This is the soap that I use for cleaning oil paint off of my brushes. I choose ivory because it is the purest soap that I know of. Using soap in lieu of commercial brush cleaners such as mineral spirits or turpentine prevents us from the harm of vaporous chemicals and is better for the longevity of the brushes. After all, brushes are animal hair and you wouldn't use harsh chemicals to clean your hair or to clean you fur coat. Ivory soap is a great cleaner for removing oils. I keep a bar of it by the kitchen sink for cleaning my brushes so it also is used as a hand soap for anyone washing hands at the kitchen sink and it is good on the hands.