While it may seem that soap labels are a modern necessity, their history can be traced back to ancient Babylon, around 2800 B.C. The earliest known soap recipe, found on a Babylonian clay tablet, includes not only the soap's ingredients but also directions for use - effectively making it the world's first soap label! This ancient soap, made from water, alkali, and cassia oil, was mainly used for cleaning wool and cotton in preparation for dyeing, not for personal hygiene. The fact that the tablet also included directions for use indicates that even in those ancient times, makers recognized the importance of effectively communicating their product's purpose and instructions to their users. We've come a long way since then, but the next time you reach for your favorite soap, take a moment to appreciate the long history of soap labels that have lead us to the detailed, creative, and sometimes charming labels we see today! (Source:
SoapHistory.net)