Thursday, March 17, 2011

All Soap is NOT Created Equal

First Batch of Goat's Milk Soap


Wow, have I learned a lot about soap!!!

I started looking for recipes and learning about soapmaking a few weeks ago. In that time I have read thousands of recipes, discovered the differences in oils, and uncovered the fact that I need to add soap to my list of things I question.
Actually, I've always questioned my soap. I've always looked for and bought handcrafted soaps. I used to make my own melt and pour glycerin until I gave up. 

Why did I give it up?
Because I hate glycerin soap. :o)
I figured that using a soap I hated just because I made it wasn't what I was going for.

I've been buying a soap from the health food store and I assumed it was a great handcrafted product.
And it might be.
But how do I know?

There is no ingredient list.
I didn't look up their philosophy until I sat down to write this post.

As I've looked at recipes on sites that I used to think had great soap I became disappointed.

A goat milk soap that is made with lard and two tablespoons of powdered goat's milk?!! 
Really?!

Not that I have anything against the lard on the one hand....it just wasn't what I was expecting.
But powdered goat's milk?
And just a couple of tablespoons?
 How can you call that goat's milk soap?

My soap making research has been very informative. I will never buy soap again without know exactly what's in it and why.

Not that I'll ever have to BUY soap again.
I am armed with the knowledge.
I am armed with the equipment.
I am armed with the Goats.

Heh, that's a statement you don't hear every day.
Armed with Goats.
Heh.

I am happy that the soap that my children will use from now on is made in our home...
with raw milk from our goats....
 the finest oils I can find....
And as much of their Mama's Love as I can fit into each bar.



4 comments:

Unknown said...

Will you be selling it? Or giving out the recipe and maybe selling the milk? Interested!

Restless Prairie Farm said...

I'm going to do all three Tina.:o) I'll have it for sale as soon as it cures. In about 3 weeks or so. It could take as much as 6 weeks but I don't think it will.

umbrellalady said...

Next to making bread, I love making soap! I have been making soap for about 15 years - I used to make it and sell it when my kids were little to supplement our income. It is amazing the garbage some commercial and supposedly handmade soaps have in them. I love how I use only pure essential oils and as natural ingredients as possible - it always makes such wonderful soap!!!

Restless Prairie Farm said...

I was really surprised at the junk that is in a lot of them. Learning about them made me think of the old X-Files motto, "Trust No One." lol It's sad, really, how much I have to question and question and question to find healthy options for my family.