Castile soap scam: the ultimate guide to spotting an imposter
- Ilona
- Feb 24
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 23
Did you know that most Castile soaps on the market today aren’t really Castile at all? Castile soap has a rich history dating back centuries, originating in the Castile region of Spain. Traditionally made from pure olive oil, this gentle yet powerful soap was prized for its simplicity, effectiveness, and natural cleansing properties. However, modern versions of "Castile soap" found on store shelves often stray far from the original formulation, replacing olive oil with cheaper seed oils such as sunflower, safflower, or soybean oil. Learn how to identify authentic Castile soap, why ingredients matter, and what to avoid when shopping for a truly pure and nourishing cleansing experience.
What is Castile soap?
Authentic Castile soap is a plant-based, biodegradable soap made from saponified olive oil. Unlike conventional soaps that rely on synthetic detergents, Castile soap provides a pure and natural way to cleanse without harsh chemicals. It is highly versatile and can be used for everything from skincare to household cleaning.
The benefits of real Castile soap
Gentle on skin – The high content of olive oil in true Castile soap makes it incredibly mild, moisturizing, and suitable for sensitive skin.
Free from harsh additives – Unlike conventional soaps that contain sulfates, parabens, and artificial fragrances, authentic Castile soap remains free from harmful ingredients.
Eco-friendly & biodegradable – As a plant-based soap, it breaks down naturally, making it a sustainable choice for those looking to reduce their environmental impact.
Multipurpose use – From body wash to dish soap and even pet shampoo, Castile soap is incredibly versatile.
Rich in antioxidants – True Castile soap made from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) retains the powerful antioxidants and vitamins that nourish and protect the skin.
Naturally occurring glycerine – In mass production, Castile soap is stripped of glycerine, which is removed and sold as a separate product. This means that when you buy from big brands, you're missing out on one of the biggest benefits—glycerine’s ultra-moisturizing properties that keep skin hydrated and soft.
Questionable ingredients in mass-produced Castile soaps
Many commercial Castile soaps are scented with synthetic fragrances, which can contain phthalates, parabens, and other potentially harmful chemicals. These artificial scents can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, some brands use undisclosed "fragrance blends," which can include a mix of unregulated chemicals.
Malina Organic Castile Soap: gentle and pure
Unlike mass-produced brands that rely on synthetic fragrances, Malina Organic Castile Soap is made with 100% USDA certified organic extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for maximum skin benefits and is scented exclusively with USDA certified organic pure essential oils. This ensures:
No synthetic fragrances – Free from artificial perfumes and undisclosed chemical blends.
Aromatherapeutic benefits – Essential oils provide natural therapeutic effects, such as relaxation and skin-soothing properties.
Skin-friendly and non-irritating – Perfect for those with sensitive skin or allergies to artificial fragrances.
Inspired by nature’s best
Handcrafted in small batches, Malina Organic Castile Soap is designed for maximum purity and skin benefits. Each variety is thoughtfully crafted for specific skincare needs:
Organic Olive Oil Castile Soap – The purest option, made with only EVOO. Ideal for those with sensitive skin, babies, and anyone looking for a fragrance-free cleansing experience.
Organic Coffee Castile Soap – Naturally scented with coffee and infused with coffee grounds for gentle exfoliation. Perfect for removing dead skin cells, stimulating circulation, and reducing the appearance of cellulite.
Organic Lavender Castile Soap – Infused with pure lavender essential oil, offering a calming, stress-relieving aroma. Lavender is known for its anti-aging, skin-brightening, and soothing properties, helping to promote an even skin tone and a youthful glow.
Organic Laurel Berry Aleppo (Syrian) Soap – A rare and luxurious soap, made with a blend of laurel berry oil and extra virgin olive oil. Aleppo soap has been used for centuries for its deep cleansing, moisturizing, and healing properties. The high laurel berry oil content is known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive, acne-prone, or irritated skin. Dermatologists recommend Aleppo soap for its ability to help heal skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis, as well as to soothe and reduce redness or irritation. This soap is perfect for anyone seeking gentle yet effective skincare that nourishes and promotes healing, providing long-lasting hydration while restoring the skin’s natural balance.
Organic Scots Pine Castile Soap – Scented with pure scots pine essential oil, this variety provides a fresh, slightly sweet, and resinous forest-like aroma. Unlike classic pine, Scots pine has a softer, more complex scent with a subtle sweetness that evokes a crisp woodland atmosphere. Pine oil is known for its antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for deep cleansing and invigorating the senses.
Organic Rosemary Castile Soap – Made with pure rosemary essential oil, which has stimulating and antimicrobial properties. Rosemary is known to promote circulation and clarity, making this a great morning soap.
Organic Honey Castile Soap – Unscented but enriched with raw honey, which adds extra moisturizing properties. Honey is naturally antibacterial and soothing, making this soap perfect for dry or irritated skin.
What makes Malina Organic Castile Soap different?
Unlike many mass-market Castile soaps that use olive pomace oil, Malina Organic Castile Soap is made with 100% USDA certified extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Here's how the two oils compare:
Olive Pomace Oil: Olive pomace oil is derived from the leftover pulp, skins, and pits of olives after the first cold press. It undergoes additional refining to remove impurities, making it lower in quality and nutritional content compared to EVOO. While it can still make a functional soap, it lacks many of the antioxidants, vitamins, and skin-nourishing properties found in EVOO.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: EVOO is made from the first cold press of olives, preserving all the natural nutrients, polyphenols, and vitamins that are so beneficial for your skin. These include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that promote hydration, reduce irritation, and protect the skin from environmental damage.
By using only extra virgin olive oil, Malina soaps provide superior moisturizing, antioxidant protection, and an overall richer skin experience. Additionally, EVOO helps the soap retain natural glycerine, which is often stripped out in mass production, leaving your skin softer and more hydrated.
Comparing popular Castile soap brands
Many brands in the U.S. market label their products as "Castile soap", but not all are created equal. Here’s a look at some of the most well-known brands and how they compare to Malina Organic Castile Soap:
Brand | Ingredients | Concerns | Pros | Scenting Agents | Special Features |
Malina Organic Castile Soap | 100% USDA certified organic EVOO | None - made with pure, high-quality olive oil | Handcrafted in small batches, retains natural glycerine | USDA certified organic pure essential oils | Dermatologist recommended for sensitive skin, rich in antioxidants |
Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap | Organic coconut oil, palm kernel oil, olive oil, hemp oil, jojoba oil | Heavy reliance on coconut oil, which can be drying for some skin types | USDA certified organic, fair trade ingredients, widely available | Essential oils, but some formulations are overpowering | Weird New Age messaging on product packaging |
Kirk’s Castile Soap | Primarily coconut oil | Lacks the traditional olive oil base, making it less hydrating | Affordable, widely accessible | Some versions use synthetic fragrance | Simple, no-frills, budget-friendly option |
365 by Whole Foods Market Castile Soap | Sunflower seed oil, palm oil, coconut oil | Uses lower-quality oils instead of EVOO, reducing skin-nourishing properties | Readily available at Whole Foods stores | Includes both essential oils and synthetic fragrances | Accessible, but lacks the purity and benefits of EVOO |
Why Malina Organic Castile Soap stands out
Unlike mass-market brands that rely on cheaper seed and tropical oils, Malina Organic Castile Soap stays true to tradition by using 100% USDA certified extra virgin olive oil. This ensures:
Superior moisturization: EVOO is packed with polyphenols and fatty acids that deeply nourish the skin.
True authenticity: No coconut oil, palm oil, or cheap fillers—just pure, high-quality olive oil.
Handcrafted excellence: Small-batch production preserves the integrity of ingredients, ensuring the highest quality possible.
Retains natural glycerine: Unlike mass-produced soaps, Malina Organic Castile Soap retains its naturally occurring glycerine, providing superior hydration and skin benefits.
Scented with USDA certified organic essential oils: No synthetic fragrances, just pure, plant-derived aromas for a luxurious and natural scent experience.
If you’re looking for an authentic Castile soap experience, Malina Organic Castile Soap offers the purity and benefits of traditional soapmaking with the added assurance of USDA certified extra virgin olive oil.
Experience the difference
As consumers, it’s important to read ingredient labels carefully and choose products that align with true Castile soap traditions. Many mainstream brands cut corners, replacing olive oil with inferior alternatives. Malina Organic Castile Soap remains committed to quality, purity, and authenticity, bringing you the best that this centuries-old tradition has to offer.
Ready to experience the difference? Shop now and make the switch to real Castile soap today!
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