A jewel box of scents—how CLAUSPORTO transforms the everyday. Reflecting on the charm and history of Portuguese soap.

The clean scent of soap has always ranked among the most beloved fragrances, cherished by people of any age or gender in every era. The smell of soap, mingling with water and spreading through a bath—after a slow, deep breath and a relaxing soak, cleansing your hands or body and then wrapping yourself in that fresh scent can make you feel as though you've been reborn.

CLAUSPORTO is Portugal's oldest soap maker. Its candy-like, memorably charming designs and fragrances have made it a popular gift choice, and this time we unravel the history and appeal behind CLAUSPORTO.

— Table of Contents

 1. Tracing the History of CLAUSPORTO

 2. The Soap Connection Between Portugal and Japan

 3. The Secret Behind the Beautiful Art Deco Packaging

 4. Soap That Smells Wonderful Even Without Unwrapping

 5. How Is CLAUSPORTO Made?

 6. Introducing the Fragrances and Soaps

This was an era when soap and perfume were still luxuries reserved for the upper classes. Two enterprising German gentlemen who had settled in Portugal, Ferdinand Claus and Georges Schüder, founded "Claus & Schüder," Portugal's first factory to produce domestically made perfume and soap. That was the beginning of what is now known as CLAUSPORTO.

Since 1994, CLAUSPORTO has grown into a globally recognized brand, celebrated as a rare luxury soap that upholds distinctly Portuguese design alongside traditional manufacturing methods.

CLAUSPORTO offers fragrances and body care that blend two European identities—Portuguese and German. Each soap feels like tracing the history of Europe itself, crafted like a work of art; choosing one is as exciting as picking out today's ring from a jewelry case. The brand's meticulous craftsmanship was even favored by King Manuel II of Portugal (1889–1932), which makes it easy to understand why it is called a "jewel of fragrance."

Through more than 130 turbulent years since its founding in 1887, the brand has upheld its traditions across four generations, and today it is celebrated around the world as Portugal's oldest soap maker. Still made by hand using time-honored machinery, it remains a beloved brand in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Portugal is a country with close historical ties to Japan. Along with firearms and various other trade goods brought from overseas, soap was also one of the things Portugal introduced to Japan.

It's said that the very first soap in Japan was presented to Oda Nobunaga as a gift by a Portuguese missionary. At the time, mass production was not yet possible, so soap was an extremely expensive luxury item, out of reach for ordinary people and used only by a wealthy few.

A little while after CLAUSPORTO was founded, the development of mass-producible detergents led to the emergence of Japanese-made soap brands from the 1890s onward, and soap gradually began to spread throughout Japan. Soap is still affectionately known by the names "sabon" or "shabon" in Japanese today, and it's said that "sabon" derives from the Portuguese word for soap.

In Portugal, stylish soaps that look almost like cosmetics line the shelves everywhere, from souvenir shops to department stores, so much so that the country is sometimes called a soap powerhouse. Portugal is home to many luxury soap makers, CLAUSPORTO among them. It is thanks to the presence of highly skilled soap artisans that these makers can continue their careful handmade production, rather than relying solely on machines.

Portugal once flourished across the world's vast oceans, at the height of its maritime glory. Encountering new countries, lands, and religions, Portuguese culture deeply absorbed a variety of other cultures—and "azulejo" tiles are a vivid example of that fusion.

Walking through Portugal, you'll spot colorful, stylish tiles everywhere—these are azulejo. Originally, these tiles carried strong religious meaning tied to Islamic influence following the Moorish invasions, but over time their motifs and designs shifted with the trends of each era—Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo—and eventually came to be enjoyed simply as art. Their vivid, ornate designs vividly reflect the Portuguese people's sense of aesthetics.

By the 19th century, advances in technology made it possible to mass-produce azulejo with geometric patterns. Geometric azulejo influenced by Art Deco began to cover entire exterior walls throughout Portugal, and today they have become a defining part of the country's identity.

Characteristic features vary by era and region—some are paintings centered on blue, the color from which the word "azulejo" originates, while others feature intricately repeated geometric patterns.

▲The design inspired by azulejo (Portuguese decorative tiles), chosen for the packaging of BANHO in the Deco Collection.

Azulejo, which color entire building walls with vivid patterns, represent the refined sensibility and culture of the Portuguese people. CLAUSPORTO has translated this uniquely Portuguese aesthetic sense into its package design. With more than 1,000 vintage-inspired graphic designs kept in stock since the brand's founding, these packages make the soaps inside even more beautiful.

CLAUSPORTO soaps give off a lovely scent even before you unwrap them. While it's not quite the same as a room fragrance, keeping one nearby as part of your interior lets you enjoy a subtle, refreshing scent that helps you relax. You can also use them as a fragrance for your closet, placing one in each drawer to gently scent your clothing.

If you're sending one as a gift to someone who usually uses liquid soap, we hope you'll let them know about this way of enjoying it as a subtle fragrance, so they can fully appreciate CLAUSPORTO.

CLAUSPORTO soaps are handcrafted. Artisans carefully make each one by hand. Also, unlike typical soaps, the fragrance is composed using a pyramid structure of top, heart, and base notes, just like perfume. While the changes aren't as dramatic as in perfume, these soaps let you enjoy the subtle shifting and harmony of scent over time.

Soap making begins with the formulation process. The main ingredients are 100% biodegradable, plant-derived cleansing agents that are gentle on the environment, along with other safe materials that contain no chemical substances whatsoever. CLAUSPORTO soaps, known for their smooth texture, are produced using historic, old-fashioned machinery.

Another distinctive feature of CLAUSPORTO soap is that it barely dissolves or crumbles. Soap is often thought of as something that pools water on a tray and dissolves at the bottom, but by repeating the kneading process three times during manufacturing, this dissolving and crumbling is prevented, while also preserving the lasting quality of the fragrance derived from Portuguese plants.

Next comes the process of laminating the soap. In the extrusion process, even the excess particles are smoothed into a uniform mass, transformed into rod-shaped soap, and then individually molded into various shapes and styles. During this process, a pedal-operated machine is used while a craftsperson carves each piece by hand, one at a time.

After resting for two to three weeks, each soap is carefully hand-wrapped to complete the process. They are wrapped with great care and sealed with wax. This dedication to craftsmanship, with all the warmth of the human hand, remains unchanged then and now—this is CLAUSPORTO, beloved around the world.

Finally, let us introduce CLAUSPORTO's products. CLAUSPORTO soaps have a mellow, fruity scent that carries something of the impression of a luxurious foreign perfume, while also smelling so good you can't help but bring your face closer. Each one offers a fresh, refreshing fragrance.

◆Soap Gift Box, Classic Collection

First and foremost, the representative line is the Classic Collection. It recreates the essence of CLAUSPORTO itself, a tradition dating back to the 19th century. These soaps, blended with emollient pistachio oil and mango oil, are available as a set of 3 larger bars or a set of 8 smaller bars.

▼Scents in the set of 3

CHIC ★Soft Floral

Amid floral notes of lily, musk, sandalwood, and tulip, fresh kiwi leaf blends beautifully with brilliant pink pepper.

PEAR SANDALWOOD ★Oriental Woody

A light, fruity-woody note of sandalwood. Set against notes of mimosa, pear, and geranium, sandalwood and musk combine to create a memorable scent.

LAVANDRE (Lavender) ★Aroma Fresh

Be enveloped in the refined scent of lavender paired with sweet, elegant vanilla.

▼Scents in the set of 8

AGUA DE COLONIA ★Fresh Green

A subtle hint of myrrh and patchouli. Blended with fresh sandalwood, this scent carries a timeless, traditional character that transcends any particular era.

BLACK SUMBURST ★Floral

The distinctive scent of tuberose is blended with the delicate notes of mimosa and acacia, beloved by many.

DOUBLE ALMOND ★Soft Floral

Sweet violet and fig extracts blend with tonka bean, leaving behind a sweet almond powder scent.

SPRING ★Fresh Green

A scent like an unexpected gift. The aromas of lettuce, basil, and watercress mingle with cucumber and avocado, making this one a delight to discover.

CHIC ★Soft Floral

Within floral notes of lily, musk, sandalwood, and tulip, fresh kiwi leaf mingles with gorgeous pink pepper.

CHICKEN ★Fresh Citrus

The fresh scent of lemongrass and a subtle citrus note of lime take center stage, while faint hints of white jasmine and ylang-ylang add a distinctive touch.

LEAO VERDE ★Fougère (Fern)

A gentle vanilla base is followed by an elegant note of spice.

MIRROR ★Fruity Floral

An elegant scent reminiscent of a Post-Impressionist painting. Red berries blend with a subtle woody spice, sweet plum and pomegranate, and jasmine.

◆Soap Gift Box Deco Collection

The Deco Collection is a soap set that captures the essence of CLAUSPORTO, boldly featuring striking and captivating patterns drawn from the design archives that helped establish the brand's reputation from the late 19th to early 20th century. Rich in shea butter, these soaps are known for their smooth, creamy lather.

DECO ★Fresh Citrus

The scents of fresh basil, warm vetiver, and moss bring a natural sense of calm reminiscent of Portugal's lush greenery.

FAVORITO ★Soft Floral

Inspired by Portugal's rich fields of poppies. The red packaging is adorned with a rose, an Art Nouveau floral motif.

CERINA ★Fresh Aquatic

A fresh, soothing scent like the waves along Portugal's Mediterranean coast—a refreshing marine blend derived from Mediterranean pine and sea moss.

BANHO ★Fresh Citrus

The fresh, vibrant scent of verbena is emphasized, while wood and musk are blended in to add depth to this light fragrance.

CHYPRE ★Oriental Floral

The alluring scents of black currant, vanilla, and peach are joined by jasmine and sweet lychee, creating an oriental atmosphere.

VOGA ★Fruity Floral

A sweet bouquet blending Portuguese acacia flower and tuberose, with mimosa and musk creating a delicate floral yet fresh fragrance.

◆Guest Soap Box

The four-leaf clover (TREVO) is known worldwide as a symbol of good luck. This set holds 15 small soaps in four fragrances—the calming ALFACE (soft floral), the relaxing CERINA (fresh aquatic), the energizing BANHO (fresh citrus), and the invigorating FAVORITO (soft floral)—a set that wishes for happiness like a four-leaf clover. Being small in size, they're perfect to carry on your travels like a good-luck charm, helping you relax wherever you go.

◆Set of 3 Aroma Candles

Made with luxurious aroma fragrances lavishly blended in Grasse, southern France, these candles draw out rare, fragrant essences of flowers, fruits, and aromatic woods using a traditional formula passed down since the brand's founding, bringing out a gorgeous and refined aroma. Each candle burns for approximately 20 to 30 hours.

The vessel is crafted from the finest unglazed porcelain, designed to express the diamond pattern characteristic of Portuguese architecture. This container is said to be a rare and special item, with only 30 pieces made per casting. Light spreads softly through the diamond pattern, creating an elegant atmosphere a cut above the rest.

BANHO ★Fresh Citrus

The fresh scent of verbena is emphasized, blended with wood and musk to add depth. A touch of sweetness paired with a refreshing aroma brings a sense of calm.

VOGA ★Fruity Floral

A delicate floral scent that wraps you in warmth. A sweet bouquet blending Portuguese acacia flower and tuberose. Mimosa and musk create a delicate floral yet fresh fragrance.

CERINA ★Fresh Aquatic

A fresh, soothing scent reminiscent of waves washing onto the shore, derived from Mediterranean pine and sea moss. The relaxing woody notes bring a sense of calm.

◆Deco Candle

This one is somewhat larger compared to the 3-piece set. The burn time is approximately 50 to 70 hours per candle.

▼FAVORITO-RED POPPY (pink package)

Top notes: red berries, green leaves

Heart notes: red rose

Base notes: patchouli relief

The vivid scent of red berries, especially green leaves and red roses, blends with pepper and patchouli to create the fantastical mood of a red poppy.

▼VOGA-ACACIA TUBEROSE (blue package)

Top notes: orange blossom, green leaves

Heart notes: almond blossom, mimosa, tuberose

Base notes: tonka bean, vanilla, musk

A spring bouquet of almond blossom, mimosa and tuberose blends with green leaves, orange blossom and cyclamen, bringing a certain refreshing quality.

◆Deco Diffuser 200ml

This diffuser set lets you enjoy the scents of CLAUSPORTO throughout your room. It comes with two 100ml fragrance bottles, reed sticks, and a stylish unglazed ceramic vessel. With its simple design that doubles as interior decor, this diffuser fits naturally into modern living spaces.

▼BANHO - CITRON VERBENA

Top notes: lemon, orange, grapefruit, verbena

Heart notes: lavender, rosemary, mint, basil

Base notes: musk, vanilla

Citrus notes of lemon, orange and mandarin layer with verbena and basil leaf, while a base of musk and a touch of vanilla create a well-balanced fragrance.

▼FAVORITO - RED POPPY

Top notes: red berry, green leaf

Heart notes: red rose

Base notes: patchouli leaf

Centered on green leaf and red rose, the vibrant scent of red berry blends with pepper and patchouli, creating the fantastical mood of a red poppy.

▼DECO - ENCENS EUCALYPTUS

Top notes: galbanum, cypress

Heart notes: elemi, eucalyptus, pine

Base notes: cedarwood, juniper branch

A sensual base of elemi, cedarwood, eucalyptus and smoky juniper drifts together with green galbanum, pine and cypress, capturing the true beauty of a garden in Porto.

◆Eau de Cologne Travel Spray 10ml

This cologne draws inspiration from the scents and scenery of Portugal. Its compact size makes it perfect for travel, easily tucked into a pocket or bag so you can wear your favorite scent wherever you go. It's useful when you want to relax, boost your focus, or refresh your mood.

【1】VETIVER: Modern Vetiver

Summer in Portugal's Alentejo region, where strong sunlight, drifting clouds and sea breezes mingle together to create warm, dry air—this is the mood expressed by VETIVER. A refreshing summer scent, it's recommended for whenever you want to feel invigorated. For those who love vetiver and the scent of the sea.

【2】GERANIUM: Fresh Fougère

Geranium blends rose-like glamour with a crisp herbal edge. GERANIUM gives this traditional scent a modern arrangement, born from inspiration drawn from an exotic, atmospheric garden in the heart of Lisbon.

【3】FOUGERE: Modern Fougère

Endless beaches and pine forests stretching toward the Atlantic. In Comporta and the Tróia Peninsula south of Lisbon, golden sands spread beneath dunes home to fragrant pine trees. FOUGERE was born from this concept—a quiet, composed scent that skillfully blends sea breeze with woody notes.

【4】CLEMENTINE: Modern Citrus

Citrus notes of orange and lemon blend with lavender and orange blossom in a scent as radiant as pure sunlight. Its refreshing quality lifts the mood, inviting you to the citrus orchards and winter fruits along the Douro River.

【5】PORTO: Classic Citrus

By blending citrus notes with woody, deep galbanum and resin, this scent achieves a perfect balance of tradition and modernity. It carries you to Porto, a city of sea breezes, historic architecture, stone and granite, and works of art.

【6】FLORES: White Floral

This scent expresses the Portuguese tradition of fusing exoticism brought by the sea and its great navigators, achieved by harmonizing noble white flowers with exotic aromas. Jasmine and orange blossom blend together to express a scent of femininity and sensuality.

We've introduced CLAUSPORTO, a brand born in Portugal. From the days when soap and perfume were considered luxury items to the present, CLAUSPORTO has continued its careful craftsmanship, creating soaps with a truly luxurious scent. Why not choose one of these treasure-like soaps—soaps that bring a moment of pure bliss with every use—as a treat for yourself, or as a gift for a birthday or return gift, and enjoy a slightly different kind of everyday life?