Castile soap is a very mild soap composed primarily or entirely of olive oil. The soap takes its name from the former kingdom of Castilla in Spain and is sometimes known as "Castille soap," or "Jabón de Castilla," based on the Spanish spelling. Many companies offer commercial varieties of Castile soap, and the soap is also popular among home soap makers due to its simplicity, effectiveness and rich historical tradition.
History
According to a 1999 article in "The Pharmaceutical Journal" on the history of soap, Castile soap was one of the first hard, white soaps to be produced on a significant scale. By boiling olive oil with an ash known as barilla, early Spanish soap makers were able to create a soap that was both attractive and effective. Exactly when Castile soap first appeared in Spain is debatable, but the article cites multiple sources indicating that the soap enjoyed a stellar reputation internationally by the middle of the 18th century.
Ingredients
Commercial soap manufacturers and home craft soap makers alike tend to have a wide variety of opinions on what can and must go into an authentic Castile soap. SoapShed.com insists that only 100 percent olive oil is acceptable, and this formula results in a soap that is uniquely soft and beautiful. The Soap Factory website, AlcaSoft.com, lists animal fat as another traditional ingredient that allows Castile soap to clean more effectively and last longer, and some companies use vegetable oils or other ingredients to compose as much as 60 percent of their "Castile soap."
Mildness
CastileSoap.com claims that pure olive oil soap is exceptionally mild. The site explains that the natural ingredients and gentle cleaning power of Castile soap make it a preferred option for people with skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema, infants and anyone with naturally delicate or sensitive skin. Because high-quality Castile soaps are largely or completely natural, they also biodegrade easily and will not add harsh chemicals to the water system when you use them.
Moisturizing Properties
According to SoapShed.com, Castile soaps are highly effective moisturizers that are good for the skin. A natural humectant, olive oil can draw moisture from the air and lock it into the skin. The site suggests an interesting way to observe the humectant qualities firsthand. A bar of Castile soap left in an average bathroom in the morning will collect drops of water on its surface by evening. The same qualities that attract this moisture to the surface of the soap can help to keep skin moisturized throughout the day.
Availability
Many companies offer Castile soap in a variety of forms, including facial and bath bars, liquid hand soap and related beauty and skin care products, such as lotions and specialty cleansers. Because the ingredients that make up Castile soap are few and commonplace, many people make their own Castile soap using a variety of recipes.
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