Castile soap, which comes from the Castile region of Spain, is a natural soap made from vegetable oils. Unlike many liquid soaps that are often a mix of detergents, pure castile soaps are genuine soaps.
Here are compelling reasons to choose castile soap over other options.
1. Natural and Free of Toxins
Most commercial soaps are packed with harmful chemicals that can affect our health. Some experts believe that applying chemicals on the skin can be even more harmful than ingesting them because they go directly into the bloodstream without any filtering. Castile soap, however, contains only natural ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil, and jojoba oil, mixed with water and essential oils. Always check labels to ensure your castile soap doesn’t contain any added chemicals.
2. Often Organic, Vegan, and Fair Trade
Castile soaps usually boast higher quality ingredients and a more ethical production process compared to conventional soaps. They are typically made from vegetable oils, making them suitable for vegans, although it’s wise to check the label. One popular brand, Dr. Bronner’s, offers vegan and cruelty-free options that are also certified organic and GMO-free, with ingredients sourced through Fair Trade principles.
3. Doesn’t Encourage Super Bacteria
Many antibacterial liquid soaps contain triclosan, a synthetic antibacterial ingredient that’s also a registered pesticide. Triclosan has been linked to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, hormonal disruptions, and other health issues. The FDA has stated there’s no evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than plain soap and water. Castile soap, with its natural formulation, is a safer choice for keeping hands and homes clean.
4. Lathers Easily
Natural soaps often don’t lather well because they avoid Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent linked to numerous health issues. Castile soap, rich in vegetable oils, produces a high-foaming lather without such chemicals. Thanks to the process of turning vegetable oils into soap and glycerin, castile soap requires less water to create a lather and works well in both hard and soft water.
5. Safe for Babies and Pets
Because of their natural and chemical-free formulation, unscented castile soaps are gentle and safe for babies, although they should be kept away from the eyes. Dogs and cats can also be washed with unscented varieties, which won’t irritate their skin or coat. Just be cautious with essential oils as some can be harmful to pets.
6. Environmentally Friendly
Castile soap is environmentally friendly as it doesn’t contain artificial foaming agents, colors, fragrances, detergents, petrochemicals, or toxic antibacterial agents. It’s also biodegradable, making it gentle on the environment.
7. Incredibly Versatile
Castile soap’s versatility is one of its standout features. It can be used in numerous ways, from personal care to household cleaning. Here are 18 practical uses:
– Foaming Face Wash: Cleanse without stripping natural oils.
– Foaming Hand Wash: Stretch your soap with added ingredients.
– Nourishing Body Wash: Use a mix of castile soap, honey, and oils.
– Coconut Milk Shampoo: Combine with coconut milk for a gentle shampoo.
– Bubble Bath: Create a soft bubble bath with glycerin and essential oils.
– Unisex Shaving Cream: Get a smooth shave with a mix of castile soap, honey, and oils.
– Soap Toothpaste: Make effective homemade toothpaste with castile soap and oils.
– Hair and Makeup Brush Cleaner: Clean brushes weekly with castile soap.
– Removing Pesticides from Produce: Wash fruits and veggies with castile soap.
– DIY Dish Soap: Create dish soap that cleans without residue.
– Dishwasher Detergent: Clean dishes naturally with castile soap.
– Laundry Detergent: Make your own detergent with castile soap and essential oils.
– Floor Cleaner: Mop floors with castile soap and water.
– All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix castile soap with water and tea tree oil.
– Exterior Window Wash: Clean windows effectively using castile soap.
– Non-Toxic Toilet Cleaner: Scrub toilets with castile soap and essential oils.
– Natural Dog Shampoo: Wash your dog with castile soap and coconut oil.
– White Oil Natural Pesticide: Create a garden pesticide with castile soap and oil.
– Lemon Fresh Dusting Spray: Dust surfaces naturally with castile soap and lemon oil.
A Note on Using Castile Soap and Vinegar
While castile soap is highly effective, avoid mixing it with vinegar. The acid in vinegar cancels out the base in castile soap, leaving an oily residue. Instead, use castile soap first for cleaning and follow up with vinegar as a rinse to remove any residue and add shine.
Where To Buy Castile Soap
Dr. Bronner’s is a leading brand offering organic and Fair Trade castile soap in various scents. Their unscented liquid castile soap is especially popular for sensitive skin.
By switching to castile soap, you’re choosing a natural, eco-friendly, and highly versatile product that’s better for your health and the environment.
