Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap Review: Is it worth Buying?

Dr.Bronner's Castile Soap Review: Pros, Cons and Uses

Why I Chose Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap

I first tried a castile soap purchased online, but I wasn’t very impressed with its cleaning ability. I wanted a product I could fully use without wasting any, which led me to Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap. This all-in-one, plant-based soap is widely recognised for its versatility, so I didn’t hesitate to buy it—especially because it was on sale at the time.

I also wanted to avoid harsh chemical surfactants like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES), and Dr. Bronner’s uses natural ingredients, making it appealing for my sensitive skin.

Pros and Cons

Pros of Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap:

• Rich lather: Works well with a sponge, producing soft foam instantly to ensure effective cleaning.

• Multi-purpose: Can be used as a hand wash, body wash, dish soap, and more.

• Natural ingredients: Plant-based and free from synthetic surfactants, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

• Durable packaging: Bottle design maintains shape, easy to store and travel with.

Cons and Limitations:

• Strong scent: Lavender scent may be too intense for some users. Using unscented soap and adding a few drops of your own essential oil is a good workaround.

• Not ideal as shampoo: Leaves hair dry and stiff due to its alkaline nature.

• Alkaline pH: PH 8, so frequent use on scalp and hair may cause dryness or irritation.

• Price: Slightly more expensive than other castile soaps, and it goes quickly even when diluted.

How I Used Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap

As Shampoo:

I diluted 1 part castile soap with 3 parts distilled water in a regular bottle (not a foaming bottle) to use it as a shampoo. It felt slippery near my scalp, but I couldn’t tell if it cleaned well. My hair also became dry and stiff. I followed with a diluted apple cider vinegar rinse (4 parts water, 1 part vinegar) to neutralise pH, which slightly softened my hair.

As Hand Wash and Dish Soap:

Dr. Bronner’s works excellently in foam hand wash bottles, leaving hands clean and soft. It is also effective as a dish soap, with minimal residue and a gentle touch on skin.

PH Test and Skin Considerations

I tested the diluted soap mixture (1 part castile soap : 4 parts water) with a PH meter. The result was slightly alkaline (around PH 8). While plant-based soaps avoid synthetic surfactants, long-term daily use on dry or sensitive skin may require additional moisturising to prevent irritation.

The test result shows that it is close to PH 8

Tips for Using and Storing

• Dilute for longer use: Using a water-to-soap ratio of 3:1 or 4:1 stretches the product further.

• Control scent: For a strong lavender scent, consider adding a few drops of essential oil to unscented soap.

• Proper storage: Keep away from direct sunlight and humidity to preserve quality.

• Limit frequent use on scalp: Alkaline nature can irritate hair and scalp; 2–3 times a week is recommended.

Value for Money

The 237ml bottle lasts about a month when diluted for multi-purpose use. Although slightly expensive compared to other castile soaps, its versatility as a hand wash, body wash, and dish soap makes it worth the investment.

Final Thought

Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap is a versatile, plant-based, all-in-one solution perfect for hand washing, body cleansing, and dishwashing. While it may not fully replace conventional shampoos for everyone, its eco-friendly ingredients and effective cleaning make it a reliable choice for daily use. For maintaining healthy skin, slightly acidic products are generally preferred, so pairing castile soap with a gentle moisturiser or other skin-friendly products can help preserve your skin’s natural balance.

*This review is based on my personal experience, and results may vary for others. Please take it as a friendly reference.