About us

More Than Soap: A 4,000-Year-Old Journey from the Cradle of Civilization

 

Welcome to Antioche Orontes.

Our name is not just a label; it is a coordinate in history. It anchors us to the ancient city of Antioch, resting on the banks of the Orontes River—a historical crossroads where East met West, and where culture, commerce, and ancient wisdom flourished.

It is here, in this fertile crescent straddling modern-day Turkey and Syria, that humanity discovered one of its earliest and purest skincare rituals: The Aleppo Soap.

 

Preserving a Sacred Craft

 

In a world obsessed with speed, synthetic ingredients, and mass production, we chose to stand still. We chose to honor a process that has remained virtually unchanged for four millennia.

Our soap is not "manufactured" in a factory; it is crafted by artisans whose grandfathers taught them the rhythm of the seasons.

The journey begins with the harvest of rich, local olive oil—liquid gold for the skin—and the precious, healing oil of the laurel berry. These simple ingredients are slow-cooked in traditional cauldrons for days, then poured onto stone floors to cool.

But the true secret isn't in the cooking; it's in the waiting.

 

The Art of Patience

 

Once cooled, the soap is hand-cut and stamped with the artisan’s mark—a seal of authenticity. Then, the most crucial phase begins: the aging.

For a minimum of nine months, our soaps rest in ancient, airy drying chambers. As the desert winds blow, the soap transforms. The exterior turns a golden-brown, while the inside retains its vibrant, nourishing green heart. This rigorous aging process ensures a gentle, long-lasting bar that is incredibly kind to the skin.

 

Our Mission: Authenticity for the Modern World

 

At Antioche Orontes, we are more than just a skincare brand; we are curators of heritage.

We founded this brand with a simple yet powerful mission: To preserve this endangered craft and share its pure, transformative power with the wider world. We believe that your skin doesn't need complex chemicals; it needs time-tested nature.

Whether it’s the legendary Laurel soap of Aleppo or the pure Olive Oil Nabulsi soap of Palestine, every bar we offer is a piece of history you can hold in your hands.

When you use our soap, you aren't just washing; you are partaking in an ancient ritual of purification and care.

Thank you for being part of this journey and helping us keep history alive.

With warmth and authenticity,

The Antioche Orontes Team