Soap, what about it? What is it???

Soap is the product of a chemical process called saponification, which occurs when acids in the form of animal or vegetable fats are combined with an alkali (a solution of Sodium Hydroxide and water, called lye) and produce a mixture of soap and glycerin. Quite simply, it's a slippery substance that produces bubbles.

Soap making is an ancient craft. Prehistoric people may have discovered soap when fat and ash met and saponified as they cooked over open pits. A soap manufactory was uncovered in the ruins at Pompeii, and the Greek physician Galen wrote about soap in the second century. It's hard to believe that as recent as the last century, soap had to be labelled as to its use. Also, during this time, soap fell out of popularity as some modest Victorians believed "soap baths" as disgraceful and sinful.

Some of the famous brand name soaps that you buy today are actually not soap at all. Nowhere on the packages does the word "soap" appear, rather the products are labelled "Beauty Bars" or "Deodorant Bars". They are synthetic detergents. These Beauty Bars also contain chemical components called "Builders" that increase the efficiency of the soap. In natural soap there are no "Builders" and the glycerine that is a natural by-product of soap remains in the soap. Commercial soaps remove the glycerine, purify it and sell it separately.

Making soap is one of the few hobbies that really inspire curiosity. People wonder why in the world would you make your own soap. There are so many reasons; interest, curiosity, supplemental income, gentler to your skin than commercial soap, wonderful gifts, little pieces of art in your bathroom, custom soap to suit only you, all natural skin care, endless options and combinations, sense of accomplishment, and a whole lot of fun! I love to give someone a bar of soap and hear a couple weeks later that they will never use bought soap again. They say there is no comparison in the way your skin feels after using Natural Soap in comparison to Commercial Soap.

When you combine soap and aromatherapy you have a wonderful combination of cleanliness and relaxation. It is certainly no surprise that a relaxing, scented bath can soothe us and renew our spirits. Although no medical claims are made here, essential oils of plants are believed to have pharmacological, physiological and psychological effects, and specific effects and qualities are attributed to them. Essential oils come from different parts of flowers, including the leaves, the petals, the seeds and the fruit. Essential oils have been used since ancient times in a variety of ways. Essential oils are generally absorbed into the body in one of two ways: either through the pores of the skin or through nasal cavities during inhalation.

Since every bar is cut by hand there may be variations in size and shape, but this uniqueness contributes to the character of handmade soap. Soap is ideal for baby showers, wedding showers, friends, long distance giving, and a wonderful gift for the person who has everything.

Benefits of natural soap are: Glycerin is a natural byproduct of the soapmaking process. The glycerin is removed in the commercial soap making process. Commercial bars leave your skin dry. Natrual soaps contain glycerin retaining the softening properties of the glycerin. That is why it rinses clean leaving no dry residue, leaving your skin soft and smooth.

The waters of the Dead Sea contain 21 minerals, 12 of these are found in no other sea or ocean. They are recognized for imparting a relaxed feeling, nourishing the skin, activating the circulatory system and beneficial for various skin conditions such as, acne, eczema and psoriasis.