Castile soap

From reading various soapmaking forums most soapmakers seem to define Castile soap as 100% olive oil.  Anything less than that I have seen as “Bastile” soap; a bastardized Castile.  Not everyone uses this definition; some people consider OO above 70% to be Castile.  But if you are using the 100% OO definition I have seen many soapmakers be very annoyed with soaps being sold as “castile” when they have a bunch of other oils in them.   Dr. Bronner is a particular brand mentioned.  Here's what Dr. Bronner's website says:

“Dr. Bronner's Magic Pure Castile Classic Soaps

Unlike any you’ve ever used. A combination of organic extra
virgin coconut, olive, jojoba and hemp oils, together with pure
essential oils, creates a unique soap that cleans effectively without
being aggressive and produces a velvety-lather that leaves the skin
silky-smooth and refreshed.”


So OO is not the first oil mentioned.  It's coconut oil.  So obviously it can't be over 70% OO.  I haven't tried Dr. Bronner's soaps myself so I can't comment on it's qualities.  I'm not saying it's a bad soap or anything of the sort.  I just find it interesting, every company has it's marketing ploy.  And like I said there are differing definitions of “Castile” soap.  I personally use the 100% OO castile soap definition.  I've made some castile and bastile (94%OO, 6%caster oil) soaps no color no fragrance and it's curing/drying.  It's supposedly the mildest soap.  I've read that it gets better with age; 1 year or so.  I made some at the beginning of this year so, I'm trying to forget about it until next year.  I'll probably have to try some before then, but that's when it starts to get good.  I hear the younger it is when you use it it's sort of slimy.  It's a low lather gentle soap.  So no big bubbles, but a creamy lather.  We shall see.  A year is a long time to wait.  What if I really like it?  If I make another batch I'd have to wait another year!  Sheesh!

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