History of Cold Process Soap

From Ancient Ashes to Artisan Bars

At Sultry Scents, every bar of soap tells a story—a story that began over 4,000 years ago in the ancient world. While our formulas are modern and our fragrances unforgettable, the soul of our craft is rooted in tradition.

Let’s take a journey through the, surprising history of cold process soap—and why it’s still the most luxurious way to cleanse today.

A Clean Start: Soap in Ancient Times

Long before soaps came in boxes or bottles, the ancient Babylonians (around 2800 BC) discovered that combining animal fats with wood ash created a cleaning agent. Egyptians refined the technique around 1500 BC, blending oils with alkaline salts for ritual purification and skincare.

From Roman Ritual to Artisanal Craft

The word “soap” is thought to come from Mount Sapo, a legendary Roman site where ash and animal fat runoff mixed during sacrifices—creating the first accidental soap. Whether myth or reality, by the 1st century AD, Romans were bathing with it and using it medicinally.

In the Middle Ages, soap-making flourished in cities like Aleppo, Castile, and Marseille—where olive oil-based soaps laid the foundation for today’s artisan bars.

Enter the Cold Process: Chemistry Meets Craft

The cold process method we use at Sultry Scents became possible in the 18th century AD, when chemists developed sodium hydroxide (lye). This breakthrough allowed artisans to mix oils and lye without heat, preserving the glycerin and nutrients that skin craves.

Sultry Scents: Keeping the Ritual Alive

In an age of synthetic cleansers and plastic bottles, we’re returning to intentional bathing—where scent, texture, and touch matter. Cold process soap is more than a bar. It’s self-care, and sustainability in your hands.

At Sultry Scents, we honor ancient tradition with a modern twist—crafting bars that cleanse the body and captivate the senses.

Explore our handcrafted soap collection—where history meets sultry indulgence.