Claus Porto is one of the oldest and most prestigious soap making factories in Porto, Portugal. It was started in 1887 by two world renowned German chemists (Ferdinand Claus and Georges Schwedder). Due to the events of WWI, the two founders had to leave Portugal and sold the company to one of its executives, Achilles de Brito. The company then flourished and become known as the best soap making company in all of Europe, where famous fragrance houses in France, England and Spain came to have their soaps made. The factory is still family owned and run by the great grandson of Achilles de Brito.

Claus Porto has not switched its production to be more modern or automated. They are proud to still honor the tradition of milling (mixing) their soaps seven times - the more times the mix is passed through the mill, the more air bubbles are forced out of the mix, allowing the fragrance to be more evenly distributed. This allows them to create a dense, hard soap that will not needlessly crack and will render a creamy, fragrant lather. All the soaps are air dried naturally as opposed to using hot air machines which only dries the outside leaving the inside soft and gooey and liable to turn into a ugly blob after being used. The creamy bars are made with coconut oil and enriched with 2% shea butter to moisturize and protect the skin. Only the finest fragrances from France are used and they are never tested on animals. All the gorgeous papers that the products come wrapped in are reproductions of the turn of the century artwork found in the Claus Porto archives.
 
The Claus Porto "large bars" are 12.34 ounces of an amazing mix of shea butter and fabulous fragrance that will happily last for a long time. Combine this bar with its matching hand soap and cream and you'll be giving an elegant gift that your recipient is sure to enjoy.

Ilyria invokes the presence of meadows of flowers with the smooth scent of honeysuckle. It tickles your nose and fills your environment with its sweet essence, making each bath an unforgettable one! This is a light fragrance and makes a perfect gift. The bright blue and yellow design is equally as wonderful.