History of Soap

Soap has been an integral part of cleanliness and hygiene since ancient times. Its existence and evolution in human history provides important information about the health understanding and lifestyle of societies. In this article, we will examine the journey of natural soaps and its evolution from its formation to the present day.

In our article, an overview of the history of soap will be presented and especially the development of natural soaps will be emphasised. The content will include the following main topics:

• First Use of Soap in 2800 BC
• Ancient Roman Period and Soap
• Soap Production in the Middle Ages
• Industrial Revolution and Soap
• Modern Soaps and the Rise of Natural Soaps

First Use of Soap in 2800 BC

Information on the first use of soap as a cleaning material in 2800 BC has been found in the written tablets of various civilisations throughout history. According to some studies, soaps are thought to have entered our lives for the first time in Mesopotamia as a mixture of alkaline substances combined with various oils and plant extracts.

As a result of the saponification reaction of potassium salts, sodium and soda ash, it is accepted that it may be the first form of soap. However, in this period, soap was a material used in rituals and treatment methods rather than for washing or cleaning purposes.

There are multiple guesses about the exact origin of the word soap. Some of these estimates suggest that the word dates back to Ancient Rome, while other opinions claim that the word dates back to Mesopotamia or Ancient Greece.

Since those times, soap has been produced and used by almost every civilisation. Ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman civilisations developed and popularised the use of soap in a wide range of applications.

From 2800 BC to the present day, the evolution of soap has developed greatly. This date is considered as a starting point for the production and use of soap and sheds light on the history of soap.

Ancient Rome and Soap

The ancient Roman period forms an important part of the history of soap. This was a period of significant changes in the use and production of soap. In the Roman period, soap production was usually done in large boilers. Soaps were obtained by saponification reaction of sodium and potassium salts of soda ash with fatty acids.

Soap moulds have been found in excavations of ancient Roman lands, even in the soil under the lava outflow in Pompeii. These findings prove that soap was widely used in this period and even produced to certain standards.

In this period, soap was used not only for cleaning purposes, but also for making cosmetics, lotions, creams, sprays and medicines. The ancient Roman period is considered to be a time period in which the areas of use of soap diversified and thus soap entered many areas of life.

The ancient Roman period allows us to learn more about the history of soap, to better understand how old soap has a history and how it was used in which periods. This gives us the opportunity to better understand the value of soap, which is an important part of human history.

Soap Production in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, soap making was an important area of development and was usually made in large cauldrons. Soaps, especially those made from vegetable or animal fats, played a major role in people's daily lives. Generally, soap was obtained by the reaction of sodium and potassium salts of soda ash with fatty acids.

• However, the techniques used for soap production during this period are not described in detail in historical documents, which makes the information on this subject somewhat limited.
• Although specific information is lacking, it is generally known that large cauldrons were used for soap production and the soap paste was added to the mixture in the cauldron and boiled.
• It is known that the vegetable or animal fats used in soap making are alkaline salts of fatty acids of various lengths.

In addition, as personal hygiene became more important at this time, soap and cleaning materials became more popular. In particular, the use of liquid soaps facilitated the cleaning of clothes, floors and bathrooms. Finally, the production and use of soap in the Middle Ages is considered an impressive advance that reflects the capabilities of the science and technology of the time.

Industrial Revolution and Soap

The Industrial Revolution drastically changed the production and use of soap. During this period, soap production became a more scientific process. French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul demonstrated in the 19th century that soap is a fatty acid salt. This discovery improved modern soap manufacturing and made it a faster, more economical and more standardised process.

Improved production techniques and a more widespread public health awareness triggered an increase in the use of soap. Home soap production was replaced by commercial soap production. During this period, different types of soap emerged and entered commercial life.

In 1865, William Shepphard patented a liquid form of soap. This further accelerated soap production and distribution, and soap became available to many people who previously had no access to it. The Industrial Revolution changed our understanding and habits of cleanliness with the introduction of liquid soaps as well as solid soaps.

With the increase in retail outlets, fabrication methods and evolving distribution channels, soap has become a popular household item. These new types of soap became indispensable for cleaning and hygiene and contributed to public health.

Modern Soaps and the Rise of Natural Soaps

Modern soap production developed in the 19th century when French chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul showed that soap is a fatty acid salt. This discovery was a turning point in the soap industry. More recently, liquid soaps have become popular, especially those introduced by B.J.Johnson in 1898.

Modern soaps, with their new soap varieties and improved formulations, have significantly improved the cleanliness of clothes, floors and bathrooms. Soaps have become excellent agents that facilitate cleaning processes and ensure hygiene of surfaces. The advantage of liquid soaps was that they were more effective in traditional or machine washing methods.

Nowadays, after the industrialisation of soap production and formulations began to conflict with ecological consciousness, the importance of old natural soaps has been rediscovered and the rise of natural soaps has begun.

Natural soaps are usually made from vegetable oils and, unlike artificial chemicals, do not leave harmful residues on the skin. The widespread use of natural soaps is an indication of public concern about chemical cleaners and a movement in favour of natural products. In this context, the demand for natural cleaning products is increasing and this trend will continue to grow as consumers continue to pay more attention to their health.

As Baboon Natural, we follow this changing consumer trend and needs and take a leading role in the production of natural soap. Our products are produced from the highest quality and pure raw materials offered to us by nature. Our soaps, which are carefully prepared without using any artificial chemicals, offer a healthy alternative for both your skin and the environment. However, we are pleased to serve you by meeting the demand in the natural product market with a production approach that always prioritises consumer health and the protection of nature.