. As early as the 10th century, Nablus soap was sold throughout the Arab world and even exported to Europe. Legend holds that Queen Elizabeth I of England favored sabon nabulsi as her personal soap of choice.

This tradition survived empires, colonial mandates, and catastrophe. By the late 19th century, Nablus boasted nearly 40 operational soap factories. But after the devastating 1927 earthquake and successive waves of political turmoil and military occupation, only two remain.

The Art of the Process: Patience Over Preservatives

Though the Castile 3 Ingredient Soap uses just three ingredients, its production demands time, patience, and precision. Modern Nablus producers refuse shortcuts—eschewing the synthetic stabilizers and harsh chemicals common in commercial soaps.

1. Blending: Virgin olive oil, water, and a sodium compound are gently heated in massive vats over several days.
2. Molding: Once thickened, the mixture is poured across factory floors, leveled, and hand-cut using wooden molds.
3. Stamping: Each bar is imprinted with the seal of its originating factory—a mark of pride and authenticity.
4. Curing: The bars are stacked into tall geometric towers, some over eight feet high, and left to cure for 10–30 days to harden naturally.

This warm-process method ensures the soap remains biodegradable, chemical-free, and long-lasting—all while preserving the olive oil’s natural moisturizing properties.

An Industry Under Siege—But Not Defeated

The decline of Nablus’ soap industry is not due to lack of demand. Rather, it’s the result of systemic restrictions: Israeli checkpoints, export barriers, military incursions, and the destruction of infrastructure. Since the 2000s, these challenges have dramatically reduced production capacity.

But there’s renewal on the horizon. LivPure Naturals is helping reinvigorate this centuries-old craft by bringing Nablus soap to North American consumers. With each bar of Castile 3 Ingredient Soap, customers don’t just receive a product—they join a legacy of resistance, care, and ecological stewardship.

Why It Matters Today

• Biodegradable & Vegan: No additives. No animal products. No plastic waste.

• Low Environmental Impact: Minimal packaging, water-conscious production, and zero synthetic runoff.

• Ancestral Wisdom: Crafted with ingredients known to soothe, cleanse, and heal across generations.

In a world saturated with mass-produced body care, Castile 3 Ingredient Soap is a return to something honest and whole. It represents more than just clean skin—it’s a connection to the land, a legacy of Palestinian craftsmanship, and a model of sustainable, ethical living.