Why we use goats' milk in our soaps

Why is goats' milk good for the skin?

Most of us are familiar with goats' milk in our kitchens, as it is a common ingredient in dairy products such as feta cheese and is an ideal alternative to cows' milk.

However, did you know that it is also excellent for use on the skin? Many people who have dry or problematic skin swear by products made from it - and we're fans here at Heyland & Whittle too. Read on to find out more about why we use goats' milk in our soaps, and why you might like to give it a go.

History of goats' milk use

Goats were one of the world's first domesticated animals and so they have a long history of providing us with milk. Indeed, they were living with people in what we now know as the Middle East in 9,000 BC, so we can assume their milk was being enjoyed back then.

It's not clear exactly when our ancestors realised that goats' milk was a tonic for the skin, but legend has it that Queen of Egypt Cleopatra used to soak herself in baths full of the stuff - and she's famed for her beauty, so that probably convinced a lot of people to try it!

Why is goats' milk good for the skin?

Goats' milk is good for the skin because it's neither too acid nor too alkaline and therefore isn't an irritant for dry complexions. This is the reason why many people with eczema and psoriasis choose to cleanse with goats' milk-based soap, combined with the fact that it's a natural anti-inflammatory.

In addition, the substance is naturally high in lactic, capric, caprylic and capronic acids, which contribute to a more balanced pH and also help with removing dead skin cells, leaving fresh new ones beneath. Many of the big brands use harsh chemical acids to achieve this, even though it can be hugely damaging and is therefore counterintuitive.

We have been putting goats' milk to good use in our H&W soaps for years, so find out why we love it so much.

Furthermore, goats' milk is easy to absorb thanks to its short-strand protein structure, is high in skin-repairing vitamin A and contains selenium, a mineral that has been linked to preventing damage from UV rays.

What is goats' milk like to use on the skin?

Because of its natural neutrality and creaminess, goats' milk is wonderfully soothing in soaps and other beauty products, plus it's not highly scented and so suits both men and women.

Here at H&W, our Queen of the Nile soap bar is made with goats' milk, cocoa butter and essential oils including patchouli and ylang ylang for maximum moisturisation. It's one of our favourite products because it's so soothing and looks really luxurious too.

Judging from some of the positive feedback we've had, the product is also one of your top picks too - in fact, particularly glowing praise came from a customer named Richard in Wimbledon, who said Queen of the Nile keeps his "exceptionally dry and sensitive" skin clean without causing the irritation that soap can.

If you've been left disappointed by other soaps in the past and also struggle with a parched and reactive complexion, then why not give this product a try? We also do it in miniature favour size if you want to give someone else a treat - and in big brick size once you're a convert (you get nearly five bars' worth free this way too).

Let us know how you get on with it - and if you feel you now have something in common with Cleopatra!