Castile Soap
What Is It?
Castile soap is a plant-based, biodegradable soap traditionally made from olive oil but now often blended with other vegetable oils like coconut, palm, hemp, or jojoba. It is a mild yet highly effective cleanser that produces a rich lather without synthetic detergents or harsh chemicals. Castile soap is versatile and can be used for personal care (body wash, shampoo), household cleaning, and even pet care.
INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients)
Sodium Olivate (if made from 100% olive oil) or a combination such as:
– Sodium Cocoate (coconut oil)
– Sodium Palmate (palm oil)
– Sodium Castorate (castor oil)
Proper Storage & Shelf Life
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep in an airtight bottle or container to prevent oxidation. Shelf life: 1-2 years (liquid form), up to 3 years (bar form) if stored properly.
Refined Or Unrefined
Can be either, depending on the oils used. Traditionally made from unrefined olive oil but may include refined oils for enhanced lather and stability.
Is It Necessary?
Not essential, but highly beneficial as a natural, multi-purpose cleanser for body care, household cleaning, and eco-friendly recipes.
Texture & Consistency
Liquid: Thin, slightly viscous, may appear cloudy if unscented Bar: Smooth and firm, lathers well in water
Natural Scent Profile
Mild, slightly soapy/oily scent; can be infused with essential oils for fragrance
Solubility & Compatibility
Highly soluble in water
Not soluble in oils
Works well in neutral to slightly alkaline recipes but may react with acids (e.g., vinegar), causing curdling.
Benefits In Your Cleaning Products
Gentle yet effective: as a cleanser for skin, hair, and household surfaces
Biodegradable & eco-friendly: safe for septic systems
Free from: sulphates, parabens, and synthetic detergents
Multi-purpose: Can replace body wash, shampoo, dish soap, hand soap, and more
Mild pH (~8-9): Gentle enough for sensitive skin but strong enough for cleaning
PH
9.3 – 9.5 (alkaline)
Recommended Usage Rate
Body Wash: Use undiluted or dilute 1:1 with water
Shampoo: Mix with water (1:3 ratio), add essential oils if desired
Hand Soap: Dilute 1:2 with water, add essential oils if needed
All-Purpose Cleaner: 1 tablespoon per 500ml water
Dish Soap: 1-2 teaspoons per sink of warm water
Laundry Detergent: ¼ cup per load
Floor Cleaner: ¼ cup in a bucket of warm water
Appearance
Liquid: Pale yellow to light amber, slightly cloudy if unscented Bar: Creamy white to light brown, depending on oils used
Strengths
✅ Natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable
✅ Highly versatile (body, home, pets, baby care)
✅ Gentle yet effective cleanser
✅ No synthetic detergents or harsh chemicals
✅ Eco-friendly & safe for the environment
Weaknesses
❌ Alkaline pH (~8-9), may cause irritation on very sensitive skin
❌ Can react with acidic ingredients (e.g., vinegar), causing curdling
❌ Not as effective at cutting grease as synthetic dish soaps
❌ Can leave a residue in hard water areas
Alternative Ingredients/ Substitutions
African Black Soap: Similar natural cleansing properties, more moisturising
Syndet Bars: If a lower pH, synthetic alternative is preferred for very sensitive skin
Gentle Surfactants (e.g., Decyl Glucoside, Coco Glucoside): Provide mild foaming in liquid recipes
Best Practices
Dilute for most applications to prevent overuse and reduce residue
Avoid mixing with acidic ingredients (like vinegar, lemon juice) unless a reaction is intended
Store in a pump or foaming dispenser for ease of use
Use distilled water in DIY recipes to prevent bacterial growth
Tips & Tricks
For foaming hand soap: Mix 1 part Castile soap with 3 parts water in a foaming dispenser
For makeup brush cleaning: Mix with warm water and swirl brushes, rinse thoroughly
For pet shampoo: Dilute 1:5 with water and rinse well after use
For stain removal: Apply directly to fabric, rub in, and rinse
Recommended Starter Smount
500ml-1L for household/personal use