At Soap Savon, we sprinkle in a little Franco-English flair to celebrate the deep connection between the French and English languages. 

Did you know that up to 60% of English words come from French? 

That’s thanks to history—specifically, the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, which infused English with a treasure trove of French vocabulary, especially in areas like law, government, and culture.

Today, these French connections are all around us—even in our new soap scent, Sombre Seas!

You probably know more French than you realize!

Evidence suggests that as early as 2800 BC, the Babylonians were producing soap-like substances. These early soaps were typically made by mixing animal fats with wood ash and water. 

While Europe experienced periods where bathing was less common, other parts of the world maintained regular hygiene practices. For instance, daily bathing was customary in Japan, and in Iceland, geothermal pools were popular for communal bathing.

Initially, soap was primarily used for cleaning wool and cotton in textile manufacturing, as well as for medicinal purposes. Its role in personal hygiene was recognized much later.

In many ancient cultures, including Egypt and Rome, bathing was a communal activity and held social significance. However, the concept of regular personal hygiene became more widespread in the 19th century, thanks to advancements in plumbing and a better understanding of health and sanitation.

While Europe experienced periods where bathing was less common, other parts of the world maintained regular hygiene practices. For instance, daily bathing was customary in Japan, and in Iceland, geothermal pools were popular for communal bathing.