Evidence supporting the use of: Castile soap
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Castile soap is a gentle, vegetable-based soap traditionally made from olive oil, which has been used for centuries for personal hygiene. Its use for dry or flaky skin is primarily supported by its mildness and lack of harsh synthetic additives or detergents, which can strip natural oils from the skin. Scientific validation for Castile soap specifically treating dry or flaky skin is limited; however, studies and expert opinion indicate that mild, fragrance-free cleansers (like Castile soap) are less likely to disrupt the skin barrier or worsen dryness compared to conventional soaps containing sulfates or strong surfactants.

Castile soap’s high concentration of plant oils (e.g., olive oil, coconut oil) provides some emollient properties, though these are largely washed away during rinsing. While it does not directly treat the underlying causes of dry or flaky skin, its gentle cleansing can help minimize further irritation or dehydration. Dermatological sources often recommend avoiding harsh soaps to maintain skin barrier function, indirectly supporting the use of mild soaps like Castile.

In summary, while there is no robust clinical trial evidence that Castile soap treats dry or flaky skin, its gentle formulation is less likely to exacerbate these conditions, which offers some scientific rationale for its use in sensitive or dry skin care routines.

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Products containing castile soap

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.