How Long Does Goat Milk Soap Need to Cure? All About Curing Goat Milk Soap
Goat milk soap has been one of skincare’s best-kept secrets for years, but now the goat is out of the bag! If you’ve already used it, you’ll know that goat milk soap has a rich, creamy texture and thick leather, and it’s ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
Some people are even taking on the ambitious hobby of making their own goat milk soap, which can be a fun but time-consuming project. One of the aspects of learning to make goat milk soap is understanding how to cure goat milk soap.
So, how long does goat milk soap need to cure? Today, we’ll explain everything you need to know about curing goat milk soap, including what the process involves, why it’s important, and how long it should take.
At Oshun, we know a thing or two about making artisan goat milk soap. If you can’t take weeks out of your schedule to make your own soap, save yourself the hassle and shop ours!
It’s produced in small batches just like you would at home, and made from the most pure, natural ingredients, carefully (and responsibly) sourced from all over the world. Trust us, your skin will thank you for it.
The Benefits of Goat Milk Soap
Before we talk about curing goat milk soap, let’s take a look at some of the incredible benefits of goat milk soap. Whether you’re using goat milk soap for babies or unlocking the goat milk soap benefits for hair, you’ll see some amazing goat milk soap before and after results!
Next-Level Moisturizing Properties
Goat milk soap is rich in fatty acids and natural glycerin, which help to retain moisture in the skin. The creamy texture of goat milk soap provides deep hydration, making it ideal for anyone with dry or sensitive skin.
Is goat milk soap good for your skin even if it’s not dry? Absolutely. Unlike commercial soaps, which can strip your skin of its natural oils, goat milk soap nourishes while cleansing and gently exfoliating, leaving your skin feeling soft and supple.
Rich in Nutrients
Packed with vitamins like A, D, and E, goat milk soap helps support healthy skin by delivering essential nutrients. Vitamin A, in particular, is known for its ability to boost skin cell turnover, aiding in the repair and renewal of damaged skin.
These vitamins also work together to protect the skin from environmental stressors, promoting a healthy complexion. It’s why many people use goat milk soap for eczema, goat milk soap for acne, and goats milk soap for psoriasis.
Soothing for Sensitive Skin
Goat milk soap is known for its soothing properties, making it a great option for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin. Its natural ingredients help to calm irritation and reduce inflammation, offering relief to those with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or acne.
The mild pH of goat milk soap, similar to that of human skin, helps maintain the skin’s natural balance without causing discomfort. In terms of goat milk soap vs regular soap, goat milk soap is much gentler, promoting skin healing and reducing flare-ups of various skin conditions.
If you want to learn more about goat milk soap uses and how it compares to other soap varieties, check out these articles:
- Donkey milk soap vs goat milk soap
- Cow milk soap vs goat milk soap
- Goat milk soap vs coconut milk soap
In terms of the disadvantages of goat milk soap, there really aren’t many! It can be more expensive because it’s made from the natural, high-quality ingredients your skin deserves, but is spending a few extra dollars for healthy, clear skin really a disadvantage?
What is Curing Goat Milk Soap?
Curing goat milk soap is a crucial step in the soap-making process that allows the soap to fully harden and develop its best qualities. After the soap is poured into molds and removed, it still contains excess moisture and can be soft or sticky.
During the soap-making process, oils or fats react with lye in a process known as saponification. While most of this reaction occurs shortly after the soap is made, the curing stage allows the soap to continue maturing.
Over time, the soap’s pH levels stabilize, and its texture improves. Goat milk soap, in particular, requires extra care in curing because it contains natural sugars and fats that can impact the soap’s hardness and consistency if not properly cured.
Curing is the period during which the moisture evaporates, the soap becomes firmer, and the chemical reactions between the ingredients complete. This process is essential for creating high-quality bars that are long-lasting, gentle on the skin, and have a rich lather.
How Long Does Goat Milk Soap Need to Cure?
While it may be tempting to use your soap soon after it's made, proper curing is essential for the soap to develop its full potential. So, how long does goat milk soap need to cure? Let’s take a look.
What Happens if Soap Isn’t Cured Long Enough?
If the process of curing goat milk soap isn’t long enough, it won’t have the firm texture and luxurious lather that people expect from high-quality soap. Soap that’s used too early can feel soft, sticky, and may dissolve quickly in the shower.
The excess moisture that hasn’t had time to evaporate will leave the bar mushy, and it won’t last as long as properly cured soap. Plus, because the saponification process hasn’t fully completed, the soap may still be slightly harsh on the skin, leading to potential irritation.
Factors Influencing Curing Time
Several factors can influence how long goat milk soap needs to cure, including the ingredients in goat milk soap. Adding extra oils or butter, like shea or cocoa butter, can impact how long the soap needs to cure as these ingredients can slow down the evaporation process.
The temperature and humidity of the curing environment play a big role. In a humid climate, soap can take longer to dry out. In dry environments, the process may speed up slightly. Ideally, soap should cure in a cool, dry place with good air circulation.
The size and shape of your soap bars also affect curing time. Larger, thicker bars take longer to cure compared to thinner, smaller bars. If you’ve used intricate molds or made particularly large bars, expect the curing time to extend slightly.
Typical Curing Time for Goat Milk Soap
So, how long does goat milk soap need to cure? For most recipes, the typical curing time is 4 to 6 weeks. While it may be tempting to use your soap sooner, waiting the full curing time gives you a bar that lasts longer, has a richer lather, and cleanses your skin more gently.
How to Cure Goat Milk Soap: Step-by-Step Guide
We’ve talked about the timeline for curing goat milk soap, but what does the actual process involve? Here’s how to cure goat milk soap for a high-quality, thick-lather bar that’s gentle on the skin.
Preparing Your Soap for Curing
Once you’ve learned how to make goat milk soap and your soap has been poured into molds and allowed to set, the curing process begins. After 24-48 hours, your soap should be firm enough to remove from the molds. Gently pop each bar out, being careful not to crack or dent them.
If you've made a large block of soap, now is the time to cut it into individual bars. Use a sharp knife or soap cutter to create evenly sized bars, which will help them cure consistently.
The first step in how to cure goat milk soap is to find a well-ventilated, cool, and dry place where your soap can cure. This could be a shelf or drying rack. Make sure the bars are placed in a single layer, spaced apart so air can circulate around each one.
Monitoring the Curing Process
Over the next several weeks, your soap will gradually harden and lose moisture. Every few days, flip the soap bars to ensure all sides dry evenly. This helps prevent one side from staying too moist, which can lead to soft spots or uneven curing.
As the soap cures, it will become harder and lighter in weight. You can periodically pick up a bar to feel its firmness. By the end of the curing period, the soap should be firm to the touch.
Storing Cured Soap for Longevity
Once your goat milk soap has fully cured, proper storage is important to maintain its quality. Store your cured soap in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Excess moisture in the air can cause the soap to soften or “sweat.”
If you’re storing large batches for later use or sale, keep them in airtight containers to prevent exposure to moisture. Use breathable paper or cloth wrappings instead of plastic, which can trap moisture and affect the texture.
Addressing Cracking, Dents, or Other Curing Defects
Sometimes, even with proper care, soap can develop defects during curing. If your soap develops cracks, this could be due to a curing environment that is too hot or dry. Try curing in a cooler space or adding a humidifier to balance the air.
If you notice dents, it may be due to handling the soap too early or placing it on an uneven surface. Flip the bars more frequently and ensure they’re resting on a smooth, even surface.
Goat milk soap can sometimes discolor during curing due to its natural sugars (side note: learn more about how to color goat milk soap in our guide). While this is harmless, you can reduce discoloration by curing the soap in a cooler area and away from direct light.
What if Your Soap is Taking Too Long to Cure?
If your goat milk soap is taking longer than the typical 4-6 weeks to cure, it may be due to high humidity levels, which can extend the curing time by preventing moisture from evaporating. Try placing a fan near your curing area to increase air circulation, or move the soap somewhere drier.
Some ingredients, like extra oils or butters, can slow down the curing process. Be patient and allow an extra week or two for the soap to fully harden. If your soap bars are larger or thicker than usual, they may take longer to cure. Just wait it out to ensure the soap has lost enough moisture for optimal use.
Save Yourself the Time and Stress With the Best Goat Milk Soap Online at Oshun!
Feeling overwhelmed? That’s understandable! Learning how to cure goat milk soap is no joke - there are so many different factors to consider and so much time involved. This, combined with the high cost to make goat milk soap at home, means that you’re often better off just buying goat milk soap instead.
Wondering where to buy goat milk soap that’s made with the same love and care you’d use at home? Here at Oshun, we have the best goat milk soap, made in small batches from some of the planet’s finest ingredients.
We say no to mass-produced soaps filled with chemicals, and so does your skin! Soap should be nourishing and hydrating, providing your skin with the nutrients it needs to give you a youthful, healthy glow. Switch to Oshun - you’ll feel and see the difference in no time!
Final Thoughts on How to Cure Goat Milk Soap
So, how long does goat milk soap need to cure? The curing process typically takes 4-6 weeks, but it depends on the size of your bars, the ingredients and oil content, and the humidity and temperature of your curing location.
The curing process is lengthy, and in general, learning how to make your own goat milk soap is very complicated. It requires expensive, high-quality ingredients, a steep learning curve, and a lot of time and patience!
If you want the best quality soap for your skin without the excessive time and effort, we’re here for you! Oshun’s artisan goat milk soap is packed full of hydrating, nourishing, exfoliating ingredients - we’ve done all the hard work for you!
Skip the big brands with chemical-packed, mass-produced soap - shop Oshun and show your skin some love!
