Humble Beginnings ...

... best describes the evolution of soap into the commodity we all depend on. The history and use of soap dates back to 2300 B.C.! Not primarily used for cleansing, soap more commonly was used to dress one's hair or to apply as medicine to a wound. Though bathing was a popular pastime to the ancients, it was more a social or religious function rather than for cleansing. On those rare occasions when cleansing was the goal, oil was applied to the body which was then scraped away with abrasive stones - hopefully carrying away the dirt and grime!


Time Marches On ...

... for it was not until the 13th century that soapmaking became a trade. Greece and France became the earliest soapmaking centers. Their plentiful supplies of olive oil allowed them to product the first castile soaps. The word castile evolved from "Castilian" and is simply the definition for "soap made from fine olive oil". The use of olive oil in soapmaking remained the basic ingredient for the next 4 to 5 centuries.


The New World

of America brought about a critical change to soapmaking. Oils in general, especially olive oil, were rare commodities. Resourceful settlers began combining animal fats (tallow) with lye (made with ashes from the fireplace) and soapmaking became a traditional "woman's chore". Not until 1830 was soap commercially manufactured and purchased for sale. In the late 1800's there was a reappearance of "castile soap" made from palm and olive oils. Though still sold under its original name, it was not the same product. As competition grew, additives were included to combat body odor, to cause soap to float, to suds and to dissolve! The continued use of the word "castile" was challenged by olive oil importers determined not to let anyone call a soap "castile" if it wasn't made with olive oil. There were suits, countersuits, and government involvement as the debate went on. The definition however holds as " a fine soap made with olive oil".


The Ingenuity of Man

is historically influenced by wars. Soapmaking was dramatically changed during World War II. Oils were almost unobtainable and fats were collected to support the war effort. By now, bathing and cleansing were daily necessities for anyone not wishing to be a social outcast. Chemists went to work seeking a substitute for what, heretofore, was known as soap. By combining mineral oils, alternate fatty acids and petroleum chemicals, they created new synthetic, "miracle detergents". These have remained in prominent use where the standard formula for almost all soap is 80% tallow and 20% coconut oil.


The Choice is Yours

and KISS MY FACE offers you an alternative. We believe that superior, basic cleansing can be achieved without the use of synthetics or animal ingredients. Our soap is manufactured in Greece by the largest, most respected manufacturer, boasting five generations in soapmaking, and upholding the old traditions that create a pure, unadulterated product. In producing KISS MY FACE PURE OLIVE OIL SOAP, the traditional olive oil formula is strictly adhered to. Of course, we use no animal ingredients, foaming agents or preservatives. From time to time, you may see variances in shade and color. These have no affect on quality or performance. The color of 100% pure olive oil depends on the season of the year and the orchard from which the olives are selected. Our soap also contains chlorophyll, which is light sensitive and will change in tone and shade as exposed to light.


So There You Have It

the story of soap transcended over 4000 years of man's existence. It started with pure olive oil, then tallow (animal fats) and finally ended with detergents (synthetic ingredients). And now has come full circle with our line of Pure Olive Oil Soaps ... just as it has been made naturally for centuries.