May 2012   |   Volume 3, Issue #7

Castile Day

Dr. Bronner's is one of the most well-known — and unusual — soap manufacturers in the world. Founded more than 60 years ago by Emil Bronner (the "doctor" was added to his name in recognition of his skill and knowledge of chemistry and soap-making), the company has now established itself as a true legend in the natural products world. Setting the standard for quality ingredients and product effectiveness, Dr. Bronner's epitomizes stellar stewardship of the lands where their ingredients are grown and the people who harvest those ingredients.

Family Ties and Social Responsibility

The Bronner family has been making soaps for more than 150 years. It began in 1858, when the First Certificate of Soap-Manufacture was issued to Emmanuel Heilbronner of Laupheim, Germany. His grandson, nicknamed "Emil," was born into the family business in 1908, and soon became a master soap-maker.

Emil immigrated to the United States in 1929 and brought the family soap recipe with him. (Tragically, the parents he left behind, Berthold and Franciscka, were killed in Nazi concentration camps.) What we today know as Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps began in 1948 with the beloved Peppermint variety. The well-known label, sharing his philosophy on ecological and social responsibility, was added in the 1950s. Initially, the soaps were a symbol of, and mostly utilized by, "hippies" in the counter-culture of the mid-20th century. But in time, general appreciation for the simplicity and versatility of the soaps took them more mainstream and onto natural foods store shelves.

Emil passed away in1997, and Dr. Bronner's grandsons are currently running the business. They have made it a priority to continue their grandfather's message to "unite humankind on spaceship Earth." The certified Fair Trade and organic ingredients used in their soaps are sourced from Fair Trade areas in Sir Lanka (coconut oil), Palestine and Israel (olive oil), Ghana (palm oil) and the US (hemp). In these producing regions, they have contributed significant sums to community development programs (such as fresh water well construction for clean sanitary water), sponsored health clinics, and procured needed equipment for local hospitals. Back at home, Dr. Bronner's donated more than 1,200 acres of land to the San Diego Boys and Girls Club. There are some informative videos on the Dr. Bronner's website about these programs and more — see them here.

In addition to Fair Trade sourcing, Dr. Bronner's products are certified under the USDA Organic Program. Seven years ago, the USDA was unwilling to continue allowing non-food products to be labeled "organic" even though Dr. Bronner's had been certified organic in 2003 by Oregon Tilth. Dr. Bronner's launched a successful litigation battle to resolve the issue, pointing out that organic olive oil is organic whether it is used in salad dressing or massage oil. To this day Dr. Bronner's organic ingredient list is certified by Oregon Tilth, and their Fair Trade sourcing is certified by Institute for Marketecology. David Bronner proudly says, "We have extensive controls and documentation practices to ensure the organic Fair Trade integrity of all our products. Their ingredients are so high-quality that they are actually food-grade, and Dr. Bronner's has recently developed a coconut oil for cooking and eating (not currently carried at Sprouts).

Quality and Magic in One

Castile soap, the original magic soap, is vegetable-based. Pure essential oils are added to extra virgin coconut, palm, olive, jojoba and hemp oils. The combination is a soap that "cleans effectively without being aggressive," according to Dr. Bronner's. In addition to fan-favorite Peppermint (usable as toothpaste!), there are seven other liquid varieties, including Baby Mild, safe for those with allergies or sensitive skin. The strangest use for Castile Soap? Dr. Bronner's customers have reported that a small amount of baby soap in water is good for colonics.

A relative newcomer to the lineup is the line of Shikakai pump soaps. Made with the same base as the castile soaps, these include a dry powder extract of shikakai (an ingredient long used in India as a hair and body cleanser), organic brown sugar and grape juice. There are five enticing scents — all made with pure essential oils from lavender, peppermint, tea tree, baby and lemongrass lime. You can try these soaps in 12-ounce or 24-ounce bottles, available at Sprouts — on sale this month and even more affordable with the attached $1 off coupon!

Not surprisingly, Dr. Bronner's is so dedicated to ecological principles that you can also buy a half-gallon bulk refill on their website, or pick up the Peppermint half-gallon at Sprouts!

Dr. Bronner's grandsons take great pride in continuing to create quality products with the integrity that their grandfather brought to the brand more than 60 years ago. "To live up to our parents', uncle's and granddad's example is of utmost importance. They and we stand for ethical sustainable life and businesses, where you take care of the environment and workers from which you make your profits," says David Bronner. And it is clear that they do that every day. Walking the walk and talking the talk, they clean with a conscience.