Milling of soaps is, passing the soap mixture through the milling processes especially the rollers multiple number of times. This makes the soap texture better and does not allow it to turn goopy. The triple and quad milled soaps last longer because these retain the solid form since all air bubbles have been removed during the multiple milling process. You will find scents of the triple and quad milled soaps last longer because the scents bind at a molecular level in this process. This allows the perfumes, essential oils, skin humectants, nutrients, etc., give better skin care benefits and create an even perfume.
Is calling these soaps French milled is a misunderstanding and a marketing gimmick? Maybe so, but it is a fact that triple and quad milling techniques of soap making were perfected in France. So calling these soaps French milled might be well deserved. Marketing of the term ‘French Milled’ has become synonymous with luxury, thereby creating a niche identity for products that come under this category. Using this term to identify luxury soaps is valid, the triple or quad milling process is not complete without passing the soap mixture through same steps multiple numbers of times. This increases labour costs, processing costs and lower production capacity. All of this increases the price per soap, but the soap quality is exceptionally good. Therefore, french milled soaps becoming a luxury identification for best soaps is quite correct.
Why ‘French Milled’ soaps will always remain a small industry? Triple milling and quad milling soaps is time consuming and cost heavy process. This makes the soap expensive too. It is a luxury few can afford or it might be only for a special occasion. It may not be a very small industry, yet people preferring an expensive soap while other inexpensive ones are available in the market is debatable. For everyday purposes, most people will prefer the regular soap which also provides equally good scents. For people looking for something better than regular soaps, there is a host of options available. From small scale home industry, to the creators of bespoke soaps who will use organic materials and custom design the soap. These provide a tough competition to the french milled soaps in the market.
There is a huge market of underrated soap makers, who have their own soap making workshops in their garages. These creators may not make quad milled soaps or triple milled soaps, but most of them can create soaps starting with process of saponification to adding milk, honey, essential oils, turmeric, butters, etc. Home creators are interested in developing newer varieties with new ingredients. These soap makers use organic ingredients and are heavily dependant on their clientele to pass on good word about their products among their circle. Though, these are not french milled, ingredients are often quite enriching making them almost luxury. There are also a small batch of soap makers who actually do create triple milled soaps in small batches.