Rotating Wall Soaps from Le Provendi

Savon Rotatif: The Iconic French School Soap Making a Comeback

In the sunlit classrooms of mid-century France, a unique object hung by every school sink — a rotating bar of soap, mounted on a metal rod. Known as Savon Rotatif or “rotating soap,” it became a symbol of French hygiene, practicality, and timeless design. Today, brands like Écolier and Provendi are reviving this classic in homes, eco-conscious bathrooms, and design-savvy spaces across Europe and beyond.

A Short History of Savon Rotatif

The concept of rotating soap was born out of public hygiene initiatives in 1950s France. Schools were required to provide sanitary washing facilities, and bulk rotating soaps offered a cost-effective, long-lasting solution.

Mounted on a wall or stand, these cylindrical soaps rotate as hands rub against them, providing consistent cleansing without the waste or mess of pump bottles or loose bars.

How Is It Used?

Savon Rotatif is mounted on a wall near sinks in bathrooms, utility rooms, schools, and even outdoor areas like potting sheds or garden taps.

To use it:

1. Wet hands under running water.

2. Rub them against the rotating soap.

3. Lather, rinse, and enjoy the subtle clean scent.

Ingredients & Benefits

Most school soaps are made using traditional soap-making methods, often with natural ingredients such as:

• Vegetable oils (Palm or Olive base)

• Minimal synthetic additives

• Gentle fragrances like almond, citrus, or unscented

They are typically:

• Long-lasting (one 'bar' lasts around 800 hand washes)

• Low-waste (no plastic packaging or dispensers)

• Skin-friendly, made without sulfates or other common chemical ingredients

Sustainability & Eco-Credentials

In today’s world of excessive plastic use, Savon Rotatif is a hero of the zero-waste movement . Here's why:

• No packaging waste — no need for bottles, pumps, or wrappers.

• Minimal water usage in manufacturing.

• Refillable system — just replace the bar, not the bracket.

• Long life cycle reduces transport and emissions.

Manufacturers like Provendi emphasize sustainable practices, using RSPO-certified palm oil , biodegradable formulas , and minimal packaging — making these soaps ideal for environmentally conscious homes and businesses.

Nostalgia Meets Modern Design

For many, Savon Rotatif recalls simpler times: the chalkboard, the school bell, the scent of clean hands. But it's also found new popularity among:

• Interior designers (thanks to its vintage industrial aesthetic)

• Sustainable living advocates

• Gardening and workshop spaces (great for messy hands)

• Families (kids love it!)

The rotating design also means:

• It dries between uses — reducing bacteria build-up

• It’s space-saving

• Less mess — no soggy soap dishes

What our customer say

Here’s what users love:

“Takes me right back to my schooldays — and it’s so much better than plastic bottles!”
– Julie, London

“Lasts for ages, smells amazing, and my guests always ask where I got it.”
– Tom, Glasgow

“Bought it for our garden tap — perfect for post-potting cleanup.”
– Marjorie, Devon

Where to Buy

You can find the full range of Provendi wall arms and refill Soaps at French Soaps UK.

• Wall-mounted brackets in Chrome (shiny), Brushed Steel (matt) and Brass (bronze)

• Refill bars (Almond, Verbena, Lemon, Lavender, and more)

• Rustic, industrial, or minimalist styles

Also available, refill Écolier soaps from Fer a Cheval, La Maison du Savon de Marseille and Bleu Jaune.

In Summary: Why Choose Savon Rotatif?

✅ Zero waste
✅ Vintage French charm
✅ Long-lasting and economical
✅ Skin-friendly formulas
✅ Great for homes, schools, and outdoor sinks