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Writer's pictureSharron Jenkins

Why is Palm Oil So Controversial?



We believe in supporting sustainable and traceable sourcing practices that do not harm the environment or wildlife:

Several studies and reports in recent years have found that the palm oil industry is connected to deforestation, soil erosion, habitat destruction, climate change, exploitation of local communities and the loss of biodiversity. According to the charity Rainforest Rescue Palm oil trees need a rainforest climate with consistent high humidity and high temperatures as well as a lot of land. Consequently, the development of palm oil plantations often comes at the expense of rainforests.

 

Always read the label


Under UK law, all cosmetic manufacturers are required to include a list of ingredients on product labels. In handmade soap, palm oil can be listed as "Elaeis Guineensis Oil" or "sodium palmate". Other palm oil derived ingredients to look out for in self-care and toiletries include:

Cetyl Alcohol

Cetyl Palmitate

Elaeis Guineensis

Glyceryl Stearate

Hyrated Palm Glycerides

Octyl Palmitate

Palm Fruit Oil

Palm Kernel

Palm Oil Kernel

Palm Stearine

Palmate

Palmitate

Palmitic Acid

Palmitoyl Oxostearamide

Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-3

Palmityl Alcohol

Palmolein

Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS or NaDS)

Sodium Isostearoyl Lactylaye

Sodium Kernelate

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Lactylate/Sulphate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate

Sodium Palm Kernelate

Steareth-2

Steareth-20

Stearic Acid



 

At Kalabash®, we believe in providing you with the best quality products, by using premium ingredients that are effective, ethical and environmentally friendly. That's why we choose not to use palm oil in our natural handmade soap. Instead, we formulate our products with carefully selected alternatives such as coconut oil, mango butter, and shea butter. Let us tell you why.



Sustainable sourcing


Our coconut oil is ethically sourced to ensure that rainforests are not destroyed in the process. Similarly, our Unrefined Organic Fairtrade Shea Butter is sourced from fair trade cooperatives that empower local communities and preserve the natural habitat.



Why we love coconut oil


Coconut cut in two halves with white coconut flesh on bamboo mat with palm leaves

Coconut oil is one of the key ingredients in Kalabash palm-free natural handmade soap. It's a natural moisturiser that nourishes and hydrates your skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. As well as giving our soap bars a firm texture, coconut oil produces a rich, foamy lather which cleanses without stripping your skin of its natural oils. Coconut oil is light so soaks into your skin easily without making it feel greasy. It works like magic repairing, restoring and soothing your skin as it’s quickly absorbed into the epidermis (the top layer of the skin).





Why we love pure organic unrefined Shea Butter


Black woman in bright pin dress holding raw shea butter

Shea butter is another fantastic alternative to palm oil. It's rich in vitamins and fatty acids that promote healthy skin. Shea butter is known for its deep moisturising properties, making it ideal for dry and sensitive skin. Kalabash Naked Pearl Unscented and Shea Paradise palm-free soap enriched with unrefined Fairtrade Shea Butter will leave your skin feeling soft, nourished and rejuvenated.






 

Commitment to sustainability


7 boxed bars of Kalabash soap on bright ethnic pattern backggroundround

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Kalabash® is committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. From our stylish plastic-free packaging to our natural plant-based ingredients, we try to make choices that are good for you and the planet.







Join the palm-free revolution


images of natural ingredients cocoa butter, shea butter and mango butter on green background

By choosing palm-free ingredients in your skincare regime, you are joining a movement towards a more sustainable and ethical beauty industry. Together, we can make a difference and create a better future for ourselves and for the generations after us.








 


Shop with us and experience the benefits of

Palm free soap


By making the decision to use palm-free soap, you are not only making a positive impact on the environment but also reaping numerous benefits for your skin. Our soap is gentle, nourishing, and suitable for all skin types. It lathers beautifully and cleanses without drying out your skin. Give it a try and experience the difference










UNTIL NEXT TIME. ...



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