In the past, people made their own soap from animal fats and wood ashes.
Today there are very few true soaps in the traditional sense on the market.
These detergent cleansers are popular because they make suds easily in water and don't form gummy deposits. If a drug claim is made on a cleanser or soap, such as antibacterial, antiperspirant, or anti acne, the product is a drug, and the label must list all active ingredients, as is required for all drug products. The 1979 FDA Consumer article reprinted below provides additional information on soap products. You've been near it all your life, bassinet to bath to boudoir. It was used behind your ears before perfume was used there.