History of Soap Making
Babylonians...
The known history of soap perhaps goes back to Babylonians. They had realised that mixing ashes and water helps to remove oils and grease from grimy objects.
Alkalis in ash and water gradually mix with oily grime on dirty surfaces. This mixture gives rise to a special salt compound of fatty acids—or what we now call ‘soap’. Such a soapy solution is capable of disintegrating stubborn dirt and grime quickly.
Romans...
Romans believe that the word ‘soap’ may have come from Mount Sapo. As the legend goes, when ancient Romans sacrificed animals at the top of the mountain, the animal fat (tallow) has mixed with wood ashes and washed into the River Tiber.
Locals noticed that this soapy water mixture was very efficient at washing and bathing. This realisation may have encouraged Romans to learn how to produce solid soap using wood ash and various fatty oils.
Eventually, soap was made around the world, using diverse animal fat, plant oils, and butters.
Today...
Lately, artificial detergents have taken the place of soap because they are cheaper to produce and easy to be customised according to various market demands.
But the use of detergents and liquid soap in plastic containers has led to worsening the plastic
waste and chemical pollution.
Recently, Palm Oil has become a customary ingredient in the cleaning product industry. Yet, rapid expansions of Palm plantations have been recognised as a major threat to rain forests.
Future...
Promisingly, palm oil-free, solid soap and shampoo bars seem a sustainable alternative to synthetic detergents and plastic containers. We also believe that home-made artisan soap can make humdrum washing a unique and enjoyable experience.
