Features, Benefits and Advantages of Castile Soap.

Castile soap is a type of soap like Keys® Island Rx, Island Rx Foaming Wash, Windsurfer, and MetaClean originated from the Castile region of Spain. It is traditionally made from olive oil and is known for its mildness and versatility. The higher alkalinity of Castile soap have benefits for the skin and face, but it’s essential to use it properly and cautiously.

Most Castile soaps border on harsh, meaning their pH is higher than we recommend. When Keys® makes our version of Castile, we blend olive, coconut, avocado, and Jojoba oil to more fully saponify the oil into a milder pH version. Most Castile soaps range from 9.6 to 11 moving more to the alkaline side. Keys® soaps go more into the 8.5 to 9.6 range, making them milder. On top, we add back into the mix after saponification more avocado oil and essential oils, as well as Neem and Karanja oil, in the case of MetaClea, for functionality.

The alkalinity of soap is determined by its pH level. pH is a scale that measures the acidity or alkalinity of a substance. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while values below 7 are acidic, and values above 7 are alkaline. Castile soaps tend to have a higher pH, making them slightly alkaline.

Here are a few reasons why higher alkalinity Castile soaps might be beneficial for some individuals:

1. Gentle Cleansing: The higher pH of Castile soap can help in breaking down oils, dirt, and impurities on the skin’s surface. It’s especially effective at removing oil-based makeup and grime, leaving the skin feeling clean without overly stripping it of its natural oils.
2. pH Balancing: Some individuals have skin that is naturally more acidic. Using a slightly alkaline soap like Castile soap can help balance the skin’s pH and reduce excessive acidity, which might contribute to skin issues.
3. Skin Conditions: The alkalinity of Castile soap can also be helpful for certain skin conditions like acne. Acne-prone skin tends to be more acidic, and using a slightly alkaline soap can help create an environment less conducive to the growth of acne-causing bacteria.

However, it’s important to note a few caveats:

1. Skin Sensitivity: Not all skin types react well to higher alkalinity. For people with sensitive or dry skin, using soap with a high pH could lead to dryness, irritation, or disruption of the skin barrier.
2. Overuse: Even though Castile soap can be beneficial, using it too frequently or without proper dilution can lead to over-cleansing and potential damage to the skin’s natural protective barrier.
3. pH Imbalance: While using slightly alkaline soap can help balance excessively acidic skin, using it excessively can also cause a pH imbalance in the opposite direction, leading to other skin issues.
4. Moisturizing: Castile soap’s alkalinity can sometimes be drying. It’s essential to follow up with a moisturizer to replenish any moisture that might be lost during cleansing. This is why we add carrier and essential oil into our products after they are made into soap.

In conclusion, while the higher alkalinity of Castile soap can offer benefits for cleansing, especially for those with oilier or acne-prone skin, it’s important to consider your individual skin type and sensitivities. Patch testing and moderation are essential. If you have specific skin concerns or conditions, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist before incorporating any new product into your skincare routine.