The History of Handcrafted Soaps and Its Modern Revival

I’ve always believed the simplest, most natural rituals can have the biggest impact on our everyday lives—especially where skincare is concerned. That’s exactly why I’m so captivated by handcrafted soap. It might seem trendy at first glance, with specialty shops popping up left and right, but there’s a rich history behind it that spans centuries of human ingenuity. It feels like a privilege to be part of that story here at Island Enchantments, where I’m carrying on an art form that almost faded into obscurity, only to resurface with renewed energy in our modern world.

When I first learned about the origins of soap, I was amazed by how far back the practice really goes. In ancient Mesopotamia, people were already combining ash and animal fats to create early cleansers. From the Egyptians to the Romans and right through medieval Europe, different cultures developed their own unique methods, often using whatever local resources they had—like plant oils, animal fats, and natural salts. Back then, soap wasn’t exactly cheap or easy to come by. It was prized as a healing, almost luxurious item, reserved for those with the means to afford it.

Everything began to shift during the Industrial Revolution. Suddenly, large-scale factories produced soap by the ton, making it cheaper and more uniform—but often more synthetic, too. That quiet magic of small-batch, handmade soap was drowned out by flashy marketing and shelves stacked with bright boxes of mass-produced bars. Yet even in the midst of all that commercial noise, there was a steady undercurrent of people, like me, who still longed for something gentler and more authentic.

Lately, I’ve seen a powerful resurgence in artisanal soap-making, and it warms my heart. People are yearning for transparency in what touches their skin. They want to know whether their soap is made with nourishing oils, shea butter, or even tallow, instead of harsh chemicals and detergents. They also appreciate the artistry in each bar—distinctive scents, shapes, and colors that reflect an individual touch rather than a corporate assembly line.

Here at Island Enchantments, I feel so connected to those early soap-makers who relied on nature to guide them. I love experimenting with local botanicals and infusing each batch with a hint of island inspiration. Sometimes it’s a dash of oceanic elements or a subtle floral note that reminds me of wild blossoms thriving in the sea air. I’m also excited to incorporate tried-and-true ingredients like tallow into my upcoming formulas, just as many of our ancestors did. For me, making soap is partly about self-care and partly about creativity—a chance to blend textures, scents, and colors into something that feels both practical and magical.

With every bar, I aim to give you a more thoughtful way to cleanse. Instead of using a soulless product that leaves your skin feeling stripped or irritated, I want you to experience that gentle, comforting lather that only comes from caring about each ingredient and process step. And honestly, I think there’s something special about knowing your soap is made with as much attention as a treasured recipe passed down through generations. It turns a simple act—like washing your hands or stepping into the shower—into a moment of connection with a tradition that goes back thousands of years.

For anyone who’s new to artisan soaps, I encourage you to explore and see if you notice a difference. Maybe you’ll find your skin feels calmer or you’re drawn to a certain botanical aroma. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to try making a small batch of your own. After all, this renaissance of handcrafted soap-making isn’t just for those of us who sell our creations. It’s for anyone who’s curious about slowing down, honoring nature, and embracing rituals that enrich the soul as much as they do the skin.

I’m so grateful to share this soap-making journey with you and to add another layer to the tapestry of a tradition that’s still evolving. Together, we’re discovering—one bar at a time—how something as simple as soap can bridge ancient wisdom and modern living. I hope each Island Enchantments bar brings you a sense of comfort, a moment of pause, and a gentle reminder of the resilient heritage behind it. After all, every bar tells a story, and you’re now part of keeping that story alive for generations to come.