THE STORY OF OUR CASTILE SOAP
SOAP AS NATURE INTENDED
At Ashabon, we believe that true soap should be simple, honest and made with respect for nature.
Our liquid Castile soap is handcrafted in small batches in the Portuguese countryside using traditional methods, organic plant oils and one of the oldest forms of soap making known to humanity: potash lye made from wood ashes.
Long before factories, synthetic detergents and plastic bottles, people made soap using what nature provided. That tradition inspires everything we do today.
Ashabon combines centuries-old knowledge with modern craftsmanship to create a soap that is gentle on your skin and gentle on the planet.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
We don’t believe that more ingredients make a better product.
Instead, we focus on what truly matters:
Carefully selected natural ingredients
Traditional craftsmanship
Honest production
Minimal environmental impact
Products that replace many others
One bottle can clean your hands, body, hair, face, dishes and countless household surfaces—reducing waste while simplifying everyday life.
WHAT MAKES ASHABON DIFFERENT?
Most liquid soaps sold today are not actually soap.
Many are synthetic detergents made from petroleum-derived surfactants, thickening agents, preservatives, artificial fragrances and long ingredient lists.
Ashabon is different.
Our soap is made through the traditional process of saponification, where natural oils react with potassium lye to become real soap.
The result is a biodegradable, highly versatile liquid Castile soap made from ingredients you can actually understand and don’t harm you in any way.
THE HEART OF OUR SOAP:
Wood Ash Lye
One of the most unique parts of Ashabon is our lye.
Instead of beginning with industrially produced potassium hydroxide, we create our own potassium-rich lye using hardwood ashes—a method that has been used for centuries across Europe and many other parts of the world.
Wood ash naturally contains potassium salts.
These minerals are extracted with water and carefully transformed into the lye needed to create liquid soap.
This ancient process connects our soap to generations of traditional soap makers while reducing reliance on industrial chemicals.
It is slower.
It requires patience.
It requires experience.
But we believe it is worth it.
SMALL BATCH CRAFTSMANSHIP
Every batch of Ashabon is made by hand.
There are no automated production lines.
Our soap cooks slowly for many hours before being diluted, tested and bottled.
Working in small batches allows us to carefully monitor every stage of production and maintain the quality we expect from every bottle that leaves our workshop.
THE OILS WE CHOOSE
Our soaps begin with organic plant oils selected for both their skin benefits and sustainability.
Classic Castile is made primarily from local organic olive oil, producing an exceptionally gentle soap suitable for daily use.
Our premium Body & Hair recipe combines:
Organic Olive Oil
Organic Coconut Oil
Organic Castor Oil
This creates a richer lather while maintaining the mildness and versatility of traditional Castile soap.
NATURALLY SCENTED
Our scented soaps are fragranced only with carefully selected essential oils.
No synthetic perfumes.
No artificial fragrances.
Each blend is designed to complement the natural character of the soap rather than overpower it.
JUST SOAP
Because true Castile soap is incredibly versatile, one bottle can replace many products around your home.
Use it for:
Hands
Face
Body
Hair
Shaving
Baby care
Dishes
Laundry
Household cleaning
Camping
Travelling
Outdoor adventures
Less clutter, Less plastic, Less waste, JUST SOAP.
SUSTAINABILITY ISN’T AN AFTERTHOUGHT
Environmental responsibility is part of every decision we make.
We continually look for ways to reduce our footprint by choosing renewable ingredients, recyclable packaging and refill systems that encourage people to reuse instead of replace.
Our refill stations help reduce unnecessary plastic waste while making sustainable choices easier and more affordable.
Because the most sustainable bottle is the one that is used again.
HANDMADE IN PORTUGAL
Ashabon is proudly made in central Portugal, where traditional craftsmanship, beautiful landscapes and a slower pace of life continue to inspire us.
Every bottle represents hours of careful work, respect for natural materials and a commitment to creating products that people can trust.
OUR PROMISE
We will never chase trends.
We will never fill our products with unnecessary ingredients.
We will continue making honest soap the traditional way—with patience, care and respect for both people and nature.
Thank you for supporting small-scale craftsmanship and helping keep traditional soap making alive.