Soap Made With Goats Milk Vs. Coconut Milk

According to Casey Makela in her soap crafting publication “Milk-Based Soaps,” goat’s milk is one of the best liquids to use in making the lye solution for soap. Alternately, Linda Inlow, in her spiral-bound instruction guide, “Making Soap for Fun and Profit,” expounds coconut milk as a viable alternative.

Goat Milk Soap

Using milk from a dairy goat to create soap will result in a soft and creamy bar that lathers well and moisturizes skin.

Coconut Milk Soap

Coconut milk used in place of goat’s milk in the lye solution also creates a soft bar that gives off so many creamy bubbles; it seems like taking a bubble bath in the shower.

Keeping Track

Since water is generally used to create the lye solution for soap, changing to coconut or goat milk can have an effect on the formula. Keep accurate notes of amounts used with either additive so the next time the end product is consistent.

Warning

Lye, the main ingredient in soap, is highly caustic and reacts adversely to inclusions of goat and coconut milk products when developing the trace (trace forms at the point when a spoon traces a design in the mixture). Use eye protection.

Caution

Unlike water, milk—even coconut milk—scorches when heated. Although it does not smell very good and the color is not esthetically pleasing, it will not have an impact on the finished product.

References

• "Making Soap for Fun and Profit"; Linda Inlow; 1998
• "Milk-Based Soaps"; Casey Makela; 1997

Resources

• Simple goat milk recipe