Oatmeal Soap
The Craft Of Natural Soap: Love To Lather!
Soap. Whatever your brand choice, it's an everyday product and has thought to have been part of history from as far back as Ancient Babylon, around 2500 BC. In fact, an entire soap factory with finished bars was unearthed within the Pompeii ruins (pictured right). The Egyptians used a similar soap-like material to clear their skin diseases. It has always been considered both for its medicinal and cleansing purposes and today, soap is still the first simple preventative suggestion for our current modern-day epidemic, swine flu. Jen Marsden writes.
Legend has it that the foamy stuff got its name from Mount Sapo during Roman times. After animals were sacrificed in fires the melted animal fat was washed down the hill by rainfall into the Tiber River (pictured below right) where women regularly washed. They noticed they were much cleaner here. What used to be an utterly mystifying experience for the Romans grew into an art form, particularly with soap that has been cold processed where success lies in perfect formulation and timing.
While not found in nature, soap is formed by a basic chemical reaction called saponification. It is the result of a fatty or oily acid and an alkali reacting together to form a salt. The alkali is usually Lye, a liquid solution of potash present in plant and wood material. Traditionally, potash or wood ash was collected from homesteads and farms by peddlers who would then sell it to the (usually female) soap maker. Soap making requires three simple steps: making the lye; cleaning the fats (the most unpleasant part of the job) to ensure a sweeter-smelling soap, and then mixing together the lye and fats and boiling. There are two types of soaps – soft soap which is like jelly to the touch, and hard soap (pictured right), where common salt is added at the end of the process, ensuring the bars are easier to store and transport.
Soap making became particularly popular in England within the 1300s, where it would be cut from a large bar and customers were charged by the weight, just like at our deli counters today. By the 1500s, the taste for more artisan and quality soaps in southern Europe and Italy developed, where they were made from animal-free vegetable oils, in particular from mild olive oil instead of the usual beef fat. Well known luxury white soaps made from pure olive Oil From Italy and France are still fashionable today: Castile soap and Savon de Marseille, which takes up to two weeks to prepare by hand. With five generations of soap making expertise, Dr Bronner's Pure Castile Soap is widely known for its old-world quality and its versatility, which makes it the number one selling natural soap in America.
From the late 1800s onwards, bathing became fashionable and the commercialisation of soap became possible with the availability of sodium hydroxide where common salt was no longer needed in order to create firm soap. Soap powders could be produced cheaply. This became a profitable market for soap makers such as Andrew Pears, and William Hesketh Lever who founded the company Unilever. Both remain major, global household names. Unlike the few dedicated natural soap products by companies such as Simply Soaps and Bentley Organics that Biggreensmile.com champions, the majority of the soaps available today are far different from the time-honoured soap making process. Instead, global brands use cheap detergents created from petroleum based products, or ingredients that, while found in nature, have been dramatically altered by energy intensive processes.
The craft of handmade cold-Processed Soap is more eco considerate as it does not require as much energy and heat. It's a simpler and cleaner method, and keeps the production to nature's own time. This is true soap making which provides an outlet for artistic expression. Handmade soap also usually has a wonderful blend of other exotic oils, organic herbs and spices, and pure essential oils. To create an exfoliating bar, oatmeal or fruit peel and even flower petals can be added. Jojoba, cocoa butter and shea butter may be added as additional moisturising benefit.
Compared to commercial soap, handmade soap is particularly beneficial due to the glycerin that is contained naturally within the oil used. A natural colourless liquid by-product of the soap making process, glycerin is not removed ensuring it is a far more moisturising soap. Glycerin is a humectant, meaning that it attracts moisture to the skin and is particularly good for children. Clearer soaps tend to have high glycerine content. Mass-produced soaps often remove glycerine so it can be utilised in lotions and potions that make more money, as well as for the manufacture of dynamite (from nitroglycerin)! This means these soaps are more likely to dry the skin. There are plenty of oils and fats that can be used within soap making, including coconut oil which provides a lathering effect, hemp oil and the somewhat contentious palm oil.
Our verdict? Go for the more natural, traditional option of cold-processed soap making, with naturally high vegetable glycerine content and organic ingredients.
About the Author
Plain Oatmeal soap!
 |
 Megascents Hand Made Soap Bars 4 to 5 OZ Each Assorted Scents $1.30 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 37m Buy It Now for only: $1.30 Buy It Now |
 VENEZIA MOISTURIZING Bath Soap OATMEAL 8 OZ NEW IN SEALED BOX $6.99 Time Remaining: 2h 31m |
 5 6 oz Oatmeal goats milk and honey soap 100 handmade homemade $1.75 Time Remaining: 3h 5m Buy It Now for only: $3.00 Buy It Now |
 HANDMADE SOAPS CERTIFIED ORGANIC VEGAN ALL NATURAL $3.24 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 24m Buy It Now for only: $3.24 Buy It Now |
 5 6 oz Oatmeal goats milk and honey soap 100 handmade homemade $1.75 Time Remaining: 6h 4m Buy It Now for only: $3.00 Buy It Now |
 5 6 oz Oatmeal goats milk and honey soap 100 handmade homemade $1.75 Time Remaining: 6h 12m Buy It Now for only: $3.00 Buy It Now |
 Handmade Oatmeal Soap 45 oz Homemade Bar $2.00 Time Remaining: 29d 19h 16m Buy It Now for only: $2.00 Buy It Now |
 Oatmeal Milk Honey Goat Milk Soap Olive Oi lShea Butter FREE SAMPLES $3.25 Time Remaining: 6h 16m |
 WHITENING SOAP Glutathione Bleaching Kojic Acid Soap $7.99 Time Remaining: 10d 22h 35m Buy It Now for only: $7.99 Buy It Now |
 Lil Oatmeal and Almonds HANDMADE SOAP 18 oz $0.99 Time Remaining: 10h 12m Buy It Now for only: $1.75 Buy It Now |
 LOT OF 5 HANDMADE OATMEAL MILK AND HONEY SOAP GOOD FOR ACNE TREATMENT $10.00 Time Remaining: 16h 32m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 Buy It Now |
 Oatmeal Milk and Honey HANDMADE GOATS MILK HONEY SOAP 73 oz $8.35 Time Remaining: 3d 18h 42m Buy It Now for only: $8.35 Buy It Now |
 Ralph Lauren Safari Oatmeal Soap For Men $10.00 Time Remaining: 17h 43m |
 Custom Made Soap on a Rope for Women Choose Your Fragrance $3.99 Time Remaining: 24d 22h 43m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now |
 Homemade Soap Honey Oatmeal Handcrafted $1.90 Time Remaining: 1d 13m |
 Oatmeal Rose Handmade soap 45 oz $1.25 Time Remaining: 1d 3h 59m Buy It Now for only: $4.50 Buy It Now |
 SAMPLE SIZE Choose from 11 Varieties of our Natural Handmade SOAP 110 Group $1.10 Time Remaining: 3d 4h 15m Buy It Now for only: $1.10 Buy It Now |
 Oatmeal Milk Honey Goat Milk Soap Olive Oi lShea Butter FREE SAMPLES $3.25 Time Remaining: 1d 4h 38m |
 Oatmeal Milk Honey Raw Goats Milk Soap with Shea Butter WE COMBINE SHIP $3.99 Time Remaining: 7d 5h 38m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now |
 Cold Process Bath Soap 2 bars Oatmeal Cinnamon Almond Homemade Handmade $6.00 Time Remaining: 1d 5h 2m |
 Crabtree Evelyn TWO Oatmeal Wheatgerm Soaps FREE SH $19.99 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 3m Buy It Now for only: $25.00 Buy It Now |
 BENTONITE CLAY TEA TREE OATMEAL SOAP ACNE OILY SKIN $6.99 Time Remaining: 4d 22h 22m Buy It Now for only: $6.99 Buy It Now |
 Oatmeal Milk Honey Goat Milk Soap Olive Oi lShea Butter FREE SAMPLES $3.25 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 9m |
 Oatmeal Almond Bar Soap by Yardley for Unisex 425 oz Soap $3.53 Time Remaining: 26d 2h 54m Buy It Now for only: $3.53 Buy It Now |
 Sweet Red Clover Tea Goat Milk Soap Olive Oil Honey Oatmeal FREE SAMPLES $3.25 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 20m |
 Handcrafted Lot of 2 Oatmeal Foot Soaps CHOOSE YOUR SCENT 2oz ea 99 Natural $5.00 Time Remaining: 1d 8h 45m |
 DANDELION PEAR OATMEAL ANTI ITCHY SKIN GLYCERIN SOAP $3.99 Time Remaining: 5d 5h 27m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now |
 unscented Aloe Oatmeal Goat Milk Soap olive oil sensitive skin FREE SAMPLE $3.25 Time Remaining: 1d 17h 25m |
 Handmade Natural Vegan Oatmeal Agave Nectar and Almond Milk Shea Butter Soap $3.75 Time Remaining: 1d 19h 14m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now |
 Pure Natural Liquid Hand Soap Soothing Oatmeal Shea Butter 845 Oz $8.99 Time Remaining: 8d 42m Buy It Now for only: $8.99 Buy It Now |
 Cold Process Bath Soap 2 bars Oatmeal Honey Spice Homemade Handmade $6.00 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 22m |
 Homemade GOATS MILK SOAP OATMEAL HONEY ALMOND $2.50 Time Remaining: 2d 6h Buy It Now for only: $2.50 Buy It Now |
 Hard rock sweetgrass collection oatmeal exfoliating massage bar soap 6 bxs $3.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 2d 2h 36m |
 10 Yardley London Oatmeal Almond Bar Soaps $15.99 Time Remaining: 2d 5h 16m |
 Vanilla Bean Oatmeal Handmade Artisan Soap Bar $5.00 Time Remaining: 10d 2h 21m Buy It Now for only: $5.00 Buy It Now |
 3 Yardley London Pomegranate Rose 2 Oatmeal Almond Bar Soap $12.99 Time Remaining: 2d 5h 16m |
 Oatmeal Milk Honey Handmade Cold Process Soap 5 oz $4.99 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 45m Buy It Now for only: $4.99 Buy It Now |
 Oatmeal Milk Honey Almond Oatmeal Goat Milk Soaps OLIVE OIL free samples $6.00 Time Remaining: 2d 6h 20m |
 Unscented Aloe Oatmeal Goat Milk Soap olive oil sensitive skin FREE SAMPLES $3.25 Time Remaining: 2d 8h 2m |
 Molton Brown Soap 3 Bars Soothing milk and Oatmeal Each 75 Grams 26 oz $17.50 Time Remaining: 26d 20h 10m Buy It Now for only: $17.50 Buy It Now |
 Red Clover Tea Almond Oatmeal Goat Milk Soaps mild OLIVE OIL free samples $6.00 Time Remaining: 2d 9h 28m |
 YARDLEY London OATMEAL ALMOND SOAP 8 BARS 425 oz $21.50 Time Remaining: 19d 3h 31m Buy It Now for only: $21.50 Buy It Now |
 5 Handmade Mixed Soaps Cocoa Oatmeal Coffee Cinammon Goat Milk $10.00 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 25m Buy It Now for only: $20.00 Buy It Now |
 Goat Milk Soap Natural Handmade Premium Oatmeal Honey $3.50 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 50m Buy It Now for only: $4.00 Buy It Now |
 Handmade Soap Choose your scents $2.50 Time Remaining: 2d 18h 13m Buy It Now for only: $2.50 Buy It Now |
 Unscented Aloe Oatmeal Goat Milk Soap olive oil sensitive skin FREE SAMPLES $3.25 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 53m |
 LOT of 3 The Naked Bee Oatmeal Honey Triple Milled Soap Orange Blossom Honey NEW $9.75 Time Remaining: 5d 9h 10m Buy It Now for only: $9.75 Buy It Now |
 Sweet Almond Goat Milk Soap Sweet Almond Oatmeal sensitive skin FREE SAMPLES $3.25 Time Remaining: 3d 7h 54m |
 All naturallavender exfoliating goats milk soap with oatmeal $3.49 Time Remaining: 3d 17h 50m Buy It Now for only: $3.99 Buy It Now |
 Oatmeal HANDMADE SOAP FOR ITCHY SKIN DRY SKIN ROSACEA ECZEMA PSORIASIS $2.80 Time Remaining: 22d 5m Buy It Now for only: $2.80 Buy It Now |
 HONEY CINNAMON OATMEAL SOAPS $1.99 Time Remaining: 4d 10h 44m |
 Yardley of London, Moisturizing Soap Natural Oatmeal and Almond - 3 + 1 Free Sale Price: $9.10  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionINDICATIONS: The delicious scent of crushed almonds and oatmeal. This gentle soap contains real oatmeal to naturally exfoliate and soothe the skin. Not tested on animals.  |
 Naturally Honey Oatmeal Soap Bar, 5-Ounce (Pack of 3) List Price: Sale Price: $11.76 You save: $3.21 (21%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionExfoliate & cleanse with this combo soap bar. |
 Pre de Provence Oatmeal Soap 150 g bar List Price: Sale Price: $6.49 You save: $1.50 (19%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThese triple-milled, vegetable oil-based soaps from Pre de Provence smell delicious - just remember, they're for washing, not eating! |
 Pure & Natural Liquid Hand Soap, Soothing Oatmeal & Shea Butter, Hypo-allergenic, 8.45 Oz Sale Price: $9.50 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionPure & Natural liquid hand soap helps skin drink and hold in moisture. No need for therapy - you have the relief of oatmeal and shea butter, along with the healing hydration of glycerin. |
 Earth Therapeutics Loofah Exfoliating Soap, Oatmeal & Honey (Pack of 12) Sale Price: $36.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionVegetarian standard. Not tested on animals. Environmental friendly. This vegetable-based treatment bar is specially formulated with loofah fibers - a natural exfoliant - to gently scrub away dead skin and other surface impurities... |
 Nature's Gate Oatmeal Velvet Moisture Liquid Soap, 16-Ounce Bottles (Pack of 2) List Price: Sale Price: $13.70 You save: $0.29 (2%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionDeveloped to gently and effectively remove dirt while delivering nourishing hydration so hands are never left tight or dry, even after frequent washing. Oatmeal and Calendula are combined with our exclusive blend of 7 Natural Moisture Boosters to deliver |
 Johnson's Vanilla Oatmeal Baby Wash, 28-Ounce (Pack of 2) Sale Price: $12.10 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis gentle cleanser combines oatmeal, an ingredient long known to help moisturize, with an essence of vanilla for baby soft skin. The rich and creamy lather nourishes as it cleans, leaving baby's skin feeling moisturized and soft... |
 de-luxe SaVON Bar Soap Set, Almond & Oatmeal 12 ea Sale Price: $19.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSaVON de-luxe French Milled Soaps(12) 4.2oz SoapsSuperior Soaps Through Tradition and Ingredients.™Authentic Spa Quality Personal Care100% Pure Vegetable, Glycerin & Shea Butter Soap Naturally Moisturizing, Exfoliating & Soothing No Animal Testing - Cruelty Free Natural Plant Based Ingredients - No Animal Products No Harsh Preservatives - Biodegradable Contains Natural Fragrance Oils Recyclable PET PackagingSaVON de-luxe ("deluxe soap"), are French milled soaps in the time-honored process of slowly milling the base three or more times for a superior, long-lasting luxury soap... |
 Glycerine Creme Soap - Oatmeal, 12 Units / 3.5 oz List Price: Sale Price: $19.39 You save: $6.19 (24%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionSappo Hill's traditional kettle process carefully blends palm and coconut oils for their rich, skin moisturizing glycerin. |
 EO Sensitive Skin Bar Soap, Oatmeal & Honey, 4-Ounce Boxes (Pack of 3) List Price: Sale Price: $14.95 You save: $0.02 (%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionUSDA Organic, Vegetarian, Cruelty Free, No Artificial Fragrance, Non-GMO |
