15 Best Castile Soaps For Your Cleaning Needs – 2024
Pamper your skin and eliminate unwanted dryness easily with the right skincare essentials.
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
ramona sinhaMA (English Literature)
Experience: 11 yearsRamona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Beng... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
If you have not tried a castile soap, it’s time you do it for your personal care! They are eco-friendly and versatile. Some of the best castile soaps can be customized to suit your needs. These soaps are organic, vegan, non-toxic, and safe. They help keep your skin clean without stripping off its glow. They also don’t make your skin feel dry and stretched. Moreover, they are suitable for babies and people with sensitive skin. Some of these can also be safe for pets. In fact, these all-purpose soaps can be used as natural detergents and cleaners. Olunife Ofomata, a licensed esthetician and makeup artist with 14 years of experience, states, “Castile soap is a perfect example of an all-in-one solution. With its wide range of uses, castile soap is economical and eco-friendly since it eliminates the need to buy multiple products. Plus, it does not contain harsh chemicals that can potentially irritate skin and further pollute the environment, making it a safe and healthy choice for both you and your family.”
No wonder more and more people want to use castile soaps these days. Check out our list of the 15 best castile soaps you can buy right now. Scroll down!
In This Article
15 Best Castile Soaps Available Right Now
1. Best Multipurpose:Dr. Bronner’s 18-In-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap
Dr.Bronner’s has been making castile soaps since 1858, and the expert-recommended 18-In-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Liquid Soap is their most beloved product. It comes in a concentrated form, so you need to dilute it to use it for multiple purposes like washing your hair, body, and face, rinsing food, cleaning dishes, mopping, laundry, etc. It is made with vegan ingredients and comes in a 100% post-consumer recycled bottle. Watch this video to find out the unfiltered review of Dr. Bronner’s 18-In-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap
Pros
- Invigorating peppermint aroma
- Soothing after-feel
- Creates a soft lather
- No foaming agents
- Multipurpose
Cons
- Leaves hair greasy if used as a shampoo
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 9,418 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
2. Best Customizable:Quinn’s Unscented Castile Soap
Quinn’s Unscented Castile Soap is fragrance-free, so you can create your own signature soaps by adding your favorite essential oils. It repairs and brightens your skin. As it does not contain any essential oils, it works well for people with sensitive skin and is proven to deliver visible results. It also works as a cleaning product, laundry detergent, pet care, window cleaner, shampoo, face wash, shaving cream, weed killer, cleaning spray, and carpet cleaner
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Customizable
- Safe for babies
- Leaves little residue
- Nourishes the hair
- Chemical-free
- No foaming agents
Cons
- Not very concentrated
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 5,587 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
3. Best All-Natural Ingredients:La Almona Pure Castile Liquid Soap
La Almona Pure Castile Liquid Soap is an all-purpose liquid soap manufactured with organic olive oil and other natural and active ingredients in Castilla, Spain. The ingredients used in it are olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, rosemary extract, and sunflower oil, so you can expect a deeply moisturizing and cleansing lather. It is fragrance-free, so it is ideal for babies, pets, and people with sensitive skin. It works well as a laundry detergent, carpet cleaner, and dish-washing soap as well. According to several reviewers, this castile liquid soap has proven to deliver visible results in keeping your skin safe from drying.
Pros
- All-natural ingredients
- Keeps skin moisturized
- Affordable
- Gentle on the skin
- Fragrance-free
- Customizable
Cons
- Thin consistency
Pro Tip| Dr. Bronner’s 18-In-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap Best Multipurpose | Quinn’s Unscented Castile Soap Best Customizable | La Almona Pure Castile Liquid Soap Best All-Natural Ingredients | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All | Sensitive | Sensitive |
| Weight 32 FL Oz | - | - | |
| Dimensions | - | 3.5 x 3.5 x 8 inches | - |
| Weight | - | 2 Pounds | - |
| Package Dimensions | - | - | 11.73 x 5.91 x 5.83 inches; 8.75 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,418 | 5,587 | 2,282 |
| Price | $0.47 | $14.49 | $42.99 |
4. Best Non-Drying:Carolina Gentle Unscented Castile Soap
Carolina Gentle Unscented Castile Soap contains more olive oil than other brands, so it is non-drying and leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturized. It is fragrance-free and does not contain hemp as an ingredient, making it great for people with allergies and sensitive skin. It is certified organic and does not contain synthetic fragrances or foaming agents. It works well as soap, shaving cream, laundry detergent, and daily house cleaner.
Pros
- Does not dry out the skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Vegan
- Leaves very little residue
- Hemp-free
- Multipurpose
- Leaves skin soft and moisturized
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
5. Best For Sensitive Skin:Cove Pure And Vegan Castile Soap – Unscented
Cove Pure And Vegan Castile Soap is made entirely with certified organic oils to deliver a fresh and effective cleansing experience every time you use it. It is unscented and made with essential oils of argan and jojoba, so it works well on people with sensitive skin, babies, and pets. It is very versatile and can be used as a body soap, laundry detergent, pet shampoo, baby wash, kitchen and bathroom surface cleaner, dish-washing liquid, and shaving cream. It also comes with a 90-day No Questions Asked satisfaction guarantee. It certainly adds to the tester’s experience!
Pros
- l Made with certified organic oils
- l Does not dry out the skin
- l Unscented
- l No detergents or foaming agents
- l Cruelty-free
- l Suitable for babies and pets
- l Suitable for sensitive skin
- l Multipurpose
Cons
- Thin consistency
6. Best Detergent-Free:Dr. Woods Tea Tree Castile Soap
Dr. Woods Tea Tree Castile Soap is good not just for your family but the whole planet. It is made with all-natural and vegan raw ingredients and is free from detergents, petroleum, and sulfates. Tea tree oil’s antibacterial properties work effectively against acne and improve your skin health. This soap can be used for multiple purposes like as a body wash, shampoo, laundry detergent, facial cleanser, and all-purpose cleaner. You can check out the reviews if you are still wondering whether you should opt for this product.
Pros
- Antibacterial properties
- Vegan
- Treats acne
- Leaves skin nourished and hydrated
- Suitable for all skin types
- Detergent-free
- Sulfate-free
Cons
- Odd fragrance
Quick Tip7. Best For Eczema-Prone Skin:Seven Minerals Pure Castile Soap
Seven Minerals Pure Castile Soap is the only castile soap that contains organic castor oil, which calms and soothes skin irritation and inflammation and nourishes the skin. It is EWG-verified and contains only organic oils and natural vegan ingredients. It is free from environmentally damaging palm oil and can be used to clean almost anything. You can use it as a hand soap, body wash, shampoo, house cleaner, and dish soap. It is unscented and gentle enough to be used on even the most sensitive skin. To be safe, conduct a patch test to ensure that this soap does not aggravate any skin conditions.
Pros
- Soothes inflammation
- Nourishes the skin
- Made with organic oils
- Vegan
- Effective on eczema, psoriasis, and dryness
- Palm oil-free
- Comes with a free recipe Ebook to create your own cleansers
- Multipurpose
- Suitable for oily, sensitive, and dry skin types
Cons
- Requires quite a bit of product to produce sufficient lather
8. Best Gentle Formula:Kirk’s Gentle Castile Soap
Kirk’s is a brand that has been around since 1839 making high-quality soaps. Kirk’s Gentle Castile Soap is made of 100% pure coconut oil and has a fresh and clean array of scent. It creates a creamy lather for gentle cleansing and leaves your skin feeling soft and healthy. It is dermatologist-tested and safe for people with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Made of 100% pure coconut oil
- Petroleum-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dermatologist tested
- Clinically-tested
- Allergy-tested
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Creates a gentle and creamy lather
Cons
- May cause skin burns in some people
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 9,669 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
9. Best Fragrance:Dr. Bronner’s 18-In-1 Hemp Lavender Pure-Castile Soap
If anything can be called the Swiss Army knife of cleaning, it has to be Bronner’s 18-In-1 Hemp Lavender Pure-Castile Liquid Soap. You can use it to not only wash your face, body, and hair but also to clean dishes, wash clothes, mop floors, and rinse fruits and vegetables. What makes it even better is its gorgeous lavender scent. This natural fragrance relaxes your mind and soothes your skin. It is made of natural and organic ingredients with no synthetic preservatives, making it safe for people with sensitive skin. To find out more about the product, check out this video review.
- Made with over 90% organic ingredients
- Relaxes your mind
- Soothes the skin
- Amazing fragrance
- No synthetic preservatives or detergents
- Multipurpose
- Long-lasting
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
10. Best Hypoallergenic: WholeNaturals Pure Castile Soap Liquid
The WholeNaturals Castile Liquid Soap is an all-natural and organic soap made with prickly pear, argan oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, and organic hemp oil. The soap is vegan, palm kernel oil-free, cruelty-free, organic, and certified by the USDA. This unscented castile liquid soap is gentle on the skin and can be used for a variety of purposes, including body wash, shampoo, hand soap, and for cleaning household items.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Palm oil-free
- No parabens
- No phthalates
- No SLS or SLES
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- None
11. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Dr. Bronner’s Heal Soul! 18-In-1 Hemp Tea Tree Pure-Castile Soap
Dr. Bronner’s Heal Soul! 18-In-1 Hemp Tea Tree Pure-Castile Liquid Soap contains pure tea tree oil, which is very effective in clearing acne and dandruff. It is 3 times more concentrated than conventional liquid soaps. It is free of synthetic preservatives, foaming agents, and detergents, making it safe for your pets. Also, It is not tested on animals. It comes packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled bottles.
Pros
- Clinically-proven formula
- Made with over 70% certified fair-trade ingredients
- Treats acne
- Clears dandruff and relieves itchy scalp
- No synthetic preservatives or foaming agents
- Great at removing stains from clothes
- Safe for pets
- Multipurpose
Cons
- Strong fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 11,495 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
12. Best Vegan:L & L Liquid Natural Clean Castile Liquid Soap – Unscented
L & L Liquid Natural Clean Castile Liquid Soap is handcrafted in small batches with 100% pure vegan ingredients. It contains non-GMO sunflower oil that is high in vitamin E, which makes your skin smooth and keeps it healthy. Since it is unscented, you can add your favorite essential oils to it to create your own signature scent. No artificial colors or fragrances are used in it, and it can be used as a soap, shampoo, detergent, or floor cleaner.
Pros
- Vegan
- Customizable
- Handcrafted in small batches
- Can be used without diluting
- Smoothens the skin
- Sulfate-free
- Fragrance-free
- Multipurpose
Cons
- Thin consistency
13. Best Skin Smoothening Formula:Dr. Bronner’s 18-In-1 Hemp Citrus Orange Pure-Castile Soap
Dr. Bronner’s 18-In-1 Hemp Citrus Orange Pure-Castile Soap is made with a special blend of organic orange, lemon, and lime oils that makes it smell fresh and feels really light after using. It brightens your skin and improves its texture. With its 18-in-1 uses, this soap can be used not just to cleanse face, body, and hair but also to clean dishes, do your laundry, mop floors, and rinse foods. This castile soap is made with only the purest organic ingredients, of which most are also fair-trade ingredients. This dermatologist-recommended soap has proven efficacy in offering gentle and effective skin cleansing.
Pros
- Fresh citrus fragrance
- Brightens the skin
- Improves skin texture
- Made with 90% organic ingredients
- Multipurpose
- Packaged in 100% post-consumer recycled bottles
Cons
- This consistency
14. Best Ultra-Moisturizing:A Wild Soap Bar Real Castile Bar Soap
A Wild Soap Bar Real Castile Bar Soap is a non-toxic and fragrance-free soap made with 100% certified organic extra virgin olive oil. It does not contain palm oil or coconut oil that can cause environmental harm. It is a mild and non-irritating soap and works really well for people with allergies and sensitive skin. It is ultra-moisturizing and does not dry out your skin after use. The soap is handmade by a small family business and will enhance your natural beauty with care. If you have extremely sensitive skin, it is best to conduct a patch test before use to see if it triggers any allergic reactions.
Pros
- Made with 100% saponified organic extra virgin olive oil
- Ultra-moisturizing
- Gentle formula
- Suitable for very sensitive skin
- Lathers well
- Fragrance-free
- Handmade
Cons
- Has a distinct smell that may not be liked by every one
15. Best Organic:Prairie Essentials Pure Castile Soap
Prairie Essentials Pure Castile Soap is made with pure ingredients like certified organic shea butter and natural oils like coconut, palm kernel, olive, hemp, and rosemary oil that help retain natural moisture of your hair and skin. It is safe to use as baby shampoo, body wash, hand soap, shampoo, facial cleanser, dish soap, household cleaning soap, or foaming hand soap. Numerous customer reviews attest to the proven efficacy of this Castile soap in delivering a thorough and soothing cleansing experience.
Pros
- Made with 100% pure and natural ingredients
- Helps retain the skin and hair’s natural moisture
- Safe for babies
- Allergy-tested
- Sulfate-free
- Dye-free
- Fragrance-free
- Comes with several recipes on the bottle
Cons
- Unsatisfactory packaging
Finding the right skin care essential is not easy, especially when you have sensitive skin. But with Castile soaps, you get a superstar and effective cleanser that works wonders on all skin types. Whether for sensitive skin or babies, these multipurpose cleansers pamper the skin with an eco-friendly formulation that makes these safe not only for humans but also for the environment. But picking up the right one from a sea of options is a real struggle. Here are some points that you must consider before choosing the best castile soap.
How To Find The Best Castile Soaps
- Skin Type And Concerns
Though Castile soaps are perfect for all skin types, it is always safe to look out for one that ideally suits your skin type. Check for EWG-certified products that come with organic formulations and suit sensitive skin and babies. Consider your skin issues, if any, before making a purchase. Some of the products are dermatologically tested and clinically-proven, ideally suited for people with skin issues like eczema and psoriasis.
- Ingredients To Look For
Look for tea tree extracts in the formula for acne-prone skin and dandruff. For dry skin, look for moisturizing ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, vitamin E, and shea butter. Castile soaps have higher pH, which often tends to cause dryness. Hence, choose one that comes with deeply hydrating and versatile ingredients for a pH-balanced formula that does not strip your skin’s natural moisture content.
- Ingredients To Avoid
Sensitive skin types are often prone to skin allergies, which may further get triggered if the skin care product contains artificial color or fragrance. Make sure to opt for unscented and color-free products to rule out the risk of allergies.
Cleansers are often known to have foaming ingredients, but this does not work well when you are looking for a product for babies, sensitive skin, or people with eczema. Ensure that you opt for 100% detergent-free and foaming agent-free products to get rid of harmful chemicals.
What Is Castile Soap?
Castile soap is an eco-friendly plant-based soap that is versatile and effective. Since it is free from synthetic and toxic ingredients, it is natural and biodegradable. This gentle soap is safe and does not have any side effects. It originated in the Castile region of Spain in the 15th century where olive oil was used as a base. Now, plant and nut oils such as hemp, coconut, palm kernel, castor, jojoba, almond, avocado, and walnut oils are commonly used to make castile soap. These natural oils are moisturizing and lather well. They are effective natural cleaners when combined with lye or sodium carbonate. Since castile soap is completely free of animal products, it is popular among vegans. This multipurpose soap is available in liquid or bar form and is quite handy in the house.
How Does Castile Soap Differ From Regular Soap?
Animal fat or ‘tallow’ is the base used in most regular soaps, while castile soaps are exclusively made with plant-based ingredients. This makes it vegan and cruelty-free. It does not contain synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or harsh chemicals, and it is non-toxic and biodegradable. Most often, the ingredients used are organic and ethically sourced. Even the packaging and processing of the soap are done keeping in mind to minimize wastage. Thus, castile soaps are more environmentally sustainable than regular soaps.
Versatility is another area where castile soaps are far more superior than regular soaps as they can be used in household cleaners, disinfectants, shampoos, and soaps for pets, babies, and DIY beauty products. They are affordable and convenient.
There are many brands that manufacture castile soaps, but we can’t be sure of their quality. So, we have featured a few established brands for you to choose from in the section. Check them out!
Best Castile Soaps Brands
- Dr.Bronner: Dr. Bronner is, hands down, the most established and popular brand for castile soap. They use pure castile liquid made from organic, vegan ingredients like hemp oil, coconut oil, and almond oil. They come in 100% post-consumer recycled bottles. This environmentally conscious brand does not use any synthetic detergents, preservatives, or artificial fragrances. They contain peppermint oil, tea tree oil, or lavender oil in their variants. These are clinically proven and dermatologist-tested ingredients. Unscented soaps for hypersensitive skin types are also available. The biodegradable soaps, non-toxic soaps also have vitamin A and sodium hydroxide for anti-aging and cleansing properties.
- Dr. Woods: Dr. Woods is another dermatologist-recommended brand popular for manufacturing biodegradable castile soap. They use certified organic products and avoid animal fat or by-products. The most popular plant oil they use as a base is olive oil. Their soaps moisturize the skin and have a subtle fragrance.
- Cove: Cove also makes environmentally sustainable castile soap with vegan, natural ingredients. They do not use synthetic ingredients or animal fats. This brand does not add any artificial detergents or lathering agents to their castile soaps. It is also dermatologically approved and recommended for those with skin issues.
- Oregon: These soaps are perfect for people with sensitive skin. The brand uses high-quality, organic, and biodegradable ingredients to manufacture their soaps. These soaps are gentle and can be used on the delicate skin of babies. This brand is affordable and maintains good quality.
Now, let’s check out all the benefits of using castile soap.
What Are The Benefits Of Using Castile Soap?
There are numerous benefits and uses of castile soap:
- It cleanses effectively and gently without exposing the skin to toxic chemicals and irritants, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin.
- It is safe to use on babies, pets, and people with skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and acne and dry, patchy skin.
- The hydrating and moisturizing properties of the oils in the soap nourish and repair the skin cells. They soothe dry, itchy, and irritated skin and prevent it from losing moisture.
- This organic soap also melts away the dirt and gunk on the skin, making it clean and soft.
- It has natural antimicrobial properties that help in fighting bacteria and other harmful germs.
- The ingredients in the soap offer antioxidant protection against free radicals and pollutants.
- These eco-friendly soaps lather well and make your skin clean, soft, and healthy.
Listed below are some of the uses of castile soap. Check them out.
Ways To Use Castile Soap
Natural Cleanser: As face and body wash and in scrubs and face packs.
- Shaving Cream: Its rich lather makes it great for shaving.
- Shampoo: It is an excellent hair and scalp cleanser.
- Soap For Sensitive Skin Conditions: Like eczema and psoriasis.
- Pet Wash: It is a safe and non-toxic cleanser for pets.
- All-Purpose Household Cleaner: It can be used as a bathroom/toilet cleaner, floor mopping liquid, and window cleaner.
- Disinfectant: You canclean wounds and get rid of pesticides from vegetables and fruits.
- Detergent: Can be used to wash dishes (dish soap, liquid dishwasher detergent) as well as clothes (laundry detergent).
- Deodorant: To get rid of body odor
- Decongestant: The steam from castile soap helps clear sinuses.
- Foot Bath: Ideal for pedicures, foot spas, and foot soaks.
- Oral Hygiene: Can be used to clean teeth as an ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes.
- Makeup Remover: Can help you remove makeup. It is also used to clean makeup brushes.
- Bug Spray: Can get rid of ants and pesky insects in the garden.
The Bottom Line
Castile soaps are non-toxic, natural, biodegradable, and available in both bar and liquid forms. They have moisturizing and cleansing properties that do not make your skin feel dry and stretched. They are suitable for baby skin and sensitive skin. In addition, they have antibacterial ingredients and properties and are devoid of artificial elements and fragrances. Consider the Dr. Bronner’s 18-In-1 Hemp Peppermint Pure-Castile Soap which has a classic and versatile formula presented with a pleasant fragrance, the Quinn’s Unscented Castile Soap with a gentle formula, free of irritants, or the Dr. Woods Tea Tree Castile Soap which provides a soothing but thorough antimicrobial cleansing. The best part about these vegan and eco-friendly soaps is that they have multiple benefits besides being a great cleanser for your body.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. Her love for skin care has led her to research the best castile soaps available on the market. These were chosen based on factors like their non-toxic, organic, and vegan formulation that is suitable for sensitive skin. She also mentions the benefits of using castile soaps and reliable brands that you can opt for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is castile soap better than regular soap?
Yes, castile soap is more eco-friendly than regular soap. It contains plant-based oils and does not contain harsh preservatives. It is also cheaper than regular soap. Castile soaps are preferred by vegans as they do not contain animal products which are commonly found in regular soaps.
Is castile soap good for disinfecting?
Yes, castile soap has antibacterial properties that help in disinfecting surfaces and items. This soap can be used in household cleansers, detergents, and disinfectant soaps to kill disease-causing germs. Adding essential oils with antimicrobial properties enhances the efficacy of these disinfectant soaps.
Can you use pure castile soap on your vagina?
Your vagina has the ability to cleanse itself by flushing out toxins and maintaining the optimum balance of microflora. It is advised to gently wash it only with warm water. You can use castile soap to clean the area around the vagina as it is free from harsh chemicals and fragrances.
Is castile soap antifungal?
Tea tree oil-based castile soap can help you fight fungal infections, especially when combined with other ingredients that have strong antifungal properties.
Is castile soap antiviral?
Pure castile soap does not have strong antiviral properties. However, blending it with essential oils that have antiviral properties may help in combating viruses.
Is all Castile soap the same?
Yes, all Castile soaps are eco-friendly and biodegradable. However, they are made of different natural oils like jojoba, castor, hemp, and coconut and may not be the same.
Can Castile soap be used as a substitute for shampoo?
Yes, Castile soaps can be used as a substitute for shampoo as they are gentle and moisturizing on the scalp.
What is the difference between glycerin soap and Castile soap?
While glycerin soaps are made of glycerin, Castile soaps are made of plant and nut oils.
Is using Castile soap regularly to shower safe?
Yes, using Castile soap regularly to shower is safe as it is non-toxic, gentle, and moisturizing.
