Pears soap

Pears' Transparent Soap is a brand of soap first produced and sold in 1807 by Andrew Pears, at a factory just off Oxford Street in London, England. It was the world's first mass-market transparent soap. According to the company's records, Pears Soap was the world's first registered brand and is therefore the world's oldest continuously existing brand. It is now produced by Unilever.

History

Andrew Pears, the son of a farmer, was born in Cornwall and moved to London around 1789. He completed his apprenticeship in 1789, establishing a barber's shop in Gerrard Street, Soho. London was a dirty place at the time, and the available soaps were harsh on the skin. Pears began to experiment with soap purification and eventually managed to produce a gentler soap by using glycerine and other natural products. The clarity of the soap gave it a novel transparent appearance, which provided a marketing advantage.

In 1835, after the death of Andrew Pears, his grandson Francis Pears joined the business. The company moved to Isleworth in 1862. Pears' soap became known worldwide for its quality and purity. It was especially popular in the United States, where it had been exported since the mid-19th century.

Manufacturing Process

The original Pears soap formula was based on a process of removing all the impurities and refining the essential ingredients, which included glycerine. This method, known as "milling", ensured the soap was homogeneous and could be cut into bars without crumbling. The soap was then aged for several months to allow the ingredients to blend and harden, resulting in a translucent finish.

Marketing

Pears' marketing strategies have been notable. The company has used endorsements from celebrities and the British royal family to promote its product. One of the most famous advertising campaigns was the use of John Everett Millais's painting "Bubbles" as an advertisement. This image became synonymous with the brand and was used for decades.

Modern Times

Today, Pears soap is produced by Unilever. While the formula has undergone changes over the years, the brand has tried to maintain the quality and purity for which it was originally known. The soap is now available in various forms, including liquid and gel.

Controversies

In recent years, changes to the soap's formula have led to public outcry from long-time users. Complaints have focused on the alteration of the soap's scent, color, and texture. Unilever has responded to these complaints by adjusting the formula in an attempt to address the concerns of its customers.

In Popular Culture

Pears' Transparent Soap has been mentioned in various literary works and has had a significant impact on popular culture, reflecting its status as a household name.

See Also

• Soap
• Unilever
• History of cosmetics

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