Why We Use Sustainable Palm Oil in Our Natural Skincare
At Nature Inspired, every ingredient we choose tells a story of integrity, purpose, and care. One of the most misunderstood ingredients in the world of clean beauty is palm oil—but when it’s ethically sourced, it can be one of the most nourishing and sustainable ingredients in natural skincare. That’s why we proudly use sustainably sourced palm oil in our handcrafted soaps, embracing the benefits of natural skincare with palm oil while protecting the planet that inspires us.
The Truth About Palm Oil
Palm oil often gets a bad reputation—and not without reason. Irresponsible farming practices have led to deforestation, habitat destruction, and loss of biodiversity. But what many don’t realize is that there’s a better way.
When grown and harvested responsibly, palm oil can be an incredibly sustainable crop. Compared to other vegetable oils, oil palm trees yield up to 10 times more oil per acre, meaning fewer acres are needed to meet global demand [1].
That’s why we source RSPO-certified (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) palm oil, which ensures it is grown without harming rainforests, wildlife, or communities. You can learn more about these certifications and why they matter here: RSPO Official Site.
Why Palm Oil Belongs in Soap
Palm oil is a powerhouse ingredient in traditional cold-process soap making. It helps create a firm, long-lasting bar with a rich, creamy lather. But its benefits go far beyond texture. Palm oil is naturally rich in vitamins A and E—two essential nutrients that support skin repair, hydration, and elasticity [2].
In our soaps, palm oil blends beautifully with other plant butters and oils, enhancing their moisturizing effects while helping cleanse the skin gently. The result is a bar that nourishes, rather than strips, leaving skin soft, smooth, and truly cared for.
Sustainability Is a Choice
Our commitment to natural skincare with palm oil is about more than just the bar of soap. It’s about choosing an ingredient that honors both the earth and your skin. By supporting sustainable palm oil, we’re advocating for a better system—one where nature and people thrive together.
It’s easy to say “no” to an ingredient out of fear. It’s harder—and more meaningful—to say “yes” to a version of it that aligns with your values. We’ve done our homework, and we stand by our choice to use palm oil that is good for the earth and even better for your skin.
A Family Perspective: What About the Animals?
Our children have grown up with a deep love for nature and all its wild creatures. Their curiosity runs wild whenever we visit zoos, nature centers, or wildlife documentaries together. Like many families, we’ve read the signs urging us to help protect vulnerable habitats by avoiding palm oil. And at first, we were torn.
But here’s what we’ve learned: the answer isn’t as simple as “just don’t buy palm.” In fact, replacing palm oil with alternatives like avocado oil may do more harm than good.
Palm oil is actually one of the most land-efficient oil crops in the world. It produces significantly more oil per acre than avocado, coconut, sunflower, or soybean oils. So if everyone switched from palm to avocado, it would take much more land—land that may include the same precious habitats we’re trying to protect.
This deforestation doesn’t just threaten one species. It impacts a vast web of life. Majestic tigers, gentle elephants, critically endangered rhinos, vibrant hornbills, curious sun bears, and thousands of lesser-known creatures depend on tropical forests to survive. These rich ecosystems support complex biodiversity that can’t easily be replaced once it’s destroyed.
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), banning palm oil could actually shift demand to other crops that require even more deforestation and water usage. Source: IUCN Palm Oil Report
That’s why we believe in a better way—not a total ban, but a responsible path forward. We use certified sustainable palm oil from farms that do not clear rainforests or destroy biodiversity. It’s our way of honoring the planet, protecting habitats, and still crafting high-performing, nourishing products for your skin.
True change often lives in the nuance. It’s in the thoughtful, informed choices we make—every day, with every ingredient.
Inspired by Nature. Grounded in Responsibility.
Our journey in creating natural skincare with palm oil is a reflection of our larger mission—to offer products that are safe, effective, and rooted in respect for all living things. Every bar of soap is a small act of love: for the skin, for the planet, and for the generations to come.
Teaching Thoughtful Living, One Ingredient at a Time
As parents, one of the greatest lessons we hope to pass on to our children is to never take things at face value. Whether it’s a food label, a trending headline, or an ingredient in their soap, we encourage them to ask questions, dig deeper, and learn the full story before making a judgment.
That mindset is what led us to understand the complexities around palm oil—and to ultimately choose a better, more responsible way to use it. We believe in doing our own research, challenging assumptions, and making values-based decisions that reflect both compassion and wisdom.
Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about what we put on our skin. It’s about how we move through the world—with intention, curiosity, and care.