Handmade Soap

Soap is an anionic surfactant which when combined with water can be used to clean and wash both bodies and clothing or other fabrics. The sodium or potassium salts of fatty acids combined with lye or other powerful alkaline salts are combined through a procedure known as saponification. Though this sounds extremely technical, it has been achieved with fairly basic compounds in the making of handmade soap for thousands of years.

One thirteenth century soap recipe called for a sprinkle of potash, alkali, sesame oil and lime to be mixed together and boiled into cakes which could then be left to harden. Modern handmade soaps often use a similar, if slightly more technical, process. Though some basic understanding of chemistry will yield much finer soaps, even a layperson with no background in chemistry can quickly began making quality soaps right in their own homes.

Making homemade soaps has become a popular hobby across the country. Families often take part in it together to make a wide variety of unique soaps. Homemade soaps can also be purchased at local bath and beauty suppliers, online retailers, or even at your local farmers market. With some drive and a little bit of ingenuity, quality soaps can be made or enjoyed by just about anybody.