The Evolution of Soap Through History

Soap's history dates back to 2800 BC, with the earliest recipes found on Babylonian clay tablets. These ancient soaps were made from fats boiled with ashes, a basic method used for many centuries.

The Ebers Papyrus, an Egyptian medical document from 1550 BC, describes combining animal and vegetable oils with alkaline salts to form a soap-like substance, used for treating skin diseases and washing.

Ancient Romans are often credited with popularizing baths and scented soaps, with the first clear evidence of soap being made for personal hygiene dating back to around 100 AD.

By the 7th century, soap making had become an established craft in Europe. The Soapmakers' Guilds in Italy and Spain were known for their high-quality, scented soaps, often using local olive oil.

In the early 19th century, American William Colgate began mass-producing soap, paving the way for the growth of commercial soap manufacturing. Colgate's company later became Colgate-Palmolive, a household name.

The late 19th century introduced a new era of marketing. Soap became one of the first products to be brand-named and advertised, with companies like Pears and Ivory leading the way in creative ad campaigns.

In the 1980s, antibacterial soaps became popular, containing chemicals like triclosan. However, by the 21st century, concerns over antibiotic resistance and environmental impact led to scrutiny and reevaluation of such ingredients.