Nabulsi soap ( , '' ṣābūn Nābulsi '' ) is a type of castile soap produced only in Nablus in the West Bank , Palestine . Its chief ingredients are virgin olive oil ( the main agricultural product of the region ) , water , and an alkaline sodium compound . The finished product is ivory-colored and has almost no scent . Traditionally made by women for household use , it had become a significant industry for Nablus by the 14th century . In 1907 the city 's 30 Nabulsi soap factories were supplying half the soap in Palestine . The industry declined during the mid-20th century following destruction caused by the 1927 Jericho earthquake and later disruption from the Israeli military occupation . As of 2008 , only two soap factories survive in Nablus . The old Arafat soap factory has been turned into a Cultural Heritage Enrichment Center
1927 Jericho earthquake
1927 Jericho earthquake
Nabulsi soap