“Enjoy only 2 cosmetics: enough sleep and Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soap.”
While there may be many things on my grandfather’s label that are rather enigmatic, this statement is as straightforward as it gets. I would only add a third element: drinking plenty of water. When it comes to a clear complexion, this has been my recipe.
For about 15 years I ran in circles trying to clear up my complexion. Between acne and general redness, I was fighting a losing battle. As a teenager I tried all the big name products: Noxema, Neutrogena, Clean and Clear, Cetaphil, various salicylic acid ointments, even Estee Lauder and Clinique. When I entered college, I sought professional help and used prescription Retin-A and Erythromycin. After that I used Dermalogica products. None of these were a long-term solution. I just lived with the acne, covering it up as I could.
When I began answering the customer service emails for Dr. Bronner’s, I decided I needed to be trying out for myself the solutions I was offering to customers. One of the most common topics dealt with using the Castile Soap to promote healthy skin plagued with acne, eczema, psoriasis, and general redness. My recommendation was to wash with the Tea Tree Pure-Castile Soap, or to use the Unscented Pure-Castile for general irritation or for sensitive skin.
Now I can say from firsthand knowledge: this stuff really works. My skin has never been more resilient.
In this age of specialization, the idea of using one product on hair, face, and body sounds pretty naïve. But experience speaks.
I began using the Tea Tree Pure-Castile Soap on my face twice a day. I found that it removed make up easily and completely. The soap will even remove mascara. After a week, my blemishes were disappearing and no new ones were forming.
At first, my face did feel tight after I washed. I think this was due to the change from the intense facial washes I had been using, as well as the creams, masks, and who-knows-what-else. (Not even I remember all that I had applied.) So during the early months I also used the Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut Lotion—a very lightly scented, lightweight moisturizer. It was just right.
At a month out, my skin was smooth, my color was more even. With all that I had been through, I was somewhat astounded that the answer was so simple and had been right there in front of me—quite literally—for much of my life. (Not my whole life since Tea Tree Castile Soap wasn’t introduced until my later childhood.)
I’ve also discovered a pretty direct correlation between the amount of sleep I get, the amount of water I drink, and the condition of my skin. During crazy times, when sleep dwindles to 3-4 hours a night (bear in mind I have three young kids), my tiredness breaks out all over my face. When junky treats creep in to my diet and water creeps out, my face tells that story as well.
Now, several years later, I still wash with Castile Soaps. I don’t need the lotion any more except when the crazy Santa Ana winds sweep across California in the Fall.
In summary, here’s my technique:
- I wet my skin with warm water.
- I take about three drops—yes, three drops—of the Tea Tree Castile Soap and lather it up on my hands. If you’re a Castile Bar Soap user, lather up the bar soap on wet hands or washcloth.
- Then I rub it on my face in gentle, circular motions, taking extra time where my make up was and on historically problematic areas. I do not use a washcloth or scrubbie of any sort. I find that it irritates my skin.
- However, as the label emphasizes, keep the eyes closed. Let me say that one again, Keep the eyes closed.*
- I rinse my face with warm water in my hands with about five splashes.
- I dry by blotting my face with a towel.
As I’ve said before, you have to figure out what works for you, and perhaps you need to be more vigorous or more gentle than I have been. It’s a bit of trial and error, but be persistent. It’s completely worth it.
Further reading
- Dilutions Cheat Sheet for Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap
- 5 Life Habits for Healthy Skin
- Skin Health, pH, and Dr. Bronner’s Soap
This use and many more are in my book, Soap & Soul: A Practical Guide to Minding Your Home, Your Body, and Your Spirit with Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, available now in hardback on DrBronner.com or at your favorite bookseller, and as an eBook and audiobook (read by me!) from wherever you download or listen.
Lisa,
First off, I grew up extremely healthy but suffered terribly in one area since the age of 5 years old (currently 43, born in 75′) which is as early as I remember, I can’t speculate as to anything prior. I had chronic and on occasion, a very extreme case of “seborrheic dermatitis” which is similar to dandruff but much more extreme, at least in my case.
I grew up with many self-esteem issues and always terrified of dark shirts as the flakes would make it look like snow at Christmas in Alaska, LOL!
In 2012, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and the broad range of symptoms affected everything from my heart and nervous system to my constantly fluctuating metabolism. When I finally got this under control in 2013 I pledged to myself to clean up my act after living a life full of extremes and often self-destructive health and food choices.
Little did I know that at the beginning of this now 6-year journey, I would learn so much about nutrition and health.
As a computer engineer, I classified toxins into 3 buckets.
1) Topical toxins (what I put on my body)
2) Internal Nutrition (what I put in my body)
3) Environmental (harder to control) which I broke down into 2 subsets
a) External (outdoors)
b) Internal (inside my home)
As I began to evaluate, which factors were fastest to give me results, I sought to remove topicals toxins first. I started by using the Skin Deep EWG website to identify which personal care products were most toxic and began replacing them 1 by 1.
I quickly landed on Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile all-in-one liquid soaps as my option of choice in replacing body wash, hand soap, shampoo and since I’m nearly bald, I didn’t have to worry about the conditioner.
However, as an engineer, I try to be extremely thorough and so I tried many other options, always returning to your company’s product. It literally changed my life, after 6 months of using this product almost exclusively and addressing items 2 and 3a in my list above, I didn’t just begin to get into the best shape of my life as my body purged toxins; but also saw something I never expected, my skin began to become much healthier. This improved dermal achievements had a bonus, no more dermatitis. I have had a clear scalp for now almost 6 straight years.
Thank you for producing such high-quality products.
I
H Gabriel – What a great testimonial! No doubt it will be helpful to someone else. And I’m glad Dr. Bronner’s has been so helpful to you.
Hi Lisa, I have a very important question. I’m a teen and I have combination, acne-prone, sensitive skin. I can never find the right face wash for my face. Which Dr. Bronner’s face wash would be the best one for my type of skin? Thank you so much.
Hi Abigail- The Tea Tree Castile soap is a good one for combination and acne-prone skin. Bear in mind it takes about two weeks for skin to adjust to the new routine. Things like getting enough sleep, eating well, drinking lots of water and being active will help to keep your skin healthy too.
Can I use it morning and evening or what would you recommend? My skin is really sensitive and I’m scared the tea tree castile soap will do harm to my skin
Hi Abigail – The tea tree oil in our soap is a very mild dilution, just 2%. I wouldn’t expect it to irritate your skin, but you could use the Unscented Castile or a more mild scent like Almond or Lavender instead. Or even alternate until you see how your skin responds.
Hi Lisa,
I hope that you’re well. I was a friend of Uncle Ralph’s in the last year or so his life, and the Bronner family is still very dear to our hearts :-).
I have a question for you please, if that’s ok…after using Dr. Hauschka skincare for years, I’m needing to find an alternative as I’m now having to remove all grain and grain derivatives from my environment. (I’ve struggled with chronic illness – including autoimmune disease – since childhood.) Sadly, they use wheat germ oil in one of their cleansers, and HWP in the other! I thought immediately of switching to Dr. Bronner’s, but had always avoided it on my face due to my skin being very sensitive and extremely prone to dryness. I see though that you’ve recommended the sugar soaps?
I wonder if you could please recommend what products I might best be able to use to cleanse and gently moisturise. I don’t tend to do well with just oils: they just sit on top of my dry skin! But perhaps a sugar soap and a lotion? Anyway I’d be very grateful for any ideas you might have. (I’m 39, by the way.)
Many thanks, and with love and blessings to you all.
Kira
Hi Kira- It’s so great that you got to know Uncle Ralph. He was one-of-a-kind and touched so many lives. Regarding our soap, yes, the Sugar Soap would be perfect for you. It is grain free, and made with sugar and white grape juice, both of which are natural humectants and pull moisture into the skin. Our Lavender Coconut Lotion is a nice lightweight all-around lotion. It does contain alcohol made with non-GMO derived corn, so I’m not sure how that would work for you. Because all oils are made differently, I’ll also suggest Coconut oil for overnight moisture or a couple of drops of pure hemp oil overnight (although it does need to be refrigerated).
Hi Lisa,
Thank you so very much for your reply. And one-of-a-kind yes, absolutely! The world needs more like him :-).
I’ll try the sugar soap then and see how I get on. For the past few days I’ve been using the almond bar soap as it’s the safest thing in the house; it’s a little drying but at least I’m not reacting to it like I was to other products. As for the lotion, it’s better if (at least for now) I avoid anything that has ever been grain, but I’ll bear it in mind for when things calm down. For the moment though, yes I think the oils might work well in combination with the humectant soap.
Many thanks again for your help, and for everything wonderful that the Bronner family does. I actually feel grounded just from the soap: like it’s an anchor to reality and kindness in this increasingly crazy and chaotic world. Now to try to get it more well-known in France (where we live now)!
Take care and have a peaceful and joyous holiday season. Hugs to all, Kira
Thanks, Kira! Happy holidays to you and yours as well!
Hi… I just got the peppermint castle soap & I was wondering why does my face have dry patches ?
Hi Dajah – Peppermint oil is drying to the skin. Most people find it is too strong for their skin. Try one of the more mild Castile soaps. I personally like Almond, but Citrus, Rose, Lavender or Unscented are all good options too.
What would be the best one for anti-aging? ?
Hi Teresa – If your skin is otherwise normal, one of our more mild scents, such as Citrus, Rose or Lavender, is a good place to start. Use Tea Tree if you have combination or acne-prone skin. As we get our older, our skin can become more dry, which is just what our Sugar Soaps are designed for. The sugar and white grape juice are natural humectants, drawing moisture into the skin. Of course the best anti-aging regimen is a healthy lifestyle – plenty of sleep, a healthy diet, exercise and sun protection.
Hi… I’m suffering with moderate acne on my cheeks and not sure exactly what’s causing it, I think I have combo skin and wanted to try a more natural approach and came across dr bronners castile soap but I’m unsure of which one to get… debating on the peppermint or tea tree one. Which do you think will be more beneficial for acne? Thank you!
Hi Kianna- The Tea Tree is great for balancing out combination skin and countering acne. Peppermint can help oily skin, but you might find it too drying in your dryer areas. Try it out for about two weeks and see what you think.
hi I have sensitive skin that usually irritates after washing it, but also I have pimples and black spots in the T zone, so I do not know if I use the tea tree or roses, what do you recommend?
Hi Marggie – The Tea Tree Castile soap is good at balancing out skin. Wash your skin gently twice a day. Keep in mind that it can take two weeks to notice any effect.
I have oily skin and want to change my face cleanser. I use Thayers rose witch hazel toner after I wash my face and then shea butter to moisturize. Which soap do you suggest?
Hi Kalysta – If your face is naturally oily, try the Peppermint Castile soap as the peppermint essential oil is naturally drying. However, sometimes acne can be caused by naturally dry skin that is producing extra oils to compensate. If you’re not sure, start with a milder essential oil, like citrus, almond or rose. When switching to a new skincare regimen, give it about two weeks.
Hi Lisa,
My skin gets some acne sometimes around face and neck areas. My body would also get rashes from time to time and get itchy red bumps. I already bought the hand and body lotion.
1. What product do you recommended for face wash and body wash?
2. Also do you recommended the liquid soap or bar soap?
Hi Samson – One of our Tea Tree or Unscented Soaps would be a good place to start. Both can be soothing to irritated, sensitive and acne-prone skin. As for a bar or liquid, much of that is personal preference, although the bar soap is slightly more moisturizing. And all of our soaps can be used for face and body. Consider also that shampoo can be irritating to skin as well. If you think that might be the case, read about using our Castile Soap to wash hair: https://www.lisabronner.com/from-shampoo-to-soap-%E2%80%93-my-story/ .
I am 31 year old women, my skin is normal skin but has tired look due to lack of sleep or tiredness. I just want something to give my face flawless and fresh complexion and anti-aging tips.Thank you!!
Hi Deepi – Don’t I hear you on this one! The best advice is, of course, a healthy lifestyle with plenty of water, rest, healthy foods and exercise. If you find your skin is dryer than it used to be, the Organic Sugar Soap can help to restore some of that. The organic white grape juice and sugar are natural humectants, bringing moisture to the skin.
Hello Lisa,
From what I have learned coconut oil can be very drying for many people. What are you thoughts?
Hi Lipi – Yes, saponified coconut oil can be drying, which is why we blend olive oil into our soaps. The olive oil brings extra nourishment and moisturizing qualities to our soaps, while the coconut oil gives our soaps bubbles.
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Hi. I am debating which soap to use. I have sensitive skin and react to almost everything especially if it gets near my eyes. I also have dishydrotic eczema around my eyes and on my right hand. Additionally I get cystic acne usually along with my period. What would you recommend for my face and hand soap?
Hi Julie – The Tea Tree Castile Soap works well for acne, but if you’re skin is very sensitive, the Unscented Castile Soap would be a good place to start.
Hi, I’ve been using your almond liquid soap all over (including face) for years now. I attest to it being a great product. I see you keep recommending pure coconut oil on the face, though. For folks with acne, you could hardly recommend a worse facial oil! Careless sharing of this trend as a one-oil-fits-all led me to have massive breakouts for months, before doing more thorough research and switching to a non-comedogenic oil (hemp oil currently, due to the higher linoleic to oleic acid content). I’m glad coconut oil has worked for you, but for many of your readers, it will absolutely make their breakouts worse. You have many other great tips though, thank you.
Hi Dori – You are absolutely right that different skin types respond to different products, and it sometimes can feel like quite a puzzle to figure out what works for whom. This is because acne has many different causes – sometimes it is because of excessive oil production, sometimes because skin is too dry, sometimes it is hormonal (e.g. adolescence, monthly cycles), sometimes it is behavioral (lack of sleep), sometimes it is dietary. Unfortunately the term “non-comedogenic” which means that a product does not cause acne, is misleading. This makes the search for what works for you and me all the more challenging. Tracking down the scientific studies behind claims of comedogenicity is impossible, because no conclusive studies exist. There are many lists on the sites of well-intentioned bloggers (being one myself, I have high regard for their intentions), however, there are not scientific studies these 1-to5-type rankings. I have spent quite a lot of time looking for them, and if you know of them, please send them my way. Because of this lack of scientific conclusion on this, I include the term “non-comedogenic” on my top 10 list of labeling traps (https://www.lisabronner.com/10-labeling-traps-to-recognize-in-body-care-products/).
Here’s what scientific studies do exist (forgive my lack of MLA format):
“A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept” (https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(05)04600-1/fulltext) – This concludes, “Finished products using comedogenic ingredients are not necessarily comedogenic.” And that, “As of this writing, comedogenicity assessment remains an art, similar to many aspects of dermatologic practice.”
“Myths, Truths, and Clinical Relevance of Comedogenicity Product Labeling” (https://app.jamanetwork.com/#page=issuesContainer)(I had to create an account to see this one.)
“The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have a legal definition for this term.”
“No standard or validated assay to establish a product’s comedogenic potential currently exists.”
“Lack of standardized and validated clinical testing methods results in unknown comedogenicity status of marketed noncomedogenic products.”
After explaining all the different ways comedogenicity has been tested, the authors conclude, “Forty-six years after the initial description of acne cosmetic by the American Academy of Dermatology, standardized and reliable testing for noncomedogenic labeling is still lacking.”
And this one – “Standardization of comedogenic testing would be a tremendous and costly task for the industry, yet extremely helpful for the end user, because products would be properly labeled as noncomedogenic, granting the claim an actual meaning as opposed to its current status as a marketing technique.”
All that to say, comedogenic claims are a quagmire, and I am sorry coconut oil (actually high in Lauric Acid) did not work for you. I am very glad that you found that hemp oil did. Hemp oil has the closest fatty acid profile to what our skin naturally produces, so our skin really responds to it. That’s a happy ending!
Love it! A little goes A long way. Uses Bodywash Facial Skin Cleanser and Baby with Eczema.
Can I follow washing my face with the tea tree soap with an apple cider vinegar toner?
Hi Emily – You sure could. Just keep in mind that apple cider vinegar on its own is too strong for skin, so begin by diluting it with water in a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio and apply to clean, dry skin with a cotton ball or pad once or twice a week. You can play with the dilution and frequency once your skin adjusts to the new routine.
I absolutely love Dr Bronner Tea Tree Oil Soap I use it on my whole Body and A little goes A long way.
I typically use it to cleanse my Face and to remove Mascara I then pat my Skin dry and apply a small amount of Sweet Almond Oil. No Break outs no issues with Acne.
I am wondering what soap would be best for my normal to combination skin? I am 14 years old and I get pimples and whiteheads in my t zone as well blackheads on my nose, what soap would you recommend for my skin?
Hi Sofia – The Tea Tree Castile soap is a good one for addressing those kinds of areas. Give your skin two weeks to adjust to the new routine. Keep in mind that hormones also play a role in your teens – I’m sure you know this! – but things like getting enough sleep, eating well, drinking lots of water and being active will help to keep your skin healthy.
My Daughter has horrible acne but very sensitive skin. She has used the Citrus liquid soap but it is not helping with the acne what do you suggest. She is not super oily either. I am 45 and have eczema and dry skin that breaks out but is super sensitive what would you suggest I use for my face?
Hi B – That’s a tough combination and must be frustrating for your daughter. Typically tea tree is good for acne, but she could also try the Baby Unscented Castile soap. Unfortunately, we cannot control all the causes of acne and hormones play a role. A few things she can do to help are get good sleep, eat well, drink lots of water, be active, and relax. For yourself, the Sugar Soaps would be a good bet. They are more moisturizing and softening because they contain organic sucrose, shikakai powder, and white grape juice. The sugar and white grape juice both act as humectants, which means they draw moisture into the skin. The shikakai extract is a natural emollient which softens and nourishes the skin as it cleanses. In fact, with your daughter’s sensitive skin, she could give this one a try too.
Is the rose soap good for melasma?
Hi CK – Yes, the rose essential oil is more gentle than some of the other oils. From my understanding, hormones and sun exposure can also trigger melasma. While we can’t control the first, the EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens can help you identify a good sunscreen (https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/#.W2M7r9JKjIU). Also, things like a good diet, plenty of water and sleep, and relaxation time contribute to overall healthy skin.
I have oily skin is this a good product for me?
Hi Virg – I’d suggest trying either the Tea Tree or Peppermint Castile soap. Tea tree is known for balancing out and soothing skin while peppermint essential oil is naturally drying. However, in some cases oily skin is caused by naturally dry skin that is trying to compensate by overproducing oils. In that case, a milder essential oil such as the Almond or Citrus Castile soap would be a great option.
Hi Lisa, I have had clear perfect skin for all of my life, however, a few months ago, I started using this really heavy cream and this chemically indulged cleanser, and my skin was pretty much ruined. I have had frequent breakouts only on the t-zone and my chin and mouth area since then, I don’t know if this is because of my hormones or because of those products I used. I now use rose water and broccofusion and mother black African soap but NOTHING seems to be working. I still have my breakouts and nothing is making them go away. I eat very healthy and sleep well, so this problem is REALLY bothering me. I’m also kind of afraid to use another product because I feel like my skin will get worse. I have oily skin only in the t-zone. and no pimples on my cheeks and I wash my face every night! I am desperately looking for a solution. Is there any advice you could give me? Should I use this soap? If so, what kind?
Hi Serena – This certainly sounds frustrating, and I understand your hesitance in trying something new. The Tea Tree Castile soap is excellent in balancing out and soothing skin. As with any new skincare regimen, give your skin two weeks to adjust. And keep up the healthy habits – I think you’re on the right path there. Let me know how it goes!
I have been using the peppermint version for a while, it unclogged my pores but leaves my skin very dry. Is there a better version to use? My skin is sensitive so I’m considering using the unscented one, I’ve heard great things about the tea tree version but I am allergic to tea tree oil. Also, should I wash morning and night or just night after removing my makeup?
Hi Zoe- I’m glad you’ve found success with the Castile soap. The peppermint essential oil can be too much for some people, as refreshing as it is. For something more mild, you can use the Unscented Castile soap, as you suggest, or both the Citrus and the Almond Castile soaps are gentle if you prefer something with scent. I do wash my face both morning and night.
I was wondering what would be the best castle soap for my skin, its a combination of dry and oily, and acne prone, as well as being sensitive in some areas. I’m currently on a isotrentinoin/accutane product and wondered what would be the best to use?
Thanks
Hi Erin – You may want to give the Tea Tree Castile soap a try, as it’s good for balancing out and soothing skin.
Hi I’m 16 years old and I have very oily , sensitive skin. I have tiny bumps around my face not that bad and my pores are somewhat noticeable. every other day new bumps and/or white heads appear on my face and on my chin and I have a lot of dark spots on my forehead and below my eyes on the cheek area and on the far end of my cheeks. which dr bronners castile soap would you prefer I use and should I dilute it with water ?
Hi there – Tea tree is known for treating acne and also balancing out and soothing skin. Start by lathering up 2-3 drops in your wet hands and then washing your face twice a day. Give it two weeks for your skin to adjust. If it seems the Tea Tree Castile soap is too strong, you can use a more mild scent, such as the Citrus, Almond or the Baby Unscented. Also, be sure to implement some of those healthy lifestyle habits into your routine as poor habits can affect your skin: plenty of sleep, water, exercise and good diet (often easier said than done, I know!).
Hi Lisa, I was wondering how you can use Dr. Bronner’s for hair and body wash as well? I’m 51 and have dry skin so I’m going as all-natural as possible with everything. The easier the better so if I can use liquid Castile soap as one and done that would be amazing! Also, what would you recommend as a hair conditioner afterwards?
Hi Janet – Yes, you can use the Castile soap for hair, face and body. For dry skin, I recommend one of our more mild Castile soaps, such as Almond or Citrus, although if you find you need more moisture, our Sugar Soaps have Sucrose and White Grape Juice which are natural humectants and help skin retain its natural moisture. When using either the Castile or Sugar Soap as a shampoo, you’ll need to follow up with a rinse with some acidity to balance out the alkaline of the soap. You can use either our Hair Rinse or a dilution of water and apple cider vinegar. There is a bit of a transition in switching away from shampoo to soap. Here’s a blog post from when I made the switch: https://www.lisabronner.com/from-shampoo-to-soap-%E2%80%93-my-story/
Thank you so much Lisa. I usually only wash my hair 2-3 times a week but will definitely give this a try. I just gave the last 3oz of my Almond Castile soap to a friend who is having face issues so I need to go get more for myself – and the tea tree for her lol. I have ACV already so I cannot wait to try this in a few days. I know I need to give it some time, probably more than you did, but am looking forward to a more NATURAL and cost effective way to shower.
Hi Lisa,
I don’t have any skin issues – other than winter drying me out particularly around my nose, top lip area and chin. I’m just wanting to simplify my skin care routine. Would the almond all in one liquid soap be ok for me to use on my face? I’ve heard that almond is really good for your face, especially combined with jojoba. Which moisturizer would you recommend or do they all do the same sort of job?
I’d love to do a review on the products for my blog at the same time! 🙂
Thanks,
Rebecca
Hi Rebecca – Yes, the Almond Castile soap is gentle on dry skin. If you find you need more moisture during the winter months, you can try our Sugar Soaps. The Sucrose and White Grape Juice in them act as humectants, helping skin to retain its natural moisture. And for lotion, the Coconut Lavender is a nice light moisturizer.
Hi there, I am just getting into using your product line and love it! Was thinking of trying a sugar soap pump as a face wash, I have pretty normal skin, breakout sometimes, but main concern is anti aging- which would yo recommend? Or should I just wash with the rose castile soap?
Hi Lauren – Welcome! Thanks for giving our products a try. The sugar soaps are more moisturizing and softening than our Castile soaps, and as we know, our skin does need a little extra nourishment as we get older. I find that when trying new products, it takes about two weeks for skin to make the adjustment.
Hi Lisa, I have very sensitive skin. I can’t use tee tree like or peppermint. I they burn my face. I have a bottle of Baby Castille. Is this ok for washing my face with? I have had sensitive skin all my life. When ever I try a cleanser they always burn. It happens with expensive products and none expensive products. Thank you so much.
Hi Kathleen – Yes, the Baby Unscented Pure-Castile is great for sensitive skin. It doesn’t have any essential oils and has a higher ratio of olive oil, which is more nourishing. If you give it a try, let me know how it goes.
Hello, i have troubles with cystic acne and small acne as well i get my cystic acne really bad on my jaw line and on my cheeks. some cystic acne will go away gradually on it’s own and will appear in the same spot again. i was wondering if dr bronner’s rose castile soap would be good to use? i have dry but oily skin and it is really sensitive and is red very itchy when i have cystic acne.
Hi Brenda – I am so sorry to hear your struggles with cystic acne. That is frustrating as well as painful. I think the best soap for you is the Tea Tree Pure Castile, because on top of the regular cleansing power of the soap, you’re adding the extra antibacterial power of tea tree essential oil. The Rose Castile would be a solid option, but perhaps consider that down the road once your skin has stabilized. The Tea Tree Castile will clean your pores deeply, and you may notice a slight increase in breakouts at first when the soap gets started. Keep using it twice a day for two weeks before you decide if you like. I think you’ll find that your skin is more balanced, less sensitives, and less inflamed. Along with a good soap, though, healthy habits are crucial. Without plenty of water, plenty of sleep and relaxation, and good food, not even the best soap in the world is going to help.
Thank you so much for your email
As I was reading your point of view it was as if I was writing it myself (except for the 3 kids) you point of view was spot on
I just started using Dr Bronners Castile soap and can’t wait to have and experience clear skin FOR ONCE IN MY LIFE
I’ll get to see how it feels and looks to be normal as this “acne-oily skin-spots-scars” has taken control of most of my life
Thanks again
Getting rid of bad skin
I’m so glad my experience resonated with you. Give the soap a good two weeks before you decide if you like it. For the first few days you might notice an increase in breakouts as the soap cleans pores deeply, but then it will clear up. The Tea Tree Castile soap in particular does a great job of balancing oily skin. Let me know how it goes.
How can I obtain a discount code to make a purchase on your site?
HI Priscilla – From time to time we do have discount codes that are tied to specific events, such as a festival or trade show. We don’t have any that we distribute otherwise.
Hi I was looking to give this soap a try and i have very sensitive skin with a consistent breakouts but not severe so I was wondering which scent(or unscented) you would recommend and whether i should use the liquid or solid formula
Hi there – Personally, I prefer the liquid for facial washing, but I don’t have a solid reason for that. Just personal preference. I really think the Tea Tree Castile is the best for balancing skin and countering breakouts. Give it a try for a couple weeks and see what you think.
Hi! I was hesitant to use the Dr. Bronner soaps on my face, but I just read your article and you provided a ton of detailed information. Unfortunately, I do not have the Tea Tree soap, but I do have the Hemp Lavender. Is that one okay to utilize as well?
HI Alaysia – Yes! The Lavender is lovely. They have the same soap base, just a different essential oil.
Hi Lisa,
I am interested in buying some products from you all. I would like to know which is best to use as a face wash. I am 22 and I don’t have acne or anything but recently my right cheek broke out with mild bumps. My face seems to be pretty sensitive, if I touch my face with my hands the spot where I touched it will turn red. My face isn’t oily or dry just a little near my mouth sometimes (possibly eczema). I don’t use any face washes, but I’m willing to allow this to be my first being that I love what you all stand for and that they are organic. I also, suffer from reoccurring yeast infections, and BV from time to time. Which soap would help with that? Sorry, about all of the issues but I just want to know what is best before buying. Thank you so very much. 🙂
Hi Candida – For general facial washing, I recommend the Castiles with milder essential oils, such as Almond, Citrus, Rose, or Lavender. Whichever one you enjoy. Regarding treatment of yeast and BV, our soap won’t cure either one, but it is a great partner with medical treatment because it does not contain irritants nor leave behind residues that could exacerbate symptoms. Probiotics are also something to consider for an OTC aid to reintroducing good bacteria.
Hi Lisa! I have the rose and the almond scented soaps. They both smell great:D. Would it be alright for me to wash my face with either one of those? I don’t have acne or any skin conditions and I find the almond makes my skin feel nice and clean withou that drying feeling. Just wanted your educated thoughts! <3
Hi Caren – My educated thought is Yes! I like them both and they make great facial soaps. The base of all the scented Castiles is exactly the same, with the only alteration being the essential oils. (The Unscented has twice the amount of olive oil in ratio.) If you aren’t trying to solve any skin problems, just pick the one that makes you happy!
I get mild break outs, mostly during the week before my period. I am wanting to even skin tone / redness and shrink pores if possible. I also have a few dark marks I want to get rid of. What soap would you suggest? And do you cleanse with it 2x a day everyday?
Hi Emma – I think the Tea Tree is the best overall balancer and will help you through the cyclical changes of your skin. I haven’t heard that it has pore-shrinking capabilities, but having balanced, unblemished skin will give it a healthy glow. I wash with it twice a day, morning and evening. I just lather it up on my hands. I find that using a washcloth irritates my skin. However, you do need to find what works for you. And as always, the general healthy stuff like drinking lots of water, eating well, and getting enough sleep are critical to healthy skin and balancing the ups and downs of our bodies.
Hi lisa- So i have combination skin ( T-zone is oily but mainly my nose ) i also have a skin condition called Keratosis pilaris, so which of these Castile soaps is best for me ? since i need something to eliminate the oil and also moisturize the dry areas.
Hi Sara – The Tea Tree Castile is awesome at balancing out combination skin types. I recommend giving that a try for two weeks, twice a day and see how that does. From my understanding, Keratosis pilaris worsens on dry skin, so a regular moisturizer is a good idea. Our Unscented Magic Balm is pretty amazing at nourishing dry skin. Also, since dead skin cells contribute to Keratosis pilaris, regular exfoliation will help. Consider making up a batch of a sugar scrub – my recipe here – or sugar soap by mixing some sugar directly with the soap.
Hi I was wondering if I could use tea tree bar to was my face ?
Hi Dottia – Absolutely. It doesn’t have quite the concentration of the tea tree essential oil, but it is slightly more moisturizing.
Hi can the lavender works as well with the acne
Hi Raychel – The Lavender is a gentle option as well. It perhaps doesn’t have quite the effectiveness that the Tea Tree essential oil adds, but the base castile soap is exactly the same.
Hi- I was thinking about mixing some baking soda with the lavender Castile soap to make an exfoliating wash. Would there be any downside to doing that? Thank you
Hi Ann – That sounds really nice! I don’t see a downside there. Here’s a post with other ideas about mixing stuff with Castile: https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/skincare/micellar-water-explainer
Hi Lisa,
I have recently bought Peppermint castile soap and used it on my face. My skin is oily and acne prone. I had an immediate reaction causing lot of acne on my face. I am not sure if it was a reaction or getting the underlying acne out. I am bit scared to try it again. It is good on body though. Could you advise?
Thanks
HI Vinitha – It’s possible that the castile was cleaning out the pores deeply and causing a temporary increase in acne, but it is also possible the the intensity of the peppermint essential was too much for your facial skin. I find that it is too intense for mine, and opt for the Tea Tree or Almond instead.
When using Castile soap as a shampoo you recommend a rinse to bring your hair to the correct ph. So why not when using Castile soap on your face? Wouldn’t the soap be too alkaline and wouldn’t you need an acidic rinse to balance the ph of your face?
Hi Patti – I apologize for my delayed response here. The pH of soap does not have the same impact on our skin as it does on our hair. On our hair, it has the effect of raising the edges of the cuticles of the hair shafts. This makes the strands of hair tangle with each other and makes the hair look dull. Acidity smoothes the cuticles, allowing the strands to swing freely against each other and giving the hair shine. The pH of soap does not have this impact on the skin. Although skin itself does have an acidic pH, soap is not on the skin long enough to change this. There has been a lot of marketing done on the grounds of “protecting the acid mantle”. Unfortunately, this is almost entirely hype. The acid mantle is a layer of debris on the skin that is partly our skin’s own secretions and partly the secretions of the micro-organisms that live on our skin. It is good to wash this off regularly.
Thanks Lisa for that enlightening info about $oap and #kin ph. On an aside, I have started using Dr. Bronner’s for my laundry. We love how soft our sheets and towels are! In AZ we have hard water so I put vinegar in the rinse cycle, but I did that before using Dr Bronner’s but didn’t get the softness I am getting now. Even my husband noticed it. I have been using “environmentally responsible” laundry soap for many years, but didn’t get the feeling of clean and the softness I get now. Thanks for your blog. I have learned a lot.
Hi Lisa- I’ve used the Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Castile Bar soap on my body and I like it. I’m a male and I shave my head. I’ve noticed it makes my skin and scalp very dry. Also, I have persistent acne on my nose and some around my chin. My nose and forehead are usually oily. Like you, it’s worse when my sleep patterns are poor. I use benzoyl peroxide daily and have been since I was 15 (I’m a 32 -year old male) as it is the only thing that keeps my acne at bay. If I use a cleanser on my face that dries out my skin then my skin produces excess oil and my acne gets worse.
2 questions:
1) Which bar soap would you recommend that wouldn’t dry out my skin and scalp as badly?
2) Is there a Dr. Bronner bar soap that I can use on my body AND face that won’t dry out my skin and help with my acne? Maybe the Tea Tree bar soap?
Hi Michael – The Peppermint essential oil is naturally drying, which is definitely contributing to the excess oil production and persistent acne. As you guessed, I do recommend the Tea Tree Castile bar for body and head. It will balance your skin out. Give it two weeks to acclimate.
Sorry if I miscommunicated. I am not currently using the peppermint Castile on my face and never have. I only used it on my body and scalp. I’ve tried many cleansers, treatments, and moisturizers on my face. My current regimen consists only of rinsing with water and applying benzoyl peroxide in the morning. It’s the only thing I’ve tried that helps.
I’m hoping I can start using a cleanser/moisturizer combo and ditch the BP.
Would the tea tree bar soap still be your recommendation, or would you recommend one of the others?
Hi Michael – I’m sorry I didn’t see this question earlier. Yes, I still recommend the Tea Tree. It is the best at balancing skin and oil production. Initially you may still need a moisturizer, but once your skin acclimates – after about 2 weeks – you may be able to do without one. Initially I used the Lavender Coconut Lotion, which is super light. Now I rarely use one, but sometimes I’ll apply a small amount of coconut oil overnight. We don’t currently have a toner that could replace the benzoyl peroxide specifically, but once your skin strengthens, you may not need it.
hello, my granddaughter is 10 years old and is already having issues with blackheads, pimples, my daughter cleans her face with witch hazel, what cleanser do you recommend her since she is only 10?
Hi Maribel – I’m sorry to hear that your granddaughter is having to face the frustrations of acne already. Washing her face twice a day with the Castile soap would be a big help. The Tea Tree is the best for acne, but if she really doesn’t like the scent, go for the Citrus or Almond. As you probably know, acne has many causes. Some we can control directly. Others are more subtle. Hormones definitely play a factor and are hard to address, especially heading into the tween years. However, there are five free things she can do to help – get good sleep, eat well, drink lots of water, be active, and relax. I wrote in detail about them all in this article, 5 Simple (and Free!) Habits for Glowing Skin.
Hi I just bought the hemp peppermint (dark blue) liquid soup, is this one ok for the face? I get break outs every now and then but nothing cystic, I have oily skin and enlarged pores. Is this the right soup for me and how often should I use it? Thank you!
Hi D – The essential Peppermint oil is naturally very drying. This can be a good thing if your face is very oily. If not, this can be too drying and cause redness. I normally recommend that people start with a milder essential oil, but since your skin is naturally oily, this might be just the thing. Give it a try, and if you notice your skin getting tight or red, consider the Tea Tree instead.
Hi lisa, does organic castile soap with honey good for dark spots?
Hi Solange – Neither soap nor honey will help to reduce dark spots. However, Castile soap will help promote healthy skin that is more able to heal itself. Honey is known for its natural antibiotic properties and it also a natural humectant. Protection from the sun by wearing hats, UPF clothing and sunscreen are really the best bet to prevent future dark spots.
Hi Lisa, I just started using the tea tree castile soap on my face followed by the lavender coconut lotion. I’ve had skin texture problems for years, and recently developed rosacea. Just wanted to try this combo after reading your article! My face is extremely dry all of the time (live in the Midwest, so quite a bit of drastic weather change over the year). After cleansing and using the lotion you suggested, my skin still feels really dry and tight. Should I keep trying this combo for two weeks, or do you suggest switching to something else for super dry, red, sensitive skin? Thanks!
Hi Stephanie – I do recommend trying the regimen for two weeks before you decide, but at night, consider applying pure coconut oil once a week. Use just a pebble amount massaged in, and then wash off in the morning. Let me know if that helps.
Hi Lisa,
Same as Stephanie, my skin still feels really dry and tight after using the tea tree castile soap and lavender coconut lotion and I have been doing this regimen for about 1 month. I also follow your suggestion of using pure coconut oil. Do you have any other recommendation? Maybe the tea tree castile soap is not for my skin type. Thanks
Hi Cindy – I hear you. We created our Organic Sugar Soaps for just your skin type. These soaps are more moisturizing and softening because they contain organic sucrose, shikakai powder, and white grape juice. The sugar and white grape juice both act as humectants, which means they draw moisture into the skin. The shikakai extract is a natural emollient which softens and nourishes the skin as it cleanses.
stephanie, i would avoid moisturizing with coconut oil because it is known to be comedogenic for many people. instead, use rose hip seed oil, jojoba oil, or argan oil to moisturize after cleansing. make sure whichever oil you choose is organic and, most importantly, cold-pressed.
i cleanse with the almond castile soap and moisturize with one of those oils (currently rose hip seed oil. it is such a fantastic oil for many reasons. i recommend reading up on it) and my skin is more clear and balanced than it was in my twenties!
Hi I am thinking about buying the tree tea soap for my acne. I wear heavy makeup, should I be taking my make up off before I wash my face with the tree tea soap? If so, with what? Am I to use a scrubber or just my hands?
Hi Vanessa – The Castile works great for removing make-up. You don’t need to wipe the make up off first. However, if you have heavy eyeliner, you might need to take that off first using pure coconut oil. Take care not to get the soap in your eyes. I wrote a post about coconut oil for makeup removal here: https://www.lisabronner.com/coconut-oil-for-makeup-removal/. In order to let the acne heal, remove your makeup as soon as you are done with your day to let your skin breathe. You don’t want to irritate your skin by intense scrubbing, but in order to get all the make up off, you might need to use a soft washcloth.
I was wondering if I could use a different type of soap for acne? Like the peppermint or rose one?
Hi Shehenaz – You can definitely use other of the soaps for acne. It all depends on what is causing the acne. If your face is naturally oily, the Peppermint might be the best bet because peppermint essential oil is naturally drying. However, acne can often be caused by naturally dry skin that is trying to compensate by overproducing oils. In that case, a milder essential oil, such as the floral blend in the rose, would be a great option. If you don’t know which way your face tends, start with a milder soap. If I don’t have the Tea Tree handy, I’ll go for Almond or Citrus.
Is it ok to mix the tea tree oil and coconut oil together for my face as a face wash?
Hi Shay – Check out my latest post about mixing things with the Castile: https://www.lisabronner.com/what-can-you-mix-with-castile-soap/
I have acne and I just bought the tea tree oil for my face. I was wondering is it ok to mix coconut oil and the tea tree oil together for my face?
Hi Mary – Check out my latest post on mixing things with the Castile – https://www.lisabronner.com/what-can-you-mix-with-castile-soap/.