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Recently, we decided to expand into goats. (Chickens are the gateway drug to farming... goats are next, lol). As I was exploring what goats have to offer I decided to try making my own goat's milk soap. Needless to say, I've changed our family's entire washing routine! What exactly is goat's milk soap? Let's check it out.
What is goats milk soap?
Goat's milk soap is a popular alternative to traditional soap. Goat's milk comes from dairy goats. It is crafted by blending goat's milk with various oils and fats to create a gentle and nourishing cleansing product. Our goat’s milk soap is a handmade soap containing only five ingredients, including coconut oil and olive oil. It is made using the cold-process method of soap making that combines sodium hydroxide (lye) with oils and goat's milk in a process called saponification to make hard bars of homemade soap in small batches. It has a rich lather that is strong enough to clean the dirtiest grease and gentle enough to use on baby-soft hands. Some soaps have essential oils and fragrance oils added to create a pleasant scent and added additional benefits. This natural soap has many benefits over traditional soaps.
What are the benefits of goat milk soap?
There are many wonderful benefits of using goat’s milk soap versus other water-based soaps. Not only are we using it on a regular basis to clean our bodies, but we love to use it in our laundry as well. Everything we wash with goat’s milk soap comes out smelling clean and super soft compared to the harsh detergents and synthetic soaps we were using. Here are some more benefits of goat's milk soap:
Moisturizing: Goat's milk is rich in natural fats and proteins, which help to hydrate and nourish the skin. It can be especially beneficial for people with dry or sensitive skin as it provides extra moisture and is a natural moisturizer.
Gentle and Mild: The pH level of goat's milk is similar to that of human skin, making it a gentle and mild option for cleansing. It is less likely to cause irritation or dryness compared to some commercial soaps.
Rich in Nutrients: Goat's milk is a natural source of essential nutrients like vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, and vitamin E. It also contains important minerals like selenium, zinc, and calcium, which are beneficial for skin health.
Anti-inflammatory Properties: The presence of fatty acids and proteins in goat's milk can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin, making it suitable for conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Exfoliating: Goat's milk soap often contains alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), which can help exfoliate dead cells, revealing a smoother and brighter complexion.
Acne and Blemish Reduction: The natural lactic acid found in goat's milk may aid in reducing acne and blemishes by gently exfoliating the skin and unclogging pores.
Anti-aging Effects: Some proponents claim that goat's milk soap can help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles due to its nutrient-rich composition and exfoliating properties.
Natural Cleansing: Goat's milk soap is typically made with natural ingredients, avoiding the harsh chemicals present in some commercial soaps. This can be beneficial for people who prefer more natural and organic skincare products.
Non-Allergenic: Many people with sensitive skin, skin ailments, or allergies to certain ingredients in regular soaps find goat's milk soap to be a suitable alternative, as it is less likely to trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation.
It's important to note that individual results may vary, and while goat's milk soap can be beneficial for many people, it may not be the ideal choice for everyone. As with any skincare product, it's advisable to perform a patch test before regular use, especially if you have known allergies or skin sensitivities. Goat's milk can be found in many other skin care products as well. These natural products all contain the benefits of goat's milk too!
What makes goat’s milk soap even better?
Felted soap is one of many unique and creative soap options. It involves wrapping a bar of soap with layers of wool and then felting the wool fibers together to create a cozy, felted covering around the soap. The result is a soap that has a soft, gentle exfoliating texture on the outside while still getting the creamy lather of goat's milk soap, and can be used directly on the skin without the need for a washcloth or loofah. Felted goat’s milk soap has all the properties of the soap along with all the felted properties to make a beautiful and awesome bar of soap.
The benefits of felted soap include:
Exfoliation: The felted wool surface provides a mild exfoliating effect, helping to remove dead skin cells and leaving the skin feeling smoother.
Longevity: The wool covering protects the soap, making it last longer as the wool acts as a barrier between the soap and water, preventing it from dissolving quickly.
No Soap Dish Needed: Felted soap can be used without a soap dish since the wool covering allows it to lather and be used directly on the skin.
Eco-Friendly: Felted soap reduces the need for plastic packaging, making it an environmentally-friendly option for soap lovers.
Aesthetically Pleasing: Felted soaps can be beautiful and artistic, making them great gifts or decorative items for the bathroom.
Overall, felted soap is an enjoyable and practical way to enhance the use of soap while providing a visually appealing and eco-friendly product.
What is goat's milk laundry soap?
Homemade laundry soap can offer several benefits, making it an attractive option for those looking for a more natural and cost-effective alternative to commercial laundry detergents. Adding goat's milk soap to the mix can add even more benefits. Here are some benefits of homemade laundry soap:
Environmentally Friendly: Many homemade laundry soap recipes use biodegradable and environmentally friendly ingredients, reducing the environmental impact compared to some commercial detergents containing harmful chemicals.
Reduced Chemical Load: Homemade laundry soap often omits synthetic fragrances, dyes, and other potentially irritating or harmful chemicals present in commercial detergents. This can be beneficial for people with sensitive skin or allergies.
Low Residue: Homemade laundry soap tends to leave less residue on clothes compared to some commercial detergents, which can be particularly useful for high-efficiency (HE) washing machines.
Gentler on Clothes: The absence of harsh chemicals in homemade laundry soap may help prolong the life of your clothes, as it can be gentler on fabrics. Goat's milk soap added to the laundry soap acts as a softener as well.
Simple Ingredients: Most homemade laundry soap recipes use basic ingredients like soap flakes, washing soda, and borax, which are easy to find in stores or online. Our goat's milk laundry soap only contains goat's milk soap, washing soda and baking soda.
Minimal Packaging: Making your own laundry soap reduces the need for plastic packaging, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Scent Customization: You can add natural scents like essential oils to your homemade laundry soap, allowing you to enjoy a fragrance of your choice on your freshly washed clothes.
However, it's essential to keep in mind that homemade laundry soap may not be suitable for all washing machines, especially those with warranties that might be voided by using DIY detergents. Additionally, homemade laundry soap may not be as effective at tackling tough stains and odors compared to some commercial synthetic detergents with stronger cleaning agents, although we have had success cleaning stains like coffee, wine, and grease with great effect.
Before switching to homemade laundry soap, it's a good idea to test it on a small load of laundry and check for any adverse effects on fabrics or washing machine performance.
So there you have it. If you're interested in picking up a bar or two for your home or a jar of laundry soap, you can check out our Etsy shop. While you're there be sure to look through our growing selection of handmade quilts, quilt patterns, and mohair yarn.
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