A Rude Awakening

My skin loves lanolin. Who knows which ingredient it was. I always suspect fragrance first.

I think you are right Jeff.  I tested it with litmus paper and tested fine.  The scent isn't that strong, but it must be strong enough for me to be sensitive to it.

A soap maker would have to be pretty careless to make a lye heavy soap, especially if he or she is using superfat (lye discounting) which most do. I would be more inclined to suspect a fragrance or essential oil in the ingredients caused the reaction. The fact that you tested it with litmus paper and it was fine further makes the case for a fragrance or EO causing the reaction on your skin.