Understanding the difference between natural soaps and detergent bars is a great place to start learning. Not many other people I meet know any difference exists. Around 1942 production of soap by the large manufacturing companies changed in a big way. Soap makers found that the same fats that turn into soap and make naturally occurring glycerin can yield more money if those fats are turned into nitro glycerin (gun powder). Yes, Palm Olive Brand detergent (as in Palm and Olive oils) made more money turning fats into gunpowder for the war effort. So, if they no longer make fats into soap today, what is that stuff on the shelves at your supermarket? Good question! The replacement for soap is detergent. Detergents are more profitable for big manufacturers because the cost of the raw material is so much lower. Replacing Coconut, Palm, Soybean & Olive Oil with much less expensive petroleum chemicals like sodium lauryl sulphate, a foaming agent created huge profits and streamlined the production.