Goaty Goodness: A Gentle Cleanse

Goat milk. These words evoke images of lush green pastures, contented goats, frolicking babies, and a gentle, handcrafted process. While we often hear about the luxurious qualities of goat milk for the skin, there's a fascinating story behind each bar – one that begins long before the soap even takes shape.

The journey of soap made with goat milk, starts with happy, healthy goats. These gentle creatures thrive on a diet of fresh grasses, hay, herbs, and browse, grazing freely as they choose.. Enjoying their goat lives to the fullest.  Responsible goat farming prioritizes animal welfare, ensuring they have access to clean water, minerals, shade, and comfortable shelter. Goats don't like to get wet, so proper shelter in rain and snow is paramount.   

Milking goats is a delicate and time-consuming process. It typically begins when the goats kid (give birth) and continues throughout their lactation period, only lasting a few months. Milking is often done by hand, establishing a gentle and trusting relationship between the farmer and the goat. The milk is then carefully collected, filtered and cooled promptly to maintain its freshness and quality. The milk is now ready for processing into cheese or soap.  The choice can be a hard one.  Chevre, French for both the goat who produced the milk and the cheese made from it's milk, is an easy and quick way to make a nutrious snack, straight from the goat. 

Using goat milk in soapmaking is a blend of art and science. The process first involves combining the fresh goat milk with lye. This mixture is then combined with oils, such as olive oil, coconut oil, and /or shea butter. This mixture undergoes a chemical reaction called saponification, transforming the oils and fats into soap, which is actually a salt.

Soapmakers often use traditional cold-process methods, allowing the soap to cure slowly over several weeks. This curing process allows the excess moisture to evaporate, resulting in a harder, longer-lasting bar.

While soap made with goat milk is known for many  incredible properties, its appeal extends beyond its skincare benefits. It represents a connection to the land, a celebration of sustainable practices, and a commitment to supporting local farmers.

When choosing a soap made with goat milk, look for those that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices. Support your local soap makers who use fresh, high-quality goat milk from their own farms or from trusted, cruelty free, local sources.

Using soap made with goat milk is more than just a cleansing ritual. It's an opportunity to connect with the natural world and appreciate the dedication of those who care for the animals and craft these unique products.

Side Note:  This blog post focuses on the process of making soap and the care involved in raising and milking goats. It does not delve into the specific properties of the soap itself, as those would fall under the purview of the FDA as cosmetics or drugs.

This blog post aims to inform it's readers about the journey of goat milk, beyond the pasture, highlighting the care and craftsmanship involved in creating this natural and luxurious product.

JD