Goat’s Milk in Soap: The Alpine Secret to Gentle Skincare

Goat’s milk has been treasured for centuries as a natural beauty ingredient, and today it’s making a strong comeback in traditional and artisanal soaps. Rich, creamy, and packed with nutrients, goat’s milk soap is celebrated for its soothing qualities and gentle cleansing power. In Provence and the French Alps, where Alpine goats graze on wild herbs and mountain grasses, goat’s milk has been turned into skincare treasures like those made by Maison Berthe Guilhem, a family savonnerie renowned for its organic goat’s milk soaps.

The use of goat’s milk in skincare dates back thousands of years. Cleopatra was said to bathe in goat’s milk to maintain her famous complexion, while in Europe, rural families relied on goats’ milk for both nourishment and natural remedies. Over time, traditional soap makers began blending goat’s milk with oils to create bars that were kinder to sensitive skin than harsher, lye-heavy soaps.

In the French Alps, where goats thrive in high pastures, artisan families continued this craft. Today, Alpine goat’s milk soap carries on that legacy, offering a connection to both tradition and sustainability.

Goat’s milk is naturally packed with nutrients that benefit skin:

• Moisturising fats – rich in fatty acids and triglycerides that soften and hydrate.

• Lactic acid – a natural alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells.

• Vitamins A, D, and E – known for repairing, protecting, and soothing skin.

• Protein structure – close to human milk, making it easier for skin to absorb.

• Gentle for sensitive skin – perfect for eczema, psoriasis, and dry skin sufferers.

• Natural hydration – keeps skin soft without artificial moisturisers.

• Mild cleansing – effective without stripping natural oils.

• Sustainable farming – Alpine goats graze outdoors in natural conditions, supporting eco-friendly agriculture.

• Not vegan – as it contains an animal product.

• Potential allergen – very rare, but some people may be sensitive to dairy proteins.

• Softer bar – goat’s milk soaps can be softer and wear down faster than hard soaps like Savon de Marseille.

One of the reasons goat’s milk soap is so versatile is its ability to adapt to different uses.

The natural creaminess of goat’s milk makes it perfect for shaving soaps. The fats create a smooth, protective lather that cushions the razor and reduces irritation. For men and women alike, goat’s milk shaving soaps provide:

• A naturally hydrating shave without harsh foaming agents.

• Calming properties for sensitive skin, helping to avoid razor burn.

• A soft finish that doesn’t require heavy aftershave balms.

Goat’s milk is also a wonderful base for shampoo bars. Unlike liquid shampoos that often contain sulfates or silicones, goat’s milk shampoos are gentle, biodegradable, and long-lasting. They help:

• Hydrate dry or damaged hair.

• Calm a sensitive or itchy scalp thanks to lactic acid.

• Strengthen strands with natural proteins and vitamins.

Perfect for anyone looking to move away from plastic bottles, goat’s milk shampoo bars are zero-waste and travel-friendly.

Goat’s milk soap is particularly beneficial for:

• Those with dry or sensitive skin – thanks to its gentle and moisturising properties.

• Eczema or psoriasis sufferers – the lactic acid and fats soothe irritation.

• Shavers – for a smooth, protective lather that minimises razor burn.

• Eco-conscious buyers – when sourced from small Alpine farms, it supports sustainable living.

• Families – safe enough for children and older skin.

However, vegans or those strictly avoiding animal-derived products may prefer plant-based soaps like olive oil Marseille soap or Aleppo soap.

For every day use Goats Milk Soap is:

• Best for: Dry, sensitive, or mature skin.

• Why: Gentle hydration, natural lactic acid exfoliation, vitamins A, D, and E.

• Look for: Unscented or naturally scented soaps

For Shaving Goats Milk soap is:

• Best for: Men and Women looking for a smooth, hydrating shave.

• Why: Creamy lather cushions the razor, minimises razor burn, and leaves skin soft.

• Look for: Traditional shaving soaps like Maison Berthe Guilhem’s Alpine goat’s milk shaving soap , often enriched with natural oils for slip and protection.

As a Shampoo Goats Milk soap is:

• Best for: Eco-conscious buyers, those with dry or itchy scalps.

• Why: Lactic acid soothes irritation, natural fats hydrate hair, zero-waste and plastic-free.

• Look for: Solid shampoo bars made with Alpine goat’s milk and nourishing oils. Great for travel too!

We stock various Goat's Milk enriched soaps are French Soaps, however we are proud to exclusively import Maison Berthe Guilhem, a savonnerie that was founded in the Pyrenean foothills in 1956. The brand remains family-run and continues to craft organic, handmade soaps using fresh Alpine goat’s milk from their own farm. Their collection includes not only traditional soaps but also shaving soaps and shampoo bars, giving customers a complete natural skincare routine supported by a small selection of balms & lotions.

Each bar is handmade with care, blending goat’s milk with olive oil, almond oil, or shea butter to create products that respect skin and nature.

Goat’s milk soap is more than a beauty trend—it’s an ancient remedy, a family tradition, and a sustainable choice that works in harmony with your skin. With its deep hydration, soothing lactic acid, and natural vitamins, it’s perfect for those who want a gentle, effective, and environmentally respectful soap.

From body care to shaving and hair washing, goat’s milk soaps and shampoo bars from Maison Berthe Guilhem showcase the true versatility of Alpine goat’s milk. By choosing them, you’re not just choosing skincare—you’re choosing a heritage of gentle, sustainable living.