The pH of goat milk soap is a crucial aspect to consider for DIY users, as it directly impacts the skin’s natural acid mantle. Goat milk soap, with its unique properties, offers a range of benefits for skin health, and understanding its pH balance is essential for achieving optimal results.
pH Range of Goat Milk Soap
- Skin’s Natural Acid Mantle: The skin’s natural acid mantle has a pH range of 5-6, which is slightly acidic. This acidity helps keep out bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
- Goat Milk pH: Goat milk itself has a pH range of 6.4-6.7, which is closer to the skin’s natural pH.
- Soap pH: Most soaps, including those made with goat milk, typically have a pH range of 9-10 due to the alkalinity of the lye used in the soap-making process.
Importance of pH Balance
- Skin Tolerance: Goat milk soap is considered milder and more tolerable for sensitive skin due to its lower pH, which is closer to the skin’s natural pH.
- Moisturizing Effects: The pH of goat milk soap allows it to absorb into the skin more effectively, delivering moisturizing benefits.
Contaminants and Chemicals
- Lye (Sodium Hydroxide): The primary alkaline substance used in soap-making, which raises the pH of the soap.
- Preservatives: May be required in goat milk soap to prevent bacterial growth, but some manufacturers avoid them to maintain a chemical-free product.
- Fragrances: May be used to conceal the inherent odor of animal fats, but some manufacturers opt for fragrance-free products.
Balancing pH
- Using Natural Ingredients: Focus on using natural oils and fats that are closer to the skin’s pH, such as coconut oil and olive oil, to create a milder soap.
- Cold-Process Method: This method allows for a longer curing time, which can help reduce the pH of the soap.
History and Alternatives
- Ancient Origins: Soap-making dates back to ancient Babylon around 2800 BC, with early references to natural soap creation.
- Vegan Alternatives: Some manufacturers prefer vegan-safe soaps using plant oils to avoid animal fats and dairy products.
Helpful Tips and Solutions
- pH Measurement: Understand that the pH of goat milk soap is not significantly different from soap made with water, despite claims that it matches the skin’s pH.
- Moisturizing Benefits: Focus on the moisturizing properties of goat milk soap rather than its pH, as it is still beneficial for skin health.
By understanding the pH range of goat milk soap and its impact on skin health, DIY users can make informed decisions when selecting and using this natural soap. Whether you’re looking for a gentle, moisturizing option or seeking to maintain the skin’s natural acid mantle, the pH of goat milk soap is a crucial factor to consider.
References:
- Why your soaps pH is so important to your skin – Goats Milk Soap: https://goatsmilksoap.com.au/skincare/why-your-soaps-ph-is-so-important-to-your-skin/
- Why Goat Milk Soap – Simply Eden: https://www.simply-eden.com/pages/why-goat-milk-soap
- Goat’s Milk Soap and pH Levels – Soapmaking Forum: https://www.soapmakingforum.com/threads/goats-milk-soap-and-ph-levels.19189/
- Is Goat Milk Soap Good for pH Balance? – Goat Milk Stuff: https://goatmilkstuff.com/blogs/goat-milk-soap/goat-milk-soap-and-ph
- Why we don’t make goat’s milk soap – ilo ORGANICS: https://iloorganics.com/blog/why-we-dont-make-goats-milk-soap.