Imagine for a moment the quintessential image of a remote Alaskan cabin, complete with a hot steamy bath taken in a tin washtub in front of a stoked woodstove while outside the mercury drops below freezing and the snow pours from heavy gray clouds and spruce trees bow down under their blankets. We live in a society that is busier than it has ever been before. Simple pleasures are becoming more and more appreciated. One of life's simplest pleasures is a relaxing bath; the steamy hot water, fragrant soap, and a few tranquil moments.

The History of Soap:

The "soap" that is commonly found in the grocery or discount store aisle is actually a detergent and a relatively new product, coming into use about 1916. But soap has a long history and as legend goes received its name from Mount Sapo. Animals were sacrificed upon the mountain and the melted fat would mix with the wood ashes and be washed by rain down to the Tiber River. Along the river's edge women found that their wash was much cleaner.

Through the years, soap and bathing itself, has gone through cycles. After the fall of Rome, interest in bathing declined but by the 7th century, soap guilds were formed and trade secrets were closely guarded. In the 1600's American colonists were faced with a shortage of soap from England and thus it became a household job, one that was left primarily to the women. Over the next 200 years, there were both home crafters and soap chandlers (ones who went door to door buying tallow and then reselling it as
soap.) While European soap companies were already in existence, in America it wasn’t until 1806 that William Colgate formed his company and a few years later, in 1837 Proctor and Gamble joined together to form theirs. And in 1916, detergent bars came into existence. This was due to World War 1 when
the need for soap overwhelmed the supply of ingredients. Homemade soap soonlost its popularity amidst the ease and availability of these new detergent bars.

But we are experiencing yet another cycle and handcrafted soaps are more popular than ever. And nowhere more so than here in our own backyard for by nature Alaskans tend to be independent creative types whose long dark winters lend to the need for artistry.

The Process of Soap-making:

Even though soap making has been around for thousands of years, the process has remained relatively the same. Soap has always required three basic elements: lye, water, and fat. Today we use exact measurements of caustic soda whereas our Alaskan homesteaders used potash (wood ashes leached by rain). This is probably the single biggest change in the recent years of the craft and one that has brought the most benefit. With precise measuring, the soap crafter can be assured of a gentle soap, having no lye present in the resulting bar. The types of fats can vary and a variety is often used in each batch. While our ancestors were often limited to olive oil (Europeans) or beef tallow/pork lard (Others), or seal and bear oil (Alaskans) we now can enjoy soaps crafted with such exotics as shea butter, jojoba, and oils of coconut, macadamia, hazelnut, hempseed, Emu, rice bran and a host of others. In addition, ground herbs, colorants, milks and fragrant oils may be added. Moreover, Alaskan soap crafters tend to be creative even in their choice of water/milk to stir the lye into, customers can find soaps made with rain water, mountain spring water, fresh goat’s milk gotten on a frosty morn or even melted snow!

The soap maker begins by mixing the lye into the water (or milk) and then adding this mixture into the melted fat. This must be gently stirred until the mixture reaches what is known as "trace" (where the soap when dribbled upon itself remains for a moment). The result of the blend of lye water and fats is known as saponification. This is then poured into molds and left overnight. The soap is then unmolded, cut and left to cure for 3 or more weeks. The water in soap will slowly evaporate over time, resulting in a hard, long lasting bar.

Why Alaskan Handcrafted Soap is Better:

Your skin is your body’s largest organ. It faces daily challenges through weather and environment therefore it is important to properly care for your skin. Alaskan skin seems to take a heavy toll during our cold dry winters and our long sunny but often windy summer days. Frequently the result is dry and rough skin. A properly made handcrafted soap can help combat that through the use of natural, well balanced oils and absence of alcohol, harsh detergents, petroleum products and the like. Unlike their commercial counterparts, handcrafters leave the glycerin in the soap which acts as a humectant, drawing precious moisture to the skin.

Soap crafters take pride and joy in their craft, often making the soap in small batches ensuring attention to quality. Handcrafted soap can be made with the highest quality food-grade oils and butters. Even in Alaska where shipping costs are high, soapers have a bevy of common and exotic oils available and yet tend to price according to the national market rather than passing the costs on to the customer. Most Alaska soap makers have a deep love for this beautiful country so careful interest is taken in minimal packaging and waste. And of course, a bar of Alaskan made soap is a welcomed yet lightweight gift to send “Outside.” Recipients will know that you value them and desire to see them pampered and well cared for.

And while you are looking for that perfect bar of fragrant Alaskan made soap, please try some of the other locally made toiletries such as shampoo bars, solid lotions, salves and balms (often made with wild-crafted Alaskan herbs), bath salts and soothing milk baths.

So whether the temperature is 40 below or a balmy 75, turn on the water, grab a bar of lathering, gentle handcrafted goodness and support a centuries old craft as well as your fellow Alaskans.