A brief history of cold processed soap

Cold processed soap has an history going back 2800 BC when the ancient Babylonians mixed together fats and ash to make the very first soap. The process remains relatively unchanged although we use vegetable and seed-based oils and butters rather than animal fats and the ash has been replaced with a substance called ‘lye’. Traced through history from 2800 BC with each civilisation put its own spin on cold process soap. Ancient Egyptians created soaps made from both vegetable and animal oils, also known as tallow. In the late 6th century, there is evidence of the first soapmaker’s guild in Naples; a tradition that remains strong today through organisations like the Guild of Craft Soap and Toiletry Makers. By the 7th century, formulas evolved to include colour and fragrance. By the 15th century, France had ramped up production to supply the sudsy needs of their entire country in Provence and Marseille, where 2 soap factories existed. In the late 1700s-1800s soap making evolved into a legitimate industry in England where the same process was used.

There are different methods of making soap. However, the one we believe creates the best quality bar of soap is called the cold process method. Passed down through generations, the cold process soap making method creates gentle soaps that cured over 4 to 6 weeks produces a long-lasting bar with ultimate moisturisation.

At Barmby on the Marsh Artisan Soaps our passion ‘okay possibly obsession!’ began after meeting an artisan soap maker in the South West of France during a family holiday. The artistry of her craft was captivating and intriguing thereafter the bug firmly had us in its grip. Our aim is to produce beautifully crafted, gentle and moisturising soap for all the family using high quality natural ingredients and where possible locally sourced ingredients. Our initial range of 16 soaps is forever expanding as we create further recipes each with unique qualities. We hope you enjoy them as we do.

100％ natural