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Castile soap is a vegan soap made from vegetable oils, as opposed to animal fats. Physically, it is hard and white, and is traditionally made using olive oil and soda. It is gentle on the skin, and the lack of animal fats means it’s a vegan-friendly skin cleanser. Castile soap is so mild, it is often found in all-natural baby soaps and baby skincare products.
Castile soap is a great cleanser for sensitive skin, as it is a gentle and mild ingredient. It is also a great option for those seeking vegan-friendly ingredients.
Castile soap has natural antibacterial properties. The oils found in castile soap penetrate pores to thoroughly clean without over-drying skin.
Additionally, the bar form of castile soap retains some of the natural oils from which it is made and is blended with other beneficial oils. Plant oils rich in monounsaturated fatty acids replenish moisture in the skin, helping to hydrate, smooth, and soothe dry, irritated skin.
Lastly, oleocanthal is a component found in the olive oil from which castile soap is made. Oleocanthal has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the redness and irritation associated with skin concerns like eczema.
One drawback of using it is that it may be a little too mild. While great for removing makeup and superficial dirt, castile soap may not be strong enough to kill the full array of bacteria or fungal infections trapped within pores.
Some users have reported a tight feeling to their skin after using castile soap, and some have noted an overproduction of oil later in the day with certain concentrations of castile.
Castile soap is more alkaline than most dermatologists recommend for acne-prone skin, but in the proper routine and combination with other ingredients (like a proper exfoliant), many people have found castile soap to improve their acne.
For skin problems like acne, clogged pores, wrinkle prevention, your face wash should contain exfoliating ingredients to exfoliate dead skin, so using castile soap alone will not fully address your skincare goals. Additionally, to avoid stripping your skin’s natural protective barrier with regular use of castile soap, you’ll want to balance it with nourishing ingredients and skin-loving oils to nourish the skin.
To make sure castile soap is the right ingredient, in the right concentration, for your particular skin type and skincare needs, take our skin quiz!
There are several different types and causes of acne. Cystic acne occurs when pores in your skin are clogged with sebum, dirt, and dead skin cells. This creates a perfect opportunity for the growth of bacteria, which can cause an infection. The infection can grow deeper into the skin, leading to inflammation and redness, causing raised acne bumps (AKA cysts) with pus that can be tender to the touch.
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical agent for fighting bacteria and can be good for some type of cystic acne. Jojoba oil and rosehip oil are also good for reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and keeping in moisture for healthier skin. Ingredients that help exfoliate dead skin cells and increase new skin cell production, such as Vitamin A/Retinol, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid, are good for treating cystic acne as well.
The secret to winning the battle against cystic acne is having the right regimen for your skin. Products that are too strong can be irritating and drying, causing your skin to overproduce oil, which leads to more acne. Picking the wrong active ingredients may have no effect. Using the right regimen for your acne type and skin tolerance can effectively clear acne while keeping your skin healthy and balanced.
Castile soap may be effective for cystic acne, but there are many other factors that may affect whether this ingredient would work on your skin or if there are better ingredients that may work for you. Take this skin quiz to find the best ingredients for your skin and build your skincare routine.
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