Benefits of Milk Soaps

There is a long history of using milk in soaps and other skin care products.  In fact milk has been used in bath products since ancient times.  Cleopatra, rumored to have had beautiful skin, was said to have taken daily milk baths.  But what, if any, benefit does your skin get from these popular products?

The three most important benefits of Milk Soaps are:

• Gentleness
• Moisturizing
• Exfoliating

Gentleness

Milk soap is great for all skin types, oily, normal and dry.  Milk is rich in proteins, calcium, and vitamins that are easily absorbed by the skin while bathing.  Milk soaps are so gentle because their pH are very close to the natural pH of human skin.  This allows the soaps to gently cleanse without being harsh or irritating to the skin.

Moisturizing

Milk soap naturally contains milk fats, triglycerides and vitamins which help moisturize the skin. Goat milk contains capric-capryllic triglyceride, which is a popular ingredient in moisturizers.  In addition to the milk fats and triglycerides, the natural glycerin in milk soap, is also an effective moisturizer.  However,  most commercial soap manufacturers remove this element from their soaps and sell it as a separate product.

Exfoliating

Finally, the lactic acid in milk, a natural exfoliating agent,  breaks apart dead cells and helps your skin shed dry skin cells.  This gentle exfoliation can result in healthier looking skin.

Milk Types

Milk soap can be made using goat’s milk, cow’s milk, buttermilk, coconut milk, soy milk, or basically any milk.  I tend to like soaps made with buttermilk and goat’s milk because they feel richer in the final bar.  It could just be me, but I think this may be due to the higher fat content in these milks.  The difference could be so slight you should try different types and then choose your favorite!

Recipe

Milk is also commonly used in baths and lotions.  Try this simple milk bath recipe:

• 1 cups dry powdered milk (butter, goat or other).  You can also use liquid milk of you prefer.
• 1/4 cup Dead Sea salts, or Epsom salts
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• Add your favorite essential oil for scent
• Add dried lavender, chamomile, rose petals (optional)

Mix all ingredients together and pour into the bath as you fill the tub and stir well so the milk powder dissolves completely.  Lock the bathroom, light some candles. Relax!

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