Castile soap, which has its origins in the Castile region of Spain, is a soap made purely from vegetable oils. It’s different from many other liquid soaps on the market today that often contain complex blends of detergents and sometimes no actual soap at all. Here’s why choosing authentic castile soap is beneficial.

7 Reasons To Start Using Castile Soap

1. Natural and Free of Toxins
Most modern soaps are loaded with harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on our health. Dr. Mercola highlights that putting chemicals on the skin can be more harmful than ingesting them because they get absorbed straight into the bloodstream, bypassing the body’s natural filtration system. Castile soap, on the other hand, is made only from vegetable-based ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil, and jojoba oil, mixed with water and essential oils. However, it’s important to check labels and buy from reputable brands to ensure there are no chemical additives.

2. Often Organic, Vegan, and Fair Trade
Castile soaps usually have superior quality ingredients and a positive ethical and environmental impact compared to conventional soaps. Made from vegetable oils, they are typically vegan (though it’s always good to check labels). A well-known brand, Dr. Bronner’s, offers options that are vegan, cruelty-free, mostly organic, GMO-free, and sourced using Fair Trade practices.

3. Doesn’t Encourage Super Bacteria
Many liquid soaps labeled as ‘anti-bacterial’ contain triclosan, a chemical pesticide that can promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Moreover, it can disrupt hormones, harm fetal development, and cause allergies among other issues. The FDA has even stated that antibacterial soaps aren’t proven to be more effective than regular soap and water. Therefore, using castile soap is a safer choice for keeping hands and homes clean.

4. Lathers Easily
Natural soaps often struggle to lather well because they avoid using chemicals like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). SLS can cause severe health issues, including skin irritation and eye damage. Castile soap, however, creates a rich lather without these risks due to its high oil content. It effectively forms a foamy lather in both hard and soft water, using less water than traditional liquid soaps.

5. Safe for Babies and Pets
Natural, chemical-free castile soaps without added essential oils are gentle enough for babies and pets. They’re safe but should be kept away from the eyes since they aren’t ‘tear-free’ (which usually means they lack synthetic numbing agents). They are also suitable for washing dogs and cats, though it’s essential to ensure no harmful essential oils are included.

6. Environmentally Friendly
Castile soap is free from artificial foaming agents, colors, fragrances, chemical detergents, petrochemicals, and toxic antibacterial agents. Made with biodegradable ingredients, it’s gentle on the environment.

7. An Incredibly Versatile Product
One of the best reasons to use castile soap is its versatility. Here are some great ways to use it:

18 Magical Ways To Use Castile Soap:

1. Foaming Face Wash – Cleanse your face without stripping its natural oils using castile soap enriched with essential oils.
2. Foaming Hand Wash – Stretch your bottle further with water, essential oils, and sweet almond oil.
3. Nourishing Body Wash – Mix it with honey and natural oils for an all-over clean.
4. Coconut Milk Shampoo – Combine with coconut milk for a nourishing hair wash.
5. Bubble Bath – Create a silky, non-irritating bubble bath with castile soap, vegetable glycerin, and essential oils.
6. Unisex Shaving Cream – Achieve a smooth shave using a mix of raw honey, olive or avocado oil, and castile soap.
7. Soap Toothpaste – Make refreshing toothpaste with castile soap, coconut oil, and essential oils.
8. Hair and Make-Up Brush Cleaner – Clean brushes weekly with castile soap and water to avoid germ buildup.
9. Removing Pesticides from Fruit and Vegetables – Mix with water to scrub produce clean.
10. DIY Dish Soap – Homemade dish soap that bubbles and cleans well.
11. Dishwasher Detergent – Use with water and essential oils, followed by a vinegar rinse.
12. Laundry Detergent – Fight stains and odors with a mixture of castile soap, borax, washing soda, and essential oils.
13. Floor Cleaner – For hardwood or tiled floors, use a small amount in a bucket of warm water.
14. All-Purpose Household Cleaner – Make a spray with water and tea tree oil for easy cleaning.
15. Exterior Window Wash – Use castile soap and water to clean exterior windows, followed by a vinegar rinse.
16. Non-Toxic Toilet Cleaner – Get shiny, clean toilets with castile soap, baking soda, and essential oils.
17. Natural Dog Shampoo – This gentle shampoo won’t strip your dog’s natural oils but will clean thoroughly.
18. White Oil Natural Pesticide – Use as an effective and safe pesticide spray for your garden.

A Note on Using Castile Soap and Vinegar
While castile soap is an incredible natural cleaner, avoid mixing it with vinegar or other acids as they cancel each other out, reducing the soap back to its original oils. Instead, use castile soap first and follow up with a vinegar rinse to remove residues and add shine.

Where To Buy Castile Soap
Dr. Bronner’s is one of the best options for castile soap, offering a variety of organic and Fair Trade certified scents. The unscented liquid castile soap is perfect for sensitive skin or allergies. Dr. Bronner’s also offers scents like tea tree oil, lavender, peppermint, almond, and rose.