Formulation and Evaluation of Soap by using Goat Milk and other Herbals

Yash D. Gandhi *, Jayesh S. Gadilohar  , Atharv V. Dharaskar, Dr.Minal S. Patil.

DCS`s ARA College of Pharmacy ,Nagaon 442001,Maharashtra,India

*Correspondence:gandhiyash203@ gmail.com

DOI: https://doi.org/10.71431/IJRPAS.2025.4506 

INTRODUCTION

Goat milk soap is a natural skincare product celebrated for its gentle, nourishing properties. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and moisturizing fats, goat milk offers a creamy, soothing base that benefits all skin types—especially sensitive or dry skin. Unlike many commercial soaps that strip moisture, goat milk soap helps maintain the skin’s natural balance while delivering a luxurious, velvety lather. With its blend of tradition and wholesome ingredients, it’s no wonder goat milk soap has become a favorite in natural beauty routines.

     Goat milk soap has emerged as a premium choice in natural skincare, cherished for its unique blend of gentle cleansing and deep nourishment. Crafted from fresh goat’s milk, this soap stands apart from conventional products due to its rich composition of essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, and E, as well as minerals like zinc, selenium, and calcium. These elements work synergistically to hydrate, protect, and rejuvenate the skin.

Literature of Survey

            Goat milk has been historically valued for its nutritional and therapeutic properties, and its application in soap-making has gained attention for its benefits to skin health. Several studies and traditional practices support the effectiveness of goat milk in cosmetic and dermatological formulations.

1. Nutritional Composition and Skin Benefits:

            Goat milk is rich in proteins, vitamins (A, D, B1, B6, B12, and E), and minerals such as zinc, selenium, and calcium. According to Park et al. (2007), the presence of lipids and essential fatty acids in goat milk aids in maintaining skin hydration and barrier function. Vitamin A, in particular, is known for promoting healthy skin cell turnover and treating conditions such as acne and eczema.

. Lactic Acid and pH Balance:

            Lactic acid, a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) found in goat milk, has been shown to promote gentle exfoliation and improve skin texture (Tang et al., 2018). It also helps maintain a pH level close to that of human skin (approximately 5.5), making goat milk soap less likely to disrupt the skin’s acid mantle and microbiome (Ali & Yosipovitch, 2013).

3. Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Properties:

            Goat milk contains bioactive compounds and peptides that may exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to the treatment of minor skin infections and soothing irritated or inflamed skin (Haenlein, 2004).

4. Consumer Trends and Natural Skincare:

            The rise in demand for natural and organic skincare products has driven renewed interest in goat milk soap. A market analysis by Grand View Research (2020) noted that consumers increasingly prefer handmade, chemical-free products due to concerns over synthetic additives and potential skin irritation.

5. Comparative Studies on Soap Bases:Studies comparing different soap bases (commercial vs. natural) have found that goat milk-based formulations generally outperform in terms of moisturizing effect and user satisfaction. For example, Kumar et al. (2016) reported that goat milk soap significantly reduced dryness and improved skin elasticity in comparison to traditional soap formulations.

            This review highlights that goat milk is not only a traditional ingredient but also scientifically supported for use in skincare. Its gentle, nourishing profile makes it a valuable component in modern soap-making

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MATERIAL :

·         Goat Milk - 250 ml (frozen into cubes)

·         Lye (Sodium Hydroxide) - 70 gm (handle with caution)

·         Olive Oil - 7 ml (for moisture and conditioning)

·         Coconut Oil - 7 ml  (for cleansing and lather)

·         Palm Oil - 3 ml  (for hardness and creamy texture; optional, can be replaced with shea butter or lard)

·         Castor Oil - 1.5 ml (boosts lather)

·         Essential Oils (optional) - 2 ml  (rose oil)

·         Additives - sandal wood pure extract, fermented rice water, saffron, honey, almond extract.

                                                              Saffron (Crocus sativus):

1. Synonym: Kesar, Zafran

2. Biological Source: Dried stigmas of Crocus sativus flowers

3. Kingdom: Plantae

4. Division: Magnoliophyta

5. Class: Liliopsida

6. Order: Asparagales

7. Family: Iridaceae

Sandalwood (Santalum album):

1. Synonym: Chandn, Sandal

2. Biological Source: Heartwood of Santalum album trees

3. Kingdom: Plantae

4. Division: Magnoliophyta

5. Class: Magnoliopsida

6. Order: Santalales

7. Family: Santalaceae

METHODS :

1. Prepare the lye solution: Mix lye with distilled water in a well-ventilated area, wearing protective gear.

2. Prepare the goat milk: If using fresh goat milk, freeze it until slushy to prevent scorching. If using powdered goat milk, mix it with distilled water according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Mix the oils: Combine the chosen oils in a separate container, considering their properties and benefits for the skin.

4. Saponification: Slowly add the lye solution to the oil mixture, blending until "trace" is reached (a consistency similar to thin pudding).

5. Add goat milk: Incorporate the prepared goat milk into the soap mixture, blending well.

6. Add fragrances or colors: If desired, add fragrances or colors to the soap mixture and blend well.

7. Pour into the soap mold: Pour the soap mixture into the prepared soap mold.

8. Allow to set and harden: Let the soap set and harden in the mold for 24-48 hours.

9. Unmold and cut: Remove the soap from the mold and cut it into bars.

10. Cure the soap: Allow the soap bars to cure for 4-6 weeks, enabling the lye to fully react and the soap to become mild and long-lasting.

Methodology Images                

Formulation of Goat Milk Soap :

Preparation of Goat Milk Soap:

·      Take 7 ml of olive oil,7 ml of coconut  oil, 3 ml 0f palm oil 1.5 ml of caster oil heat both mixture around 38°C 

·      Pourly add 70 gm of lye solution in oils (a consistency similar to thin pudding).

·      Pour this solution in frozen cube of goat milk mix it well,

·      and prepare solution and heat it around 50-53°C 

·      Add 2 ml of rose oil, add sandalwood extract paste, add saffron, add 1 ml of fermented rice water.

·      Mix all ingredients in this solution properly,

·      Pour it in soap mould let the soap set and harden in the mould for 24 - 48hr.

·      Unmould the soap.

Evaluation:

To assess the quality and effectiveness of the goat milk soap, the following parameters are evaluated:

Ø  Physical Characteristics:

·         Appearance   : Smooth texture, uniform color, absence of cracks or air pocket

·         Hardness: Firmness of the bar, tested by touch after curing

·         Lather: Quality and quantity of foam produced when used with water

·         pH Testing:

A small portion of the soap is dissolved in distilled water and tested with pH strips or a digital pH meter. A desirable range for finished soap is 7.0 to 9.0, indicating it is safe and mild for skin use.

·         Moisturizing Properties:

Assessed through user feedback or skin feel tests, noting the level of hydration and softness after use

·         Skin Compatibility:

Tested on a small patch of skin to check for irritation, redness, or allergic reactions (particularly important for sensitive skin formulations)

·         Shelf Stability:

Observations are made over time to monitor changes in scent, color, or the development of rancidity or mold, especially if natural additives were used.

·         User Acceptability:

Feedback from testers or customers is collected on scent, texture, performance, and overall satisfaction

RESULT:

The prepared goat milk soap was evaluated based on physical, chemical, and sensory parameters. The results are summarized below:

Physical Evaluation

      Chemical Evaluation :

Lather and Cleaning Test:

Skin Compatibility Test (Patch Test on Volunteers):

CONCLUSION:

            Goat milk soap has proven to be an effective and beneficial natural skincare product, combining traditional wisdom with scientifically supported advantages. Rich in essential nutrients, lactic acid, and moisturizing fats, it offers gentle cleansing while nourishing and protecting the skin. The cold process method preserves these beneficial properties, resulting in a soap that is not only suitable for daily use but also ideal for sensitive, dry, or problematic skin conditions.

            Evaluation of its physical, chemical, and user-centered properties has shown that goat milk soap is generally well-tolerated, with favorable pH levels, good lathering ability, and skin-softening effects. Its growing popularity in natural skincare markets reflects consumer demand for eco-friendly, chemical-free, and skin-safe alternatives to commercial soaps.

            In conclusion, goat milk soap stands out as a sustainable and skin-friendly product that bridges the gap between nature and skincare science. Its continued development and use can contribute to healthier skincare routines and offer a natural solution to common skin concerns.

REFERENCE  :

1.      Ali, S. M., & Yosipovitch, G. (2013). Skin pH: From basic science to basic skin care. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 93(3), 261–267. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-1531

2.      Grand View Research. (2020). Organic personal care market size, share & trends analysis report by product (skincare, haircare, oral care), by region, and segment forecasts, 2020 - 2027. Retrieved from https://www.grandviewresearch.com/

3.      Haenlein, G. F. W. (2004). Goat milk in human nutrition. Small Ruminant Research, 51(2), 155–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2003.08.010

4.      Kumar, D., Kumari, R., & Nisha, R. (2016). Preparation and evaluation of herbal soaps using goat milk and medicinal plant extracts. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 8(6), 1–5.

5.      Park, Y. W., Juárez, M., Ramos, M., & Haenlein, G. F. W. (2007). Physico-chemical characteristics of goat and sheep milk. Small Ruminant Research, 68(1-2), 88-113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smallrumres.2006.09.013

6.      Tang, S. C., & Yang, J. H. (2018). Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin. Molecules, 23(4), 863. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23040863

7.      "The Soapmaker's Companion" by Susan Miller Cavitch:

-          Page 123-125: Goat milk soap recipe

-          Page 150-152: Safety precautions for working with lye

8.      "Soap Making: Essentials" by Anne-Marie Faiola:

-          Page 75-80: Goat milk soap making techniques

-          Page 100-105: Tips for creating moisturizing soap

9.      "The Art of Natural Soap Making" by Mark Gottshalk:

-          Page 200-205: Natural ingredients for soap making, including goat milk

-          Page 250-255: Troubleshooting common soap-making issues