Milk is a source of alph-hydroxy acid--or AHA--a chemical compound used in products applied to the skin to exfoliate dead skin cells. AHA dissolves the bond that hold the skin cells together, so that the dead cells slough off the skin. It can help you achieve smoother, even-toned skin. Milk soap is one of the most popular soaps for improving your complexion, but scientific verification is difficult to find.
Facial Milk Soap
Step 1
Measure milk into a glass measuring cup. Pour in the lye crystals, stirring constantly until the lye is dissolved. The mixture will be quite hot. Allow it to cool to approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Combine all of the oils in the stainless steel pot and heat the mixture slowly over low heat until the temperature of the oil is approximately 120 degrees Fahrenheit. You may have to keep the oil warm while the lye cools, as the lye takes longer to reach the correct temperature.
Step 3
Carefully pour the milk and the lye mixture into the oil and begin stirring. Stir the mixture with a long-handled spoon or use an immersion blender to speed the process. The soap is ready to pour into the molds when it "traces." Scoop up a spoonful of the soap and drizzle it over the top of the soap in the pot. When the stream of soap stays on the surface for a few seconds, you have stirred long enough.
Step 4
Pour the soap into your molds. This will make about seven large 4 oz. bars. You can also use a box lined with plastic wrap as a mold. Place the molds into the freezer for 24 hours.
Step 5
Unmold the soap. If you used a box for a mold, cut the soap into bars with a sharp knife. Allow the bars of soap to air dry for at least two weeks to finish saponifying. At the end of this period, there should no longer be any lye left in the soap. After the first couple of days, place the soap in a cupboard out of sight to continue aging.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep vinegar and a damp towel nearby. If any lye or soap splashes on your skin, pour vinegar on the towel and use it to remove the lye. After you pour the lye into the oils, fill the measuring cup with water and about a cup of vinegar to neutralize the lye. Clean your work area with vinegar with a damp towel.
- Wear safety glasses and gloves. Lye is harsh, and you need to protect your eyes and skin. Don't make soap while children are in the same room, just to be safe. Allow at least two weeks for the oils to complete saponify--or convert into soap. Before that it will be too harsh. Once the lye and oils have completely saponified, the soap will be mild and soothing.
Things You'll Need
- Safety glasses and vinyl or latex gloves
- Vinegar and a damp towel
- Stainless steel pot, at least 2 quarts
- Long-handled stainless steel spoon
- Immersion blender
- 1 quart glass measuring cup
- Kitchen scale
- Soap molds
- 6 oz. coconut oil
- 2 oz. jojoba oil
- 6 oz. olive oil
- 6 oz. palm oil
- 2.75 oz. sodium hydroxide lye
- 8 oz. goat milk
- Thermometer
References
- "Soapmaker's Companion: A Comprehensive Guide with Recipes, Techniques & Know-How"; Susan Miller Cavitch; 1997
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