Goat milk soap is rightly considered as one of the finest soaps you can make. From legends about Cleopatra bathing in goat milk every day to retain her beautiful skin to more factual statements about the nutrient rich features of this kind of milk, one can easily understand how this is a soap held in the highest esteem. You can make it yourself, using either the hot or cold method, or locate a manufacturer that you like. If it is produced locally it is also a very eco friendly alternative.
We westerners are used to thinking of cow’s milk as “the ordinary kind of milk”. Globally speaking however, milk from goats is actually a lot more widely used. Goat milk is easier to digest, has higher quantities of good cholesterol and is rich in vitamin A that is readily absorbed by the body. It also contains other valuable minerals and beta casein, the latter very relevant to soap making as it absorbs quickly and helps to hydrate the skin.
Benefits of goat milk soap
The milk also helps lower pH level of the soap closer to the skin’s own levels. This makes for a very mild kind of soap that is perfect for those with sensitive skin, for babies and even for intimate hygiene. People suffering from various skin conditions such as psoriasis, acne or eczema often report good results from using goat milk soap as well. That the milk also helps to make the soap become extra creamy, adding to that luxurious feel, is something appreciated by almost everyone.
Since the soap is very soft you do need to store it in a dish where it can dry off between uses. Otherwise it will dissolve very quickly.
A surprisingly common question a soap making colleague of ours who specialize in locally produced goat milk products, including goat milk soap, gets is whether using this kind of soap will make you smell kind of like a goat. Since goat milk cheese and other edible products may be somewhat of an acquired taste many people have experienced this is of course somewhat understandable.
She usually replies with a the humorous question: “Does using a commercial soap made from lard make you smell like a pig?”.
The answer is of course rather obvious. But the smell question aside it is course a fact that most commercial soaps are entirely synthetic made from various animal fat and water. The goat milk soap on the other hand can be made without actually killing the animal and, particularly if it is locally produced, it is environmentally speaking a much better choice as well.
If you want to make your own goat milk soap, you can make it from either liquid or powdered goat milk. The latter is often more convenient and easier to work with. The soap can be made either with the hot or the cold process, whichever you prefer. In any case, be sure to follow the recipe you are using to a T.
Whether you make your own goat milk soap or locate a good source to purchase from, the result should be a silky smooth and healthier skin just after using it a few times. Particularly if you have sensitive skin you will notice a big difference from regular use.