Looking to take your homemade soap game to the next level? Goat milk soap might just be your new obsession. Rich in vitamins, packed with moisturizing fats, and gentle on sensitive skin—goat milk soap has become a staple in natural skincare. According to dermatologists, its natural lactic acid and creamy texture help exfoliate and hydrate the skin better than many commercial soaps!
If you’ve ever wondered how to make goat milk soap at home, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything—from the benefits and ingredients to safety tips and a simple cold process recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting your DIY skincare journey, you’ll love creating this luxurious, skin-loving soap right in your kitchen.
Why Use Goat Milk in Soap?
Goat milk is a natural powerhouse for the skin. It’s packed with nutrients like vitamin A, selenium, and fatty acids, all of which help nourish and restore the skin barrier. Its creamy consistency makes the soap extra gentle and moisturizing, making it ideal for people with dry or sensitive skin.
What sets goat milk apart is its natural lactic acid—a mild exfoliant that helps slough off dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Plus, it creates a rich, silky lather that many soap enthusiasts find irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making goat milk soap isn’t much different from making regular cold process soap. However, handling milk does require a bit more care, especially when mixing it with lye. Here’s what you’ll need for a basic batch:
-
Goat milk (frozen or slushy) – 12 oz
-
Lye (sodium hydroxide) – 4.6 oz
-
Olive oil – 10 oz
-
Coconut oil – 8 oz
-
Palm oil (or shea butter as an alternative) – 8 oz
-
Castor oil – 1 oz
-
Essential oils (optional) – lavender, tea tree, or rosemary
-
Add-ins (optional) – oatmeal, honey, dried herbs
Safety gear: gloves, goggles, long sleeves, and a well-ventilated space.
Tools: digital scale, stick blender, soap mold, stainless steel or plastic mixing bowls, thermometer, silicone spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Goat Milk Soap
Step 1: Prepare the Goat Milk
Freeze the goat milk in ice cube trays or until slushy. This step is crucial to prevent scorching when you add the lye. Goat milk contains natural sugars that can caramelize and turn the soap dark or create a burnt smell if the temperature gets too high.
Step 2: Mix the Lye and Goat Milk Carefully
Place your frozen or slushy goat milk in a bowl over an ice bath. Slowly sprinkle the lye into the milk a little at a time, stirring constantly. This mixture will heat up quickly, so go slow and monitor the temperature. Aim to keep it below 100°F to preserve the milk’s nutrients.
Step 3: Melt and Mix the Oils
In a separate pot, melt your coconut oil, palm oil (or shea butter), and any other hard oils. Once melted, add your liquid oils like olive and castor oil. Let the oils cool to about 90–100°F.
Step 4: Combine Lye Solution and Oils
When both your lye/milk mixture and oils are at the right temperature, slowly pour the lye solution into the oils. Use a stick blender to mix until the batter reaches trace—that’s when it thickens to the consistency of pudding.
Step 5: Add Fragrance and Add-Ins
At light trace, stir in any essential oils, honey, oatmeal, or other additives. Mix well but gently to avoid air bubbles.
Step 6: Pour Into Mold and Insulate
Pour the soap batter into your mold and tap it gently on the counter to release any trapped air. You can insulate the mold with towels to promote the gel phase, but if you want a lighter color, it’s best to avoid insulation and refrigerate the soap instead.
Step 7: Cure the Soap
Let the soap sit in the mold for 24–48 hours. Once it’s firm enough, unmold and cut it into bars. Place the bars on a rack in a cool, dry place to cure for 4–6 weeks. This allows the soap to fully harden and the pH to neutralize, making it safe and gentle for skin.
Tips for Success
-
Use frozen milk to control heat and prevent burning.
-
Choose skin-loving oils like olive, avocado, or shea for a moisturizing blend.
-
Avoid overheating, which can cause discoloration and ammonia-like odors.
-
Keep it natural with essential oils and botanicals, especially if you’re making soap for sensitive skin.
-
Label and date your soap batches, especially if you’re experimenting with different ingredients or superfat levels.
Conclusion
Making goat milk soap at home is a rewarding experience that not only gives you full control over your ingredients but also results in a bar that’s far superior to most store-bought options. With a little care, the right ingredients, and patience during the curing process, you’ll create nourishing soap that your skin—and your friends and family—will absolutely love.
So go ahead—grab your goat milk, pull on those gloves, and start crafting your own creamy, luxurious bars of goodness. Once you try homemade goat milk soap, there’s no going back!