French Soaps UK has a beautiful range of traditional soaps, some naturally scented with essential oils, others completely fragrance-free. While a lot of their customers love the lavender and citrus options, I went straight for the unscented ones. I’m sensitive to scent, which is annoying, but now I prefer my skincare and household products as gentle and neutral as possible. With that in mind, I picked out a selection of fragrance-free staples from their Fer à Cheval collection and spent the past week testing them out.
My Fragrance-Free French Soaps Review
One of the first things I tried was the Fer à Cheval Olive Oil Liquid Marseille Soap, 500ml for £12.50. It’s made in the traditional Marseille style, using olive oil, cooked in a cauldron, with no added perfume. I’ve been using it for both handwashing and in the shower, and it’s incredibly gentle, non-stripping, smooth, and doesn’t leave any trace of scent on the skin. If you don’t like the overly sweet or floral smell that many soaps leave behind, this is a brilliant alternative. It comes in a handy pump dispenser and looks adorable in your bathroom or kitchen.
I also selected the Fer à Cheval Pure Olive Savon de Marseille Soap Slices. You get six chunky bars cut from a traditional 1kg block for £20.00. These are about as pure as it gets with no palm oil, no fragrance, no colouring, just olive oil, salt, and water. The bars have a gorgeous green colour and a satisfyingly dense feel, and they last ages. I keep one by the sink and another in the shower, and even use them for handwashing clothes. The lather is creamy, not bubbly, and the soap leaves your skin soft and calm, ideal if you have sensitivities or just prefer a simpler routine. These come in a lovely box, so it’s a perfect gift for a friend.
For my face, I’ve been using the Fer à Cheval Natural Cleansing Bar for face and body with olive oil and shea butter, 100g for £12.75. It’s specifically made to be hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, and it lives up to the promise. I use it to wash off SPF at the end of the day, and it doesn’t dry out or irritate my skin. It’s creamy, gentle, and free of anything unnecessary, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a no-fuss facial cleanser.
Out of curiosity, I tried the Fer à Cheval Gentle Solid Conditioner, a handy hair conditioning bar with organic olive oil and organic linseed oil, 45g for £12.75. Again, no fragrance, no extras. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it works surprisingly well. You warm it in your hands or glide it over the ends of your hair, and it adds softness without any greasiness. My hair feels smoother and easier to comb through, and it’s compact enough to pack for weekends away.
Finally, I recently added a bottle of Fer à Cheval Marseille Concentrated Laundry Liquid, 1L for £12.50 to my order, drawn by its fragrance-free, allergen-minimising formula, which is ideal since I prefer unscented products. Made with authentic Marseille soap, it effectively tackles tough stains even at low temperatures, while being gentle on colours. With 99% natural ingredients and no harmful substances, it’s a concentrated, eco-conscious option that leaves laundry clean and fresh without overwhelming fragrance. I’ve used it on bedding, towels, and delicate items. It’s a great switch if you’re trying to avoid artificial fragrances in your laundry.
More About French Soaps UK
French Soaps is the UK’s leading importer of authentic and traditional French soaps, offering a thoughtfully curated collection from some of the oldest and most respected savonneries in Provence and Marseille. Their range includes much-loved brands such as Bleu Jaune, Fer à Cheval, La Corvette, La Maison du Savon de Marseille, Le Chatelard 1802, Geodesis, Maison Berthe Guilhem, Provendi, Tadé Pays du Levant, and Savonnerie de Bormes. With a focus on quality and sustainability, the products are free from parabens, SLS, and phenoxyethanol, offering everything from solid bars and liquid soaps to black soap, laundry essentials and home fragrances.
While French Soaps UK offers a wide selection of scented options, many made with natural essential oils, I’ve appreciated having a place that also caters to those of us who prefer unscented, traditional products. Every item I chose felt thoughtfully made and beautifully simple. If, like me, you’ve been looking for fragrance-free staples that don’t compromise on quality or heritage, this collection is well worth a try. Buy from the online French Soaps shop here.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Disclosure: This is a sponsored collaboration as these products were gifted.