History of Soap

Soap has been a integral part of people's daily lives for thousands of years. Today, it is a commodity that is used by most households throughout the world, many times each day.

It has been traded around the world, been heavily taxed and built corporate empires.

Advertising by manufacturers gave us soap operas and promises of health and beauty.

Demand for tallow to make soap has resulted in the destruction of forests and production was often very polluting.

On these pages you will find everything you ever wanted to know about soap throughout history - and more.

We have compiled information about the earliest known soapmakers and technological advances that have enabled wider scale production.

You will also find information about the individual soap manufacturers that have contributed to the soap industry and the role they have played in making soap a commonplace item in every household.

I hope you have as much fun learning about the history of soapmaking as I did.

Vicki Younger