Did you know that most commercial soaps contain harsh chemicals and artificial additives? That’s why switching to a natural alternative that’s gentler on your skin and better for the environment is beneficial. Castile soap is a fantastic plant-based soap that has been around for centuries.
Castile is an all-natural soap made from organic vegetable oils like coconut, olive, and jojoba oil. Unlike other soaps with synthetic detergents and fragrances, it is free from harsh chemicals and biodegradable.
Over the years, I have discovered a passion for learning new ways to incorporate safer, natural products into my family’s home. I learned that making beauty and cleaning products was cheap and easy.
I began experimenting with making homemade products using Castile soap, including my natural all-purpose cleaner and my favourite peppermint shampoo.
Since then, I have continued to learn more about natural products, including how to clean our home naturally using products like Castile soap, baking soda, essential oils and white vinegar.
In this blog, we’ll look closer at castile soap, its benefits, uses, and the unique ingredients that make it special.
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Castile Soap Benefits
- Gentle – this soap is gentle on your skin. Unlike other soaps that can dry out your skin, castile soap can help to keep your skin feeling soft and moisturised. It can suit people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis. I suffer from eczema on my hands and find this soap to be gentle on my skin.
- Versatile – Castile soap is super versatile! It can do so many things, making it a natural multi-purpose product. You can use it to clean your body, hair, hands, and home. It removes tough dirt and grime, leaving your surfaces spotless. And the best part is you can choose from various scents like tea tree, lavender, or peppermint!
What is Castile Soap Made of?
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that make up castile soap. As mentioned earlier, it is primarily made from organic vegetable oils. You can get castile soap in both bar and liquid form.
- Coconut oil – provides a rich lather and adds moisturising properties to the soap.
- Olive oil – offers nourishment and helps to maintain the skin’s elasticity.
- Jojoba oil – is known for its excellent moisturising and conditioning effects.
When choosing a castile soap, opt for well-trusted brands like Dr Bronner’s, which are organic and often contain essential oils for added benefits. For instance, tea tree-scented castile soap harnesses the antibacterial and antiviral properties of tea tree essential oil, making it ideal for cleaning. Peppermint is perfect for hair and mouth products like shampoo and toothpaste.
When making natural beauty and cleaning products, add some essential oils. They have many remarkable properties. For example, rosemary essential oil has a lovely scent and antibacterial properties. It can also help with hair growth, so I add it to my natural shampoo.
Dr Bronner’s Soap Options
Here are some of the many scents you can purchase from Dr Bronners, which use essential oils.
Shop Dr Bronner’s
How to Use Castile Soap
Using castile soap is simple. Use it like any other soap or cleaner. Depending on the use, it may be best to dilute the soap a bit (see my recommendations below).
1. Face wash
To wash or cleanse your face from makeup or dirt, use 2-3 drops of soap on your wet hands and massage it into your wet skin.
2. Body wash
Use a small squirt of soap on a cloth or sponge and lather over your skin. Dr Bronner’s soap has jojoba and coconut oil, which deeply cleanses and moisturises the skin.
3. Bath
Not your typical bubble bath suds but try adding 2 tbsp of your favourite Dr Bronner’s soap. Not only will it clean your skin, but it will also hydrate it. My favourite scents are Rose and Lavender for a relaxing bath.
4. Hair
Try making my favourite shampoo recipe. This peppermint and rosemary shampoo is invigorating and helps with hair growth.
5. Teeth
This is not for everyone, but you can use Dr Bronner’s peppermint to brush your teeth. Add a drop onto your toothbrush and brush as usual. You can also purchase Dr Bronner’s peppermint toothpaste.
6. Hands
One of the reasons I love homemade beauty and cleaning products so much is that I suffer from eczema on my hands. So, this all-natural hand soap recipe is perfect if you need a gentler hand soap option.
7. Dishes and Cleaning
You can wash your dishes with Castile soap by diluting 1:10 with water. Keep this in a bottle beside your kitchen sink or laundry for cleaning.
8. Laundry
Add ½ cup soap to your washing machine instead of commercial laundry powder. For extra whitening, try adding ½ cup baking soda to the load.
9. Produce Wash
Since Covid, many of us have taken extra precautions in our homes, so this produce wash is excellent for giving your fruit and veg a quick clean before storing. Add ¼ tsp to a bowl and rinse, then dry the produce. Try adding white vinegar to the wash for an extra cleaning boost.
The best part is that these are just a few ways to use Castile soap in your home!
To Sum up – Castile Soap
In conclusion, castile soap is a natural and eco-friendly alternative to conventional soaps and cleaners. Its gentle nature and versatility make it a favourite among those seeking a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. By choosing castile soap, you care for your skin and contribute to a cleaner and greener world.