Until the early 1900’s, much of the soap used was made at home. Fats from cooking and butchering were saved until there was enough to make a batch of soap. This all changed in 1916 when a shortage of fats (a main ingredient in soap) occurred during World War I. As an alternative was needed, enterprising companies developed the first synthetic soaps called detergents.
Originally, all soap was made from animal fats — mainly lard from pigs and tallow from cattle. It was readily available and at the time no one questioned the use of animal by-products. Over time, new oils were extracted from vegetables, grains and nuts providing an alternative to animal oils.
Vegetable oil soaps are chemically superior and can be of higher quality than soaps made with animal fats. Vegetable oils are more readily absorbed by the skin while animal oils have been found to clog pores and aggravate certain skin conditions, such as eczema.
Today’s soaps are a result of a much better understanding of chemistry, experience, and a wider variety of ingredients to choose from. They are milder and better for skin thanks to the availability of vegetable and plant based oils.
The resurgence of handmade soaps in a wide variety of colourful shapes and designs has led to soaps appearance in the bathroom not just as an aid to cleanliness but as a part of the interior design. Particularly in so called “boutique hotel” style bathrooms where an interesting modern soap may be the only splash of colour included.
So many styles, shapes and colours of soap are readily available that everyone can have a little bit of art in their bathroom.
|
Blog Home
Visit the Shop
Blog Help
Contact Us