FAQ about Goat Milk Soap
Goat milk adds richness and a creamier lather to bath & body products. By adding goat milk to our soaps, we lower the pH of the bar, which helps to maintain the natural pH mantel of the skin. Goat milk is also very moisturizing, and is a natural source of alpha-hydroxy acids. Recent bath and body studies indicated that alpha-hydroxy acids rejuvenate the skin, making you look and feel smoother and younger.
I'm going to be honest...Any homemade soap is going to be better (in my opinion), than any store bought soap. I would start off with the goat milk unscented with oatmeal, and if you like that, you could just try one of the scented ones to see how your skin reacts. Some fragrance oils can actually dry out your skin.
Most commercial soaps are detergent-based, and can leave your skin dry and itchy. Handmade soap uses natural and sustainable, plant-sourced fats and oil which leaves a barrier of moisture on the skin while allowing it to breathe.
Yes! I am always trying new fragrances! I do try to keep the same design/colors for each of the different soaps though.
You can extend the life of the soap by keeping it dry in between uses. I offer "soap saver" pads that help drain the water away from the soap thereby, keeping it drier. You can also prop your soap diagonally against the wall creating the most air flow around it. During use, a washcloth, loofah, or sisal bag also extends the life of your soap. (Instead of using the soap only against the skin during bathtime.) Just saying! haha
I prefer doing "cold process" because I like to control the products that go into the soap making process. I can add extra "stuff" to give you a creamier feel, reduce soap scum, or increase lather in the soap.
With Melt and Pour, you basically take a block of soap that some company mass made, cut it up, melt it, color and add fragrance, then pour it in your molds.
There is a third option: Hot Process - like cold process - uses lye and oils, but a slow cooker is used to force gel phase during the saponification process. These bars tend to be more rustic looking and usually lacks the pretty swirls. Both methods have their pros and cons, but basically, it's the soapmaker's preference. :)
No. Soap needs to "breathe". Even after 4 weeks of curing, water will continue to evaporate from the bar creating an even harder bar which also helps create that rich lather. When you shrink wrap, you are slowing down that evaporation process. I've found that wrapping the soap in tissue paper for shipment, still allows the soap to "breathe", while helping to protect it during transport.
I will usually have more (new) soap once a week. It takes a minimum of 4-6 weeks for the soap to cure and for the liquid to evaporate from the bars, leaving a creamy rich bubbly lather!