What is Castile soap, is a question that has been asked by countless families across the globe. In a nutshell, this product is native to the same region it is named after in Spain. It can be made of many different oils, but olive is the most traditional, and designed to soothe and replenish the skin as a whole. 

Castile soap is an old school traditional form of soap.  Made with potassium hydroxide as the converting ingredient (converting oil and water to soap) it is much less harsh on the skin than conventional soaps made with caustic soda, aka Sodium hydroxide, or simply lye. 

Potassium hydroxide is an alkaline converting agent, whereas sodium hydroxide is an acidic converting agent.  What I mean to say, is that at the beginning of the blending process, a soap made with potassium hydroxide will start at a very high (alkaline) PH, and the sodium hydroxide based soak will start at a very low PH (acidic)... either is dangerous to the skin if not converted appropriately.   No matter which method you engage to create soap, the goal is to bring the soap to a PH of around 7 to 7.25...  and fully convert the agent.  Traditionally liquid soaps are made with potassium hydroxide and hard soaps are made with sodium hydroxide, however, the reverse can be true with the correct ratios and attention to recipe.  

Another traditional soap made in the same basic way as castile soap, is African black soap.  It is of course, also very gentle, yet extremely cleansing on the skin.

Whether for daily cleansing or showering, castile soap features all natural botanical elements that tackle skin problems. This includes crackling, along with acne, blemishes, dark spots, and other common issues. Its smooth lather is also great for shaving and truly hydrates the skin and pores.

The soap is also used to treat dandruff, flakes, and chronic psoriasis. Furthermore, its properties are beneficial in restoring natural skin vibrancy and shine. Customers have also praised the item for keeping skin looking, smelling, and feeling fresh all day.

Plant Essentials castile soap contains cold pressed oils of olive, coconut, castor, avocado and hemp, which have all been used for years individually and combined as natural skin moisturisers. We offer a combination of these oils in a product call Five Oils Multipurpose Oil Blend which can be used as a nourishing skin body oil, or used to make your own castile soap at home. see How to Make Castile Liquid Soap using our Five Oil Blend for how.


Unlike regular soaps, there are never any harmful abrasive ingredients to the skin. The lather and suds also helps revitalise & purify skin pores, along with refreshing the body, mind, and spirit. Since this an all natural product it revamps and rejuvenates the epidermis, it can also be used as a daily facial cleanser for all skin types.

Castile can also be used around the house to wash dishes, clean benches and even for your laundry.  It is great for cleaning the dog and with the addition of some Neem oil can help get rid of ticks, fleas and also repel insects.

If you are looking for an item that surpasses the rest, Castile soap will meet your needs within time and budget. Simply check out Plant Essentials to purchase this unique item for all your daily skincare needs and goals.