Question from Rachel
Hello! I am wanting to use a natural soap to bathe with and make laundry detergent. I came across Kirks Castile Soap. I found a recipe on their website on how to make homemade laundry soap. Do you know if the bar soap has any “toxic” ingredients? I also thought about using Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap to bathe with. What are your thoughts?
Debra’s Answer
I used Kirks Castile Soap many years ago because it was one of the only soaps I could find at the time that didn’t have artificial fragrance and colors in it. However, it’s made primarily from coconut oil, which made my skin so dry I had to stop using it. Just went to their website to check the ingredients and OMG! Lots of industrial chemicals! Compare these ingredients with any of the natural handmade soaps I’ve listed on Debra’s List. This is also a good source for soaps for bathing. I have no objection to Dr. Bronners, but to me, handmade soaps are more interesting and they are made by hand.
I use Grandma’s Lye Soap. It is a natural bar soap, made from lard and lye. No perfume, toxic chemicals, or other harsh ingredients. And it is corn-free, too. It works great for me, and I have extremely sensitive skin, because of all my allergies and atopic dermatitis. A lot of people with allergies are using it, because it is not toxic and free of allergens and skin irritants. It is available in some health food stores, online, and some ACE Hardware stores. Possibly in other stores, too.
Coconut-based surfacants are tricky for me too. I’m always experimenting with products, preparing myself for the dreaded “discontinued” again.
I’ve listed my favorite barsoaps without scent on my blog. The baking soda bar is vegan (to my knowledge), the other is not.http://www.alonnashaw.com/2013/02/how-to-go-fragrance-free-part-one.html