Published: July 1, 2025
Estimated read time: 8 minutes

Ever wondered 'Who invented soap? Well, it's something we all use every day. But while today it's often wrapped in plastic, filled with synthetic fragrances, or sold in fluorescent bottles, the humble bar of soap has a story that stretches back over 5,000 years. In this blog, we're diving deep into the rich history of soap across ancient civilisations—from Egypt and Rome to the forests of Mesopotamia—and why these natural, holistic rituals still matter today.

What is Soap, Really?

Soap, in its simplest form, is the product of combining natural fats or oils with an alkaline substance, creating a lathering cleanser. The original versions were nothing like the artificially dyed, perfumed, plastic-bottled variants we find on supermarket shelves today. They were earthy, oily, effective—and most importantly, natural.

Throughout history, civilisations have relied on local plants, oils, and minerals to cleanse, nourish, and protect the skin. Their ingredients were harvested from nature, and their routines were seen as both hygienic and sacred.

Before we get started, take a look at this: 

Soap in Ancient Egypt: Royal Rituals and Sacred Cleansing

"Cleopatra wasn’t just a beauty icon; she was the queen of all-natural personal care.In ancient Egypt, personal hygiene wasn’t a luxury—it was a daily ritual.

• Ingredients: Egyptians used animal fats, clay, and alkaline salts (like natron) mixed with oils like castor, sesame, and moringa.

• Daily Practice: Cleanliness was considered essential for both spiritual and physical well-being. Many Egyptians, especially in the upper class, bathed daily.

• Famous Users: Cleopatra reportedly bathed in milk and honey, used olive oil as a cleanser, and applied mineral-based scrubs to maintain her glow.

Why It Still Matters: Egyptian rituals embraced the concept of treating the skin with respect. Today, these traditions echo through our interest in natural oils, exfoliants, and ingredients like clay and charcoal.

Ancient Greece: The Olive Oil Approach

"Greeks didn’t use soap the way we do. They scraped oil off their bodies after exercise with a 'strigil'."

In ancient Greece, the focus was on purification and bodily health.

• Cleansing Routine: Athletes would coat their bodies in olive oil, exercise, and then scrape off the oil, sweat, and dirt.

• Spiritual Significance: Bathing was part of a ritualised daily routine, often taking place in public bathhouses.
  
  
  

Holistic Tie-In: Olive oil remains a core ingredient in modern soap bars, and it’s no coincidence. It’s deeply nourishing and full of antioxidants.

Ancient Rome: Hygiene and Social Ritual

Romans were serious about hygiene. Bathing was a social activity, complete with grooming kits, massage oils, and yes, primitive soaps.

• The Kit: Rich Romans carried personal grooming kits with tweezers, razors, and nail cleaners.

• Soap Ingredients: They made soap using goat’s fat and beech tree ashes.

• Daily Ritual: Roman baths were massive, elegant, and communal. Soap was used along with strigils and perfumes.

Modern Parallel: Today’s travel kits and minimalist routines can be traced back to these structured, efficient hygiene practices.

Global Echoes: Indigenous and Ancient Practices

While Western civilisations documented soap use, many cultures used unique ingredients to achieve the same results:

• India: Ayurvedic routines used turmeric, chickpea flour, neem, and sandalwood for cleansing.

• Africa: African black soap, made from plantain skins, cocoa pods, and shea butter, is still celebrated worldwide.

• China: Rice water and pearl powder were used for radiant skin and gentle exfoliation.

The First Recorded Soap Makers - Mesopotamia:

"We have cuneiform tablets from 2800 BC referencing soap-like substances. That’s right. Soap predates your iPhone by about 4,800 years."

The Sumerians of ancient Mesopotamia might be the true inventors of soap.

• Ingredients: A combination of water, alkali, and cassia oil.

• Purpose: These early formulas were used more for washing wool and textiles than for personal hygiene, though that changed over time.

Fun Fact: Soap was also mentioned in the famous Babylonian clay tablets as a medicinal cleanser for skin diseases.

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Natural Ingredients: Then and Now

So Why Did We Switch to Liquid Soaps?

The industrial revolution brought mass production, synthetic ingredients, and convenience to the forefront. Liquid soap, first patented in 1865, became popular due to its portability and foaming agents.

But it came at a cost:

• Plastic packaging
• Harsh sulphates and synthetic dyes
• Environmental damage
• Stripping natural oils from the skin

Modern beauty shelves are packed with "fast beauty." But ancient traditions remind us that effective personal care doesn't need to come in a bottle.

Why Bar Soaps Are Back (And Better Than Ever)

"Going back to bars isn’t regression. It’s evolution."

The rise of holistic wellness and low-tox living has sparked a bar soap renaissance:

• No liquids = no airport stress
• Natural oils = better skin health
• No plastic = lower environmental impact
• Minimalist = more intentional routines

Final Thoughts: From Clay Baths to Carry-On Kits

The ancients weren’t primitive. They were pioneers. Their routines were rooted in respect for the body and nature—an approach we’re finally returning to.

In 2025, this movement isn’t a trend. It’s a reset. From olive oil cleansers to coconut milk bars, we’re seeing a return to simplicity, sustainability, and self-care that goes beyond vanity.

So next time you lather up with a natural bar, remember: Cleopatra would approve.