Dr. Bronner's and Mountain Sky Castile Soap

     For this blog post, I have decided to promote two soap products from two different countries:  Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, from the United States and Mountain Sky, direct to you from the Canadian Rockies (Rocky Mountains for those of you not down with the vernacular).  Both of these companies manufacture castile soaps which are not tested on animals, nor do they contain any animal fats.

What is castile soap?

     The origins of castile soap can be traced back to the Eastern Mediterranean - Lavant, specifically, which translates as, "The Mediterranean lands East of Italy".  Crusaders are rumored to be the ones who first imported this soap in the 11th Century.  Historically, castile soap imported from the Mediterranean and was made from olive oil, animal fat, and an alkali; however, because of difficult nature of transporting goods cross country, the first documented makings of castile soap in England was not until 16161.  As recoded, the first British made castile soap was created by adding brine to the boiled liquor, the soap was made to float to the surface. The soap-boiler could then skim it off, leaving the excess lye and impurities to settle out. While the soap from the Mediterranean tended to be green, the British process produced what was the first white hard soap in England.  This soap hardened further as it aged, without losing its whiteness, forming what was referred to as jabón de Castilla1.

     Modern day, most castile soap is vegetable based.  Common oils used are coconut, palm, jojoba, hemp, and olive.  Oils are then mixed with an alkali, sodium hydroxide - for example, to produce a solid soap; or, potassium hydroxide for a liquid soap. The result, castile soap is gentle on your skin and the environment because it's free of artificial foaming agents, harsh cleansers, deconstructed fatty acids from vegetable oils or fats (oleochemicals), petrochemicals and/or chemical anti-bacterial agents (triclosan). It's also biodegradable2.               

   Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps

     Based in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Dr. Bronner's is the #1 selling natural soap in North America and Japan.  Born 1908, in Germany, to a Jewish family who had been making soap since 1858, Emanuel Bronner was the third generation certified as a master soapmaker under the guild system of the time. In 1929, he brought his formulas for high-quality liquid and bar soaps to America, starting Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, and the company was officially founded in 1948.  In the 1960's, Castile soaps exploded in popularity and word of mouth made Dr. Bronner's the soap of a generation, their popularity spanning all of North America.  Today, Dr. Bronner’s, still family owned, continues its mission to building and promoting positive social change. From pioneering USDA certified organic personal care products, to creating Fair Trade projects across the world that ensure fair and just treatment of farmers and workers, to creating a socially responsible workplace in the United States.  Dr. Bronner's continues to lead the market and set a standard for ethical business practices and products.

    Dr. Bronner's "All One" philosophy spills over into a literal meaning in it's products.  All of the soaps created, both liquid and bar, can be used for everything.  From household chores like cleaning floors, dishes (not the dishwasher), toilets, railings, wood, bathtubs, and garbage pails, to your hair and body, even your pets! - No conditioner needed, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap does it all.  As a company, they too offer 100% disclosure of their ingredients on their products.  If you are uncertain as to the nature of an ingredient, they have a complete list of the essential oils used in their "Natural Fragrances", as well as a full list of soap ingredients, and they also offer an unscented baby soft line of liquid and bar soap.

    Personally, I have been using Dr. Bronner's as a hand soap and floor cleaner for years.  It does really nicely on vinyl flooring and tile; however, I find that it will not give you that "shine" you are used to on your hardwood.  As you can purchase very large bottles of Dr. Bronner's, the bottle will last you the full year, depending on what you use it for and how often.  Typically, I will re-use a hand soap dispenser and cut 35% Dr. Bronner's with 65% water, and it makes a very good bathroom hand soap.  The only drawback is that it tends to collect around the opening of the spout - so expect using some of that to help wash your hands every once in a while.  Use the liquid soap regularly, because Dr. Bronner's does not use any preservatives it will eventually, "go bad".  I have had bottles last more than a year; however, after that time has expired the ingredients will start to separate.  As for how the soap feels, it is more moisturizing than others because of the amount of hemp oil they use in their product.  So, do not expect to have super dry skin after using some Dr. Bronner's line of soaps (The Lavender and Tea Tree might dry skin out a little more than the others - Because of the Tea Tree oil, of course). 

     Offering a wide range of essential oil infused soaps, Dr. Bronner's will be an easy transition for those of you who "shop by smell".  Versatile, dye free and eco-friendly, these soaps are well worth the investment.  If by chance you want to buy a larger jug, there is a 1 Gallon (3.785L if you speak Canadian) option available on the website.  You and your friends can save a little money by going all in on this "All One" cleaner.  Overall, an excellent product and worth the investment and it is available at many Canadian retailers, Lablaw's, Whole Foods, Natural Food Pantry and Terra 20 all carry the Bronner's line.  Also, check with your local Natural Health Food retailer and for more information, please check out Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps website.

    
Mountain Sky

     Located in Crescent Valley, British Colombia, Canadian owned Mountain Sky soaps began in a family basement.  With a desire to stay at home with their two girls, in 1993, Raynald Losier and Nina George began creating soaps so they could take their children out of daycare.  The name of their company comes from the pairing of their girls' middle names, Malaya Mountain and Rahel Sky.  Living on their family farm where they would grow, and consume most of their own farmed produce.  The families passion for living off the land and as naturally as possible spilled over into their soap making passion.

     Their business grew beyond their 400 sq. ft. basement and expanded into a 7 000 sq. ft. factory.  In spite of expanding their business, their pursuit of quality has not dwindled in order to cut costs and increase profit margins.  Mountain Sky's soap making process does not include boiling the oils and separating the glycerin.  Like Dr. Bronner's, they too use a cold press method of soap making where they keep the glycerin and the fats to make their soaps less drying and retain a silky feel.

     As a company, Mountain Sky puts the workers and their families first.  Recognizing the importance of families and values of all, "stripes, spots, and colours".  The company ensures all of it's workers are paid a fair, living wage for the level of work that they do, provides benefits, and profit sharing.  They do extensive work in their community, as the factory is based in a rural area.  They frequently participate in community fundraising and provide soaps to add to baskets which are then donated to Canadian Food for Children's global hampers. 

    Mountain Sky's environmental and sustainability practices are excellent.  The company purchases unrefined shea butter for their vegetable soaps from an African Women's Collective.  All of the boxes which Mountain Sky uses to ship it's products, are boxes that other companies would send for recycling.  If you order from their website, it is likely you will get a box from another local health food store; and, inside those shipping boxes are plastic bags and shredded paper taken from local businesses.  All of Mountain Sky's Coconut Oil buckets are either donated to the rural community or used to ship their soaps to the Canadian Food for Children organization.  The Canadian Food for Children representatives have informed Mountain Sky that the buckets are then donated to the communities that they are helping. The buckets have been used for rain barrels, to store food, and keeping clothes dry when used to aid relief in disaster stricken countries.  All of Mountain Sky's "reject soap" is donated, so not one scrap is wasted, all food waste from their kitchen is composted, and all recyclables are turned over to the local recycling program.  For more information on the bear which rummaged through their dumpster, please click here.

     All of their soaps are biodegradable and safe for septic tanks.  Although, if you have hard water on your septic system, this soap might not be the best for you as it could cause buildup.  Unlike other petroleum based soaps, none of their soaps contain phosphates which contributes to algae production in rivers, lakes, and streams.  As for people who have problems with dyes and fragrances, this might not be the soap for you as many of their bars contain dyes and essential oils.  It is suggested on their FAQ's page that you test a small portion on your body first.  All of their soaps are tested on people, not animals, and contain no animal bi-products.  Mountain Sky produces a very wide range of soaps including, shampoo bars, liquid castile soaps, lip balms, massage bars, and body butters. 

     Personally, I have no experience with this company; however, after reading about them I think I am more than willing to give them a try.  They have a dry feet moisturizing bar (looks like a deodorant stick),  which has very similar ingredients to that of Coastal Creations Foot Nurisher; but it's 1/3 of the price.  For more information and a complete review of everything mentioned in my blog, and more, please see the Mountain Sky website.