What is Castile Soap?

Castile soap is so named because it originated in the Castile region of Spain centuries ago. Traditional castile soap was made exclusively with olive oil since olive is one of the only oils which can be used as the single ingredient in soap.

Pure olive oil soaps like Sabun are the original form of the castile soap. The making process is labour intensive and takes several months to create the fully cured bars of soap, but it results in a beautifully gentle bar. Using a castile soap bar takes a little getting used to, as the soap does not lather like modern soaps and some it say it’s got a viscous or slimy feel to it.

While traditional castile soap is made purely from olive oil, the modern versions often use coconut oil or a mix of other vegetable oils as the primary ingredient due to its abundance and lower cost. Castile soap can be made in both liquid and bar forms.

Is Castile Soap eco-friendly?

Yes, since Castle soap is made with natural vegetable oils, this makes it biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Most modern "soaps" are actually detergents made with synthetic surfactants, while castile soap remains true to its natural origins.

The shift from pure olive oil to vegetable oils like coconut oil-based formulations hasn't compromised its effectiveness. Today's castile soaps often blend various vegetable oils to enhance their cleansing properties while maintaining their natural character.

Uses and Applications

Body and Face Care: Works as a body wash and facial cleanser. The saponified oils provide hydration without stripping natural skin oils. It's particularly suitable for sensitive skin due to its gentle, natural formulation.

Hair Care: Functions as a shampoo, though users should note it may strip hair colour. For colour-treated hair, extra dilution is recommended with focus on the scalp rather than the hair shaft.

Oral Care: While some use it for cleaning dental appliances like retainers and dentures, its use for brushing teeth remains controversial and isn't widely recommended.

Environmental Benefits of Castile Soap

Fully biodegradable

Environmentally conscious production

Reduced waste due to concentration

Vegan-Friendly: Made purely from vegetable fats, not animal fats

Don’t forget to test on a small area first, especially if you have sensitive skin or conditions like:

-          Acne-prone skin

-          Atopic dermatitis

-          Rosacea

-          Psoriasis

For any persistent skin reactions, consult a healthcare provider or dermatologist for alternative options.