The Truth About Palm Oil in Soap and Why We Don't Use It

Palm oil is one of the most commonly used ingredients in commercial soap. It's inexpensive, easy to source, and creates a hard, long-lasting bar with a rich lather. So, if it has so many practical benefits, why don't we use it?

At PBSC, every ingredient is chosen with purpose. That's why our products are 100% plant based, palm oil free, and cruelty free.

Why is palm oil used in soap?

Palm oil is incredibly versatile. It helps create firm bars, stable lather, and has become a staple ingredient for many large-scale manufacturers because it is cost-effective and widely available.

However, not all decisions should be based on cost.

Palm oil is probably in more products than you realise

Palm oil isn't just found in soap. In fact, it's estimated to be present in around half of all packaged supermarket products.

You may find palm oil or its derivatives in products such as:

• Ice cream
• Chocolate and confectionery
• Biscuits and baked goods
• Instant noodles
• Peanut butter
• Margarine
• Breakfast cereals
• Chips and snack foods
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash
• Moisturisers
• Lipstick and lip balm
• Makeup
• Toothpaste
• Laundry detergent
• Dishwashing liquid
• Candles
• Cleaning products

Many of these products don't simply list "palm oil" on the label. Instead, it may appear as one of its many derivatives, making it difficult for consumers to know whether they're purchasing products containing palm-based ingredients.

For many people, avoiding palm oil completely isn't realistic. However, choosing palm oil free skincare is one simple way to reduce your reliance on it and support businesses that have chosen a different approach.

The environmental impact

The expansion of palm oil plantations has been linked to large-scale deforestation in some parts of the world. Forests have been cleared to make way for plantations, resulting in the loss of habitat for countless species and contributing to declining biodiversity.

While there are organisations promoting sustainably certified palm oil, there continues to be debate around how effective certification is at addressing broader environmental concerns, including land clearing, habitat fragmentation, and supply chain transparency.

For us, choosing to be palm oil free removes that uncertainty altogether.

A conscious choice

We believe beautiful skincare shouldn't come with environmental compromises.

Instead of relying on palm oil, we carefully formulate our deluxe natural cleansing bars using a thoughtful blend of premium plant oils and butters. Ingredients such as olive oil, coconut oil, shea butter, cocoa butter, avocado oil, rice bran oil, castor oil, and other nourishing botanicals each contribute unique properties that help create a luxurious cleansing experience while caring for your skin.

Every formula is created to deliver creamy lather, gentle cleansing, and a beautifully conditioned feel without relying on palm oil.

Does palm oil make a better soap?

Not necessarily.

Palm oil is just one way to achieve hardness and longevity in a soap bar. Experienced formulators can achieve the same qualities by balancing other plant-based oils and butters.

At PBSC, we've spent years refining our recipes to create deluxe natural cleansing bars that are long-lasting, luxurious, and gentle on the skin, all without palm oil.

Why it matters

Every purchase is a choice.

When you choose a palm oil free product, you're supporting businesses that have intentionally chosen alternative ingredients. While no ingredient is entirely without environmental impact, selecting diverse, responsibly sourced plant oils helps reduce reliance on a single commodity that has been associated with significant environmental challenges.

It's a small choice that contributes to a bigger conversation about how products are made and the values behind them.

Our promise

Being palm oil free isn't a trend for us. It's part of who we are.

From the beginning, we've been committed to creating skincare that reflects our values. Every product we make is handcrafted using carefully selected botanical ingredients because we believe luxury, quality, and conscious formulation can go hand in hand.

That's why every PBSC product is proudly:

• 100% plant based
• Palm oil free
• Cruelty free
• Handmade in Australia

When you choose PBSC, you're choosing thoughtfully created skincare that is kind to your skin and aligned with the values we believe matter.