If you’ve ever gone to a dermatologist to consult about eczema, psoriasis, or just chronically dry skin, then you must have heard it before: Castile soap is what’s best for you. It’s a type of gentle soap that is traditionally made only with natural vegetable oils and without harsh, synthetic ingredients that can dry out and irritate the skin. That makes it a must for anyone suffering from problematic skin.
The best Castile soap out there will calm and soothe your skin while thoroughly cleansing it. It can also be of good use in other cleaning needs, from brushing your teeth to bathing your pets. Castile soap, named after the Spanish city it originated in centuries ago, is as versatile as it gets.
Throughout the decades, many brands have come out with their version of Castile soap, from liquid to bar format. There are dozens of options, so it can get overwhelming choosing which to buy. But don’t worry—I’ve rounded up the best natural Castile soap options to guide you.
12 Best Castile Soap for Your Face & Skin
1. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap
Dr. Bronner’s is arguably the most popular pure Castile soap brand out there because of its rich history and a wide variety of scents to choose from. It was founded by Emmanuel Bronner, a third-generation soap maker who wanted to change the world with his family’s gentle, environment-friendly soap.
The brand carries plenty of variants for its plant-based liquid soap, but the most popular one is the peppermint Castile soap.
This soap is made primarily of nourishing, fair trade natural ingredients and oils, namely coconut, jojoba, and olive oils. These are known to be very gentle to the skin, and give it the moisture it needs to be plump and soft. Unlike regular soap, this soap won’t dry out your skin even if you use it daily.
The soap is also amazing for the environment because it has no sulfates and other harmful ingredients. The natural oils actually enrich the soil and make it stronger, so using the soap is good not only for your face and body but also for the planet.
The relaxing peppermint scent of this Castile soap variant is a fan favorite not only because it’s good for the sinuses and the mind but also because it stimulates all the senses when taking a shower.
Dr. Bronner’s prides itself on making Castile soaps that are versatile. They are rarely just for personal care and bathing; they can also be used as a dishwashing liquid, shaving cream, and even toothpaste when you travel! It is more concentrated than other liquid soap options, so it’s important to dilute it with water before using it as a cleaning agent.
While the peppermint scent is what people love about this Dr Bronner’s pure castile soap, I notice that the smell doesn’t stay too long on the skin after showering. It seems to fade away a couple of hours after a bath, which may be a good or bad thing, depending on your preference.
Pros
- Formulated with nourishing oils like jojoba and olive oils
- Good for the environment because its ingredients enrich the soil
- Has a relaxing peppermint scent
- Made with fair trade natural oils and ingredients
- More concentrated than other cleaning agents
Cons
- The peppermint smell does not stay on the skin for too long
Dr. Bronner’s is regarded as the best liquid Castile soap option out there, which is hardly surprising given its popularity all over the world. If you want to try out this brand with a classic Castile soap scent everyone loves, then this peppermint variant is worth a try.
2. Quinn’s Unscented Castile Soap
Another organic Castile soap brand that is great for many cleaning uses is by Quinn’s. This version is a lot milder than other Castile soaps because it is unscented, which means it has no essential oils and synthetic fragrances. This is great if you’re looking for an odorless multi-use soap made from plant oils.
Quinn’s Castile soap has a gentle and mild formula that gives the skin a deep cleanse in the bath while hydrating and nourishing it too. This soap makes hair noticeably shiny after just one use, without leaving a distracting layer of grease on the strands. It’s a great way to wash from head to toe if you’re looking for the most gentle option out there.
This vegetable oil based liquid soap is infused with smooth, organic argan, jojoba, and hemp oils. All of these are known to carry many antioxidants, vitamins, and omega fatty acids. That means that while it softens the skin to make it more supple, it also strengthens the skin barrier.
Because it’s super gentle and mild, this Castile soap is an excellent option for kids. You can even use it as a baby wash and not have to worry about any of the ingredients irritating your baby’s skin.
One cute and endearing feature of this product is that on its packaging, it provides dilution recipes for the many different uses of the soap. It teaches you the perfect ratios to dilute this concentrated soap for things like washing pets, cleaning the carpet, and even using it as a laundry detergent.
One thing I’ve noticed, however, is that the viscosity of this soap is quite runny. While it’s very concentrated, it’s a bit watery and thin, making it difficult to hold in your hands without it dripping between your fingers.
Pros
- A mild formula that soothes and moisturizes the skin
- Has no essential oils or fragrances that can irritate the skin
- Infused with oils that carry many antioxidants and omega fatty acids
- Completely vegan and made from plant-based oils
- The bottle has dilution recipes for the soap’s many uses
Cons
- A bit runny and watery in terms of consistency
If a very gentle wash is what you’re after, then you really can’t go wrong with this unscented Castile soap by Quinn’s. It’s also a smart option if you need guidance on how to dilute your Castile soap depending on how you want to use it.
3. La Almona Pure Castile Soap
Another Castile soap option that is more on the more gentle end of the spectrum is this one by La Almona. It has the same beautiful plant-based oils you would expect to find in any good quality Castile soap, but with a few bonus ingredients for added benefits.
The main oil used in this liquid soap is olive oil, but it is also heavily infused with coconut and sunflower oils. With these three, the skin gets all the hydration it needs while being thoroughly washed.
Aside from these oils, the formula also contains organic aloe vera and shea butter. These two are known for their moisturizing properties that help the skin retain water in its deeper layers. These ingredients give even stronger hydrating power to this already effective Castile soap.
But that’s not all you get out of this product! It also has some rosemary extracts and citric acid in it. Rosemary helps to tighten the skin and slow the signs of aging, like the development of wrinkles and fine lines. Citric acid, on the other hand, gently exfoliates dead skin cells from the top layer of skin, making sure bright and healthy skin resurfaces.
Like most Castile soap brands, this is great for many uses, from showering head to toe to washing up in the kitchen. It’s awesome because it comes in a one-gallon tub, so you won’t run out of it that fast!
One thing that may be a bit bothersome when showering with this soap is that it can leave a waxy film on the skin. This layer of greasiness may be great if you have dry skin, but it can be hard to rinse off if you’d rather just have a smooth, matte finish to the skin.
Pros
- Made from natural olive, sunflower, and coconut oil
- Contains aloe vera and shea butter for stronger hydrating power
- Has vitamins and antioxidants from rosemary and citric acid
- Does not contain fragrance, so it’s very gentle on the skin
- Works as body wash, cleaning products and more
- Great value for money as it comes in a one-gallon container
Cons
- Leaves a waxy film on the skin that is hard to rinse off
If you’re looking for the best Castile soap recipe that has all kinds of moisturizing and great-smelling ingredients, then this may be the one for you. From hydrating olive and coconut oil to antioxidant-rich rosemary and citric acid, this formula is packed with all the good stuff your skin will thank you for.
4. Kirk’s Gentle Castile Soap
Kirk’s Castile soap has been around for almost two whole centuries now but has never lost the trust of their loyal fans. After over 180 years in business, the brand still uses the same traditional recipe for their soap, and only with 100% premium and organic coconut oil.
The biggest difference between Kirk’s soap and other Castile soap alternative options is the mere fact that they develop a bar soap format. This unique format makes the soap easier to hold, handle, and use when bathing, making it a favorite among Castile soap lovers.
This fragrance-free soap’s hero ingredient is coconut oil, which is known for heavy-duty moisturizing of the skin. That makes this soap perfect for dry and flaky skin in need of being more bouncy, smooth, and healthy.
This soap makes a foamier, creamier lather than most other Castile soap options, just because it’s easier to lather up than liquid soap. This makes the bath feel more luxurious and gentle, and you can be sure your skin is getting the hydration it needs.
The only downside to having this soap in a bar format, instead of the more common liquid soap, is that it’s not as versatile. While other concentrated Castile soaps can be diluted in water to be used as shaving cream, toothpaste, or a gentle cleaning agent, this bar soap can likely only be used for washing in the shower or sink.
Pros
- Made with 100% premium organic coconut oil for utmost hydration
- Comes in an easy-to-hold solid bar soap format
- Creates a creamier lather than liquid Castile soaps
- Has just five ingredients, for a cleaner, more natural make
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not as versatile as liquid Castile soap brands
Kirk’s has been trusted for almost 200 years to produce the most high-quality coconut oil-based Castile soaps. If you’re looking to try out a basic bar soap format for Castile soap, then you should go for a renowned brand that has been known throughout the decades—Kirk’s.
5. Seven Minerals Pure Castile Soap
For those who are trying to be more responsible with their product consumption, Seven Minerals is just the brand for you. This family-owned soap brand carries a mild and gentle liquid Castile soap that not only soothes and nourishes the skin but nurtures the environment too.
This giant jug of Castile soap is made from a blend of gorgeous natural plant-based oils like coconut, olive, jojoba, argan, and hemp oils. These are all very hydrating, so it’s great to use if you want skin that feels very soft and silky.
It even contains castor oil, which makes it unique among other Castile soaps. Castor oil is known not only to moisturize but also to reduce inflammation. Because of this ingredient, Seven Minerals’ Castile soap is effective not only at cleansing and moisturizing but also at treating acne and blemishes.
This soap is 100% vegan, and all of its ingredients are biodegradable, which means it won’t harm the land or ocean. It even makes sure not to include palm oil, an oil known to be linked with massive deforestation across continents, in its ingredients list. The company is also proud to carry one of the few Castile soap brands that are certified by the Environmental Working Group of America.
However, because of how natural all the ingredients are, I’ve noticed that it’s quite difficult to lather up the product in my hands. So if a creamy lather is something you like when bathing, this is something to consider.
Pros
- Has a blend of ultra-hydrating oils like coconut, olive, and jojoba oils
- Uniquely contains castor oil, which is great for treating problematic skin
- Does not contain palm oil, which has links to deforestation
- 100% vegan and biodegradable, so it’s good for the environment
- One of the only EWG-certified Castile soaps in the market
Cons
- A bit hard to get a lather going because of how natural it is
One could argue that there is no Castile soap brand out there that thinks about the environment as much as Seven Minerals does. From the oils they source to how biodegradable each ingredient is, they make sure to be as thoughtful to the environment as their soap is to human skin.
6. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Bar Soap
Since Dr. Bronner’s is one of the biggest Castile soap experts in the world, it’s no surprise that it has also dabbled in creating bar soap versions for their Castile soap for easier use in the bathroom.
Their hemp citrus bar is one of the more invigorating and lively scents in their soap collection. As with all Dr. Bronner’s soaps, this bar is made only with organic and ethically traded coconut, jojoba, olive, and hemp oils. This soap contains no synthetic dyes, fragrances, parabens, and sulfates, making it just as safe to use as the liquid soaps this popular brand carries.
I think the most exciting thing about this soap is its refreshing scent. The soap is infused with orange, lemon, and lime essential oils, giving it a fresh, fruity, zesty smell. Such a scent is perfect for an early morning zing!
This bar gives a nice, rich lather in your hands, without having to use a washcloth or loofah to produce bubbles. Because of this, cleaning the body is made much easier and feels more relaxing.
But it’s also important to note that bar soaps, in general, are more drying than liquid soaps, which are naturally more moisturizing. Because this Castile soap is in a bar format with many citrusy essential oils, it tends to dry out the skin. This effect is not to an alarming degree, but so that the skin still needs more moisture.
Pros
- Made with pure and fair trade coconut, jojoba, olive, and hemp oils
- Has a fresh and zesty smell coming from orange, lemon, and lime essential oils
- Gives a rich, creamy lather because of the bar soap format
- Fully biodegradable and vegan, so they’re good for the planet
- The packaging is made from recycled wrapper
Cons
- Tend to dry the skin out because of the bar format and multiple essential oils
For a shower that makes you feel more alive, try out this hemp citrus Castile soap bar by Dr. Bronner’s. You get the same mild, gentle, and effective ingredients the brand offers with all of its soaps, with an added bonus of a deliciously fruity scent to liven up your bath!
Best Bar Soaps for Feminine Hygiene
7. Dr. Woods Baby Mild Castile Soap
While most Castile soaps are mild enough for sensitive skin, there are still a select few that are more gentle than the rest. An example of this is Dr. Woods’ mild Castile soap, which is highly recommended for babies and young children.
This unscented liquid Castile soap is rich in hydrating and nourishing oils. Its main ingredients are olive, coconut, and hemp oils, which can help in softening the skin and making it bouncy and healthy. It is also infused with vitamin E, which helps with strengthening and conditioning the skin barrier.
Because of the vitamin E component, it would also be a good Castile soap for hair, which just loves absorbing vitamin E to make cuticles stronger and less brittle.
This soap is formulated especially for babies, so that the product is gentle enough for daily use on your baby’s precious, ultra-sensitive skin. Because it’s unscented and doesn’t contain any fragrance, it lessens the chances of irritation on baby skin even more.
It’s hypoallergenic and contains no harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, detergents, and artificial dyes. So as a parent, you can rest easy when you wash your baby with this in the bath.
One thing to note, however, is that this soap focuses on the natural ingredients and doesn’t contain fragrance. Hence, the scent is reminiscent to a strong-smelling store-bought olive oil instead of completely unscented.
Pros
- Contains olive, coconut, and hemp oils to soften and hydrate the skin
- Infused with vitamin E to strengthen and condition the skin
- Has a special formulation that makes it gentle enough for babies’ precious skin
- Unscented, so there’s no chance for the skin to be irritated by fragrance
- Hypoallergenic, and made with no parabens, sulfates, and detergents
Cons
- Smells heavily of rich olive oil since it contains no fragrance
If you’re looking for the best Castile soap for cleaning baby skin without being irritating, then this soap by Dr. Woods is a great option for you. It’s an amazing alternative to more commercialized baby soap because it’s milder and way more gentle.
8. Dr. Bronner’s Unscented Pure Castile Soap
Another unscented Castile soap that’s great for sensitive skin and bathing your little bundle of joy is this one from the ever-reliable heritage brand, Dr. Bronner’s.
Like the brand’s other liquid Castile soap variants, this unscented version formulated for babies is made only with high-quality natural oils. These coconut, olive, jojoba, and hemp oils were ethically sourced and were engaged in fair trade. So you know you’re helping out small farming communities while properly cleansing and nourishing your skin.
Because this soap was not formulated with any fragrance or essential oils to create a scent, Dr. Bronner’s doubled down on the amount of olive oil. That makes this soap very moisturizing. Plus, there is little to no chances of irritation because of the lack of artificial or harsh ingredients to make it smell nice.
Like all Dr. Bronner’s pure castile liquid soaps, this unscented baby version is recommended for 18 different uses, from rinsing fruits and veggies, to cleaning makeup brushes, to washing the dishes.
However, if you’re going to be using this to bathe your baby, know that it’s not completely tear-free. Even though it’s very mild and gentle enough for daily use for babies and young children, the soap can still sting a bit should some soap accidentally get in the eyes. If you’re a parent, this is definitely a watch-out.
Pros
- Made with over 90% organic ingredients, most of which are fair trade
- Has double the olive oil as other Dr. Bronner’s soap variants
- Fully biodegradable and sustainably produced, so it’s good for the planet
- Has so many uses other than just bathing or washing your baby
- Has no sulfates, synthetic preservatives, or added fragrance
Cons
- While it’s gentle enough for babies, it’s not tear-free
This unscented soap by Dr. Bronners is truly a great Castile soap for face and body among users of all ages, because of how gentle and accommodating it is. It’s another reliable variant from one of the most iconic Castile soap brands out there.
9. Dr. Jacobs Peppermint Castile Soap
For another potent, concentrated Castile liquid soap for nourishing your skin in a relaxing bath, try out this peppermint variant from Dr. Jacobs Naturals.
Like many other Castile soaps, this soap is made from pure coconut and olive oils that moisturize the skin. It also excels at replenishing dry and flaky skin to soften it. The product contains aloe vera, a humectant that hydrates and soothes the skin, and vitamin E, which is great for anti-aging and conditioning.
One unique thing about this soap is that it’s twice as thick as other common Castile liquid soaps. This makes it feel like more of a shower gel instead of a runny, watery bottle of oil. Its concentrate formula promises a deeper clean to rid of all the gunk from the top layer of skin.
The peppermint oil in this formula gives a cooling effect to the skin, making a bath with this even more relaxing. The lively, minty scent is also very refreshing and can calm the senses.
One thing to note is that while lathering this soap up and having a foamy bath sounds fun and relaxing, it can also lead to dry skin. This soap tends to dry out the skin, but only when it is not diluted enough in water. To be on the side of caution, make sure you dilute it first before using directly on the skin
Pros
- Pure, top-quality coconut and olive oils for the ultimate moisturization
- It is twice as thick as the usual liquid Castile soaps
- Peppermint has a cooling effect on the skin and leaves incredible smell
- Doesn’t use palm oil linked to deforestation
- Lathers very easily and creates foam and bubbles quickly
Cons
- Tends to dry out the skin when not diluted enough
If you have somewhat resilient skin that doesn’t dry out as easily, then this is a great Castile soap option. It makes for fun and relaxing baths while moisturizing and strengthening the skin.
10. Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Pure Castile Soap
If you love the smell of beautiful springtime flowers, this lavender Castile soap variant from Dr. Bronner’s will surely calm your senses. It’s the same 18-in-1 liquid soap the brand is famous for, but in a classic scent that invigorates the mind.
Like the rest of the variants carried by Dr. Bronners, this lavender soap is made only with the finest, purest coconut, jojoba, olive, and hemp oils. These oils work together to moisturize the skin and make it soft, bouncy, and healthy. They’re also very gentle and great for sensitive skin.
This particular variant of Castile soap has an aromatic lavender scent. Lavender is a flower that is known to calm and relax the mind almost as soon as you smell it. That makes this soap a great option if you’re looking for a soap that will help you clear your mind while taking a relaxing bath.
In true Dr. Bronner’s fashion, this soap is biodegradable and very good for the planet. The formula doesn’t harm the environment when it goes down the drain and into the ocean and even enriches the soil. That makes it a great option if you’re looking to be more eco-friendly in your purchases.
It also does not include any potentially harmful ingredients, like artificial dyes and fragrances, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and more. That means you don’t have to worry about it possibly causing a bad reaction even on your sensitive skin.
But just like most Dr. Bronner’s liquid Castile soaps, this lavender variant gives off a much more mild lather. Because it doesn’t contain any detergent or foaming agents in the formula, it doesn’t lather up that much.
Pros
- Made only with top-quality nourishing oils that are ethically sourced
- Has a lavender scent, which is known to calm and relax people easily
- The formula is biodegradable and enriches oils, making it good for the earth
- Does not contain any dangerous chemicals like parabens and sulfates
- A multi-benefit product with 18 recommended uses
Cons
- Doesn’t lather up as much as other Castile soap brands
If you’re a fan of both aromatherapy and Castile soap, then this lavender soap from Dr. Bronner’s might be the one you’ve been looking for. Try it out to get the double benefit of soft, smooth, supple skin and a calm and collected mind.
11. Prairie Essentials Pure Castile Soap
While many liquid Castile soaps focus their formula on natural oils, this unscented soap by Prairie Essentials offers moisturization from both oils and butters.
This US-made soap combines a wide array of gorgeous, antioxidant-rich botanical oils like coconut, palm, kernel, olive, hemp, and rosemary oils. Most of these are great at moisturizing and locking in hydration in the deeper layers of the skin.
Rosemary, on the other hand, is better known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. These make it the perfect ingredient for those with chronic skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema. It can even calm down active pimples and blemishes, for a smoother, clearer complexion.
This plethora of oils is joined by shea butter, known to moisturize, heal, and protect the skin. It also helps sustain and strengthen the skin’s elasticity, making it tighter and bouncier, giving it a more youthful glow.
This soap is unscented, making it the perfect baby wash alternative and bath soap for those who are quite sensitive to smells. The cute packaging contains recipes and instructions for how to dilute the soap depending on your specific use—from baby wash to foaming hand cleanser.
One downside about this soap isn’t so much about the product itself, but its packaging. I’ve noticed that the lid of the packaging can get a bit loose, and you have to twist it shut to make sure there’s no spillage of the product. Because of this, I’d recommend this bottle of soap as a mainstay in one area of the bathroom, and not something to move around from place to place.
Pros
- Combines a generous blend of organic butters and oils for moisturization
- Shea butter heals and protects the skin while restoring its elasticity
- Unscented, so it’s great for babies and those sensitive to smells
- Doesn’t have any harsh ingredients like sulfates, parabens, and dyes
- The bottle has dilution recipes for a multitude of cleaning uses
Cons
- The lid on the packaging can get too loose, leading to spills
If your main skin concern is finding a gentle product to help moisturize the skin immensely, then this may be the daily Castile soap for you. Its powerful combo of butters and oils can help nourish even those with chronic dry skin.
12. Natural Way Organics Castile Liquid Soap
The last item on my list is another simple yet effective unscented liquid Castile soap. This huge jug of soap from Natural Way Organics may not have all that marketing pizzazz and glamour, but it’s a Castile soap that gets the job done and does it well.
This soap is made of the powerhouse plant-based oils we’ve seen across so many of these Castile soaps—coconut, olive, and jojoba oils. These oils are great for moisturizing and locking in the hydration in the skin to keep it healthy and plump. They are also great at softening the skin, to make it smooth and silky to the touch.
Aside from these oils, this Castile soap contains aloe vera, which is great at providing additional hydration to the skin, and incrosemary, for its soothing properties. These two make a great addition to the ingredients list because they make the skin stronger.
Although the formula is 100% natural and very mild and gentle, this soap has the power to wash off all dirt and impurities from the skin. It’s unscented too, making it perfect for those with allergies or uber-sensitive skin.
The smell of this soap, however, is somewhat of an acquired taste. Although it’s meant to be unscented, this soap smells very earthy and natural. It’s very reminiscent of oils you would find in your kitchen—the pure oils you can probably cook with. It just takes some getting used to.
Pros
- Made with coconut, olive, and jojoba oils for soft, moisturized skin
- Contains aloe vera for added hydration and rosemary for soothing
- 100% natural and with a very mild formula
- Gives a thorough cleanse, washing away all forms of dirt
- Unscented, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin and those with allergies
Cons
- The smell is an acquired taste, as it’s very earthy and natural
This is another good Castile soap for cleansing from head to toe because of how gentle it is. Because it’s unscented and formulated without any harmful ingredients, it’s sure to be good to your skin, just the way a hardworking Castile soap should be.
What to Look for When Buying Castile Soap
Rich, nourishing botanical oils
Castile soap’s main ingredients are almost always plant-based oils that are great at nourishing the skin. Some of these include olive oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil. Jojoba and hemp oil are also popular key ingredients for heavy-duty Castile soaps that want to pack as many oils as possible in one hard-hitting formula.
In other products, natural butter will also play a role in moisturizing the skin. The most common butter found in Castile soap is shea butter, which aside from locking in hydration in the skin is also great at healing. It’s kind of a bonus when this butter is added to an oil-based formula. The more moisturizing and nourishing ingredients, the better!
Trusted brand name
There are many heritage brands out there that offer Castile soap. This isn’t very surprising. Since this soap has been produced for centuries and each family, they have pretty much its own formula passed down to each generation. Because Castile soap is getting more and more attention in the modern world, it’s best to go for a brand name that knows what it’s doing.
When shopping for Castile soap for the first time, it’s important to look for a brand that is known for its mild and gentle formulation and has been trusted by many for years or decades. These are the brands that have stuck around for a reason, and that reason is top-quality soaps.
Versatility of use
While Castile soap is mainly used for cleansing the face, body, and hair, it’s great to have some around for other cleaning purposes too. Try looking for a type of Castile soap that is versatile enough to be used as shaving cream, baby wash, an inhalation agent for aromatherapy, and more.
If you use your Castile soap for more than it is meant, then you maximize it to its fullest potential and get more bang for your buck with a multi-use product.
No harmful chemicals
Castile soap is known for using natural ingredients and not containing the same harmful detergents and sulfates regular store-bought soap has. That’s a great advantage of Castile soap in general. However, some Castile soaps have a few added ingredients that certain people may react negatively to if they don’t watch out for them.
For example, if you know your skin to be very sensitive to essential oils and added fragrances, it’s best to go for an unscented Castile soap. This way, you know you’re only getting the most gentle option out there for you that you know your skin will be receptive to.
Value for money
As with all skincare products, value for money is very attractive when shopping for Castile soap. While finding top-quality ingredients from well-known, established brands is the priority, shopping for a gentle soap shouldn’t hurt your wallet either.
Many Castile soap brands come out with products that come by the gallon and jug. That’s a great route to take when you want to always be stocked up with Castile soap in your home. Always compare prices online before splurging on a Castile soap. You never know, maybe there’s a cheaper option out there that you’ll love more than the one already in your cart.
Other Important Factors to Consider
What is Castile soap?
Castile soap is a type of soap made from plant-based oil (traditionally olive oil) that originated centuries back in the Spanish city of Castile. It’s usually 100% natural and vegan, making it very safe and gentle for the skin, and also very friendly to the environment. Other popular oils that comprise the usual Castile soap formulas we see today are coconut oil, jojoba oil, and hemp oil.
It’s a soap that comes very highly recommended by dermatologists who treat patients with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin in general. It’s great for moisturizing because of its oil-heavy ingredients list. Also, it has, more often than not, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that protect the skin from breakouts and hives.
How does Castile soap work?
The vegetable oils used to produce Castile soap are very rich in vitamins and minerals. Olive oil, for example, contains vitamins A and E, which are great at strengthening and conditioning the skin barrier. Thus, it provides the skin with a great defense system. Other oils and butter used for the formulation of Castile soaps are also rich in fatty acids that help to nourish the skin, making it more moisturized.
Who is Castile soap for?
Castile soap is great for people with sensitive skin who need a mild, gentle soap for daily use. It is especially recommended for those who have problematic skin conditions, like eczema or psoriasis. Those who suffer from very dry and flaky skin will also benefit from Castile oil. It’s a great moisturizing soap that makes the skin softer and more supple.
What are the different types of Castile soap?
The two main forms of Castile soap are similar to the main forms of regular soap you buy at the store—solid bar soaps and liquid soaps. Liquid versions of Castile soap are more common since oils are runnier in their natural state anyway. Liquid Castile soap is also a lot more moisturizing and softening than bar soap formats.
For solid bar soap versions of Castile soap, they have their good and bad points. One awesome thing about them is that they make a foamy and creamy lather in the shower. Such a feature can bring users a more luxurious and fun bathing experience. However, since they do lather up more and contain preservatives to help keep them solid, they may be a bit more drying to the skin than liquid soaps.
What are the benefits of using Castile soap?
The main benefit of using Castile soap for your cleansing needs is that it’s a mild, gentle soap that will rarely emit a bad reaction from your skin, no matter how sensitive it is. Because the ingredients are mostly organic oils that are rich and nourishing, it moisturizes the skin as well. You never have to worry about drying ingredients like sulfates and artificial preservatives harming your skin.
Another benefit of Castile soap is how much it soothes the skin, especially those with skin conditions that make the skin itch or break out into hives. Olive, coconut, and jojoba oils have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help calm down irritated skin. This makes sure your skin is never in a bad place that can impair and distract you from living your everyday life as normal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best brand of Castile soap?
There’s no doubt that Dr. Bronner’s is the gold standard for all Castile soap brands around the world. Not only do they have heritage and history (of almost 200 years!) on their side, but they also carry so many variants to choose from. They also do a great job helping small communities through fair trade of their natural ingredients, while doing their part to make sure the environment is taken care of.
Cove Castile Soap is another popular soap brand nowadays, but I’ve found that the products on this list are way more effective and moisturizing.
What is Castile soap made of?
Castile soap is traditionally made from olive oil, water, and lye. However, in the modern world, Castile soaps have been infused with all kinds of rich and nourishing oils and butters, from coconut and jojoba oils to pure shea butter.
To make Castile soaps smell pleasant, essential oils are often added as well. Some popular ones are peppermint oil and lavender oil. You can also add your preferred essential oil to pure, unscented Castile soaps to personalize them to fit your taste.
Some Castile soaps also include bonus ingredients to help strengthen the skin. These include aloe vera, which soapmakers love for its ability to hydrate the skin and retain water in the deeper layers of skin. They also like to include vitamins and minerals, from vitamin E to omega fatty acids, to help strengthen the skin barrier and make it more elastic.
What is the best way to use Castile soap?
Most of the Castile soap warnings on the internet and even on these soaps’ packaging have to do with improper dilution. Most if not all liquid Castile soaps are concentrated and very potent, and the best way to use them is to dilute them with water to make it more gentle.
If you don’t dilute the water properly, you run the risk of drying out your skin, especially if you have a liquid Castile soap that has many essential oils. Many Castile soap brands provide instructions on how to dilute their soap with the right ratio of water.
Is Castile soap better than regular soap?
Castile soap is a smarter option than regular soaps and cleansers because of how gentle its formulation is. This soap is very gentle on the skin, making it better for sensitive skin than your usual bar soap at the drugstore. And because you only get the good stuff (that is, vegetable and essential oils), the pureness allows Castile soap to be very versatile.
You can use it as a body wash, a laundry detergent, a toothpaste, and more. Not many other cleaning agents pride themselves on their many uses and benefits, which is why Castile soap is a lot better than other soaps in the market.
What can I use to replace Castile soap?
While Castile soap might be the best and most sustainable type of soap out there, there are a few alternatives to it too. If you have to give up Castile soap for whatever reason, try to go for other natural soaps. Some great options include goat’s milk soaps and Aleppo soap. The latter is actually quite similar to Castile soap but is traditionally made with laurel oil, instead of olive oil.
Can I use Castile soap on my face?
Yes, Castile soap is gentle enough to be used on the face daily. It’s highly recommended for those with dry skin types, since the natural oils can help moisturize the skin. However, it’s also great for those with oily, acne-prone skin. Castile soap has many antibacterial properties that can clean the pores deeply, and wash off germs and impurities that can cause pimples.
Aside from washing the face and body, what are other uses of Castile soap?
There are dozens of uses for Castile soap outside of washing from head to toe in the shower. Most of the possible uses are for personal care, like using Castile soap as shaving cream, toothpaste, mouthwash, a foot bath, and hand soap. Its natural formula makes it very versatile and able to accommodate these many uses.
You can also use Castile soap as a cleaning agent outside of personal care. More practical at-home uses for this can be for washing the dishes, doing the laundry, removing stains on fabrics and surfaces, bathing pets and babies, and loads more! Whatever a regular soap can do, Castile soap can probably do even better.
Will Castile soap sting my eyes?
Castile soap contains no harmful and harsh ingredients like sulfates or synthetic dyes and fragrances, so it’s unlikely that it will sting your eyes. Though your vision might get blurry if this soap happens to enter the eye, it should go away after gently flushing it out with water.
What happens if I accidentally ingest Castile soap?
Castile soap is non-toxic and made of purely organic ingredients, so the effect of accidentally ingesting a little bit of it shouldn’t be so drastic. However, it’s best to drink lots of fluids if this does happen. Try your best to flush it out immediately with lots of water intake, so that your stomach doesn’t get upset and you don’t start feeling nauseous.
Is Castile soap okay to use for children?
Yes, Castile soap is actually highly recommended as an alternative to baby wash. Because it’s very gentle, you never have to worry about sulfates and synthetic dyes and fragrances harming your child’s skin, no matter how hard they scrub or how often you need to bathe them!
How long is the shelf life of Castile soap?
Castile soap usually lasts about three years. At around this time, the oils in the formula may start to get rancid, so at this point, it’s best to throw it out. Better safe than sorry, especially since you’re putting it on your sensitive skin!
Where can I buy Castile soap?
Despite being a less mainstream type of soap, Castile soap is available pretty much everywhere. You can buy it from your local drugstore or your favorite health and organics store.
However, the best place to buy it is online. By doing prior research on the internet before picking out which Castile soap brand you want to go with, you can choose the brand, variant, and ingredients you prefer.
Conclusion
Whether it’s for taking better care of your skin to doing laundry and kitchen cleaning, Castile soap is an amazing product to have in the house. The plant-based oils work their magic into the skin and make it soft, bouncy, and supple, without ever harming it. It’s a great soap option not only for those with sensitive skin, but for absolutely anyone.
Now that you know the best Castile soap options out there, what are you waiting for? Put your favorite ones into your shopping cart and give your skin the gentle tenderness it deserves!
