Milking the Debate: Raw vs. Powdered Goat Milk

Dwight once asked a competitor, "Why do you use powdered goat milk in your soaps?" This question arose during a visit with the owner of a leading goat milk soap manufacturer a few years ago. The surprise on the owner's face was evident as he queried, "How did you know?"

Our decision to use lots of fresh, raw goat milk in our soaps was not just a gut feeling. It came from our search for a natural solution to our son's eczema. We learned firsthand that the benefits of raw goat milk—like hydration, gentle exfoliation, and soothing properties—come from keeping it as nature intended. We were shocked to discover that some goat milk soap makers secretly used powdered goat milk. We also learned that some companies take shortcuts, using pre-made mixes to expedite production. These mixes can expose the milk to additional processing and heat, further risking damage to its natural qualities.

Understanding the unique advantages of raw goat milk illuminates why we’ve chosen it as a cornerstone ingredient in our soaps. Here are the key benefits it offers for skin health:

Moisturizing Properties: Goat milk contains fatty acids that help to deeply hydrate the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Its creaminess enhances the skin's moisture barrier, preventing dryness.

Gentle Exfoliation: The lactic acid present in goat milk acts as a natural exfoliant, gently removing dead skin cells without causing irritation. This promotes a smoother, more even skin texture.

Rich in Nutrients: Goat milk is packed with vitamins such as Vitamin A, B2, B6, B12, and E, as well as minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and selenium. These nutrients help nourish the skin, supporting its health and vitality.

Anti-Aging Benefits: The high content of Vitamin A in goat milk encourages skin renewal and helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidants in goat milk also protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by environmental stressors.

Soothing for Sensitive Skin: Its natural composition makes goat milk soothing for sensitive skin types, reducing inflammation and alleviating conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. The cream in goat milk has a high fat molecule content, making it exceptionally gentle and nourishing.

Improves Skin Barrier: The fatty acids and triglycerides found in goat milk can help strengthen the skin's barrier function, protecting against bacteria and toxins.

Brightening Effects: The lactic acid also aids in brightening the skin, reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation for a more radiant complexion.

Powdered milk is missing key elements. Once we understood the incredible power of raw goat milk, the contrasting losses that result when turning it into powdered milk were brutal. The standard process for making powdered milk is to pasteurize, concentrate, and spray dry.

Pasteurization involves high heat, which degrades much of its natural goodness. This means the loss of vital nutrients like vitamins and enzymes, crucial for skin health. For instance, Vitamin C and B vitamins, essential for repairing skin and maintaining its health, don't survive the heating. The natural fats that make goat milk so moisturizing are also less effective after being processed into powder.

Fresh, raw goat milk is HARD to work with. Working with raw goat milk presents its unique set of challenges, a stark contrast to the convenience of powdered milk. Powdered milk boasts shelf stability, longevity, and ease of storage and usage. On the other hand, managing raw goat milk requires a more hands-on approach. Our journey began with our very own herd, which, besides providing us with quality milk for our soaps, also allowed us the pleasure of enjoying fresh milk directly. We committed to utilizing food-grade processes across the board, ensuring the milk's beneficial elements were preserved, notably through careful freezing techniques.

However, the real test came during the soap-making process itself. Soap production inherently generates heat, particularly during saponification—the chemical reaction that converts oils and milk into soap. This stage was critical, as the heat generated could potentially compromise the nutrient-rich profile of the raw goat milk, nutrients that are pivotal for the soap’s ability to soothe and moisturize the skin effectively. The challenge was daunting: maintaining the integrity of the raw goat milk's benefits throughout this indispensable process.

After extensive experimentation, trial and error, and diligent research, we engineered a groundbreaking method that effectively keeps the temperature sufficiently low during soap production. This innovative approach was a game-changer, safeguarding the raw goat milk’s integrity. As a result, we can ensure that the milk’s natural bounty—its essential vitamins, active enzymes, and nourishing fats—is fully retained in the final soap product. This meticulous process marked a significant milestone in our journey, enabling us to deliver a soap that embodies the true essence and holistic benefits of raw goat milk.

Natural Products Don’t Work

Dwight's father humorously quips, “if it tastes good, spit it out!” This sentiment often mirrors the general apprehension towards 'natural' or 'healthy' products, which, despite their claims, may not always deliver on performance or value. They can be lackluster in taste, effectiveness, and often come with a hefty price tag, offering less product and satisfaction for the investment.

In our earnest pursuit to find a solution for our son's skin condition, we ventured into the realm of natural soaps, hoping for a remedy. Unfortunately, our experiences echoed the broader skepticism. These soaps were not only a strain on the wallet but also underwhelming in use. They left a slimy residue on the hands, wore out quickly, and struggled to produce a satisfying lather—a stark contrast to the promises made on their labels. This initial disappointment highlighted a common shortfall among natural soaps, underscoring the challenge of finding a product that was both effective and enjoyable to use.

Frustration... Optimism… Success! 

Yet, it was this very challenge that ignited our determination to break the mold. Refusing to settle for the status quo, we embarked on a mission to prove that natural soaps could, in fact, exceed expectations. Our journey was fueled by the belief that with the right ingredients and a commitment to quality, we could create a soap that not only worked effectively but also provided a luxurious experience without compromising on health or environmental standards. This resolve led us to revisit the drawing board, sparking a period of innovation that would eventually redefine what we thought possible with natural soaps.

The Secret Ingredient

What was the secret ingredient? You guessed it. Fresh, raw goat milk. Embracing the philosophy that more of a good thing can only be beneficial, we crafted a formula enriched with over 26% raw goat milk. This wasn't just a decision—it was a revelation. The significant milk content not only enhanced the soap's moisturizing properties but also its lathering capability, a feature notably absent in many natural soaps. 

This extraordinary lathering quality was our first clue in discerning the absence of raw goat milk in other so-called 'goat milk' soaps, including those from leading manufacturers.