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​​Castile Soap​

​Castile Soap

​Castile soaps may be used to wash the body and hair. Because some varieties are formulated with olive oil, it can be a healthy alternative to traditional shampoos and conditioners. Replacing two bottles with one bar may also be a more environmentally conscious choice.
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                                  Benefits
Castile soaps may benefit individuals with sensitive skin. Because traditional soaps may use harsh ingredients such as detergents and chemicals, castile soap may be a more gentle option. In addition, the olive oil in castile soap may help improve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.  Castile soap  contains no colors, dyes or detergents, so it can be used for babies or people with skin sensitivities.

                                   Features
Olive oil is a monounsaturated fatty acid that helps the body manufacture prostaglandins.This helps moisten the skin and improves texture.Though many brands of castile soaps exist today, the original formulations of the soap contain olive oil and are produced with a mixture of ingredients that includes at least 80 percent olive oil. The original formulations are still available, though more expensive than other versions. See "Resources" for olive oil formulas.

 




                                  Antioxidants
The benefits of antioxidants are widely touted. The olive oil in castile soap is a good source of antioxidants. Regular use of castile soap may aid in fighting cell degeneration.

                                  History
Castile soap is not a modern-day toiletry. This soap may have originated in Spain and was named after the Castilla region. It was said to have been a popular product of royalty and was exported for centuries throughout Europe. Castile soap originated in the 16th century and was probably the first example of hard, white soap. It was known as "jabon de Castilla" or to apothecaries as "sapo castilliensis."

Although it was originally made with 100 percent olive oil, many soaps known as castile are made with other plant-derived oils as well. Today, a soap made predominantly with olive oil can be called castile soap. Using other oils reportedly improves the lather of the soap.

 

                                Other Uses

Because castile soap is an effective cleaner, it can also be used as a shampoo and even a laundry detergent. The manufacturing process is much more eco-friendly for castile soap than for these other products.



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