Olive oil, referred to as “liquid gold” in ancient civilizations, has been utilized for centuries, transcending through ancient Egypt and the Middle East, permeating various facets of life including cuisine, medicine, and skincare products.
This golden elixir holds a special place in Islamic tradition, revered not only for its myriad health benefits but also for its significant representation in Islamic teachings. Let’s explore the many virtues and benefits of incorporating olive oil into soap, a habit that can foster healthy, radiant skin and resonate well with the Islamic lifestyle.
Olive Oil is Sunnah
The olive tree is mentioned several times in the Holy Qur’an, signifying its importance and the multitude of benefits it harbours. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has been narrated to have said,
“Eat the olive oil and anoint it upon your bodies since it is of the blessed tree” (Tirmidhi).
كُلُوا الزَّيْتَ وَدَهِّنُوا بِهِ فَإِنَّهُ مِنْ شَجَرَةٍ مُبَارَكَةٍ
So, we can see using olive oil for skin care is a Sunnah practice, and is a great halal product and ingredient for us to use to keep our bodies looked after well.
Drawing from these traditions, many soap makers in Islamic cultures have revered the use of olive oil, incorporating it into their products, like the famous Nabulsi soap and Aleppo soap products, which date back to ancient times and are produced in Palestine and Syria
The Benefits of Olive Oil Soap
Olive oil soap benefits are myriad, a secret that the ancient Egyptians were privy to thousands of years ago. Today, we can channel the wisdom of ancient civilizations by opting for olive soap, a product that goes beyond merely cleansing to offer deep nourishment to the skin.
Pair it with warm water for a soothing bath experience, which opens up the pores and allows the nourishing properties of olive oil bar soap to penetrate deeply, promoting healing and rejuvenation.
Let’s take a look at a few of the specific benefits of olive oil soap.
1. Suits all Skin Types
Olive oil soap is gentle and can be beneficial for all skin types. It’s a great option for people with sensitive, acne-prone or oily skin, aiding in the maintenance of a balanced skin tone without causing skin irritation.
2. Natural and Pure Ingredients
Free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances found in commercial soaps, handmade olive oil soaps contain natural ingredients. Olive oil is rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E, important components for nurturing healthy skin.
3. Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties
Olive oil is a powerful antioxidant, protecting your skin from the adverse effects of free radicals which can lead to early signs of aging. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help soothe irritated skin and skin conditions.
4. Moisturizing and Nourishing
Rich in oleic acid and other natural oils, it provides moisturizing properties that can be a boon for dry skin. The creamy lather formed by this kind of soap leaves your skin with a much smoother complexion, fostering a healthy glowing appearance.
In a world increasingly cluttered with artificial products, the emergence of handmade soaps, especially those crafted with extra virgin olive oil, is indeed a breath of fresh air. These soaps bear the hallmark of purity, often mixed with other beneficial ingredients like laurel oil, known for its antimicrobial properties.
The process of creating handmade olive oil soap ensures that the beneficial constituents like beta carotene and antioxidant properties are preserved, offering a soap bar that promises to nurture and not strip your skin’s natural oils.
Towards a Wholesome Skincare Regime
Transitioning to a skincare routine that integrates natural ingredients like coconut oil and pure olive oil soap can be a transformative experience. Unlike some regular soaps and liquid soaps laden with chemicals, a bar of olive oil soap is a sanctuary of natural goodness.
Considered by many as the best soap for a holistic skincare regime, its regular use promises not just a healthy skin but a harmonious balance, aligning your daily practices with the nourishing embrace of nature. It offers an opportunity to foster a wholesome relationship with your skin, a ritual that is both nurturing and healing.
Crafting the Best Olive Oil Soap
While selecting the best olive oil soap, it is important to choose ones that contain extra virgin or pure olive oil as the main ingredient, avoiding products with potential toxins like animal fats or harsh chemicals.
Many traditional soap makers prefer blending olive oil with other natural ingredients such as coconut oil, castor oil, and shea butter, adding to the health benefits.
For individuals keen on a DIY approach, soap making with olive oil can be an enriching experience. Incorporating natural antioxidants like beta-carotene and utilizing different grades of olive oil, including pomace oil, can aid in creating bars of soap that are both nurturing and hydrating, an ideal choice for the most sensitive skin, including baby skin.
Incorporating Olive Oil Beyond the Bar of Soap
Apart from being an essential component in skincare products, olive oil finds its use in hair treatment promoting hair growth, and even as a healthy component in salad dressing.
Its multifaceted benefits make it a must-have in every Muslim household, aiding not only in resolving skin problems but also preventing various health problems.
As we navigate through modern lifestyles, it is both a comfort and a blessing to have access to skincare products that are grounded in ancient wisdom and nourishment.
The journey towards radiant skin doesn’t have to be fraught with chemicals and artificial elements. Instead, let us take a leaf from the history – from Prophet Musa and the ancient Egyptians to the time of RasoolAllah and beyond and turn towards a gentle, natural path with olive oil-based soaps, fostering a skin that is not just healthy, but also bears the radiant glow of natural wellbeing.
Let this be an invitation to embrace the pure and unadulterated gifts of nature, a step towards a lifestyle that is both authentic and harmonious.
Choosing a bar of natural soap with olive oil as a core ingredient allows you to indulge in a beauty routine that is not only beneficial for maintaining a youthful appearance but is also grounded in the rich traditions and teachings of Islam.
Regular usage can aid in new cell generation, giving you not only a healthier complexion but also fostering a connection with the pure and natural products advocated since ancient times.
We hope this article guides you in making the best choice in selecting skincare and beauty products that align with a healthy, Islamic lifestyle.
Remember, adopting the sunnah practice of using olive oil-based products on a regular basis can be a small but significant step in embodying the traditions and wisdom passed down from ancient civilizations to foster a healthy, glowing, and radiant skin.
I believe that Olive Oil should be present in way more skin products than just soap, but of course one has to calculate the high prize this will result into.