Originating in Spain, castile soap was traditionally made with 100% olive oil. While modern-day castile soap continues to be made with olive oil, some types blend in other plant-based oils - like coconut oil, sustainable palm oil, hemp oil and avocado oil - and essential oils as well. These oils help create a moisturising lather and a pleasant aroma. 

What is castile soap?

Pure castile soap is an all-natural soap made from plant-based oils and other natural ingredients. A naturally biodegradable and vegan-friendly option, castile soap is available as a bar soap or liquid soap. It’s hailed as a gentler, more environmentally friendly soap and boasts a (very) long list of uses.

What are castile soaps used for?

A wonderful all-purpose cleanser, you can use castile soap for everything from beauty care to home cleaning. Some of its most popular uses include: as a head-to-toe body wash; shaving cream; pet shampoo; multi-purpose cleaner; fruit & vegetable wash; dish liquid; laundry liquid. Dr Bronner’s liquid soap famously boasts 18 uses, so this is far from an exhaustive list of ways to use castile soap!

What are the benefits of pure castile soap?

Castile soaps made with plant-oil blends (typically coconut oil, castor oil, and avocado oil) allow it to lather naturally, without the use of synthetic ingredients.

It’s cost effective

Pure castile soap in liquid form can be an ultra-concentrated cleanser, with varieties like Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap 3x more concentrated than ordinary soaps and body wash.

It’s suitable for all skin types

Castile soap is made from all natural, vegan friendly and non-toxic ingredients so it’s gentle on skin and suitable for the entire family (including pets!).

It’s naturally moisturising

Using plant-based oils, castile soap is naturally moisturising for the skin. And some brands choose to include the highly moisturising glycerine produced in the saponification process.

Acne prone skin will love it

By using olive oil, castile soap won’t clog pores. The soap’s oils penetrate and clean skin, leaving it moisturised and soft.

It’s rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants, like vitamins A and E, contained in castile soap may be able to provide natural protection for skin against free radicals. There are plenty of studies around the effects of antioxidants in dermatology with experts excited about their potential benefits in skincare.

Our pick of the best castile soaps

Dr Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap, Cherry Blossom

With a sweet cherry blossom scent reminiscent of springtime, washing with this castile liquid is like showering in a meadow of flowers. Like all their liquid soap Dr Bronner’s have formulated this one with skin-loving ingredients, adding in a dash of cherry blossom fragrance.

Dr Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap, Citrus

This soap bar has an invigorating scent and a luxurious feel to it with a soft, smooth lather. It’s a great organic castile soap that’s perfect for the entire body, even to shampoo your hair.

Dr Bronner’s Mini Liquid Castile Soap, Green Tea

The perfect travel companion, pop this mini bottle into your handbag and you’ll always have a gentle, sweet smelling soap to cleanse no matter where you are. The green tea scent is bright and refreshing and with 3x concentrate, it’ll last for ages.

Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap Baby, Unscented

You want to wash a baby’s delicate skin with a gentle formula that won’t dry their skin out or cause irritation. This one is fragrance free and perfect for young or sensitive skin. Drop a few squirts into their night time bath for a perfectly fresh, super soft bub.