29/05/2026
Did you know Portsmouth has its own hidden soap-making history? 🫧⚓
Long before supermarket body washes and synthetic cleansers existed, Portsmouth was already deeply connected to soap production because of its naval roots.
In the 1800s, “marine soap” was traded through Old Portsmouth for sailors and ships. These bars were specially designed to lather in salty seawater 🌊
Then in the early 1900s, horse-drawn soap vans travelled through Guildhall Square delivering soap across the city 🐴
But during the World Wars, oils and fats used in traditional soap became heavily rationed, leading to shortages and the rise of synthetic detergents.
For decades, proper artisan soap-making slowly disappeared…
Until now ✨
Portsmouth is seeing a beautiful revival of independent makers bringing traditional methods back to life through natural, cruelty-free, handcrafted soaps.
At Goly, we’re proud to be part of that story — creating small-batch soaps using traditional cold-process methods without harsh chemicals or synthetic fillers.
Because skincare doesn’t need to be complicated.
Sometimes the old ways were the best ways 🤍
I am chuffed I was doing research on the subject on google, and my brand is mentioned.... my teen says it's a flex, so I am celebrating it 😄🥰
