The Goodness of Goat Milk
Goat Milk Soap has been very popular the last several years! There are many who swear by it. We sell it because I’m always asked if we have it. I prefer our sheep milk soap bars, but that’s just my personal opinion. Also sheep milk is seasonal (spring and fall) while goat milk can be purchased all year long.
Why Goat Milk in Soap?
Goat Milk Soap is a natural, toxin-free alternative to traditional soaps. It’s made from simple ingredients – the first being raw goat milk. Typically handmade soaps have a long list of ingredients with the first ingredient being distilled water, milk, or olive oil.
With so many soap options available, it can be difficult to know which one is best for your skin. What’s more, many commercially made soaps aren’t real soap. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), only a few soaps on the market are true soaps, while the majority of cleansers are synthetic detergent products.
Goat milk contains alpha-hydroxy acids, such as lactic acid, which help remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This natural and gentle exfoliation reveals fresh, new skin cells that are healthier, smoother and younger looking. Alpha-hydroxy acids are effective exfoliators because they break down the bonds that hold the dead skin cells together.
Build up of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin can lead to flakiness and cause irritation. Regular removal of these dead skin cells helps many skin conditions by removing the irritant and encouraging healthy skin development. Commercial soaps sometimes use harsh chemical acids to accomplish this, frequently with skin-damaging results. Goat Milk Soap is a far better alternative as it also contains vital vitamins and minerals the skin needs.
Rich in Nutrients:
Goat milk is a nutritional treasure trove, packed with vitamins, minerals, and proteins essential for healthy skin. Vitamins A, D, and B6, along with lactic acid and selenium, work synergistically to nourish and rejuvenate the skin. When used in soapmaking, these nutrients contribute to a soap that not only cleanses but also enriches the skin with natural goodness.
Moisturizing Marvel:
One of the standout features of goat milk is its moisturizing prowess. The high fat content in goat milk provides a luxurious and creamy lather, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated. This makes goat milk soap an excellent choice for individuals with dry or sensitive skin, as it helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance.
Gentle Exfoliation:
Goat milk contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid, which gently exfoliate the skin. Incorporating goat milk into soap formulations ensures a mild exfoliating effect, promoting the removal of dead skin cells and revealing a brighter complexion. This makes goat milk soap an ideal option for those seeking a gentle exfoliation experience.
Suitable for Sensitive Skin:
Individuals with sensitive skin often struggle to find suitable skincare products. Goat milk soap, with its gentle and soothing properties, is a game-changer. The natural lactic acid helps calm irritated skin, making it an excellent choice for those prone to conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Its mild nature ensures a soothing cleanse without causing further irritation.
Anti-Aging:
The vitamins and antioxidants present in goat milk contribute to its anti-aging benefits. Regular use of goat milk soap can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful-looking complexion. The skin-nourishing elements in goat milk work to combat oxidative stress, leaving your skin with a radiant and revitalized glow.
Acne-Fighting Properties:
For those dealing with acne-prone skin, goat milk soap can be a gentle yet effective solution. The antimicrobial properties of goat milk help cleanse the skin and prevent the proliferation of acne-causing bacteria. The natural exfoliating action also aids in keeping pores unclogged, reducing the likelihood of breakouts.
Mild Cleansing for All Ages:
Goat milk soap is exceptionally mild and suitable for users of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Its gentle nature makes it a favorite for baby skincare routines, while its moisturizing properties are appreciated by those seeking a pampering experience in their daily cleansing routine.
Soapmaking Tips:
Using goat milk in soapmaking adds creaminess, nourishment, and a luxurious feel to the final product. However, it can be a bit tricky due to its sensitivity to heat and potential for scorching. Here are some essential tips and tricks:
Scenting and Coloring
1. Goat milk can discolor naturally, so keep fragrances in mind. Earthy, creamy, or honey-based scents complement it well.
2. Natural colorants like clays, oats, or botanical powders work beautifully.
Freeze or Chill the Goat Milk a day before:
1. Why: Goat milk can scorch easily when exposed to the heat generated by the lye.
2. How – Fully Frozen: Freeze the milk in ice cube trays and add the lye slowly over the cubes.
3. Slushy Cold: Chill the milk until it’s slushy but still pourable, which makes it easier to blend.
4. Stir continuously and add the lye gradually to prevent overheating.
Control Temperatures Carefully:
—Keep the milk and lye mixture below 90°F (32°C) to avoid scorching or discoloration.
—Use an ice bath to maintain a low temperature if the mixture gets too warm.
—A bright orange or tan color during mixing may indicate the milk has scorched.
—Scorching can affect the final scent and appearance, though the soap is still safe to use.
—Watch for Color Changes
Consider Adding the Milk at Trace:
For a simpler method, prepare your lye solution with water (discounting the amount of goat milk you’ll add later).
Add the goat milk at light trace for a creamier texture.
This method helps preserve the milk’s nutrients and color.
Choose the Right Oils:
Goat milk pairs well with nourishing oils like olive, almond, coconut, and shea butter for added skin benefits.
Add Sugar and Sodium Lactate Carefully:
Sugar enhances lather but increases heat, so dissolve it fully in your milk and keep temperatures low.
Sodium lactate helps harden the soap, but adding it too early can cause overheating. Wait until the lye mixture cools before adding it to your lye solution.
Curing Time is Key:
Goat milk soap benefits from a longer cure time—at least 6-8 weeks for a harder, milder bar.