It’s been twelve years since I originally wrote this in 2010 and I have a few more things to say about the different scents! I’ve learned more about their history, and I’ve had my own different experiences with them. I hope you learn something new here, too!
Overview of the Castile Soap Scents Line
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soaps came from a family formulation that was launched by my grandfather’s grandfather in 1858 in Laupheim, Germany. My grandfather was Emanuel Bronner, and his grandpa was Emanuel Heilbronner (the Heil was dropped in order to distance from the “Heil Hitler” association of World War II.) After his apprenticeship, Emanuel Heilbronner passed his examination to become a master soapmaker (literally in German “soap boiler”) and received authorization from King Wilhelm I to begin making soap. Five generations later, we are still making soap.
The base of the Pure-Castile Soap is a blend of olive, coconut, palm or palm kernel, hemp, and jojoba oils. The Castile Liquid is made with palm kernel oil and the Castile Bar with palm oil. For more on our use of palm oil, read my deep dive “Making Ethical Palm Oil a Reality.” For more on differences between the Liquid and Bar Pure-Castile Soaps, read my comparison “Liquid vs. Bar.”
All of the Castile Soaps have the same soap base, with the only difference being the essential oils that are added. But what a difference the essential oils make! The exception is the Baby Unscented Castile, which not only has no essential oils, but also a different ratio of oils in the liquid, as I explain below.
Those of you who have been with us for a while may remember when the Rose and Citrus were the newbies. You may even remember the paper labels, which were great until they got wet!
If you haven’t come across the full range of scents, check out the Store Locator over on the Dr. Bronner’s site (select Filter and select scent or size), or you can readily find them on many online retailers as well as our own webstore. An easy way to try the range is to pick up a set of the 2 oz. bottles or the bars. These also make a great gift set. For the Liquid Soap scents I use the most, I keep a gallon on hand to refill my 8 oz. bottles, which is a great way to reduce plastic usage.
So here’s all the scents, in their order of debut, as well as where you’ll find them in my house and what I use them for.
These are my preferences only! I know I’m in the vast minority with my Peppermint Castile opinion since it’s our number one selling product by far! Feel free to share your preferences and what you use them for.
Peppermint Scent
If someone only knows one Dr. Bronner’s Castile scent, it’s usually the Peppermint. This is the original scent my grandfather began selling in 1955, though he had been making it and giving it out for free for a while before then. The zest! The tingle! It’s been described as a snowman hug, a York peppermint patty in your underwear, the lovechild of an apothecary and a magician. Still the company’s best seller by far—the Peppermint wakes you up and cools you down. Peppermint was Dr. Bronner’s personal favorite, as well as that of my parents, Trudy and Jim Bronner (Dr. Bronner’s youngest child).
- Label Color: Royal Blue
- Debut year: 1955
- Scent in one word: Refresh!
- Scent personality: Cooling, tingling, and refreshing. A knock-your-socks-off powerful minty burst.
- Where I use it most: Peppermint is my go-to scent at the end of a hot day—after a workout or the beach or working in the garden. A shower with the Peppermint makes me feel like I’ve molted!
Almond Scent
Two decades later, along came the Almond. This is my all-time favorite for personal care. The Almond is mellow and soothing, like a cup of tea in a comfy chair. The perfect way to ease into or out of the day. The Almond is ultimate companion soap: It blends well with everything. Citrus & Almond, Peppermint & Almond, Rose & Almond. It’s a friend to all. Maybe it’s my favorite because I aspire to the same thing.
- Label Color: Emerald Green
- Debut year: 1975
- Scent in one word: Comfort!
- Scent personality: Warm and cozy like marzipan or amaretto. Wraps you in a protective and buffering blanket against the world’s agitations.
- Where I use it most: Every day in the shower, head to toe, for my hair, my face, my body.
Eucalyptus Scent
The Eucalyptus and the Lavender debuted the same year, but could hardly be more different. Though lesser known in the Dr. Bronner’s lineup, the Eucalyptus has fierce devotees. This is the favorite of my brother Mike Bronner (President of Dr. Bronner’s). When my brothers and I were growing up, my dad mixed Eucalyptus with Peppermint for what he called the Euco-Peppo Bear Wash to bathe our dogs.
- Label Color: Brown
- Debut year: 1978
- Scent in one word: Invigorate!
- Scent personality: Adventurous and woodsy, capturing the wild freshness of a forest.
- Where I use it most: This soap lures me outdoors and I love taking it camping. I still wash my dogs with it, like my dad. It is my backup facial soap, after the Tea Tree, when my skin is imbalanced.
Lavender Scent
Refined but passionate, our Lavender is no flimsy floral flash, but is lush and spiced, rich with cultivation. If there’s any scent which has been misrepresented most by synthetic copycats, it is lavender. This is no lightweight, but penetrates deep. The Lavender was the favorite of my Uncle Ralph Bronner (Dr. Bronner’s oldest son.)
- Label Color: Lavender
- Debut Year: 1978
- Scent in one word: Calm
- Scent personality: Rich yet relaxing, calming while passionate, actively soothing.
- Where I use it most: Guest bathroom for foaming hand soap, bedding, gifts to new parents.
Baby Unscented
My grandfather received a request from the maternity ward at the UCLA Medical Center for a version of the Castile Soap that would be ideal for newborns’ delicate skin. The result was the Baby Unscented Castile with no essential oils and, in the liquid, double the amount of olive oil in the ratio blend. Olive oil is especially nourishing and mild to our skin. The label was originally light pink but later changed to light blue.
- Label Color: Light Blue
- Debut Year: 1979
- Scent in one word: Soothe
- Scent personality: Mild and gentle, the lack of essential oils means that all you will smell is some of the naturally occurring olive oil. And since you can add your own essential oils, this is the scent of endless potential!
- Where I use it most: When I want to customize a scent with my own essential oils for personal or body care. For my garden spray for pests since it doesn’t flavor the herbs and vegetables. In gifts to new babies or to those with skin sensitivities.
Tea Tree Scent
Early in his tenure leading the company, my brother David Bronner (now CEO—Cosmic Engagement Officer) developed the Tea Tree Castile. Research was pouring in about this native Australian plant’s success in the treatment of acne, fungal infections, and general antimicrobial action. This soap accompanied me on my journey out of adult-onset acne. While all of the Castile Soaps do a superb job removing makeup and leaving skin clean and residue-free, the Tea Tree is my favorite for this. When combined with the Eucalyptus, it is a compellingly clean scent for anyone who thinks that green cleaners lack that convincing aromatic punch of conventional cleaners.
- Label color: Bright Orange
- Debut year: 1998
- Scent in one word: Restore!
- Scent personality: Woodsy and herbal, with notes of pine, this is a therapeutic and cleansing scent.
- Where I use it most: For nightly face washing and nightguard washing; For housecleaning, in my GIY All-Purpose Spray and anytime I feel the house needs an extra antimicrobial punch.
Rose Scent
Mike brought in these last two scents, the Rose and the Citrus. The Rose with its rich blend of floral essential oils brings to mind an abundant summer garden, exuberant in blooms. Sweet and plush, the Rose Castile is welcoming and one I often keep in my guest bathroom. Although the essential oils are the same in both the liquid and the bar, I find that they communicate differently. The Rose Bar is my favorite of the bars, and in the middle of winter, when I’m craving a reminder of spring vibrance, I will unwrap a bar of the Rose.
- Label color: Deep pink
- Debut year: 2006
- Scent in one word: Embrace!
- Scent personality: Delicate, comforting, and sweet, this is the most romantic of our scents.
- Where I use it most: In the guest bathroom. In the shower during the winter. A super thank you gift to a host or hostess.
Citrus Scent
With its blend of sweet orange, lemon, and lime essential oils, the Citrus is my overall second favorite scent after the Almond. Both for personal care and house care, I love the Citrus’ sunny brightness. It is definitely the happiest of the scents, and I was thrilled when Mike developed this blend.
- Label color: Light orange
- Debut year: 2008
- Scent in one word: Energize!
- Scent personality: Fresh, bright and cheery, with the zesty sharpness of a freshly peeled orange.
- Where I use it most: Kitchen foaming dispenser, cleaning stone kitchen counters, laundry, mopping.
Okay, okay. I said this was about my favorites, and then I went on to tell you how they each are my go-to in different situations. So I guess the takeaway is, in one way or the other, they’re all my favorites!
Now it’s your turn! What are your favorites? Have you ever blended two scents, or created your own from the Baby Unscented? When did you first come to know the soaps and how were you introduced? Do you remember the paper labels on the bottles that would dissolve in the shower? Do you remember when the Baby Unscented was pink? Which of you have been washing with Dr. Bronner’s the longest?
Further reading
- Castile Liquid Soap Usage Cheat Sheet
- Castile Bar Soap Usage Cheat Sheet
- How the Label Was Born
- Dr. Bronner’s Factory Tour: Liquid Soap Production
Peppermint and Eucalyptus are not recommended for children under 3 years of age as these scents may be overwhelming for them.
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 know that some essential oils are not safe to use on pets, are there any scents that I should not use on my dog? Or are there any in particular that might help her with itching?
Hi Olivia- It’s best to avoid using Tea Tree essential oils with pets. Our most gentle and nourishing is Unscented, which would be nice if your pup has dry or sensitive skin. Food and environmental allergies can also cause itching and chewing, so check with your vet if systems persist.
Hi Lisa,
Thank you for all the wonderful work you do. I have long enjoyed Dr. Bronner’s projects and enjoyed reading soap and soul. I have made the GIY scrub, use sal suds and the magic balm, and enjoy using the castile soaps as body washes. I was curious if I could use lime essential oils in my unscented castile soap for a body wash? I was also curious if Peppermint, Eucalyptus, and Tea Tree can all be combined or if those three would somehow cancel each other out? Keep up the wonderful work! Thanks again!
Hi Kevin – Thanks so much for all your kind words! I’m so glad you’re in sync with what I’m doing here. The answer to all your questions is yes! You are welcome to add lime essential oil to the Unscented castile – sounds lovely. You’re welcome either just to add some drops straight to the soap, or add the EO to a dilution of the soap, or some peopel go the extra step of warming the soap slightly in a pan on the stove and then mixing the EO in. Sometimes this extra step helps the EO to stay mixed in. Otherwise, you just might have to swirl it at each use. As far as mixing any of the Castile scents, go for it! I do this all the time. I haven’t done those three together, but I do Peppermint and Eucalyptus often, and then Eucalyptus and Tea Tree makes a really CLEAN smell and is awesome for housecleaning, too. Have fun!
Hi Lisa,
My 2 yr old granddaughter has peanut, tree nut and banana (and 🐶 saliva) allergies. She has severe eczema and we’re interested in knowing the safety of your products that would accommodate these allergies.
We’re looking to replace laundry detergent (currently using Tide-free), body and hand soap and we love to begin using Dr. Bronner’s for our household cleaning, even our dog! Thank you for your response in advance. Our family looks forward to becoming chemical free, especially Hayden Quinn ❤️
Hi Lisa – I apologize for my delay in seeing your comment. I have reviewed the list of allergies you’ve mentioned, and none of our soaps or Sal Suds contain peanut, tree nut, or banana derivatives. Even our Almond scent is derived from the cassia plant. Our mildest soap of all is our Unscented Castile, but your granddaughter might enjoy the Lavender or Rose as well. Even the dog can be bathed with the Castile soaps. My go-to for my dogs has been the Peppermint, but generally the tingle from the menthol is a bit much for very young children. For laundry, our Sal Suds is a great option – very effective and clean rinsing, leaving no residues on fabrics that can irritate skin.
My husband uses your product all the time, but I use another soap. I tried his peppermint soap when I ran out of the one I was using. When I used it on my female part it stung the bejeebers out of me. I screamed with pain!!! YIKES. It hurt for over a day. I am 79. I just read about all of the products you sell and now know to choose a different, more mild one!!!
So when you make recommendation like the Almond for washing your body or the Eucalyptus for washing your dog it is based off of scent preferences. Not that the specific flavors of soap are better performing at specific tasks?
Hi Tamim- It’s primarily preference, yes. However, if your dog has dry or sensitive skin, I’d go with a more mild soap like Unscented, Almond, Citrus, or Rose. When it comes to bathing cats (which my cats would never stand for!), we recommend Unscented exclusively.
Hello Lisa, I took your recommendation for using the Almond flavor for body care and it worked out great!
Was wondering what are your recommendations for the Green Tea flavor of soap? Would that one be ok to use for body care as well? What do you like to use the Green Tea flavor for?
Thank you.
Hi Tamim- I’m glad the Almond is working out for you! The Green Tea Castile Soap can be used for anything you use the Almond for. It’s mild enough for body care, face washing, and also kids. I think it makes delightful hand soap, especially in a guest bathroom. Green Tea, and also our Cherry Blossom scent, make wonderful scent for gifts this time of year, such as Mother’s Day, Teacher Appreciation Day. Mopping with the Green Tea I think would infuse the house with a fresh and earthly clean smell. If you give that a try, let me know what you think. Here’s the link to my Castile Soap Usage Cheat Sheet with more ideas and recipes. https://bit.ly/CastileDilutions
I have been having a problem with spider bites and was told that there are some scents that spiders don’t like. I am looking for a bath soap that can discourage spiders from continuing to bite me. I know you have different scents including peppermint which is suppose to be a scent they don’t like. These scented soap you sell, are the scents so strong that people around you will smell them? I am definitely interested. If you could get back to me, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you
Hi Dewey – I apologize for my delay in responding. I, too, have heard that Peppermint is a deterring scent to insects, though I don’t know about spiders. The scent of the Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Castile is enough of a powerhouse that you will notice it for a little bit after your shower, but it wouldn’t stick around all day. I also wouldn’t suspect it to be enough to deter a determined spider. I’m sorry not to be of more help.
Hi! I’m looking for a product to wash my hands with at the garden sink and recycle the water into my veggies. Can I do that with this soap and do u think the diluted Liq or the full bar would be best? Thank you!
Hi Brenda- Our Castile Liquid & Bar Soaps are readily biodegradable and won’t harm plants or grass in small doses. Depending on the size of your garden and how often you’d be doing this, rotate around where you pour out the water and alternate with non-soapy water so you’re not dousing the same plants with soapy water repeatedly. Because Castile Soap is 2x more concentrated than other soaps you’ll only need a drop or two or a quick rub with the bar soap for handwashing.
-Can I use lavender castile liquid soap to wash baby’s silicone dishes? Or should I just use the baby unscented to wash baby’s dishes?
Is it best to use the foaming dispenser to use for dishes? 1 soap to 3 water dilution?
-Would Any plastic spray bottle work or is there something specific i need to look for? I am planning to buy foaming dispenser for hand /dish soap and sprayer bottle for all purpose cleaner spray
Do we need to rinse after cleaning with the diluted Castile liq soap?
Thank you
Hi Jenny – I am so sorry I missed your questions earlier last month. YOu can use either the lavender or the unscented, or any of the scents, to wash baby’s silicone dishes. I do like using the foaming soap because it takes the guesswork out of the situation, I’m not using more soap that I need, and it coats surfaces well.
I opt for heavy duty plastic spray bottles from a home improvement store. They may not be the most picturesque, but they work great and last a long time. The pretty ones tend to fall apart quickly.
Regarding rinsing, if you’re wiping a surface with a damp rag, you are functionally rinsing.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thank you for the list! My 3 favorite scents that I get all the time are Peppermint, Eucalyptus and Citrus. All for different reasons. Peppermint for body in the morning to wake me up, citrus for hair and face and some household cleaning, laundry and Eucalyptus because I have a tendancy to get athlete’s foot – I know tea tree is better for that but I have never liked the scent of it (just in general, not particular to your brand) so Eucalyptus is next best (along with medication of course).
So thank you! I don’t even know at this point how long I have been buying them, definitely at least 20 years. Also the big bottles make great toilet reading because I always grab a bottle of something that is sitting near the toilet to read and Dr Bronners is the best read.
When I run out of one I want to try the almond – never knew yous had that scent. I just can’t do lavender or rose – flower scents gives me a headache.
Great choices, Shawn! And I love seeing the Eucalyptus getting a shout-out. It’s underappreciated.
This is great! I just mixed Rose and Peppermint for the first time today in my foaming soap bottle. I had just a smidge left of the mint, so I thought, why not? I love Peppermint, Rose and Citrus (I would bring a small bottle of Citrus with us on every vacation for handwashing sippy cups and bowls when my kids were littles. After reading this, I think I am going to try out a few more scents I haven’t used in a while. Thank you!
Hi Susan – Thanks for sharing! I’m going to try a mix of the Rose and Peppermint. That’s a new one to me!
I am thinking of adding clove oil to a soap spray to kill mould in the shower. Has anyone tried this? I think it would smell quite nice and spicy. I presume it would be best to use the unscented soap as it would clash horribly with the already scented soaps. Could I add it to Sal Suds rather than the soap as we have hard water?
Hi June – There wouldn’t be any adverse reaction to adding clove oil to either the Castile or the Sal Suds.
Agreed that spruce, fir or pine would be great. Especially the candy-scented Ponderosa Pine you can smell around Arizona in spring. I remember my folks got a bottle of the peppermint castile soap sometime in the mid 80s, and I remember reading all the fine print on the bottle and loving the smell.
Thank you for sharing this! I love to know about the products I use. I’ve been using Dr Bronner’s soap since the late 1970s, when one could only find it in Co-ops and health food stores! I remember the paper labels well. Peppermint and Almond tie for the top of my list, but recently Lavender has moved up there, too. I was also so grateful to have the hand sanitizers available during the height of the pandemic. Our cleaning supply cabinet is stocked with all the scents, both bar and liquid, except for Tea Tree and Eucalyptus (too strong for me!).
Hi Kit- Its always wonderful to hear from long-time customers! Thanks for your support over the years!
You mention a few times using a “foaming dispenser”. Do you just put the liquid version in a foaming bottle or is anything done to it first (diluting or ???)?
Hi Nic- Thanks for asking! When using a foaming pump dispenser, the soap needs to be diluted with water. I recommend a dilution of 1 part soap to 3 parts water. Here’s my article with just about everything you’ve ever wanted to know about foaming pump dispensers. https://www.lisabronner.com/making-a-foaming-hand-soap-with-castile-soap/
I’ve really enjoyed Jasmine Sandalwood as a scent of Dr. Bronner’s soaps overseas (Germany, Australia). Any plans to bring that scent to the USA? As that is my total favorite, I would love that. Thanks!
Hi Dave- We don’t have any plans right now to introduce Sandalwood Jasmine into the U.S. However, customers have found it on occasion at stores like TJ Maxx and Marshall’s.
I think sandalwood/jasmine scent would be an incredible scent to have in the U.S. and Canada!! I wonder why the hesitancy to bring it? I would think it would be far more reaching then a rose scent. Anyway just my opinion, I feel very late to the party as I’ve just discovered these soaps when trying to find a soap for my grandbaby that wasn’t filled with chemicals and that wasn’t off the charts expensive. I’ve come to absolutely love the lavender and citrus scents! Of course the baby Castile is the only one used to clean baby bottles and baby.
Yes! It agree. I found it at TJMaxx-only once and loved it!!
This topic is dear to my heart as I love not only the soap base but also adore natural, botanical scents. Difficult to pick a favorite! I think each scent is a favorite in a different situation -which includes function but also my state of mind. So I guess my rating has to do with which I use most frequently, and which I never want to do without. I met almond and peppermint in the mid 1970’s and it was love at first whiff. I still love to use them for bathing but tend to gravitate to the almond as I find it so soothing soothing and comforting. Right after almond my next two favorites are eucalyptus and citrus, both for myself and for cleaning nice things. Next is lavender; love it for face and body wash. About 2 parts lavender and 1 part eucalyptus makes a beautiful wash for wool. Like Lisa I prefer rose in the bar, but i get mostly liquid so have not used rose in a while. All this reliving the scents is making me want to run and get a rose bar ASAP! Sadly I have always had very hard water and the Bronner soaps don’t work well as shampoo for me -bummer… In short, if I were obligated to pick only one or two, I would settle for almond and eucalyptus, after throwing a major tantrum, that is! (P.S. I do keep a bottle of tea tree soap around for major sanitizing.)
P.S. I would love, love, love a spruce-fir-pine type of blend!
Hi Diana- I’m making note of your request! Have you tried our Sal Suds biodegradable household cleaner? It has just that scent your after. Its not intended for body care, but you can enjoy the pine scent while you’re cleaning your bathroom or doing dishes and such.
I have used the tea tree oil soap for sinus issues and it always works for me. This has been great during the last two years with the virus. If I think I was exposed or my nose is getting stuffy, I immediately spray my throat with my throat remedies and use Dr Bronner Tea Tree soap for my nasal passages and I am good to go! I also use the Baby unscented and lavender in the shower, the peppermint lip balm and peppermint toothpaste. Thanks for make clean products!
Hi Megan- I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the soaps! They certainly got me through a lot these past couple years as well. As far as using it as a nasal lavage, I do encourage folks to check with their medical advisor before using it for this purpose. I’m glad it’s been working for you!
This is a fun read. I discovered Dr. Bronner’s about 20 years ago; the label first drew me in with its philosophy. Soon began regularly enjoying the longtime standby, peppermint, which as you say is particularly excellent on hot summer days. The most favorite of mine for 10+ years is eucalyptus. It is like a wonderful relaxing spa experience every day. Lavender has a special nostalgic place too. Recently for the first time ever I tried the rose– it is so beautiful. Thanks for being a great company that makes great products!
Hi Laura- Thank for your two decades of support! You’re right in line with my brother Mike in your love for the Eucalyptus. If you haven’t already used the Rose to wash bedding and such, I recommend it. It comes out with a sweet, gentle scent.
Please consider persimmon for us again boomers. Nonenal creates a horrible, “old people” smell and persimmon neutralizes it. I have now added Mirai products to my Bronner collection.
Hi Ellen- Thanks for the suggestion. I’ll most certainly pass it along!
Cool, thank you for mentioning this. I never knew there was a scientific term for “old people smell” lol. I’m excited to read about it. I don’t personally find it a bad smell, it reminds me of my grandma and makes me feel homey. Persimmon is an awesome and pretty rare smell for personal care products too. I second it that it would make a good body wash.
I just bought my first Dr. Bronner product today. It’s the scent-free baby soap. I have psoriasis and love to have fragrance free options. I don’t like to risk scented products these days bc some are fine but I find them to be sensitizing and not worth the risk. I’m hoping I can use it straight in the shower in small amounts like a shower gel (but more concentrated).