The Surprising Benefits of Goat Milk Soap for Sensitive Skins

Chances are, if you have sensitive skin, you have tried numerous skin care products to tackle the multiple issues sensitive skin can present. Dryness. Flaking. Rashes. You have probably picked a soap or lotion that meets your skin’s needs, and not necessarily your nose’s preference. When we started working with goats two years ago, we actually had cheese on the brain. As a huge fan of cheese in general, especially artisan cheeses, I wanted to explore cheesemaking, as I really enjoy gourmet cooking and wanted to add to the small repertoire I possessed. But one day, we came across some soapmaking videos, and they compelled us to try it, because one of us happens to be very crafty!  We didn’t realize what we were about to get into!

Some of the surprises about goat milk we’ve learned along the way:

·       Gentle Cleansing Power: Unlike many commercial soaps that use harsh detergents, goat milk soap cleans effectively without stripping your skin of its natural, protective oils (sebum). This is crucial for sensitive skin, which often reacts poorly when its natural barrier is disturbed.

·       Deeply Moisturizing: Goat milk is rich in fatty acids and triglycerides. These fats provide exceptional moisturizing properties, helping to hydrate dry, tight skin and lock in moisture, reducing flakiness and discomfort common in sensitive types.

·       Natural Exfoliation: It contains naturally occurring lactic acid, which is a gentle alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). This helps to gently slough off dead skin cells without the need for abrasive scrubs that can easily irritate sensitive skin, revealing smoother skin underneath.

·       Skin-Loving Nutrients: Goat milk is packed with essential vitamins like Vitamin A (crucial for skin repair), D, and B vitamins, plus minerals like selenium (known for its antioxidant properties). These nutrients nourish the skin, supporting its health and resilience.

·       Balanced pH: The pH level of goat milk is very close to the natural pH of human skin. Maintaining this balance is vital for sensitive skin, as it helps preserve the skin's natural protective barrier (the acid mantle), preventing irritation and potential flare-ups.

·       Soothing Relief: The unique structure of the proteins and fatty acids in goat milk, along with its mineral content, can have anti-inflammatory properties. This often helps to calm redness, itching, and general irritation often experienced by those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

·       Supports the Skin Barrier: By providing essential fats, proteins, and vitamins while cleansing gently, goat milk soap helps to support and strengthen the skin's natural barrier function. A stronger barrier means skin is less susceptible to environmental triggers and irritation.

      Who knew our initial foray into cheesemaking would lead us down this path to discovering such a remarkable ingredient for skincare? These unique properties transform goat milk soap from just a simple cleanser into something more akin to a gentle, therapeutic treatment, especially for easily upset skin. If you've been on a long journey trying product after product, searching for something that cleanses without stripping, moisturizes deeply without heaviness, and genuinely soothes irritation, perhaps goat milk soap is the surprisingly simple, natural answer your sensitive skin has been waiting for. It was certainly an unexpected, but welcome, revelation for us!