Collection: Horseshoe

The ancestral know-how of a historic soap factory

A brand born in 1856 in the heart of Marseille

Fer à Cheval is the oldest soap factory still operating in Marseille. Founded in the 9th century according to oral tradition, but officially in 1856, it perpetuates exceptional expertise. Its name is inspired by horseshoes, the metal bands attached to the underside of horses' hooves to protect them from wear and tear.

Horseshoe soap is also a utilitarian object that has become a cultural emblem. A lucky charm for some, a staple of everyday life for others, it is now at the heart of a world that blends authenticity and modernity.

The art of Marseille-style saponification

Artisanal production is based on a traditional method passed down from generation to generation. Cauldron saponification, typical of Marseille, involves five key stages: mashing, hot cooking, salting, liquidizing, and drying.

Each step is executed by hand with precision, sometimes using a wooden board to stir the paste. The stainless steel cauldron, heated to a high temperature, allows for even and controlled cooking. This method contributes to the soap's natural composition and soft texture.

Authentic and local production

The Fer à Cheval soap range is made with naturally sourced ingredients. Olive oil, water, soda, and salt are the cornerstones of the recipe. The soap is fragrance- and preservative-free, making it suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

Each product has more sustainable characteristics: recyclable, biodegradable, and eco-designed . This local know-how, now certified by a new sustainable development certification, actively contributes to the ecological transition. It is also taught at the National School of Soapmaking to train the next generation.

Iconic and responsible products

Marseille soap: star of the range

Traditional cubes, chips, slices: what are the differences?

Solid soap comes in a variety of shapes: the iconic cube, shavings for DIY projects , or a gentle, scented soap for your bathroom. All of these formats are part of a range of soaps designed to suit all uses.

The shavings are notably used to create plastic-free homemade laundry detergents. Thanks to their reduced composition, they take up less space while retaining their cleaning properties. A chart helps customers choose the ideal format based on the size and weight of the soap, its intended use (toilet, home, sports), and its fragrance.

A minimalist and certified composition

Each Fer à Cheval gentle soap is made with olive oil and water, and is free of synthetic fragrances. This natural composition helps prevent any damage or imbalance on sensitive skin.

The products are COSMOS Natural certified and meet strict sustainable development criteria. Their composition reduces waste and eliminates unnecessary waste in the formulation. They also include black soap, known for its regenerative properties and its ability to clean floors and delicate skin.

What's new: perfumes, liquids and cosmetic treatments

Scented soaps: the sensory shift

Fer à Cheval is expanding its range of cosmetic products with gentle soaps scented with almond, honey, and floral thorn. These soaps provide sensory comfort while respecting the skin's natural balance. Their design is a new expression of artisanal elegance.

The fragrance is made from ingredients of natural origin, preserving the virtues of the original soap. These creations are aimed at both men and women seeking olfactory pleasure in a liquid or solid format.

Towards complete cosmetics

In addition to liquid Marseille soap, Fer à Cheval now offers balms, sprays, detergents and body care products . Each product has unique characteristics, designed for customer comfort: soft texture, proven effectiveness, respect for sensitive skin.

Items like aluminum boxes and soap dishes round out the offerings. There are also accessories like sponges, brushes, and hanging soaps with ropes. These new items can be easily added to your cart via their online store.

A brand committed to the environment

Fer à Cheval advocates a sustainable model, created by Amazon or in physical stores. The packaging is plastic-free, and refills are provided to limit waste. Their liquid soap is notably available in large sizes to limit ordering frequency. The goal is to eliminate unnecessary waste and optimize logistics.

Each product is designed for its sustainability: long shelf life, natural composition, recyclable packaging . The whole reflects a sustainable development approach created to meet contemporary demands.

Why choose Fer à Cheval today?

Authenticity at the service of your skin and your home

Choosing Fer à Cheval soap means choosing a product that protects your skin while respecting the environment. Whether you're washing your hands, maintaining your home, or taking care of your body after exercise, these soaps meet all your needs.

They are used in many homes, but also in healthcare facilities for their effectiveness and safety. The mild soap is suitable for the back of the foot, the heel, and even the frog in horses for veterinary care.

An intergenerational and accessible brand

Fer à Cheval is for everyone: young professionals, families, seniors, farriers, and athletes. Its products can be used for grooming, leather care, or as an external care solution for equine hooves.

Horseshoes, like soaps, play a role in the daily lives of humans and animals. The brand maintains direct contact with its customers through its social media and website. It also offers educational content viewed thousands of times each month, strengthening its connection with its community.

A unique vision: soap as an art of living

Integrate Fer à Cheval into your wellness routine

Bathing ritual: between aesthetics and sensoriality

Beyond its practical use, soap becomes a source of happiness and relaxation. The brand invites you to create a moment for yourself, in a warm and fragrant atmosphere. The ritual includes a wooden board, a soft towel, and warm water for a relaxing bath.

This moment of comfort becomes a real support for physical and mental well-being . Playlists and inspirational images can help install this universe in your bathroom.

DIY and homemade soap-based treatments

Fer à Cheval offers homemade recipes for creating your own products from mild soap. These creations include floor cleaners, horse foot care products, and heel creams. Farriers can also use shavings to clean the horn, inner, or outer edge of the hoof. This gives the pliers, shoeing tools, and shoeing plates a new use. An instructional PDF guides you step by step.

Decorative object and gift: giving soap a place in our homes

With its elegant boxes and refined color scheme, Fer à Cheval transforms its products into decorative objects. Each soap is a little gem to give as a gift or to display in a bathroom. The metal of the soap dish is reminiscent of the steel of the nail used in farriery. The soap thus becomes a lasting gift , both aesthetic and practical. It also helps introduce others to a part of French artisanal culture.

Explore, visit, immerse yourself: soap making as an experience

Visit the soap factory in Marseille

Fer à Cheval offers guided tours of its historic workshop. You'll discover tools like the clip, the support bar, and the pliers used by craftsmen. Shoeing demonstrations , given by an experienced farrier, illustrate the link between soap and shoeing.

The tour ends in a boutique where you can purchase products directly or ask for advice. This immersive experience helps you understand the origins and benefits of each product.

The online store: a digital immersion

The brand's website allows you to view the entire range, modify your cart, add to cart, or benefit from a discount code. Each product sheet clearly displays the characteristics, the type of soap, its composition, and customer reviews.

A "sponge and accessories" section groups together useful accessories. A search bar makes navigation easy, and a filter tool by skin type, fragrance, or size is available for simplified browsing.