DIY: The Ultimate Bestie for Sensitive Skin – Goat Milk Soap

Sensitive skin can be quite challenging to care for, especially when it comes to finding suitable soaps. Many commercial soaps contain harsh ingredients that can harm your skin barrier. However, there's no need to worry! With this DIY cold-process recipe, you can create your own goat's milk soap, which not only nourishes the skin but is also gentle and beneficial for sensitive skin types.

Ingredients:

Goat Milk Base (Frozen) – 340g (12 oz) (Use raw or pasteurized)

Olive Oil – 255g (9 oz) (Moisturizing & gentle)

Coconut Oil – 255g (9 oz) (Cleansing & lathering)

Shea Butter – 85g (3 oz) (Extra nourishment)

Castor Oil – 43g (1.5 oz) (Boosts lather)

Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) – 85g (3 oz) (For saponification)

Distilled Water – 85g (3 oz) (For dissolving lye)

Essential Oils – 10-15 drops (Lavender, chamomile, or tea tree)

Instructions:

 

Step 1: Prepare the Goat Milk 

Freeze goat milk in ice cube trays to prevent burning when mixing with lye.

 

Step 2: Make the Lye Solution 

Safety First! Wear gloves and goggles, and work in a well-ventilated area. In a heat-resistant bowl, slowly add lye to the frozen goat milk cubes (never add milk to lye!). Stir gently as the cubes melt. If the mixture turns yellow, place the bowl in an ice bath to cool it down.

 

Step 3: Melt the Oils

In a double boiler, melt the coconut oil, shea butter, olive oil, and castor oil until fully combined. Allow the mixture to cool to around 38-43°C (100-110°F).

 

Step 4: Blend Lye and Oils

Slowly pour the lye mixture into the melted oils, blending with a stick blender. Continue blending until the mixture reaches "trace," which has a pudding-like consistency.

 

Step 5: Add Essential Oils

Stir in essential oils of your choice for fragrance and additional skin benefits.

 

Step 6: Pour and Set

Pour the soap batter into the mold. Tap the mold gently to release any air bubbles. Cover with parchment paper and insulate with a towel for 24 hours.

 

Step 7: Unmold and Cure

After 24 to 48 hours, unmold the soap and cut it into bars. Cure the bars in a cool, dry place for 4 to 6 weeks to allow for complete saponification.

 

How to Use and Store

Store the soap in a dry place and use a draining soap dish to extend its lifespan. 

 

This soap is extremely moisturizing, lathers well, and is perfect for sensitive skin. The natural lactic acid and fats found in goat milk keep the skin hydrated, nourished and feeling fresh and silky all day, without causing any harsh side effects. 

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What additional changes would you make to enhance this recipe to your liking? 

Let us know below!