Why was soap a luxury item?

Soap was considered a luxury item historically due to its production costs and the scarcity of ingredients. Early soap-making required specific fats and alkalis, which were not easily accessible to everyone. Additionally, the labor-intensive process of crafting soap limited its availability, making it more expensive. As a result, only wealthier individuals could afford to purchase it regularly, while many relied on alternatives like ashes or clay for cleansing.