Breaking news: Not every soap is manufactured equal. And that’s why pure castile soap — crafted from plant-based oils — has been praised for years as being more gentle and versatile than any other soap available. So what’s the story with castile soap? Ahead, all the information you require about this multi-tasking cleanser, exactly how to utilize castile soap, and the finest castile soap brands to experiment with.

Castile Soap vs. Other Soaps

Originally named after the olive oil–based soaps from Castile, Spain, castile soaps in modern times are produced from olive oil and a variety of other oils, all of which are plant-, nut-, or vegetable-derived. Coconut, hemp, almond, and walnut oil are all commonly utilized, and castile soap can be in the form of either liquid or solid.

Aside from these oils, castile soaps contain lye, which creates soap molecules when combined with the oil. When mixed with water, this soap creates charged atoms that trap dirt and other grime.

So, how does castile soap differ from any other type of soap? It all comes down to those oils. Traditional soap utilizes tallow (also known as animal fat), making castile soap a vegan, cruelty-free option. (Being vegan isn’t solely about transforming what you consume. In addition to reevaluating bath products, here are 12 things nobody informs you about transitioning to a vegan lifestyle.)

Other soaps and cleaning products may also contain harsh detergents; pure castile soap is completely natural, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. And that’s precisely why it can be used as both a beauty product and household cleaner, as it has the ability to efficiently cleanse everything from your face to your faucets. It’s also incredibly affordable, so substituting numerous products with this all-purpose solution can be an excellent way to not only save space but also some of your hard-earned money.

The Best Uses for Castile Soap

Truly, there’s virtually nothing it can’t accomplish. Case in point? The original — Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap, which you’ve probably come across on Instagram — boasts 18 distinct uses. Heads up: Pure castile soap is concentrated and needs to be mixed with water, but the exact soap-to-water ratio varies depending on the intended use.

When it comes to beauty and personal care purposes — employing it as a facial cleanser, body wash, shampoo, or shaving cream — the water that naturally mixes in during the process will suffice to dilute it. Plus, since it’s non-toxic, your entire family can use it — and it even works wonderfully as a dog shampoo. (You can also use castile soap to cleanse your makeup brushes.)

For household use, explore all the different things it can accomplish, along with some general dilution guidelines. (Discover these and even more ratios using this Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap dilution cheat sheet.)

Bronner’s dilution cheat sheet.)” can be rephrased as “Bronner’s dilution reference guide.)

• For a multi-surface cleaner, combine 1/4 cup of castile soap with 1 quart of water.
• For a dish detergent, use 1 part of castile soap diluted with 10 parts of water.
• For a floor cleaner, mix 1/2 cup of castile soap with 3 gallons of water.
• For a fruit and vegetable wash, add a small amount of castile soap to a bowl of water.
• For a laundry detergent, add 1/3 to 1/2 cup of castile soap per load, and include 1/2 cup of vinegar during the rinse cycle (more on the reason in a moment).
• For an insect-repellent for plants, mix 1 tablespoon of soap with 1 quart of water.

So, are there any products or conditions where using castile soap is not recommended? Once again, as long as you adequately dilute it, not really, but there are a few exceptions. Firstly, it’s not an ideal choice for color-treated hair, as it can eliminate the pigment molecules.

Additionally, it is not advised to mix acids (such as vinegar or lemon juice) with castile soap. Castile soap is alkaline, so the two will essentially neutralize each other and might result in a lingering film or residue on the surface you’re cleaning. However, castile soap may occasionally leave behind salt deposits, so these acids can be useful afterwards. For instance, consider using an apple cider vinegar rinse on your hair after shampooing with castile soap, or soak castile soap-washed dishes in a solution of vinegar and water.

The Finest Brands of Castile Soap

PHOTO: Dr. Bronner’s

PHOTO: Amazon

Dr. Bronner’s Authentic Castile Soap in Peppermint (Purchase It, $12, target.com)

Perhaps the brand that introduced castile soap to the forefront in the United States, Dr. Bronner’s offers a total of seven fragrances as well as an unscented baby version, in addition to solid bars too. Also pleasant: It is crafted with ethically traded and organic components, and housed in a recyclable container.

Follain Refillable Versatile Soap (Purchase It, $18, credobeauty.com)

Formulated with coconut, olive, and jojoba oils, choose between a lavender or lemongrass fragrance. Buy the elegant bottle once and subsequently acquire refills separately, minimizing your ecological impact.

Genuine Castile Bar Soap (Purchase It, $11, amazon.com)

Devotees of solid soap will appreciate this bar, ideal for concealing in the shower. Similar to the original castile soaps, it solely utilizes extra-virgin olive oil.

PHOTO: Amazon

PHOTO: Amazon

Cove Pure Castile Soap Unscented (Purchase It, $20, amazon.com)

Traditionalists will value this uncomplicated and fragrance-free option, and those who buy in bulk will appreciate that it’s also obtainable in an oversized, gallon-sized dispenser bottle.

Quinn’s All-natural Castile Organic Liquid Soap (Purchase It, $15, amazon.com)

With retro-inspired packaging, this bottle of castile soap will appear especially attractive situated on your restroom counter or in the shower.

Thanks for your feedback!