Incredible Benefits Of Goat Milk Soap For Your Skin
Goat's milk is having a mainstream moment after centuries as a lesser-known, and let's face it, sort of "country" milk option. Not only is it a drinkable alternative to traditional cow's milk, which many people are sensitive to, but its inherent nutrients make it an amazing ingredient in skincare products. In particular, goat's milk soap is a nourishing, gentle cleanser for people of all skin types.
Now that goat's milk soap is hitting its stride, we can only expect to continue to see an influx of like-minded products hit the marketplace. Its market value in 2023 is projected to be $21.07 billion in North America alone, compared with only $9.34 billion in 2016, per Small Farm Canada. That's quite a huge uptick in a short amount of time, which is truly something to bleat over.
So what gives goat's milk its punch, anyway? First, it's rich in vitamins like A, D, and B6, per MedicineNet. Whether enjoyed in beverage form or via a rich lather on the skin, those vitamins are only doing good things for the body. Let's learn about those and many more positive properties.
It may help prevent aging
As we already mentioned, goat's milk is packed with a number of amazing vitamins. Of those, vitamin A is an anti-aging superstar, so any impact it can have on the skin is a serious bonus. The most well-known vitamin A products in this regard are Retin-A and retinol. According to the Harvard Medical School, they can help increase the production of collagen. Improved collagen production can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This is exactly why retinol is a key component of so many medical-grade skincare products.
That said, goat's milk soap isn't going to turn out the same level of anti-aging results as a pricier dermatology-grade counterpart. This is because there are more and purer levels of retinol in medical-grade options compared with goat's milk soap or other over-the-counter products. Although it contains hydrating fats that are good for the skin, goat's milk soap should always be followed up with some sort of moisturizing agent because all types of soap have a drying effect.
Goat's milk soap can soothe dry skin
Although anti-aging measures often top the list of skincare priorities for many women, dry skin troubles almost everyone. Some people turn to goat's milk soap to alleviate the symptoms of chronic dry skin. It's often successful at this endeavor because such products are made using full cream, rather than water, per The Healthy. This helps it to act as a two-for-one product, both a moisturizer and a soap. Because of this, goat's milk soap doesn't irritate the skin like other options. "Disturbing and irritating the skin barrier can set off a cascade of skin inflammation and skin issues because the skin's first response to a foreign substance is to mount an inflammatory response," Dr. Brent Ridge, physician and founder of the skincare company Beekman 1802, tells InStyle. "This is why goat's milk soap leaves the skin feeling so moisturized compared to other soaps, which can leave skin dry and itchy."
Another reason that goat's milk soap helps to keep the skin in check is its nice, neutral pH level. Anytime the pH level of skin is out of whack, it's likely to result in irritated, red, and itchy skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Since goat's milk's pH level nearly matches that of the average person's skin, it is typically less irritating than other types of soap, according to MedicineNet. "Because goat milk is so similar to human milk, the skin recognizes it and drinks it in," Dr. Bridge says.
It may prevent and treat acne
Massive strides have been made in acne prevention and treatment in recent years, yet it's still a common and annoying complaint. Goat's milk soap may help keep acne in check thanks to its pH-balancing superpowers. This is because skin that's out of balance can cause a lot of trouble with natural oils, which can cause unsightly breakouts, per the Cleveland Clinic. Regular use of a gentle goat's milk soap can go a long way toward minimizing the potentially embarrassing effects of acne, including associated inflammation.
Goat's milk soap also contains a significant amount of lactic acid, says Healthline. Many products include lactic acid in the ingredients list because it is an effective exfoliant. Regular use of such a product can keep the skin clean and clear, hopefully minimizing breakouts. Lactic acid is also a humectant, which means that it helps to trap moisture in the skin, according to WebMD. Hydration, a reliable pH balance, and effective, gentle cleansing capabilities all packed together are why many people rave about their anecdotal experience with goat's milk soap for acne treatment.
It may fight skin cancer
Skin cancer is definitely not something to mess around with, and there's an entire industry dedicated to preventing sun and ultraviolet (UV) ray damage to the skin. As it turns out, goat's milk may be a natural helper in the fight against skin cancer.
You already know that the mineral selenium is found in goat's milk soap, but did you know that it may also protect the skin from UV rays? The mineral packs some pretty cool antioxidant properties which may help to prevent cell damage, per WebMD. This is a good thing because when cells are under oxidative stress, it can cause a whole host of bad results, including skin cancer. As a result, the use of goat's milk soap for general hygiene needs may actually prevent skin cancer, according to MedicineNet. Just be sure to also take other sun-related precautions for good measure — no amount of soap is going to protect a person completely from the harsh and unforgiving rays of the sun. This includes regular use of sunscreen, as well as clothing, hats, and sunglasses that protect against harmful UV rays.
It's helpful for serious dermatologic conditions
Everyone has some sort of skin irritation from time to time, but people with problems like eczema or psoriasis know the true pain of a chronic condition. Up until now, we've been talking about the individual ways that goat's milk soap is beneficial to the skin. However, all of the individual medicinal properties of goat's milk soap, when put together, may be the solution for people who deal with ongoing inflammatory skin conditions.
Goat's milk soap's many talents as an exfoliator and moisturizer without any added harsh chemicals can help people with eczema deal with breakouts faster, says Healthline. This is because it improves the health of the skin and encourages it to get rid of dead cells and replace them with new, healthy ones. It also doesn't hurt that goat's milk soap contains probiotics, which may aid in eczema recovery. Skin conditions that cause inflammation, puffiness, and other side effects are often tricky to treat, so goat's milk soap is not likely to clear everyone up. However, it's also not likely to hurt.
Goat's milk soap brightens the skin
Even skin that is well cared for can start to look dingy and lackluster over time. Goat's milk soap may help to alleviate some of that because the lactic acid content is a gentle exfoliant that effectively gets rid of dead skin cells, according to MedicineNet. This alpha hydroxy acid also minimizes pores and even tones the skin to produce a more radiant, glowing skin tone. Just be sure to use it regularly and in conjunction with a skincare regimen because occasional use isn't going to work crazy miracles.
Incidentally, these same acids can also reverse some of the effects of hyperpigmentation, so often caused by eczema, acne, and even drug interactions, according to a 2023 study published in Molecules. The lactic acid in goat's milk soap may also help to minimize the appearance of other skin imperfections, including age spots and wrinkles, per MedicineNet. Because of all of this, goat's milk soap is a relatively inexpensive, gentle way to turn back the hands of time (on your face, anyway).
It's nice and natural
In a world where ingredient lists are becoming more and more difficult to understand or even pronounce, many people are turning to natural remedies to soothe ailments and maintain general health. Goat's milk is even more of a draw to people who battle fragrance and other sensitivities because it's said to be gentle, made with few ingredients and lacking in harsh chemicals, according to The Healthy. "In comparison to other soaps formulated with harmful or drying chemicals that are harsh on the skin, goat milk soap is far less irritating and more hypoallergenic," dermatologist Dr. Stacy Chimento told The Healthy.
However, as with anything else, it's important to keep a realistic mindset when selecting a goat's milk soap. Such products can be bought anywhere from farmer's markets to online storefronts, but regulation differs based on whether the particular product is classified as a soap or a cosmetic, says the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The terms "organic" and "natural" might also be difficult to fully trust, and the FDA cautions consumers to understand that just because a product is made from plant ingredients that doesn't automatically make it safe to use. Be sure to talk to the farmer if available and read labels before use. As with any cosmetic or soap or other product that comes in contact with your skin, discontinue use immediately if any irritation occurs.