Dear Readers and Fellow Cleaning Enthusiasts,
It’s nearly two years since the launch of Whole Naturals Castile Soap, and each week brings more and more adventures, questions, and inquiries!!
How are the oils in liquid Castile soap processed? Are they cold pressed or expeller pressed? Are they hydrogenated?
Can you process and mold Whole Naturals into bar soap?
The answer to these questions is closely related and lies in the quality of oils we use, and how they're processed. We often hear about “hydrogenated oils” when we’re "consuming" olive oil but rarely ask about them when using it topically.
Let’s start at the beginning. Whole Naturals Castile Soap is made from organic oils, including cold-pressed olive oil. Pressing the oil at low temperatures helps retain more of the oil's natural flavors, aromas, and nutrients compared to other extraction methods.
Hydrogenation is a process that involves the addition of hydrogen to liquid oils to make them more solid at room temperature. This process creates trans fats, which are generally considered less healthy (for consumption). So to answer the first part of the question,: because we use natural, unhydrogenated oils to maintain the beneficial properties of the original oils, our oils will not turn to solid, and are unlikely to produce bars of soap.
If you’ll allow me a moment, I’ll explain the journey of our plant-based oils from start to finish creating Whole Naturals Castile Soap.
Step 1: Pure Plant-Based Goodness
Our journey begins with the raw ingredients – a harmonious blend of USDA-certified organic oils sourced from nature's bounty. Olive oil takes center stage, joined by coconut, apricot kernel, almond, and hemp oils, forming the foundation of our liquid castile soap, and we are palm oil-free. These oils, carefully selected for their nourishing properties, set the stage for a soap that not only cleanses but pampers your skin. Have you ever wondered how olives get harvested?
It's easy to understand that from de-leafing to cleaning, from slicing to crushing, olives aren't just plucked from the tree, squeezed, and then bottled. The outstanding characteristics and multiple usages of olive oil are a result of these steps, which have been followed by olive oil processors for thousands of years. Some of the steps include separating, decantering, and filtering.
Step 2: The Alchemical Fusion
Picture this: a cauldron, not unlike those of ancient alchemists, bubbling with a symphony of oils. In our modern-day potion-making, the oils are mixed with a lye solution, initiating the saponification process. This magical transformation turns the oils into soap, all while preserving their organic goodness.
Step 4: A Gentle Stir
Once the soap has achieved the perfect blend of richness, it's time for a gentle stir. Every batch is crafted with precision and care. It's a delicate dance that results in a smooth, luxurious texture – a hallmark of organic liquid castile soap.
Step 5: The Bottling Ballet
The final act in our symphony of soap-making is the bottling process. Picture a line of bottles, patiently waiting to be filled with the liquid gold within. Each bottle is sealed and labeled, ready to embark on its journey to your home.
Step 6: Quality Assurance Encore
Before bidding adieu to our soap creations, each batch undergoes a rigorous quality assurance process. Our dedicated team ensures that every bottle meets our exacting standards, guaranteeing that you receive a product that not only cleanses your skin but does so with the utmost purity and care. Each bottle is stamped with a production code, to keep our quality assurance process top-notch.
As you hold a bottle of our made with organic ingredients Castile Soap in your hands, know that it's not just a soap – it’s what our small family business has created. From our hearts, to your homes!
