Yahoo Finance From Shampoo to Shaving Cream, You Need to Try These 10 Clever Uses for Castile Soap
If you're always on the lookout for eco-based beauty products, then Castile soap is definetly one to add to your list, stat.
This super versatile cleanser has a whole host of uses (more on those later) and crucially, it can also help you to cut down on plastic waste. A no-brainer since it's estimated that a third of landfill comes from personal care items.
From shampoo to shaving cream, here are all the magical ways you can make the most of this eco-friendly beauty saviour.
What is Castile soap?
Originating in the Castile (it's pronounced 'kas-teel) region of Spain, it was originally a soap made from blending olive oil and caustic soda.
What is in castile soap?
Nowadays, the term refers to any mix of vegetable oils. Think coconut, avocado, walnut, etc, plus the said soda.
What is different about castile soap?
It's a plant-based soap for a start meaning it's vegan. Many soaps can contain lard, goat's milk, honey, or other animal ingredients.
Being made from very few natural ingredients means it's fully biodegradable.
In the past couple of years, its popularity has skyrocketed because of its versatility meaning you spend less money in the long run and cut down on your plastic consumption.
What is castile soap good for?
Here are 8 ways to harness the powers of castile soap.
1. Nourishing body wash
If the soapy suds aren’t moisturising enough for you, then blend the liquid with some honey and extra oils like argan or rose hop to really soften your skin.
2. Hand wash
Want to create some real magic? Chop up a bar of Castile soap and place in a mason jar, then pour over boiling hot water. Leave for 20 mins. Stir to dissolve. Have a cookie: you've made yourself a budget-friendly hand wash.
3. Fragrant bubble bath
Super speedy: add a little liquid Castile soap, along with an essential oil like peppermint or lavender, into your running bath and enjoy a soothing soak.
4. Coconut milk shampoo
This nourishing recipe will give you shiny, natural and happy-looking hair.
You will need:
1/4 cup coconut milk
1/3 cup organic Castile liquid soap
1 tsp of olive or almond oil
Approx 10-15 drops of your choice of essential oils
Blend together in a bottle of your choice, then shake it up and you're good to go.
4. Shaving cream
Well, not so much a cream but more of balm. Melt some coconut oil, then blitz it together with liquid castile soap, before pouring into a (sterilised) jar. When it sets, you can scoop a little out and rub over your legs, as a tropical smelling shaving stalwart.
5. Make-up brush cleanser
As it's nice and mild, Castile soap is a dream for washing your make-up brushes – and any remaining particles won't irritate your complexion. Just lather up a bar and rub into your brushes. Castile Soap powerfully cuts through dried foundation yet gently maintains delicate bristles.
6. Homemade cleaning spray
Mix with warm water and your favourite essential oil, like tea tree or lemon, then pour into a spray bottle and you’ve got yourself a DIY cleaning spray. Create your own personalised label at vistaprint, and Mrs Hinch would be proud.
7. DIY insect-repellent
Make a DIY insect-killing solution. You need:
Spray bottle
Castile soap
Cayenne pepper, cinnamon, or powdered garlic
Water
There's a full video on how to make it, here.
8. Cleaning oral appliances
Think nightguards, retainers and teeth whitening trays. Why not use toothpaste you ask? Well, the formula has a slight abrasiveness, which is great for polishing our gnashers but could potentially polish the surface right off these gadgets. Therefore you need a gentler cleaner. Simply brush daily with Castile Soap and a soft toothbrush:
9. Clearing congestion
According to Dr Bronner, makers of castile soap, you can add 1 Tbsp of their Peppermint or Eucalyptus Castile soap in a bowl of steamy hot water. Breathe in mist with a towel draped over the head.
10. Handwashing delicates
Simply take 1 capful of liquid castile soap and place into 1 gallon (4 L) of cold water. Swish gently and let your delicates soak for 10 minutes. Swish again before rinsing with clean water. Gently press out excess water with a towel and then hang or lay clothing flat to dry.
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