Determining the absolute oldest continuously produced consumer good is a challenging task due to the lack of comprehensive historical records for every product throughout human history. However, some items have a long history of production and are considered among the oldest continuously made consumer goods. One such product is soap.
Soap, in various forms, has been used for cleansing and hygiene purposes for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, including the Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, were known to produce soap-like substances from a combination of animal fats or plant oils with ashes. These early soaps were primarily used for cleaning textiles rather than personal hygiene.
The earliest recorded evidence of soap production dates back to around 2800 BCE in ancient Babylon. The recipe for soap was later refined and passed down through various cultures over centuries. By the 8th century, soap-making had spread across Europe, particularly in areas like Spain and Italy, where it became an essential product for personal hygiene.
Throughout history, soap production evolved and improved, with different cultures adding their own ingredients and techniques. Today, soap remains a widely produced and used consumer good worldwide, making it one of the oldest continuously made products for personal hygiene and cleanliness.
Again, it's important to note that while soap is one of the oldest continuously produced consumer goods, there may be other products with equally ancient origins that have also been continuously made but might not have as well-documented historical records.