Al Jamal Soap: Everything About This UNESCO-Recognized Olive Oil Soap From Nablus

Three ingredients. Over 1,000 years of tradition.

Al Jamal soap is a handmade olive oil soap from Nablus, Palestine. It contains just virgin olive oil, water, and natural lye. No fragrance. No chemicals. No preservatives. In December 2024, UNESCO added Nablus soap-making to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

That’s a big deal. This isn’t some trendy wellness product. It’s a bar of soap with a 1,000-year track record.

And your skin can tell the difference. People with eczema, psoriasis, and sensitive skin swear by it. Some families in Nablus have been making this exact recipe since the 1800s.

Curious? Here’s everything you need to know about Al Jamal soap and why it’s not just soap.

Al Jamal Soap at a Glance

Part 1: The History of Al Jamal Soap and Nablus Soap-Making

History matters here. You can’t separate this soap from the city that made it.

Nablus soap-making is older than most countries. And it almost disappeared.

How Nablus Became the Soap Capital of the Middle East

Women in Nablus first made soap at home. Simple batches for the family. That was the 10th century.

By the 14th century? A full industry. Factories popped up across the Old City. Bedouin traders carried soda ash from the Jordan River banks. Artisans mixed it with local olive oil.

The result was a pure, ivory-colored bar. Almost no scent. And incredibly gentle on skin.

The Golden Era: 30 Factories and 5,000 Tons of Soap

Nablus hit its peak in the 19th century. The city supplied soap to the entire Fertile Crescent.

By 1907, 30 factories churned out nearly 5,000 tons of soap every year. That was over half of all soap produced in Palestine.

Reportedly, even Queen Elizabeth I of England used Nablus soap. A Syrian historian in the 1930s called it the finest soap available.

What Happened to the Soap Factories?

Disaster struck. Multiple times.

The 1927 Jericho earthquake destroyed large portions of the Old City. Several soap factories crumbled. Later, military conflicts damaged more.

Today, only a handful of factories remain active in Nablus. But the craft survives. And it’s stronger than ever on the global stage.

The Al-Shakaa Factory: Where Al Jamal Soap Is Born

The Al-Shakaa factory has been making Al Jamal soap since 1880. That’s over 140 years.

It’s a family operation. Passed from fathers to sons. The recipe hasn’t changed. Same formula. Same methods. Same results.

“Al Jamal” means “the camel.” The name comes from camel trains that once carried soda ash to the factory. Every bar carries that camel stamp.

Key Moments in Nablus Soap History

Part 2: How Al Jamal Soap Is Made (The Traditional Process)

Forget factory machines. This is old-school craftsmanship.
Every bar of Al Jamal soap is made by hand. The process takes weeks. And it hasn’t changed in over a century.

The Three-Ingredient Formula

Al Jamal soap uses three ingredients. Period.

Virgin Olive Oil

Palestine is home to some of the world’s oldest olive trees. Some are 5,000 years old. The oil from these trees forms the soap’s base.
Olive oil gives the soap its moisturizing power. It’s rich in oleic acid, vitamin E, and polyphenols.

Water

Pure water. Nothing fancy. It activates the chemical reaction needed to form soap.

Natural Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)

Traditionally, artisans used soda ash from barilla plants along the Jordan River. Today, food-grade sodium hydroxide does the job.

Don’t worry. The lye completely transforms during saponification. None remains in the finished bar.

The Step-by-Step Production Process

Step 1: Cooking (5 to 8 Days)

Ingredients go into large copper vats. Artisans heat them over low fire for 5 to 8 days.

A wooden tool called a “dukshab” stirs the mixture constantly. The solution cycles through about 40 rounds of concentration.

Step 2: Pouring and Cutting

Workers pour the hot mixture onto a large floor space. It hardens overnight.

Then a team of trained cutters shapes it into small square blocks. Each gets stamped with the Al Jamal camel logo.

Step 3: Stacking and Drying (2 to 3 Months)

This is where patience comes in. Workers stack soap bars into tall pyramid towers. Some reach over 8 feet high.

Air circulates through the geometric formations. The drying process takes 2 to 3 months. Some batches cure even longer.

Step 4: Hand Wrapping and Packaging

Once dry, each bar is hand-wrapped in paper. Traditional vegetable ink marks the packaging.

The soap gets better with age. Like fine wine. Older bars are denser, lather more, and last longer.

Part 3: Benefits of Al Jamal Soap for Skin and Hair

Here’s where it gets personal. Your skin will thank you.

Al Jamal soap isn’t just heritage. It’s a skincare powerhouse hiding in a humble square bar.

Deep Moisturizing Without Chemicals

Olive oil contains squalene and essential fatty acids. These mirror your skin’s natural lipid structure.

Translation? The soap doesn’t strip your skin bare. It cleans gently while adding moisture.

Studies show olive oil-based cleansers can boost skin moisture by up to 40% compared to commercial bars.

Relief for Sensitive Skin Conditions

Eczema. Psoriasis. Dermatitis. People with these conditions keep coming back to olive oil soap.

Why? No sulfates. No parabens. No synthetic fragrances. Just olive oil’s natural anti-inflammatory compounds.

Clinical research suggests olive oil-based cleansers reduce skin irritation by 60% compared to sulfate-heavy soaps.

Anti-Aging Properties

Olive oil is loaded with antioxidants. Vitamin E. Polyphenols. Hydroxytyrosol.

These fight free radicals. They protect against UV damage. And they help maintain skin elasticity.

Regular users often notice softer, more supple skin within 2 to 3 weeks.

Gentle Enough for Babies

A study published in Pediatric Dermatology found olive oil suitable for use on premature infants. That’s how gentle it is.

Al Jamal soap is hypoallergenic. No added fragrance. No color. Safe for the whole family.

Works as a Natural Shampoo

Surprised? Many people use Al Jamal soap on their hair. Especially those with sensitive scalps.

It cleans without stripping natural oils. And it doesn’t leave chemical residue behind.

Al Jamal Soap vs Commercial Soap

Part 4: Cultural and Spiritual Significance of Al Jamal Soap

This is more than skincare. It’s identity. Heritage. Faith.

For Palestinians, Al Jamal soap carries deep cultural weight. And for people of faith, the olive oil connection runs even deeper.

A Symbol of Palestinian Identity

Al Jamal soap isn’t just a product. It represents Nablus itself.

Families give bars as wedding gifts. Birthday presents. Celebrations. It’s personal.

UNESCO’s recognition confirmed what Palestinians always knew. This craft is irreplaceable.

Supporting Palestinian Artisans

When you buy Al Jamal soap, you support real families. Artisans who’ve passed this skill through generations.

The soap industry provides jobs in a region where economic challenges are constant. Every purchase matters.

Olive Oil in Religious Traditions

Olive oil holds sacred status across multiple faiths. Christianity. Judaism. Islam.

In Christianity

The Bible references olive trees dozens of times. Deuteronomy 8:8 describes the Holy Land as a “land of olive oil and honey.”

Jesus prayed under olive trees in Gethsemane. Anointing oil from the Holy Land is made with olive oil as its base.

In James 5:14, believers are instructed to anoint the sick with oil for healing. Olive oil represents the Holy Spirit’s presence.

In Judaism

The menorah in the ancient Temple burned pure olive oil. It’s central to Hanukkah celebrations.

Psalm 52:8 compares the faithful to a flourishing olive tree. The olive tree’s significance in Jewish tradition is profound.

In Islam

The Quran mentions olive trees in Surah At-Tin and Surah An-Nur. The olive is called a “blessed tree.”

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged the use of olive oil for eating and anointing.

A Connection to the Holy Land

For many buyers, Al Jamal soap is a tangible piece of the Holy Land.

It’s made from the same olive trees that grow where biblical events unfolded. That’s powerful.

If you value items from this sacred region, explore olive wood products from Bethlehem and Jordan River holy water as well.

Part 5: How to Use Al Jamal Soap (and Make It Last)

Got your bar? Good. Here’s how to get the most out of it.

A single bar of Al Jamal soap can last 3 to 6 months. Seriously. But only if you treat it right.

For Face and Body

Wet the bar. Lather between your hands. Apply to damp skin.

Olive oil soap doesn’t produce huge bubbles like chemical soaps. That’s normal. It’s cleaning gently.

Rinse well. Your skin should feel smooth. Not tight. Not greasy.

As a Natural Shampoo

Rub the bar directly on wet hair. Massage into scalp.

It takes a week or two for your hair to adjust. Stick with it. The results are worth the transition.

For Shaving

Al Jamal soap creates a rich, creamy lather. Perfect for shaving.

No need for separate shaving cream. The olive oil protects skin from razor burn.

Storage Tips for Maximum Longevity

Keep it dry between uses. Use a soap dish with drainage.

Fun fact. This soap gets better with age. Store extra bars in a cool, dry spot. They’ll harden and last even longer.

Some users age their bars in a sunny window. The soap turns a deeper olive-tan color and lathers even better.

Part 6: Where to Buy Authentic Al Jamal Soap in the US

Not all olive oil soap is real Nablus soap. Authenticity matters.

Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the genuine article.

How to Spot Authentic Al Jamal Soap

Look for the camel stamp. That’s the Al Jamal trademark.

Check the ingredients. It should list only olive oil, water, and sodium hydroxide. Nothing else.

Real Nablus soap is ivory-colored. Almost no smell. If it’s bright green or heavily scented? That’s not traditional.

Why Buy From Holy Land Market

Holy Land Market sources Al Jamal soap directly from the factory in Nablus. No middlemen.

Free shipping on any order in the US. Every purchase supports Palestinian artisans and their families.

We also carry a wide collection of authentic Holy Land products. From anointing oils to olive wood crafts.

The Bottom Line

Three ingredients. A thousand years. UNESCO approval.

Al Jamal soap is the real thing. Your skin knows the difference. So does your conscience.

Ready to ditch the chemical bars? Shop authentic Al Jamal soap and bring a piece of the Holy Land home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Al Jamal Soap

Is Al Jamal soap good for eczema?

Yes. Very.

It’s free from sulfates, parabens, and fragrances. These are common eczema triggers.

The olive oil base soothes inflammation naturally. Many users report significant improvement.

How long does one bar last?

3 to 6 months. Easily.

Keep it dry between uses. That’s the key. A well-drained soap dish makes all the difference.

Can I use it on my hair?

Absolutely.

It works as a gentle shampoo. Especially good for sensitive or irritated scalps.

Give your hair 1 to 2 weeks to adjust. Then enjoy the results.

What does Al Jamal mean?

“The Camel.” Simple.

Named after camel caravans that carried soda ash to Nablus for soap-making. The camel logo is the factory’s trademark.

Is Nablus soap the same as Castile soap?

Similar. Not identical.

Both use olive oil. But Nablus soap follows a specific 1,000-year-old process unique to Palestine. Castile soap originated in Spain with different methods.

Does Al Jamal soap expire?

Nope. It gets better.

Older bars are harder, lather more, and last longer. Store extras in a dry spot and let them age. Browse Al Jamal soap options here.