The History of Soap: From Ancient Babylon to Modern Artisan Craft

The History of Soap: From Ancient Babylon to Modern Artisan Craft

The humble bar of soap has been a faithful companion to humanity for thousands of years. From its origins as a rudimentary mixture of fats and ashes to the luxurious artisan creations we enjoy today, the history of soap is as rich and varied as civilisation itself. As a British artisan soap maker, I find endless inspiration in the past, where ingenuity, practicality, and art intertwined to create this vital cleansing tool.

Ancient Beginnings: The First Soap Makers

Soap’s story begins in ancient Babylon, around 2800 BCE, where traces of soap-like substances were discovered on clay cylinders. Historical records suggest the Babylonians combined animal fats with wood ash and water to create a crude cleansing agent. Their recipes laid the groundwork for future soap-making techniques.

Further south, the Egyptians documented their own cleansing treatments around 1500 BCE in the Ebers Papyrus. These early soaps often included natural oils and alkaline salts, enhancing their cleansing and skin-conditioning properties. See the Ebers Papyrus’s recipes for oil-alkali cleansers

The Romans: Soap as a Luxury

While soap’s practical uses were acknowledged early on, it wasn’t until the Roman Empire (around 1st century CE) that soap-making began to resemble the craft we know today. Legend credits Mount Sapowhere animal fats mixed with ashes flowing into nearby rivers, as the site of soap’s discovery. Though the story remains unverified, Roman baths popularised soap, blending olive oil with ashes for personal hygiene.

Surprisingly, Roman soap was often reserved for the wealthy. It was considered an indulgence, with poorer citizens relying more on abrasive tools like strigils to cleanse their skin; delve into ThoughtCo’s overview of Roman oil-strigil hygiene.

Medieval Soap Making: A European Tradition

Following the fall of Rome, soap production found a new home in Europe. By the 7th century, Arab chemists mastered methods for crafting soap using alkali and olive oil. This technology spread to Europe, particularly Spain and Italy, where Castile soap—a pure olive oil soap—became renowned for its gentle properties. Today, Castile soap remains a beloved staple in many artisan collections. our handmade soap collection.

In the Middle Ages, soap making evolved further, becoming an essential trade in cities like Marseilles and Savona. These centres of soap production used Mediterranean olive oil to create high-quality products, which were exported across Europe.

The Industrial Revolution: Soap for All

The advent of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century marked a turning point in soap’s history, as production moved from small workshops to factories. Chemical advancements, such as Michel Eugène Chevreul’s work on fatty acids, revolutionised soap making. His discoveries led to the development of cheaper and more efficient manufacturing processes and here we see Chevreul’s 1823 saponification breakthroughs.

During this time, soap transitioned from luxury to necessity, spurred by increased awareness of hygiene and public health. Brands like Pears began marketing glycerine-based soaps with translucent finishes, making them highly sought after among the Victorian elite. Pears’ glycerine soap innovation since 1807.

Artisan Soap Today: Crafting with Purpose

Fast forward to the present day, and soap has become an art form once more. While industrial soaps dominate supermarket shelves, artisan soap makers have rekindled traditional methods to create personalised, eco-friendly alternatives.

As a soap maker, I’m deeply committed to using natural ingredients, from nourishing butters to essential oils. Traditional cold process soap-making methods, which date back centuries, allow me to craft products that are not only gentle on the skin but also kind to the environment.

Moreover, sustainability is a cornerstone of modern artisan soap craft. By avoiding palm oil and choosing biodegradable packaging, small-scale producers are paving the way towards a cleaner planet. Organisations like Greenpeace emphasise the importance of sustainable practices in reducing deforestation caused by palm oil production and developed a 2025 report on palm oil deforestation.

Why Choose Handmade Artisan Soap?

Handmade soap offers a sensory experience that mass-produced bars simply cannot replicate. Every batch is unique, reflecting the care, creativity, and skill of its maker. From the invigorating scent of lemongrass to the creamy lather of shea butter, artisan soap transforms an everyday ritual into a moment of self-care.

Artisan bars also cater to diverse skin needs. Unlike commercial soaps laden with synthetic additives, handmade soap retains natural glycerine, a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin.

The Future of Soap Making

As we look ahead, the soap-making industry faces both challenges and opportunities. Environmental concerns, such as microplastic pollution and water conservation, are driving innovation in product formulation and packaging. Educating consumers about the benefits of traditional soap and sustainable practices remains essential as is this 2025 PMC study on (microplastics) MPs in skin cleansers.

Even amidst evolving tastes and trends, one thing remains clear: the art of soap making, with its emphasis on quality, creativity, and care, is here to stay. For those of us devoted to the craft, it’s a privilege to continue the legacy of soap makers who came before us, bringing beauty and functionality into people’s daily lives. You can join the discussion on Reddit’s r/history thread about soap’s ancient roots.

Conclusion

The history of soap is a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability. From ancient Babylon to the artisan soap studios of today, every era has added its own unique touch to this essential product. As we embrace modern advancements, the heart of soap making, combining art and science to create something truly beneficial, remains unchanged.

At The Humble Shepherd Co., we celebrate this rich heritage every day. Whether you’re seeking gentle cleansing options or a luxurious pampering experience, our handmade soap collection offers a range of beautifully crafted soaps that honour tradition while embracing sustainability.