Skip to main content

Will goat milk soap actually help your dry skin problem?

Is goat milk soap worth it?

A close-up view of a man applying lotion to his hands.
Getty Images

The gradual drop in temperature and humidity levels outdoors throughout the winter months can leave many of us susceptible to dry skin that lacks moisture. Whether you have dry skin or another skin condition such as acne, the types of skincare products you use play a vital role in the health and appearance of your skin. With so many different types of skincare products on the market, it can make it even more challenging to decide which brand or type is best suited for your skin type. Not to mention, many face and body soaps on the market are not soap and contain synthetic ingredients that can actually worsen many skin conditions.

Finding a high-quality, natural soap can help improve your skin’s appearance and the overall health of your skin, the body’s largest organ! That’s why many people are switching to goat milk soap – made entirely from natural goat’s milk. Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know about goat milk soap and how to decide if it’s a good choice for your skin.

Engin Akyurt / Pexels

What is goat milk soap?

Goat milk soap is made through the same process as traditional soap, a process known as saponification. This process involves combining fats and oils with a base known as lye. Lye is usually made by combining water and sodium hydroxide in most store-bought variations of soap. However, goat milk soap differs in that it replaces the water with real goat milk. In turn, the end product is more natural and has a creamier texture due to the naturally occurring fats found in goat milk.

Recommended Videos

The idea behind using goat milk to make soaps is based on its rich content of naturally occurring saturated and unsaturated fats. These natural fats help produce a rich lather when using soap but also help to add moisture back into the skin. The moisturizing properties of goat milk soap are why many have found it to be helpful for dry skin or other skin conditions that cause dryness, such as Psoriasis or acne.

Over the past few years, goat milk soap has continued to grow in popularity thanks to its many benefits for nourishing the skin (both face and body). The rise in popularity has prompted many new brands of goat milk soap to enter the market. However, one of the most popular brands – Beekman soap- has been on the market since 2009, offering high-quality and chemical-free goat milk soap products.

White goat milk handmade soap on grey background
mdbildes / Adobe Stock

Forms of goat milk soap

Most goat milk soap is packaged and sold as a traditional bar soap. The naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) help to serve as a natural exfoliant for the skin. One specific type of AHA found in goat milk soap known as lactic acid works to gently remove the top layer of dead skin cells, leaving the skin glowing and healthy.

While goat milk bar soap is most common, companies such as Beekman soap also offer hand and body wash options for those who prefer a liquid form of soap over a traditional bar of soap. Goat milk lotion is also great for adding hydration and moisture to dry skin.

A man washes his hands with soap and water in a sink.
Patrick Lefevre/Alamy

Is goat milk soap good for your skin?

One of the primary reasons everyone can benefit from using goat milk soap is because it acts as a natural and gentle cleanser.

  • Goat milk soap does not disrupt the fats in the skin’s barrier like harsh soaps do and can gently cleanse dirt off the skin.
  • Goat milk soap is also good for your skin as it is rich in naturally occurring nutrients such as Vitamin A. Some studies even suggest that Vitamin A can have powerful anti-aging effects on your skin.
  • In addition, goat milk also contains cholesterol and fatty acids which help make up your skin’s membrane.

Who is goat milk soap best for?

Using goat milk soap is good for those with various skin conditions and who experience dry skin. Due to the high fatty acid levels found in goat milk, using this type of soap may help to improve moisture and thereby improve the state of skin conditions such as Keratosis Pilaris (KP), Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema, and more. A dermatology study found that using goat milk soap is a safe alternative to harsh soaps for those suffering from acne.

Can I use goat milk soap every day?

Just like traditional soap, goat milk soap can safely be used every day. Goat milk can safely be used every day regardless of your skin type and is safe for those with skin conditions or sensitive skin.

Stack of handmade soap with a white background.
Carrie / Adobe Stock

Trying goat milk soap

If you suffer from dry skin or other skin conditions such as Keratosis Pilaris (KP), Psoriasis, or Acne, goat milk soap is certainly worth a try. Switching to goat milk soap can help you move away from using traditional soaps that contain chemicals and harsh ingredients. From hydrated skin to reduced acne and hyperpigmentation, the benefits of goat milk soap are certainly intriguing.

Emily Caldwell
Emily is an accomplished freelance journalist with over seven years of experience in food, beverage, health, fitness, and…
Mineral vs chemical sunscreen: Which one should you actually use?
mens skincare routine changes to make man in sunscreen

Even on cloudy days or days spent indoors, wearing sunscreen every day is a non-negotiable part of a healthy skincare routine. Not only can excess sunlight cause premature aging of the skin, but it's also critical to wear sunscreen to protect against various types of skin cancer. When choosing sunscreen, you'll find two main types -- chemical and mineral sunscreen. The mineral vs chemical sunscreen debate has been an ongoing one, as both forms of sunscreens have their pros and cons. Below, we'll dive into the pros and cons of each type of sunscreen to help you choose the best option.

Pros and cons of chemical sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens, often made of chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, or other similar chemicals, are absorbed into the skin when applied. This type of sunscreen is generally easy to apply to the face and body and absorbs UV rays that touch the skin.
Pro: hydrating for the skin
Due to the thin and blendable nature of chemical sunscreens, they are generally hydrating for the skin and can be added to cosmetics such as moisturizers, skin tints, or foundation products.
Pro: sweat and water resistant
Many cosmetics that market "SPF included" contain chemical sunscreens. People also like chemical sunscreens because they are quite sweat and water-resistant.
Pro: no white residue
Chemical sunscreens also blend well into the skin and do not leave any white residue. If you think back to the sunscreen you used as a kid, chances are it was a chemical sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens have become more popular in recent years as consumers are paying more attention to the ingredients in their skincare and health products.
Con: not the best for sensitive skin
Although chemical sunscreens are easy to use, they are not always a great choice for those with skin conditions or sensitive skin. The chemicals found in this type of sunscreen can cause allergic reactions or worsen conditions such as melasma.
Con: chemical ingredients and environmental impact
In addition, some of the chemicals used in these products may be linked to cancer, as trace amounts get absorbed into the bloodstream. Another con to consider is the environmental impact of chemical sunscreen, which may damage reefs and other marine environments.

Read more
A new study suggests the secret to your skincare routine is… strength training?
Lifting weights may be the new anti-aging skincare hack
man doing skincare

Forget the face scrubs made from oatmeal and questionable DIY concoctions. Guys, the secret weapon in your anti-aging arsenal might already be hiding in your weight room.

New research shows that building muscle might be the secret weapon you've been missing. A study published in Scientific Reports found that strength training could actually be more effective in reducing signs of aging than cardio, especially for your skin. While the study focused on women, the researchers believe the benefits hold true for men, too.

Read more
What are peptides, and do you really need them in your skincare routine?
What are peptides, and should you be using them? We asked dermatologists.
man putting serum on hand

Anti-aging solutions are a dime a dozen on TikTok. Ditto for skincare miracles, more generally. Peptides for skin solutions are having a moment on the social media platform. Videos containing the hashtag #peptides have nearly 400 million views. What gives? It's a tale as old as time.

"There is a huge demand for anti-aging solutions, as the population wants to look as young as they feel," said Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, PhD, a dermatologist in New York City. "Along with sunscreens and retinoids, peptides are gaining more and more popularity as skin anti-aging agents."

Read more