Does Dr. Bronners Have Coconut Oil? The Complete Ingredient Breakdown

December 18, 2025 •

2 min read

Since 2024, Dr. Bronner's has increased the amount of organic coconut oil in its Pure-Castile Liquid Soap formula to support more Regenerative Organic Certified farms worldwide. This ingredient is not just a filler but is fundamental to the soap's rich, foamy lather and cleansing power across both liquid and bar versions.

Quick Summary

Dr. Bronner's uses organic, fair trade coconut oil as a primary ingredient in its pure-castile soaps, a key factor for its effective lather. It is also sold as a standalone virgin oil product, reflecting the brand's commitment to quality, ethically sourced components.

Key Points

Yes, Dr. Bronner's contains coconut oil: Organic, fair trade coconut oil is a primary ingredient in the brand's Pure-Castile liquid and bar soaps.
Lathering Power: Coconut oil is responsible for the rich, foamy lather that is characteristic of Dr. Bronner's soaps.
Regenerative Organic Sourcing: Dr. Bronner's has increased its use of coconut oil from Regenerative Organic Certified farms to enhance sustainability.
Also a Standalone Product: In addition to soap, Dr. Bronner's sells a standalone Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for cooking and body care.
Different Formulations for Liquid vs. Bar: The liquid soap uses potassium hydroxide, while the bar soap uses sodium hydroxide, affecting the final texture and moisturizing qualities.
Complemented by Other Oils: Coconut oil is balanced with other organic oils like olive, hemp, and jojoba to ensure the soap is both cleansing and conditioning.

Yes, Dr. Bronner's Soaps Are Made With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a core ingredient in Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile liquid and bar soaps. The company has a history of using organic oils and has recently committed to increasing its use of Regenerative Organic Certified oils, including coconut oil, to meet sustainability goals. Their fair trade sourcing supports small farmers, including those in Sri Lanka.

Why Coconut Oil is a Key Ingredient

Dr. Bronner's uses a blend of organic oils for its castile soap, each contributing uniquely to the saponification process. Coconut oil is essential for the soap's rich, foamy lather and strong cleansing properties.

The Saponification Process: From Oil to Soap

Saponification is the chemical reaction where oils, such as coconut oil, combine with an alkali to form soap and glycerin. This process ensures no alkali remains in the final product. Coconut oil provides crucial fatty acids for cleansing and lather.

Other Key Ingredients Working Alongside Coconut Oil

To balance the cleansing properties of coconut oil, Dr. Bronner's incorporates other organic oils, resulting in a gentle, moisturizing soap. The specific blends vary slightly between the liquid and bar soaps.

Common Ingredients in Pure-Castile Soaps:

Water: The primary solvent.
Organic Coconut Oil: Creates lather.
Organic Olive Oil: Conditions the skin.
Organic Hemp Seed Oil: Provides nourishment.
Organic Jojoba Wax: Moisturizes and balances skin.
Essential Oils: Provide scent to fragranced versions.
Citric Acid: Balances pH.
Tocopherol (Vitamin E): Acts as an antioxidant and preservative.

Dr. Bronner's Coconut Oil Products Beyond Soap

Dr. Bronner's also offers Organic Virgin Coconut Oil as a standalone product for cooking, baking, and body care. This product comes in Whole Kernel (nutty) and White Kernel (milder) varieties. Coconut oil is also an ingredient in their Organic Hair Crèmes.

Comparison: Liquid vs. Bar Castile Soap

Both liquid and bar soaps contain coconut oil, but differences in their manufacturing result in slight variations. For a detailed comparison, see {Link: drbronner.com https://www.drbronner.com/pages/ingredients-pure-castile-magic-soap}.

Conclusion: Coconut Oil is Integral to Dr. Bronner's Formula

Coconut oil is a vital component of Dr. Bronner's pure-castile soaps, contributing to lather and cleansing. It also aligns with the brand's ethical sourcing and sustainable mission. Dr. Bronner's also sells a standalone Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. The full ingredient list is available on their official website.

Dr. Bronner's Ethical Sourcing and Regenerative Agriculture

Dr. Bronner's supports fair trade and Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) farming, which improves soil health, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.

How to Use Dr. Bronner's Coconut-Based Soaps

Dr. Bronner's castile soap is highly versatile. For various uses and dilution guidelines, please refer to {Link: drbronner.com https://www.drbronner.com/pages/ingredients-pure-castile-magic-soap}.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Dr. Bronner's soaps contain a blend of organic oils, including coconut, olive, hemp seed, and jojoba. Each contributes to the unique properties of the final product.

Dr. Bronner's increased the coconut oil content in its liquid castile soap to support more Regenerative Organic Certified farms and further its commitment to sustainable practices.

The coconut oil in the soap is saponified (turned into soap) during the manufacturing process. The standalone product is pure, virgin coconut oil for direct use in cooking and body care.

No, the saponification process transforms the oils into soap and glycerin. The end product rinses clean, leaving no greasy residue, especially since no excess oil remains.

Yes, Dr. Bronner's sources its coconut oil through certified fair trade practices, supporting small-scale farmers in countries like Sri Lanka and Samoa.

Individuals with sensitivities to coconut oil may experience a reaction. It is advisable to perform a patch test or consult a doctor before use, as the oil is a core ingredient.

Yes, besides their liquid and bar soaps, Dr. Bronner's offers Organic Virgin Coconut Oil for various uses and also features coconut oil in other products, such as their hair crèmes.