The eucalyptus wafted up, a sharp, medicinal kiss from the shower. It wasn’t the usual cloying artificial scent you find lurking in a hotel bathroom. This was different. I knew instantly; Dr. Bronner’s.

My work is all about sustainable building practices and material sourcing. We’re talking about the intersection of human comfort and environmental responsibility. So, you could say I have an opinion on what we choose to put down the drain. Synthetic fragrances? They make my skin crawl. The microplastics they often carry are another issue entirely.

This Castile soap, though – it’s a different beast. The “18-in-1 uses” claim? Marketing fluff, sure, but the foundational logic is solid. Based on the formulation, the surfactants are a good fit for everything from general cleaning to a baby bath, though I’d personally recommend diluting it even further for that purpose. The primary ingredient is saponified organic oils—that’s the key. Unlike many commercial soaps that lean heavily on harsh detergents and fillers, Bronner’s builds on a tradition of quality. This base renders it remarkably mild, especially when you consider how potent it is at cutting through grease and grime.

You might be tempted to overdo it at first, especially if you’re used to foam-laden soaps. Resist! A few drops will go a long way, particularly in hard water. You might find that the soap doesn’t quite produce the same luxurious lather of a competing product, like Dove. However, you’re trading a cosmetic illusion for genuine skin-friendliness.

I’ve been using this for a solid week now. My shower is a testament to its versatility. I’ve used it on my face, to clean my work boots (a surprisingly effective degreaser), and even to wash a small, delicate woolen sweater. Yes, it’s good for fabrics, but be careful; with strong detergents, I’ve had problems with discoloration when washing dark clothing.

One slight drawback? The bottle design. It’s a pain in the neck to handle with wet hands. A pump dispenser would elevate the experience (and eliminate the risk of dropping a slippery bottle). But that’s a small price to pay for the product’s eco-conscious nature.

For the eco-minded homeowner, or the minimalist looking to reduce their product footprint, this soap is a winner. Invest in a refillable bottle for the shower, and grab a small, travel-sized one for your gym bag. Your conscience (and your skin) will thank you.