While it’s documented that consuming milk and cheese can potentially cause breakouts or inflame adult acne, that doesn’t mean that all dairy has the same effect. In fact, some dairy products can actually help your skin. And while cow’s milk is unlikely to win any skincare awards, goat’s milk has some surprising skincare benefits.
Goat’s milk skincare products have a variety of naturally occurring vitamins and healthy acids and fats that can help soothe and moisturize skin. Lactic acid has exfoliating benefits that can give your skin a natural glow. And without the presence of potentially irritating chemicals, goat’s milk has natural benefits for those with sensitive skin. Plus, goat’s milk is rich with vitamins A, B, C and D.
You might be wondering what sets goat’s milk apart from cow’s milk when cow’s milk also has lactic acid and vitamins. For one thing, goat’s milk has higher levels of vitamins, potassium and calcium than cow’s milk. But what it doesn’t have is also important. Goat’s milk is lower in sugar, and goat’s milk has a much lower level of Alpha S1 Casein, which can have inflammatory effects. Plus, goat’s milk is closer in pH-level to human skin. All of those factors make for a naturally revitalizing skincare solution, without the potentially irritating benefits of cow’s milk. That’s why for many with lactose intolerance, goat’s milk is an acceptable substitute.
We’ve rounded up our favorite goat’s milk skincare products. Since goat’s milk has a variety of skin benefits, we decided not to limit this roundup to one type of product — you’ll find soaps, lotions and face creams below.
1. Dionis Goat Milk Skincare Lotion
If you’re looking for a soothing lotion, consider this option from Dionis. It’s available in a variety of soothing fragrances to help offset the milky scent of goat’s milk, but you can also choose unscented if you’re sensitive to scents. The lotion comes in an 8.5 fl oz container with a convenient pump top. The made-in-the-US formula is free of parabens, gluten and sulfates. The gentle formula is also designed to feel less greasy and go on easy. If you’re just getting into goat’s milk products, this is one of the best to buy.
Pros: Available in a variety of pleasant scents, as well as fragrance-free. Non-greasy formula.
Cons: Pump top could be more durable.
2. Caprina by Canus Fresh Goat’s Milk Soap
Soap bars have something of a reputation for drying skin out, which is what makes this goat’s milk soap bar a great alternative to drugstore soaps. Since this soap is made with goat’s milk, it’ll supply naturally moisturizing benefits while also offering cleansing properties. It’s also non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores. This option is also a good value — three 3.2 oz bars are included.
Pros: Affordable three-pack value. Naturally moisturizing and non-comedogenic. Free of phosphates and parabens.
Cons: Not totally free of synthetic ingredients.
3. Handmade Goat Milk Soap Oatmeal ‘n Honey Soap
If you’re looking for a goat’s milk product made by a small company, consider this option. Each order consists of two bars of soap, each of which is 4.5 oz. The natural formula uses organic, non-GMO ingredients like raw goat’s milk, coconut oil, organic oatmeal and raw honey. Additionally, no water is added to the bar, making for a concentrated cleaning formula. Plus, the oatmeal granules have naturally exfoliating properties.
Pros: Exfoliating bar made with natural and organic ingredients. Non-GMO and free of synthetic fragrances.
Cons: Exfoliation can feel too coarse on dry skin.
4. Beekman 1802 Goat Milk Hand Cream
If you’re looking for a soothing hand cream, consider this option from Beekman’s 1802. No, they haven’t been around since 1802. But their decade-plus experience in skincare makes them a leader in the world of goat’s milk skincare products. This hand cream is fragrance- and paraben-free, and it helps to soften and moisturize dry skin. The formula comes in a 2 oz squeeze tube.
Pros: Moisturizes and soothes with a non-greasy formula. Fast absorbing.
Cons: Expensive.