Evidence supporting the use of: Castile Soap
For the health condition: Skin (infections)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Castile soap is primarily used for its cleansing properties and has a long history of traditional use for skin hygiene, including cleaning minor wounds and supporting general skin health. The soap, originally made from olive oil in the Castile region of Spain, is known for being gentle and natural compared to harsher chemical soaps. Historically, people have used Castile soap to clean skin affected by minor infections or irritations, under the belief that keeping the area clean would support healing. However, there is limited direct scientific evidence that Castile soap itself treats skin infections. Most of its benefit comes from its ability to remove dirt, debris, and some microbes from the skin’s surface, which may help reduce the risk of infection or prevent worsening, rather than actively treating existing infections. Unlike antibacterial soaps, Castile soap does not contain added antimicrobial agents. Its traditional use in wound care and skin cleansing is well documented, but clinical studies specifically validating its use as a treatment for skin infections are lacking. Therefore, while Castile soap is valued for its mildness and effectiveness as a cleanser, its direct role in treating skin infections is supported more by tradition and basic hygiene principles than by robust scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Skin (infections)
ajoenealoe vera
alpha-pinene
barberry
beeswax
bisabolol
black walnut
chlorophyll
copper
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
goldenseal
heartwood
knotweed
Japanese sophora
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactoperoxidase
monolaurin
quercetin
trypsin
vitamin C
zinc
bentonite
sarsaparilla
yellow root
mullein
chickweed
typhonium
paederia foetida
smilax
rubia cordifolia
privet
goldenrod
yarrow
juniper berries
sweetgums
oriental arborvitae
sheep's sorrel
queen of the meadow
wintergreen
camphor oil
stillingia
white oak
melaleuca alternifolia
10-Undecenoic Acid
15,16-Dihydrotanshinone I
3-Phenyllactic Acid
akebia
Aquilegia viridiflora
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Ardisia
Agave
Antirrhinum majus
Achyranthes
Alchornea
American Pawpaw
Albizia
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
Aureobasidium pullulans
Alkanet
Alsonia scholaris
Ampelopsis
Acemannan
allyl isothiocyanate
Abuta
Alkanna
Arisaema
Alantolactone
Artepillin C
Babchi
Baliospermum
Baphicacanthus cusia
Black spruce
Blepharis
Boswellic Acid
Bougainvillea
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Bael
Benzoin
Borate
Backhousia citriodora
Banyan
Bacillus
Burning Bush
Bergenia
Casearia esculenta
Croton seeds
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Citral
California Pitcher Plant
Cistus
cypress
Chaparral
Chondracanthus chamissoi
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Cynodon dactylon
Chiococca alba
Cocklebur
Chekiang Fritillary
Copaiba Oil
Citronella
Didymocarpus
Daphne
Emu Oil
Echinodorus
Ivy
Oak
Spikenard
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
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)