Soaps are available in variety and when it comes to natural soaps, goat milk tops the list.
Most of the commercially available soaps are not true soaps but just cleansers and synthetic detergent products.(1) Goat milk soaps have gained popularity due to their soothing properties and short ingredient list.
What is Goat Milk Soap?
Goat milk soap is made of goat’s milk. It is made by the traditional soap making process that involves combining an acid, fat, and oils with a base called lye. The soap making process is known as saponification.(2,3)
In most soap preparation, lye is prepared by combining water with sodium hydroxide. In goat milk soap instead of water, milk is used. This gives the soap a creamier consistency because of the naturally occurring fats.(3)
Goat milk is ideal for soap preparation as it is rich in both saturated and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats increase lather while unsaturated fats provide moisturization and nourishment.
Plant-based oils such as coconut oil or olive oil can be used in goat milk soap to increase the content of healthy and nourishing fats.(4)
6 Amazing Skin Health Benefits of Goat Milk Soap
Goat milk soaps have numerous skin benefits that can make your skin look and feel great.
Gentle Cleanser
Most of the commercial soaps have harsh surfactants that can strip off the natural oils from the skin. This makes the skin dry and tight.
To keep up the natural moisture of the skin, it is important to use products that do not remove the natural fats in the skin.(5)
Goat milk soap contains a high amount of fats, especially caprylic acid, that allows gentle removal of dirt and debris and keeps the skin’s natural fatty acid intact.(4,5)
Rich in Nutrients
Goat milk is rich in fatty acids and cholesterol that make up a large portion of the skin membrane. Lack of these components can lead to dryness and irritation.(4,6)
Milk is a good source of vitamin A, which is a fat-soluble vitamin and has anti-aging properties.(7,8)
It is also a good source of selenium, a mineral that supports a healthy skin membrane. It is also helpful in improving psoriasis symptoms such as dry skin.(7)
Improves Dry Skin
Xerosis is a condition that leads to dry skin and is caused by low water levels.(9)
The lipid barrier of the skin slows the moisture loss. This is why low lipid levels increase the moisture loss and lead to dry, irritated, and tight skin.
People with certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema have low lipid levels. To repair this, the lipid barrier needs to be restored.
Goat milk is high in cholesterol and fatty acids that may replace the fats and provide moisture for better water retention.(10,11)
Using gentle fat-rich soap can support and retain the skin moisture content.
Natural Exfoliant
Goat milk contains compounds that help exfoliate the skin.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) have a natural ability to exfoliate.(12) This is why they are used in the treatment of a variety of skin conditions such as scars, age spots, and hyperpigmentation.
Goat milk contains lactic acid, naturally occurring AHAs, and makes it an extremely suitable option for sensitive skin. It gently exfoliates the layer of dead skin cells giving a more youthful complexion.(13)
Supports Healthy Skin Microbiome
Goat milk supports a healthy skin microbiome i.e. collection of healthy bacteria at the skin surface.(14)
It has gentle dirt removing properties that do not strip the skin’s natural lipids and healthy bacteria. Maintaining the skin microbiome improves the barrier against pathogens and prevents various skin conditions.
Goat’s milk contains lactobacillus that produces lactic acid. It has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and skin.(15,16)
There is no research on goat milk and skin microbiome, but it can obviously be a better option than soaps made of strong and harsh surfactants that strip the skin’s natural barrier.(17)
Prevents Acne
Due to the presence of lactic acid, goat’s milk helps prevent acne.
Lactic acid is a natural exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and keeps the pores clean of excess oil, dirt, and sebum.(18)
Goat’s milk is gentle and maintains skin moisture.
The products that suit acne-prone skin vary from person to person. It is therefore important to consult a doctor before starting any product.