Hello, soap enthusiasts! Today, we're going to explore the luxurious world of milk soap making. Milk soaps are known for their creamy lather, gentle cleansing properties, and nourishing benefits. Let's dive into the world of goat milk, coconut milk, and other nourishing milks, and learn how to safely incorporate them into your soap making adventures.
Goat Milk, Coconut Milk, and Other Nourishing Milks
Goat Milk: Rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, goat milk is a popular choice for soap making. It helps to moisturize and soothe the skin, making it ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin.
Coconut Milk: This tropical delight is packed with vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5, and B6, as well as iron, selenium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Coconut milk soap offers a creamy lather and can help to hydrate and nourish the skin.
Other Nourishing Milks: You can also use almond milk, oat milk, or even buttermilk to create unique soap bars. Each type of milk offers its own set of benefits, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite!
Safety and Techniques for Milk Soap Making
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Freeze the Milk: To prevent the milk from scorching or curdling, freeze it in ice cube trays before using. This helps to keep the temperatures low when mixing with lye.
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Slowly Incorporate the Lye: Add the lye to the frozen milk a little at a time, stirring gently to ensure proper mixing. This will help to keep the temperatures manageable.
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Monitor Temperatures: Keep an eye on the temperatures of both your milk-lye mixture and your oils. Aim to combine them at around 90-100°F (32-38°C) to prevent any potential issues.
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Safety First: Always wear appropriate safety gear, including gloves and goggles, when handling lye. Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
Goat Milk Soap Recipe
Ingredients:
- 10 oz (283g) Goat Milk (frozen)
- 4.5 oz (127g) Lye (Sodium Hydroxide)
- 10 oz (283g) Olive Oil
- 8 oz (226g) Coconut Oil
- 6 oz (170g) Palm Oil
- 2 oz (56g) Shea Butter
- 2 oz (56g) Castor Oil
- 1 oz (28g) Essential Oil (optional, for scent)
Instructions:
- Slowly add the lye to the frozen goat milk, stirring gently until fully incorporated.
- In a separate container, melt and combine the olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, shea butter, and castor oil.
- Once both mixtures have reached around 90-100°F (32-38°C), slowly pour the milk-lye mixture into the oils, stirring gently to combine.
- Using an immersion blender, bring the soap batter to trace (when the mixture thickens and leaves a trace on the surface when drizzled).
- Add your chosen essential oil, if desired, and stir well to incorporate.
- Pour the soap batter into your prepared mold, cover, and insulate.
- Allow the soap to set for 24-48 hours before unmolding and cutting into bars.
- Cure the soap bars for 4-6 weeks before use to ensure a gentle, long-lasting bar.
Happy milk soap making! Remember to experiment with different milks and techniques to create your perfect creamy delight.
With sudsy love,
Annie, Soap Artisan & Blog Writer