The History of Natural Soap in the UK
The history of natural soap in the UK dates back to ancient times, when people used to make soap using ingredients like animal fat and ash. This traditional method of soap making remained prevalent in the country until the 19th century when the Industrial Revolution brought about a significant change in the soap industry.
Before the advent of industrialisation, people in the UK used to make soap at home using a process known as "cold process" soap making. This involved mixing animal fat, such as lard or tallow, with lye, which was made by mixing ash with water. The mixture was then left to cure for several weeks before it was ready to use. The soap made using this method was often harsh on the skin and could cause irritation, but it was cheap and readily available.
With the rise of industrialization, soap making became more efficient and cost-effective. New methods of soap making were developed, including the "hot process" method, which involved heating the mixture of fat and lye to speed up the curing process. This resulted in a faster and more consistent production of soap, which was much cheaper than the traditional method.
During the Victorian era, soap making became a thriving industry in the UK, with many soap manufacturers setting up factories to produce soap on a large scale. This led to a proliferation of soap brands, each with their own unique fragrances and formulations.
However, with the rise of mass-produced soap, concerns about the harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances used in these products began to emerge. Consumers started to look for alternatives to commercial soap, which led to a resurgence of interest in natural soap.
Today, natural soap is more popular than ever in the UK, with many small-scale producers offering handmade, natural soap made using traditional methods and natural ingredients like plant oils, essential oils, and botanical extracts. These artisanal soaps are often free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances, making them gentler on the skin and better for the environment.
Zero waste
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in zero-waste soap, which involves packaging soap in eco-friendly materials and reducing waste by using every part of the soap. This has led to the rise of innovative soap products like shampoo bars, which can be used to wash hair and body, and soap pouches made from natural materials like sisal, which can be used to exfoliate and clean the skin.
Vegan friendly
One of the most recent changes in the natural soap industry in the UK is the increased focus on vegan-friendly soap. This has come about as a result of the growing awareness around animal welfare and the impact of animal agriculture on the environment.
Many traditional soap recipes include animal-derived ingredients like tallow, which is rendered beef or mutton fat, and lard, which is rendered pig fat. However, as the demand for vegan and cruelty-free products has grown, many soap makers have turned to plant-based ingredients instead.
Plant-based oils, like coconut oil, olive oil, and sunflower oil, are commonly used in vegan soap making, as they provide similar benefits to animal fats without the ethical concerns. Additionally, vegan soap makers may use plant-based additives like natural clays, herbs, and botanicals to add fragrance and texture to their soaps.
The increased focus on vegan-friendly soap has also led to greater innovation in the industry. Soap makers are experimenting with new plant-based ingredients and fragrances, and exploring new ways of packaging and marketing their products.
The natural soap industry in the UK has undergone significant changes over the years, from traditional soap making methods to industrialisation and mass production, and now to a renewed focus on natural, handmade, and vegan-friendly soap. As consumers become more aware of the impact of their purchasing decisions, the demand for ethical and sustainable soap products is likely to continue to grow, driving further innovation in the industry.
Our natural soap bar collection
If you're interested in trying out natural soap that's vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, look no further than our natural soaps! Our natural soap bars are made in small batches using a cold press method, which ensures that all the natural goodness of the ingredients is preserved. They contain plant-based oils and additives to create gentle and effective soaps that are good for your skin and the environment. Additionally, our soaps come in fully recyclable packaging, so you can enjoy the benefits of natural soap without having to worry about your impact on the planet. We're proud to offer natural soap that's ethical, sustainable, and effective, and we encourage you to give it a try today!