Evidence supporting the use of: Castile Soap
For the health condition: Abrasions
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Castile soap, a vegetable-based soap originally made from olive oil, has been used traditionally for cleansing wounds and abrasions due to its gentle and non-irritating properties. Historically, before the development of modern antiseptics, mild soaps like Castile soap were considered suitable for cleaning minor skin injuries, as they could help remove dirt and debris without causing significant irritation or chemical burns. This practice is reflected in older first aid guidelines that recommend gentle cleansing with mild soap and water for superficial wounds and abrasions. Castile soap’s use is primarily justified by its low toxicity and its ability to cleanse without harsh additives such as fragrances or preservatives, which might otherwise irritate broken skin. However, scientific validation specifically supporting Castile soap over other mild soaps for treating abrasions is limited. Modern clinical guidelines emphasize the importance of gentle irrigation with clean water; the role of soap is generally secondary and not specifically endorsed unless the wound is heavily contaminated. There are no large-scale clinical trials or robust studies directly examining Castile soap for wound healing or infection prevention in abrasions. Nonetheless, its traditional use persists in some first aid circles due to its reputation for being gentle and non-irritating to sensitive or damaged skin.
Other ingredients used for Abrasions
aloe verabeeswax
bisabolol
chamomile
turmeric
glycerin
goldenseal
gotu kola
hyaluronic acid
lavender
licorice root
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
mucin
plantain
protease
purified silver
slippery elm bark
vitamin C
zinc
chickweed
xanthium (cockleburs)
shen-chu
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
boxthorne
yarrow
moss
myrrh
siler root
oriental arborvitae
assam indigo
paw paw
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
arnica
sea salt
Ash
Avens
Asiaticoside
acacia
Agave
Agrimony
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Ajuga
Aquilegia formosa
Allantoin
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Abuta
Alkanna
Bee Propolis
Bai Ji
Blackthorn
Balsam
Blackbrush
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Brazillian peppertree
Bee hive
Bloodroot
Benzoin
Banyan
Bletilla
Bee products
Bombax
Boerhavia diffusa
Calochortus
Comfrey
Centella triterpenes
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Colloidal Silver
Capillary Artemisia
Cinquefoil
Cattail
Cocoa Butter
Cymbidium goeringii
Cornflower
Cowherb
Centella asiatica
Celandine
Centipeda
Carrapichinho
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Cocklebur
Cynanchum
Casearia sylvestris
Didymocarpus
Dragon's Blood
Davilla rugosa
Epidermal Growth Factor
Erigeron
Elephant Vine
Erodium cicutarium
English Elm
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Little ironweed
Oak
Polyvinyl alcohol
Other health conditions supported by Castile Soap
AbrasionsAcne
Bites and Stings
Boils
Cuts
Eczema
Insect Repellant
Poison Ivy or Oak
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin (infections)
Skin (oily)
Skin Care (general)