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Beauty

Use This Cheap, Natural Soap As a Household Cleaner, Shampoo, Makeup Remover, and More

It's perfect for sensitive skin.

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If you’re part of the green movement, you might already be aware of the many benefits of castile soap. But if you’re not, we’re here to share that this one staple might be just the thing you need to replace your most commonly used household and beauty products.

Originally from the Castile region of Spain, castile soap refers to soap made from vegetable oils. While other soaps are made from animal products like goat’s milk or tallow (beef fat), castile soap was made traditionally with olive oil. These days, producers are making castile soap with other plant oils like coconut oil, avocado oil, hemp oil, castor oil, almond oil, and even walnut oil. Castile soap is sold in liquid form (we love this one from Dr. Bronners: $15.99, Amazon) and in solid bar form (check out this one from J.R. Watkins: $5.50, Amazon).

Since it doesn’t use animal byproducts, castile soap is considered environmentally friendly and it’s a hit among vegans and vegetarians. It’s naturally free of harmful parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, so it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin. What’s more, it can be used for so many different purposes on your body and in your home. Check out a few of them below.

7 Ways to Use Castile Soap

Body Wash and Shampoo

Perhaps the most common use of castile soap is as a body wash and shampoo. Simply use a small amount of castile soap with a washcloth or loofa in the shower as a body wash, or lather it on your scalp and in your hair before conditioning.

Hand and Face Soap

Castile soap is also great for sensitive areas like the face and for disinfecting the hands. You can use castile soap on the face or hands on its own, or make a scented DIY hand soap by combining two tablespoons of castile soap with 10 ounces of water in a bottle with a few drops of any essential oil of your choice (lemon is a good option).

Laundry Detergent

Replace your typical laundry detergent with a more natural alternative. To use castile soap as laundry detergent, just add a half cup of liquid castile soap to your washing machine.

Household Cleaner

To make your own DIY household cleaner with castile soap, mix one cup of liquid Castile with a quart of water in a spray bottle. You can use this cleaner on surfaces like countertops, tables, floors, and even in the bathroom!

Pet Shampoo

Castile soap is a great option for a gentle shampoo for your furry friend. For this hack, make sure to use an unscented castile soap as some essential oils can be toxic for animals, and wash as you would with any other pet shampoo.

Bug Spray for Plants and Countertops

If you’ve noticed little bugs on your houseplants or invading your home, make a DIY bug spray by mixing one tablespoon of castile soap in a quart of water in a spray bottle and spraying any affected areas, including plant leaves!

Makeup Remover

You can make your own at-home makeup remover by mixing two tablespoons of castile soap with equal parts witch hazel and a carrier oil like jojoba oil in a small bottle. Use a cotton swab or soft cloth to remove makeup with the mixture, then rinse your face with warm water. 

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