History of HANDMADE SOAP : Soap Making is one of the oldest industries in the world, although no one really knows just when soap was discoverd. The first reference to soap occurs in Sumerian clay tablets dated about 2500 B.C., but this was probably note a true soap. The early Romans used hot water and scraped their bodies with twigs or a special tool called a strigil. Some sources indicate that the later Gaul were the first people to make soap and that the later Romans, during the conquests of Julius Caesar, learned the art from them. Excavations of ancient Pompeii reveal the presence of a soap factory

Soap Making as an art and science has been so refined that much modern "soap" is no longer soap in the true sense of the word. These soaps, which are actually synthetic detergents, became popular during World War II in response to a short age of soapmaking oils. Many techniques now used by the soapmaker are revivals of pre-twentieth century soapcrafting.

The COLD PROCESS METHOD is our old-fashioned soap manufacturing : Why we named 'PurNatia®' and try it means "Pure & Nature". With our handmade soaps that are all made in accordance with old-fashioned soap manufacturing, we strive to incorporate the meaning of these terms into our soaps.

Soap manufacturing is an exciting craft which involves both chemistry, biology and aestetics. After many years of work we have developed a line of soaps which covers a broad spectrum when it comes to properties, scent and appearance. Some soaps have a content of saponified fatty acids which are particulary suitable for sensitive skin, others are developed for cleaning gardner hands and some are perfect for normal skin. Common to all our soaps is the fact that they have a high content of glycerin which reduces drying.

We select the cold process method of making soap, which is the most natural and does not involve the use of chemical additives. Commercial soap is often made using tallow (animal fat) and contains many synthetic perfumes, color and preservatives. For this reason it can dry and irritate the skin, in fact many people believe they are sensitive to all soaps, when in fact they would be perfectly all right using our gentle, natural, theapeutic bars.

HOW WE MAKE OUR SOAP : Soaps from 'PurNatia®' are made from 100% plant oils which are mixed with a strong base. The word *saponification* describes the chemical process where the base splits the oil into fatty acids and glycerin and bonds with the fatty acids. Subsequently, various ingredients like essential oils, herbs etc. are added.

When the soap is mixed we pour it into large wooden moulds and let it rest for 24 hours. Afterwards, the large blocks are cut into loaves which must cure for weeks before they are ready to be shipped out to our customers