Why We Don’t Use Palm Oil at Owl Soapery…at All

New oil palm plantation established on peatland outside Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Image by Rhett A. Butler/Mongabay.

At Owl Soapery, we’re all about creating products that are kind to your skin and the planet. When it comes to the ingredients we use, we believe every choice matters. That’s why you won’t find palm oil in any of our soaps. Let’s talk about why.

The Environmental Cost of Palm Oil

Palm oil is everywhere—cosmetics, food, cleaning products—you name it. It’s cheap, versatile, and easy to work with. But there’s a big catch: the environmental toll. Palm oil production is one of the leading causes of deforestation, particularly in tropical regions like Southeast Asia. Entire rainforests are being cleared to make room for palm plantations, which has devastating effects on biodiversity.

Endangered species like orangutans, tigers, and elephants are losing their habitats, and the carbon released from deforestation contributes to climate change. For us, it’s a no-brainer: we don’t want any part of that.

Ethical Concerns

Beyond environmental issues, there’s also the human cost. Many palm oil plantations are linked to unethical practices, including exploitative labor conditions and land grabbing. Even “sustainable” palm oil isn’t always as transparent as it claims to be. We believe it’s better to avoid it altogether and stick to ingredients we can feel good about.

What We Use Instead

You might be wondering, “If you don’t use palm oil, what do you use?” We rely on a blend of high-quality oils and butters like olive oil, coconut oil, and almond oil. These not only provide rich, creamy lathers and nourishing benefits for your skin, but they’re also more sustainable choices. We source our ingredients carefully, choosing suppliers who share our values.

A Commitment to Better Choices

We’re not perfect, but we’re committed to making thoughtful decisions every step of the way. Avoiding palm oil is just one way we’re trying to minimize our footprint while delivering products you’ll love.

When you choose Owl Soapery, you’re supporting a small business that prioritizes the planet over profit margins. Together, we can make a difference—one bar of soap at a time.

Thanks for being part of the journey!

— Preston

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