The Origins of Handmade Soaps: A Journey Back to Simplicity By Ishita

Soap is one of humanity’s oldest and most essential inventions. Yet, in the age of convenience, we often forget its humble, handmade origins—crafted not in factories, but in kitchens, apothecaries, and homes using ingredients from the earth.

A Brief History of Handmade Soaps

The earliest evidence of soap-making dates back to ancient Babylon around 2800 BCE. These early soaps were made using a simple mixture of water, alkali, and animal fats or plant oils¹. In ancient Egypt, soap-like substances were used for bathing and treating skin ailments. Later, Roman records from the first century CE describe soaps made with tallow and ashes, used for both cleaning and cosmetic purposes².

By the Middle Ages, soap-making had evolved into a skilled craft in parts of Europe and the Islamic world. Marseille, Aleppo, and Nablus became centres of artisanal soap-making, using olive oil, lye, and herbs. These soaps were prized for their gentleness and natural ingredients³.

The Decline of Handmade Soaps

With the onset of the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, soap-making shifted from small-batch artisanship to mass production. Major manufacturers began using synthetic detergents and fillers to cut costs and meet rising demand. The result was cheaper, longer-lasting bars—but at the cost of quality.

This industrial shift marked the beginning of a widespread decline in handmade soaps. Natural oils were replaced with petroleum derivatives, and the nourishing glycerin produced during saponification was often removed for use in other industries. The result? Soaps that were efficient, yes—but also drying, harsh, and devoid of the richness handmade varieties once offered⁴.

The Return to Roots: Why Handmade Soaps Are Making a Comeback

In recent years, there has been a growing desire to return to more mindful, sustainable living. Consumers are reading labels, questioning ingredients, and seeking products that align with their values. Handmade soaps, with their transparency, gentleness, and artistry, are once again in the spotlight.

Here are a few reasons why handmade soaps are regaining popularity:

• Skin-friendly Formulations: Handmade soaps retain natural glycerin, a humectant that attracts moisture, keeping the skin hydrated.
• Earth-conscious Choices: Small-batch makers often use biodegradable ingredients and minimal packaging, reducing environmental impact.
• Tailored for You: With endless combinations of botanicals, oils, and essential oils, handmade soaps can be crafted to suit specific skin types and preferences.
• Support for Small Makers: Choosing handmade supports local artisans and small businesses over multinational corporations.

Why Choose Handmade Over Commercial?

While commercial soaps are designed for shelf life and mass appeal, handmade soaps are made with intention. Each bar tells a story—from the oils chosen, to the botanicals infused, to the time taken to cure it. They are less about surface cleaning, and more about holistic care of your skin, your senses, and the planet.

At Gaia and You, we honour this age-old craft through our small-batch, earth-loving soaps. Inspired by floral fields, grasslands, and the calm of nature, each bar is made using gentle ingredients that your skin—and the earth—will thank you for.

Perhaps it’s time to return to the simple, the honest, the handmade.

1. Ruder, Toni. "A Short History of Soap." Journal of Chemical Education, 1991. ↩
2. Pliny the Elder. Natural History, Book 28. ↩
3. British Library. “A Short History of Soap.” ↩
4. Smithsonian Institution. “Soap: The Science Behind Bubbles and Cleanliness.” ↩

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