“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.
I use your Castile soap in my foaming hand soap dispensers at each sink.
I’d like to use it in the shower but some people have warned me it will clog the pipes to our septic tank so I’ve been hesitant.
What can you tell me?
I use Sal Suds for all my cleaning and laundry.
Thank you.
Hi Bonnie- I’ve been living with a septic system for 16 years now, and we use our fair share Castile Soap with no issue. Our Castile Soaps biodegrade and are safe for septic systems. We had them analyzed for biodegradability, specifically for the use in grey water systems in Australia, and the issues are the same for septic.
Please consider Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild Castile unscented liquid soap for washing not only the face but also the inside of the mouth before flossing and brushing. Dilution of the liquid soap with half of reverse osmosis water in a foaming soap dispenser is advisable. Rinse thoroughly. After the flossing and brushing, please remember that lots of rinsing of the mouth to expel any remaining micro plastics can help minimize ingestion of the plastic particles from the toothbrush filaments wearing away. Most flosses also are made of or contain plastics.
Hi Lisa, so I have combination skin where my nose and forehead area is oily and my face cheeks are dry. I just bought the tea tree serum and I was wondering if it was truly the purchase I should’ve gotten instead of the others you recommended since I’d gotten it so acne would get out quickly. What should I do?
Hi KT- For combination or acne-prone skin, I do recommend the Tea Tree Castile Soap. It helps to balance out combination skin without being overly drying. As with any new skin care regimen, give your skin two weeks to adjust.
Hi Lisa, I saw that the peppermint scent might be a bit drying for some people. Does the lavender have the same effect or is that gentler on the face?
Thank you!
Hi Jenny- Lavender is more gentle, as are Rose, Citrus and Unscented.
Hi Lisa, can I add salicylic acid to a castile soap blend with tea tree essential oil drops? If so, what is the ratio to use when working with salicylic acid and castile soap for facial cleansers
Hi Idah- Adding any form of acid to the Castile Soap will cause a reaction between the acid and the alkaline soap. They don’t coexist side by side. Chemistry happens and they get all separated and reattached. You will not have either soap or salicylic acid at the end.
Good morning! I use my lavender castile soap for washing floors, countertops, stovetop, sinks, etc. I am going to try it on my face as I have started to get deep, painful acne. If I were to use it for my hair, as well, what would I need to dilute it to?
Hi Jeanie – The amount needed for hair varies significantly by hair type. A starting point is ½ Tbsp. of soap directly to your scalp or dilute ½ Tbsp. of soap in ½ a cup of water for a thinner consistency. Adjust it to your needs. I wrote about my own transition to soap for hair here: https://www.lisabronner.com/from-shampoo-to-soap-my-story/
My colleague Rafi wrote A Definitive Guide to Hair Washing, which is super helpful as well.
I recently started using your peppermint castile soap for my hair, body, and face and wow! Just after one use my face and skin looked noticably brighter and smoother with less acne. The dark circles under my eyes have even lightened up a bit and my skin feels firmer but healthy. I recently purchased your tea tree oil castor soap and am very excited to try it especially after reading this article. Do you recommend that I alternate between the peppermint and tea tree oil soap or stick with one over the other? I’m really satisfied with the peppermint soap but after reading this article I’m wondering if I should switch to the tea tree oil for my face and just use the peppermint for my hair and body occasionally. Thanks for any advice you have!
Hi Shannon- It’s great to hear the Castile Soap is working so well for you! The issue with peppermint essential oil is that some customers find it to be drying. If that’s not an issue for you, there’s no need to change. Tea Tree Castile is great for every skin type, and can be especially helpful to those with acne-prone skin. I say go with whichever makes your skin happy.
When I got a facial piercing something like 7 years ago I asked the piercer what they suggested for washing my face during the healing period. He suggested Dr Bronner’s Castile Soap, and proceeded to talk my ear off about how amazing it was. I bought it because I was curious and have been using it since. I tried countless facial cleansers throughout my life trying to find a cure for my awful acne, I wish I had pierced my face sooner to try this😅 I was so skeptical but was quickly converted after a short time of use.
Hi Victoria- Excellent! It seems we both have your piercer to thank!
Hello Lisa,
I am a convert to your soaps, however, I would like to know if you can use the moisturizer on your face as well. With one of my orders, I received a sample of the moisturizer and I did use it on my face and it left my skin very nice, but I don’t know whether it is recommended! I would appreciate your comments please.
Kindest regards
Susan
Hi Susan- Welcome to the Dr. Bronner’s family! Yes, our Organic Lotions are lightweight and great for everyday use on face or body. Our lotions do not have SPF, so take care to use a daily sunscreen. The Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide (https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/) is a great resources for finding safer sunscreens.
VS using a few drops at a time from my 32oz container, I’d like to make facewash w/ my Baby Unscented Pure Castile Soap, by putting it in one of my “recycled” face wash pump dispensers. Is there a recommend ratio for this? Additionally would I then add distilled water? Thank you for your input!
Hi Carly- Castile Soap works great in a foaming pump dispenser – a repurposed one is even better! Start with a dilution of 1 part soap to 3 parts water, and adjust to your preference. We don’t recommend using our soaps in a standard pump, because it tends to squirt out unexpectedly in all manner of directions.
So I don’t have to dilute the castille soap for my face?
Hi Laura- Simply use the Castile Soap with wet hands and face and that will do the diluting for you.
I have super dry skin. Which scent and formula would you recommend?
Hi Ane- For very dry skin I recommend the Organic Sugar Soap which contains organic sugar and Shikakai powder. Both are natural humectants that draw moisture into the skin. The Unscented Sugar Soap is the most moisturizing of the line.
I have to agree, this is my absolute favorite! I have used the Tea Tree oil castle liquid soap and my blemishes began clearing in like 4 days. I am constantly promoting this product as it cleanses more than any other product I have used. I am a consumer for life!
is there an unscented version that does not contain palm kernel oil? or is the palm kernel oil ethically sourced preventing further deforestation? I try to avoid palm oil and palm kernel oil as much as possible since it is tied to deforestation.
Hi Kaela- We are just as concerned about palm oil and palm kernel oil and responsible sourcing as I suspect you are. We partner with small scale farmers to ethically and responsibly source palm kernel oil for our Castile liquid soap and palm oil for our Castile bar soaps. Take a deeper look into how we source our palm oil: https://www.lisabronner.com/making-ethical-palm-oil-a-reality/
Hi, I was wanting to make a foaming face wash with the unscented castile soap. I made the mixture of 12 oz of water, 2 oz of castile soap. Is that too much castile soap?
Hi Cas- The dilutions are made to be adjusted to your preference. If that dilution makes your skin happy, stick with it.
Hi Lisa, I lived in Indonesia, i’m 28yo.
I suffer for seborrheic dermatitis, some allergy with dust and sometimes my skin become oily & dry at the same time.
do you mind to recommend me which castile soap i could use? and do i need to dilute the product?
do you have any experience with seborrheic dermatitis that could share me as reference? do they finally getting better after using castile soap and how long does it take?
thank you
Hi Ciel- I haven’t tackled seborrheic dermatitis myself, but I know it can be frustrating. We have received very positive comments regarding our Unscented Baby Mild Castile soap and Tea Tree Castile soap from our customers with a variety of skin issue. Use 2-3 drops for face and a small squirt for body. The water on your hands and skin will do the diluting. It usually takes two weeks for skin to adjust to a new skin care routine.
Hi there Lisa!
Finally were I live (Portugal), these produts are now more available! So I was wondering, for starters – because I want to learn more – in my case, my skin has been funny – sometimes, dry, sometimes some acne (to explain better – hysterectomy at 38 – so hormones are strange) – But for face and body – would TeaTree be ok, or diferent ones?…
Hi Nelly – I’m so glad you’ve been able to find our products more easily! I do recommend the Tea Tree Castile for combination skin. It does a great job of balancing things out.
Hi Lisa, I recently purchased the 18-in-1 hemp peppermint pure-castile soap. On the container, it lists that I can use on face, body, etc. Does this really help with acne and scars?
Hi Milly- We have received very positive comments from our customers with redness, acne and such who use our Castile Soap. If the cause of your breakouts is naturally oily skin, the Peppermint Castile will help to dry it out. However, sometimes acne is caused by naturally dry skin that is producing extra oils to compensate. In which case, the peppermint essential oil would dry out skin too much, causing more breakouts. If your skin is normal to dry, the Tea Tree Castile soap reduces breakouts without drying skin. No soap is going to eliminate acne scars or spots, but Castile Soap does promote healthy skin that is more able to heal itself. Wash with 2-3 drops twice a day. Give your skin 2 weeks to adapt to the new routine.
Hi Lisa,
If I wanted to make a bottle of face wash, what ratio of soap to water would you recommend?
Hi Jessica- I don’t pre-dilute Castile Soap before washing my face. The water on my face and hands does the diluting for me. I wet my face, lather up about 3 drops in my hands, and gently cleanse.
Hi Lisa,
I start using Pure-Castile Soap, Heal Soul. I have Acne Rosecea on my face since 2 years. I want to ask you if the following steps when using this soap on my face are correct:
1- 4 drops twice a day
2- Put on my wet face
3- Slow Massage for 3 minutes
4- Wash my face with gentle water (not warm and not cold)
Are these steps right?
The duration of massage before washing (3 minutes) is right?
Thanks in Advance
Hi Aya- This all sounds good as a part of an overall treatment plan for you skin. Although three minutes of message would be excessively drying to skin. Try 30 seconds instead. You don’t mention what scent you’re using, but I recommend the Tea Tree Castile Soap, or possibly another mild scent. The Peppermint can be harsh on dry or sensitive skin.
Hi there! Is it alright to use the almond scent on my acne prone oily skin instead of tea tree?
Hi Tameret- Almond is one of our more mild scents. It’s gentle on skin and won’t exacerbate acne-prone skin. But we do hear from consumers that Tea Tree is more effective on blemishes.
Does this help acne scars? If so does it help skin prone to breakouts? If it doesn’t what is the best wash from this company to help my skin?
Hi Nyla- Tea Tree Castile Soap works great on acne-prone skin. No soap is going to eliminate acne scars or spots, but Castile Soap does promote healthy skin that is more able to heal itself.
i have sensitive and acne-prone skin and some redness , nothing’s works to help get rid of it . i just bought the rose castile soap , do you think it’ll help my acne ?
Hi Molly- We have received very positive comments from our customers with redness, acne, sensitive skin, rosacea and such who use our Castile Soap. Rose is one of our more mild scents and gentle on skin. Wash with 2-3 drops twice a day. Tea Tree Castile is also great for acne and also has natural anti-inflammatory properties which can help soothe redness. The Unscented Castile is our most mild. Give your skin 2 weeks to adapt to the new routine.
Hello, my daughter has severe psoriasis. With lesions on her scalp, face and down entire body to her toes. Extremely ichy. The injections given by her doc directly into these lesions are very painful and only a very small temporary help. Which of your products do you recommend? Thank You
Hi Arlene- I know psoriasis can be so frustrating. We have received very positive comments regarding our Unscented Baby Mild Castile soap and Tea Tree Castile soap from our customers with skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea. Since I haven’t tackled psoriasis myself, here are some responses from customers:
• “I’ve had psoriasis for 10 or 11 years. I’ve used prescribed creams and ointments even tried over the counter stuff. They helped in their own way, but are loaded with who knows what. Recently, I switched form a Dove product to Dr. Bronner’s [Castile] bar soaps and I’m so glad I did! I mostly use the hemp teatree. But, throw in the peppermint from time to time. Sometimes I even mix them! Haha! Thanks, guys! You make great stuff!”
• “I have plaque psoriasis on my neck,scalp and ears. I have found that using your unscented baby castile soap is the best base for my diy shampoos and hand wash. Even the “natural”, “hypoallergenic” soaps make me flare up.”
I would also recommend our new unscented Magic Balm for softening tough skin. https://shop.drbronner.com/organic-magic-balm
I got the lemon soap in my eye, Will it blind me? I flushed it pretty well but an hour later the irritation has not gone away.
Hi Dylan- I’m sorry to hear that happened! Soap in the eye does not damage the eye. With a good rinse of pure water, the soap will be gone, although the eye may still appear temporarily red. Irritation to the eyes is caused primarily from a difference in pH between our eyes and the soap. If you have any concerns, contact a medical professional.
Instead of Tea Tree castile, is it okay to use the Peppermint on my face? That is what I have just ordered and received. At 75, I do not have any facial issues at this time…
Hi BR- You can use the Peppermint on your face. It’s wonderfully refreshing. But its also a pretty intense oil that some find drying. If you find that to be the case, don’t toss that bottle but instead put it to use housecleaning. This cheat sheet covers many of the uses of Castile Soap: https://www.lisabronner.com/dilutions-cheat-sheet-for-dr-bronners-castile-soap/
Hi guys. I’m from Scotland in the UK! I’ve been highly recommended to use your soaps so i’ve started off with the tea tree soap. Do you think this one is best for my skin type? I have very oily skin – i don’t really get any spots or breakouts. It’s just, i’ve seen a few comments on the peppermint one. So i don’t want to be using the wrong soap? & not have any results? Any advice? Thankyou & stay Safe! x
Hi Adriienne- The Tea Tree Castile Soap can help oily skin types. Give it about 2 weeks for your skin to adjust. In general, I don’t suggest people start with the Peppermint because it is naturally more drying than other scents and can be too much for some. You’ll know after two weeks if the Tea Tree is enough, or you can give the Peppermint a try.
Hi Lisa – Are the castile soaps non-comedogenic when using on skin? Particularly the unscented and tea tree variations? Thanks!
Hi Dayna- The soaps do not clog pores. Pores are clogged by products that leave behind certain residues on the skin, usually done in the name of moisturizing or smoothing the skin. The Castile soaps are very clean rinsing. The Tea Tree and Unscented are particularly gentle on the skin. You need to give your skin two weeks to acclimate to them before deciding on their efficacy. I found when I first switched that I had a slight increase in breakouts, but then my skin was clearer and smoother than it had been in years. My guess is that the soap was really digging stuff out of the pores. Be a bit wary of labels that make “non-comedogenic” claims as this word is not regulated. Anyone can say it about any product.
Hi, I have sensitive acne-prone skin, I’ve used all sorts of products as well as the oil cleansing method, but nothing has worked for me. Through further research, I’ve seen many people using the Castile soap, the soap bar, and the sugar soap, which one do you recommend; how much should be diluted. Also, do you recommend using the Organic lotion?
Hi Marissa- I recommend starting with the liquid Tea Tree Castile soap. Use a couple drops to wash your face twice a day. I found that the Lavender Coconut Lotion was a great moisturizer to help my face as it healed. Eventually I didn’t need the moisturizer any more. My skin balanced itself.
I use the sugar soap so I dont have to dilute anything. It’s amazing. Doesn’t dry my skin out or make it greasy. If you use the regular soap I recommend pre mixing it beforehand so you don’t use too much. It’s strong and needs to be diluted. I love my soap.
I personally use any of the bar soaps because I feel like I can control the suds level a little better and it’s easier to handle than pouring liquid out. I’m using lavender right now but the unscented one is fantastic as well!
Hi Lisa,
I have recently started using your castile soap for my face. I have acne-prone skin and I can honestly say that it has helped a ton! The only problem is that my face feels really dry and has been flaking even with the use of moisturizer. Because of this I switched from the tea tree one to the unscented one (with a lower dilution of my own mix of essential oils). Could I possibly put aloe vera in it to make the soap more mild or would that mess it up?
Hi Courtney- The Unscented Castile replaces essential oils with olive oil, making it more moisturizing. Try using it without adding your essential oilss and see how that goes. If you still need more moisture, the Castile Bar Soap is slightly more moisturizing than the liquid Castile, and the Organic Sugar Soaps have organic sugar and white grape juice to draw moisture into the skin. I don’t recommend adding aloe vera, as it can react with Castile Soap (see my blog post, What to Mix with Castile Soap, https://www.lisabronner.com/what-can-you-mix-with-castile-soap/).
Omg Just saw my post at it says its 3am wow I live in ct and its 6am I wonder where this is posting …3 hours apart I see. Nice ..must be nice place
Hi Marsha- You have that right! Our headquarters are in San Diego, California.
Just started using it as a all purpose cleaner and love it …now i want to use it on my face but unsure what one to use …my face is always oily and saw a few of your responses and you say it dries out with peppermint but it also is good for oily skin …i dont want my face to dry out ..so know unsure what to use for my skin …please help and love that your soap has so many benefits all around 😉
Hi Marsha- It’s great to hear you’re using the Castile Soap around the house. For skincare, if you are concerned the Peppermint may dry out your skin too much, the Tea Tree Castile is a good place to start. It helps to balance out combination skin without being overly drying.
I just started using the tea tree soap as you recommended and so far it’s been irritating my skin just a little around the areas that I have pimples. Do you think it’s a good idea for me to continue using it? It’s only one side of my face that’s being affected, everything else is fine.
Hi Marieme- I’ve combined your questions here to respond to. It is likely that the area of your skin where you have already broken out is sensitive and irritated by the breakout. In addition to being super gentle with your skin washing (just use your hands with circular massaging movements to wash – no scrubbing), I have a couple suggestions. You might try only washing your face once a day with the Tea Tree in the evening and use a milder Castile for morning – the Unscented Castile is the mildest of all. Also, you may be more sensitive and broken out because your face is dry. That’s the case with me. It sounds counterintuitive, but dry skin is prone to break outs. So you would need to use a gentle moisturizer until your skin is healed and settled. Do you have one? I use the Dr. Bronner’s Lavender Coconut, but sometimes I use a tiny bit of pure coconut oil at night. I hope these tips help.
Just read this just now and amazed by it but im no professional …i just wanted to just mention without begin rude ..use the baby unscented one it does say any irritation to use the unscented …take care of urself and be safe
I have sensitive skin acne and eczema prone skin. What do you think is the best soap to use?
Hi Teri- We have received very positive comments regarding our Unscented Baby Mild Castile soap and Tea Tree Castile soap from our customers with sensitive skin, eczema, acne, and such.
I have sensitive skin, and tried just washing my face with coconut oil I broke out bad. I know this has it in it but do you think I’ll have the same reaction. I was thinking of using the peppermint one but I don’t want my skin to react bad.. so should I start with the unscented one or the tea tree one ? Can I do a patch test and where at ?
Hi Meaghan- I’m so sorry you had that reaction! Our soaps are made from several vegetable oils, including coconut. However, the soaps do not contain relevant amounts of the actual oil. Rather, oils are saponified, that is, they are turned into soaps with very different physical and chemical properties. Soaps are highly water soluble (oils are not) and do not form the films that oils do and which may be comedogenic. Peppermint essential oil is intense and can be very drying. Because you have sensitive skin, try Unscented, as it does not contain any essential oils and is slightly more moisturizing than our other scents.
I was inspired to buy the 18 in 1 rose Castille soap. I love the mild rose scent. Looks like I will have to give the tea tree a try. What’s the difference between using soap bars and liquid version?
Hi Richard- For the most part, it’s personal preference. But the bar soap is slightly more moisturizing and the liquid soap is slightly more scented. For more on the differences, see my blog post, Liquid vs. Bar at https://www.lisabronner.com/liquid-vs-bar-in-dr-bronners-pure-castile-soap/
Thank you and the whole Bronner’s team for the amazing soaps. Your Tea Tree Castile is the only thing that seems to work for my skin type (and I’ve spent over half my life dealing with skin issues). I’m so happy I’ve found it and now I recommend it to everyone around me. Thank you so much!
That’s great to hear, Ray!
Hi there,
Someone recommended Bronner’s soap, along with drops of oil of oregano and water for wiping my dog’s face after having eaten raw food. Can you recommend the ratio of soap to water?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Heather- The GIY Baby Wipes would be a good starting place for cleaning up after your pup. Find the recipe here: https://www.lisabronner.com/giy-baby-wipes-video/. Take care using essential oils on dogs. Because of their potency, they should be used diluted and then rinsed off. If using oregano oil around your pup’s face, touch base with your vet for a safe concentration.
I used the peppermint on my face avoiding the eyes. Would peppermint clear the skin also?
Hi Scarlet- If the cause of your breakouts is naturally oily skin, the Peppermint Castile will help to dry it out. However, sometimes acne is caused by naturally dry skin that is producing extra oils to compensate. In which case, the peppermint essential oil would dry out skin too much, causing more breakouts. If your skin is normal to dry, the Tea Tree Castile soap reduces breakouts without drying out skin.
Which one is good for removing dark spots on the face
Hi Ora- None of our soaps will help to reduce dark spots. But, Castile soap will help promote healthy skin that is more able to heal itself. Protection from the sun by wearing hats, UPF clothing and sunscreen is really best way prevent future dark spots.
HI, Lisa! Do I need to use another cleanser after using Dr Bronner’s to remove makeup? Just wondering if it is enough to just use one cleanser to wash face that is with makeup on.
Hi Yi- I find the Castile Soap removes my makeup quickly and easily in one washing.
Great post! So I have very dry, sensitive, blemish-prone skin and a whole bunch of the peppermint Castile soap (I got the Costco 2-pack which will last for a while) and I noticed it was a bit too drying for me so what I ended up doing was mixing it up in a little dropper bottle with some plain jojoba oil and wow. My skin is GLOWING and clear after a week of using this, and feels so soft. Once I run out of the peppermint Castile, I plan to switch to a more naturally hydrating formula for my face that’s also good for blemish prone skin like the sugar soap or shaving soap in the tea tree scent. I just love everything Dr Bronner’s makes.
Hi I am currently having the same dryness issue with the peppermint Castile soap. I’m just wondering what how much jojoba oil you mixed in with the soap? Thanks!
Hello,
Is this safe to use under your eyes? The skin there is a lot more sensitive and prone to wrinkles
Thanks
Hi Ann- Yes, our soaps are gentle enough, but do take care to avoid getting soap in eyes.
Hello Lisa,
I recently acquired the Dr Bronners Peppermint Castile Soap to be used as a shampoo and the result has been tremendously amazing, I’m still in awe. However, I was wondering if it’s also safe to use the Peppermint Castile Soap as a face wash. Many Thanks!!
Hi Valentina- Excellent! The Castile Soap is great for promoting healthy skin! If your skin is on the normal-to-oily side, you’ll like the Peppermint. If you lean towards the dry side, try one of our more mild scents, like Almond, Citrus or Rose.
Hello Ms. Lisa Bronner,
Using the unscented and tea tree soap has cleared away most of my acne! I am just wanting to know if it is safe to use 2x a day or should I stick to 1x a day with the soap if my face feels tight? Also which soap would you recommend to clear away acne scars that I have left? Thank you!!
Hi Myleena- It’s great to hear of your experience with the Castile Soap! It is safe to use twice a day. If your skin is dry, give the Organic Sugar Soap a try or use a light moisturizer such as our Organic Lavender Coconut Lotion. No soap will take away scarring, but with time and healthy skincare habits – keeping skin hydrated and using sunscreen – they will fade. Also, Castile soap helps promote healthy skin that is more able to heal itself, so you’re on the right track there.
I’ve been using the Dr. Bronners Tea Tree liquid soap for a while now and its the only thing that has kept my face clear. I love it! Just curious, do you ever make an at home facial and if so what do you use? Was wanting to try something but unsure of what to use….thanks!!!
Hi Jenn- It’s great to hear the Castile soap is working for you! A lovely facial is to add 1 Tbsp. Tea Tree Castile Soap to a bowl of steamy water and use a towel to cover your head and trap the steam. Enjoy for several minutes, then follow by washing your face with cool water. This is great for opening up pores – and nasal passages as an added bonus!
Hello Lisa,
I’m thinking of using my unscented castile soap for my face. However, I use several benzoyl peroxide products after I wash my face every night. I’m not sure if they are able to or should be combined with the soap though. What do you think is best?
Hi Taylor- The soap rinses off completely, so there will be no interaction with the benzoyl peroxide.
Hi Lisa my name is Sherrie, and my question is I have a T zone on my face that is very oily but then my cheeks are dry and under my eyes are dry and I get little pimples on my chin and my forehead do I need to use the Teatree for this? Or can I use the rose hemp castile soap I just bought? Please let me know thank you so much Sherrie PS I love your products
Hi Sherrie- Give the Rose Castile Soap a try. It’s one of our more mild scents. If it doesn’t do the trick, switch to the Tea Tree Castile for your face and use the Rose Castile for the rest of your body and around the house. Here are some ways to do that: https://www.lisabronner.com/dilutions-cheat-sheet-for-dr-bronners-castile-soap/.
[…] As a facial cleanser. You can use Dr. Bronner’s all over including your face! It fights acne and completely removes makeup. […]
Hello I been using Hemp pure Castile soap almond for 4 weeks now the first two weeks I noticed my skin clearing up and all of a sudden I’m breaking out again.
Hi Ale- There are many causes of a breakout, including diet, hormones and stress. Just to be sure soap is not the cause, keep on with the Castile soap for another 2 weeks and try to adhere to a healthy skin practice to weed out other causes.
Hello I’m new to Bronners products, however I’ve been breaking out with the Tea tree one… is this normal? Will it go down? How much to dilute?
Hi Abi- Castile soap tends to dig down deep into our pores and bring stuff out. This can result in an initial breakout, but this will clear and your skin will better off for it. Give it about 2 weeks. Tea tree is gentle on skin, but if it doesn’t clear, give the Unscented Castile a try. Personally, I wet my face, lather up 2-3 drops in my hands, then wash. It’s a starting point, so use more or less as needed. Let me know how it goes.