We started making goat milk soap about a year ago for our own personal use. It was another way we could utilize the milk our dairy goats were gracious enough to provide twice a day. Farming takes dedication and hard work so waste is not an option. Over the years we have slowly transitioned to more natural based products. Everything from the food we eat to the skin products used on a daily basis. It has taken time and research to determine which products work best for our individual needs. Natural products tend to be more expensive, but benefits obtained is worth every penny. I had purchased goat milk soap for myself in the past and noted the silky, smooth skin it provided. It seemed silly to purchase it when we have the capability to make it ourselves while knowing the exact ingredients contained in it.
Our older son, Carter, also suffers from eczema so anything that can limit that condition especially in the frosty Indiana winters is a win for our household. It was also an undertaking Andy and I could do as a couple, our own in home science experiment. Andy is a career firefighter and is exposed to outside elements year round, not only here on the farm, but while at work. The past year, Carter and Andy have both maintained soft, smooth hands without cracking, chapped or bleeding skin being noted.
I am a nurse and the soap I am expected to use at work will often leave my hands dry, red and irritated after a twelve hour shift. Once I am off work for a few days and have the ability to use our own soap my hands replenish themselves. We all prefer to shower at night and have noted the relaxation the lavender oil provides prior to bed. Our soap has become a permanent fixture at our kitchen sink, restroom and shower. If you have never used goat milk soap I highly encourage you to give it a try!
Below are the ingredients listed in our soaps with background information regarding each ingredient. We provide three different types of soap for purchase. Milk and honey, Soothing oats with lavender, and Cold Process Soap
Goat milk Rich in both saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats increase the soap’s lather, while unsaturated fats provide moisturizing and nourishing properties. It can help to restore the skin membrane, preventing dryness and irritation. It contains anti-aging properties. It contains natural compounds that aid in skin exfoliation. It also supports the collection of healthy bacteria on yours skin’s surface. This can improve the skin’s barrier against pathogens, potentially preventing various skin disorders like acne and eczema.
Stearic acid This acid has cleansing and solidifying properties.
Coconut oil Found to be rich in antibacterial , anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Beneficial in treating skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.
Lard Provides soap firmness and contributes to a stable lather.
Grapeseed oil Contains omega fatty acids necessary for skin barrier functioning. It is thought these fatty acids help to reduce inflammation in the skin’s middle and outer layers while providing moisture.
Vitamin E This oil is a fat-soluble antioxidant that has free-radical fighting abilities. Studies have shown this oil to have anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore it can help soothe irritated skin and manage oxidative stress. Skin inflammation is one of the main causes of collagen breakdown, dark spots and premature aging.
Olive oil This oil acts as a sealant, trapping in water and preventing external aggressors. Keeping the skin moisturized will help prevent dry, itchy skin. This oil can help with conditions such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. Vitamin E is also found in olive oil.
Shea butter Contains a high fatty acid content and known for its moisturizing effects. The oils contained in shea butter are rapidly absorbed, restoring lipids and rapidly creating moisture. This helps to restore the barrier between your skin and outside environment, holding moisture in while preventing your risk of dryness. This oil is beneficial in fighting such conditions as eczema.
Avocado oil This oil is rich in fatty acids, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. The antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties found in this oil will promote help promote smooth, strong and elastic skin. This oil will help to promote hydration and moisture back into the skin, heal chapped skin, naturally shield skin from ultraviolet radiation and protect against skin damage.
Cocoa butter Known for its high content of fatty acids which is why it is known for its ability to hydrate and nourish the skin while improving skin elasticity. It also forms a protective barrier over the skin allowing it to hold in moisture. It can also help protect the skin from UV rays, slowing down the aging process.
Honey Known for its antioxidants, antibacterial and antiseptic abilities, it can benefit those with both oil and acne-prone skin. It can help to remove dirt from the pores while then hydrating and tightening the skin pores for a clear complexion. It moistures the skin from drawing moisture from within the skin rather than replacing it.
Glycerin Known for its antibacterial properties and overall calming effect on the skin. It works to retain or preserve moisture in the skin. It is also a by-product of the soaps asking process that occurs when oils and fats come into contact with lye. Additional glycerin is added to our soaps.
Lavender essential oil Contains compounds that have both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Studies suggest the use of lavender will increase melatonin levels, supporting a better night’s rest. It is also known for its ability to calm the the nervous system, potentially leading to decrease anxiety.
Whole grain oats Gently exfoliates the dead skin cells, which leaves your skin looking fresh and revived.
