Simple is Best at Surfing Goat Soaps

I get some really interesting questions when I go to markets, but rarely do I get any about what is meant by “additives.”  They may ask if a particular oil is in the soap, because they are allergic to it.  Or they might ask if there is a certain scent that I have available, because they can’t find what they want. Those are simple questions, easily answered by  “all the ingredients are on the label,” or me rattling off all the ingredients which are on the top of my head.  Usually the scent they ask for is one that is made from artificial chemicals, so I can’t provide it.  Nor, do I really want to.

But I sometimes get compared with a certain “tv” brand of goat milk soap that is known for the copious amount of lather from their product. They use some complex ingredients that I don’t want to use. Some of these ingredients are the result of some intricate chemical processes, that I don’t  feel I need to worry about.  I want to keep mine as close to home as I can. I can’t completely, because olives don’t grow in New England, and neither do coconuts, but I find that my goat’s milk is exotic enough.  

Another ingredient used by a lot of soapmakers is SLS – sodium laurel Sulfate. This is a surfactant, meaning that it chemically breaks the bonds between dirt and the surface of something. It is common in commercial soaps and toothpaste. But, to may way of thinking, my goat milk soap is already a surfactant, so why do I need to add another?   It is also used to increase suds, which in my way of thinking, decreases the life of the bar. Surfing Goat Soaps are known for lasting a long time, weeks in the shower, months by the sink (sometimes years, in my house.) They still lather well, but the goodness in the bar doesn’t disappear down the drain in a wasted bubble. I want that goodness available for the customer’s skin, and wallet, instead of bubbling down the pipes.

Scientists recognize SLS as a safe ingredient when used at less than 1 percent of total ingredients. That’s pretty potent stuff.  It’s considered to be an irritant, and especially problematic in toothpaste for those people who suffer from frequent canker sores. I’d rather my soap be gentle, and natural, and not irritating to people’s bodies.

Another question I think more people should ask about is citric acid. This is a naturally found chemical (frequently seen in citrus fruits) that chelates minerals, grabbing them away from other chemicals, which decreases the effects of hard water.  It increases lather, but as I’ve already said, my soaps lather just fine. However, it also decreases the efficacy of the lye, and requires more adjustments to my recipe. If I can make the soap simpler, I’m good with that.

The other issue I have with additives is the use of artificial fragrances.  Yes, they make for some very nice scents, but they are often stronger than the essential oils that I use.  My mother couldn’t even enter a candle store because the scents from the artificial fragrances were so irritating to her nose.  As I get older, I have the same issue. I refer to it as “Smack in the face,” effect.  I want my soap to be pleasant, and mildly scented, so as not to offend anyone using the soap, or anyone near them.  I do find that a bit of some scents do remain on the skin following a rinse, such as citronella, and I’m thankful for that because of the purpose for those soaps. If, for instance, you are going for a hike on a hot muggy day, having a trace of lemongrass or citronella on you, will repel mosquitoes to some degree.

My main problem with artificial fragrances is that I see them as diminishing the value of my goat’s milk.  Not all goat milk is the same. It depends upon the breed, the diet, the amount of milk, and the way the milk is handled, how much goodness is retained after the saponification (soapmaking) process. While the chemical attributes of medium chain fatty acids, ie capric, caprylic, and capoic, are still present, the amounts vary depending up on the quality of the milk.  My goats have wonderful milk, due to their breed, the choices we have made in building our herd, and the wonderful aspects of living on our land.  I don’t want to diminish that with extra chemicals.

Not everyone feels the same way I do about their ingredients.  If you are looking for high fragrance, brightly colored, sudsy soaps, don’t look at Surfing Goat Soaps. I’m much too practical for that.  If you want a great bar of soap that will leave you clean but not dry, with a touch of scent that doesn’t smack you in the face, and enjoy the colors of nature, then we’re more to your liking.  I hope that agrees with you, and that you’ll try Surfing Goat Soaps from Hames & Axle Farm.