History of Soap Making – Goat’s Milk Soap

The history of soap making began when the first recorded evidence of soap-like materials dates back to approximately 2800 BC, found in clay cylinders during the excavation of ancient Babylon. Approximately in the 2200 a. C., soap formula inscriptions were written on the clay saying that fats were boiled with ashes, which is one way of making soap, but no reference was made to the purpose of the soap.

Approximately in the year 1500 a. C., the ancient Egyptians used animal and vegetable oils combined with alkaline salts to create a soap-like substance that was used to treat skin conditions and to wash.

Around the year 600 a. C., the Phoenicians used soap to clean wool, cotton and textiles before weaving and dyeing them, instead of washing them.

The early Greeks did not use soap. They were washed with blocks of clay, pumice, sand, and ash, and then anointed with oil. Sweat and dirt were then scraped off with a curved-bladed metal instrument called a strigil. Much later, in the 2nd century AD. C., the famous Greek physician Galen recommended washing with soap as a preventive measure for certain diseases, especially skin diseases.

The bath became popular in Roman times. An entire soap factory was discovered in the ruins of Pompeii in AD 79. The Romans exfoliated using abrasive substances such as sand and pumice stone and then scraped off the grime and grime with sticks or a strigil. Luxurious scented baths and massages followed this ritual of exfoliation, with scented oils.

In the 13th century, when the soap industry was introduced from Italy to France, most soap was produced from the tallow of goats, with beech ash providing the alkali.

Moving forward in time, great-grandmother processed animal fats into oils, so she was limited to tallow or lard. We have all kinds of great oils to choose from, but lard with a little olive oil and coconut oil makes a wonderful basic castile soap. Great-grandmother also had to make her own lye; we have commercially available standardized bleach.

After researching the scientific facts; chemical qualities of different oils, the active properties of botanicals, the results of saponification, and the physical properties of foam and bubbles, the result produced a soft and delicate natural homemade soap. This homemade soap is called goat milk soap.

Goat milk soap offers many skin care benefits unlike modern commercial soaps. Contains gentle, mild, natural ingredients, unlike the harsh “chemically made” ingredients or detergents in modern soaps. Goat milk soap leaves skin close to its natural pH level, unlike harsh detergent type soaps. Goat’s milk soap contains the benefits of vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. Artisanal soap experts confirm that goat’s milk is the ingredient that makes the difference between a normal artisan soap and a miraculous luxury item!

Ingredients such as oatmeal or aloe vera juice can be added to goat milk soap to help contribute to its calming properties. This homemade soap is great for all skin types including: dry itchy skin, dry flaky skin, oily skin, acne, and sensitive skin. Harsh commercial soaps can, in fact, contribute to poor skin conditions. Oil production, on the face, is often the skin’s natural reaction against the harsh chemicals in commercial soaps. Goat’s milk soaps, soft and smooth, healthy, gently cleanses, softens, soothes, moisturizes and nourishes the skin.

Learn about the history of soap. Get back to nature by using homemade skin care products like natural goat milk soaps. You can have beautiful, healthy skin the way nature intended.