what exactly is soap?

Soap has been part of human life for a long time—like, ancient Babylon long. Early soapmakers mixed fats with ashes to make basic cleansing bars, and over time, civilizations like the Romans and Egyptians refined the craft. By the Middle Ages, soap-making had become a respected trade, especially in places like France and Syria, where luxurious, fragrant soaps were in high demand.

Today’s handmade soap often follows those same old-school methods, especially cold process soap-making. This technique blends fats or oils with a lye solution, kicks off a chemical reaction called saponification, and—voilà—you’ve got soap. After pouring the mix into molds, the bars cure for several weeks to become hard, gentle, and ready for your bathroom shelf.

One ingredient you might not expect? Animal fat. Lard (from pigs) and tallow (from cows) have been used in soap for centuries, and for good reason. They make bars that are creamy, conditioning, and long-lasting. They’re also a smart, sustainable way to use materials that might otherwise go to waste. In other words, your bar can be both kind to skin and planet.

Unlike many mass-produced soaps, handmade bars keep their natural glycerin—a humectant that helps your skin stay soft instead of stripped. Add in a few extras like essential oils, clays, or dried herbs, and you’ve got a bar that not only cleans but feels like a little moment of self-care.

So yes, it’s “just soap”—but it’s also chemistry, history, sustainability, and skincare all wrapped into one little bar. Whether it’s a tallow-based bar or a floral-scented beauty, handmade soap brings a little more intention—and a lot more joy—to your everyday routine.