Goats milk soap has been part of my new, chemical-free beauty routine for several months now and I am SO thankful that those icky, commercial cleansers are long gone. Not only did they cause my skin to break out, but they were so expensive! Just one tube of cleanser would be $7-8, and that’s on sale with a coupon!
Quality goats milk soap is a few bucks less, but it really lasts a long time. Just one bar can last over 3 months!
The only downside to goats milk soap is that it’s a bar. When I’m in the shower, bar soap is just fine. It stays on a little drying rack when it’s not in use and it’s really easy to get a good lather. Call me clumsy, but washing my face at night with bar soap just isn’t that easy.
First, you need she-man strength to pry off the dried-onto-the-counter bar soap. Then, you must strategically place your arms and hands in an unnatural position in an effort to avoid getting your pajamas wet. Once you get a good lather going with the bar, it goes back to its glue-like home on the counter so that it can be re-pried off again tomorrow. You finish washing, rinsing and drying, and then wonder why you bothered changing into your pajamas first since they’re thoroughly soaked – despite your puppeteer dance – and you have to change again.
Clearly, I have some issues to work on.
I don’t know if there’s any solution to the wet jammy issue. But today I can offer a simple tutorial for turning your favorite bar soap into homemade face wash, thus eliminating the stuck-to-the-counter-forever bar soap.
How to Make Your Own Homemade Face Wash
Homemade Face Wash Supplies
- 1 bar of your favorite goats milk soap (my brand recommendation, and why I recommend goats milk soap)
- cheese grater
- 1 medium sauce pan (not the small one, and not the big one – pick one in the middle)
- 1 1/2 cups filtered water
- a storage container with a pump (I recommend re-using what you already have)
- small funnel or a measuring glass with a pouring spout
Homemade Face Wash Method
Using a cheese grater, grate soap until you have approximately 1/4 cup of soap shavings. This will be approximately 1/6 of the bar.
In a medium saucepan, combine water and soap shavings.
Heat soap and water over low heat until the soap is dissolved, approximately 5 minutes.
Allow the dissolved soap to slowly cool to room temperature. This could take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on the temperature of your home.
As the mixture cools, it will turn gelatinous and reduce in volume. Pick up the pan by the handle and gently swirl the mixture until it loosens a bit and thins. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to stir the mixture, or even an immersion blender to puree the mixture into a very smooth soap.
Note: The more rigorously you stir the mixture, the more bubbles you will get. Swirling the pan results in the least amount of bubbles (seen below). Using an immersion blender will result in the most bubbles. Bubbles won’t effect the cleansing ability of the soap, but they are difficult to pour and take up more room in a dispenser allowing less room for the actual soap. The bubbles will slowly go away, taking a few hours to a few days to revert back to soap. Until then, you might need an extra pump of soap in order to get enough liquid to adequately lather when you wash.
When the soap is cooled, use either a funnel or a measuring cup with a pouring spout to pour the soap into a container.
Additional Recipe Notes for Homemade Face Wash
Many recipes on the web suggest adding glycerin to help achieve that silky smooth texture we’ve grown accustom to in liquid soap. Handmade soap already contains a small amount of glycerin and I didn’t find this homemade face wash needed any additional silkiness.
If you’re starting with unscented soap, you can add a few drops of essential oils**. Lavender would be a great addition, as would frankincense.
**Note: I know there are a lot of essential oil companies out there and I’ve certainly tried my fair share of brands. But after testing and researching and more testing, only one is worth spending money on (in my opinion). For a couple years now I’ve been committed to Young Living oils, and you can read more about their oils and my decision HERE.
Cost Breakdown for Homemade Face Wash
The goats milk soap used in this recipe costs $4.95 per bar. But you can save money right off the top by buying bulk scraps of soap. These are the aesthetically “deficient” end pieces of big batches of soap that aren’t pretty enough to be sold as bars, but they still wash and lather just as well! One pound of soap scraps costs $8, making each 1/4 cup of shavings just 30¢. You can also make your own bars of soap with these scraps!
8 ounces of homemade face wash = 30¢
Isn’t that an incredible savings over the typical store-bought soap?! Amazing!
Note: If you’re not able to get bulk soap scraps and start with a whole 3.5 oz bar, your savings is still worthy to note. It’s just 83¢ for 8 ounces!
Any chance you could give us a resource for the goats milk soap? I have not been able to find it in my area (Murrieta, CA). Thanks.
Hi Robin! I replied to Annie below, but I’ll copy/paste here for you too.
I’m currently testing soap from Bend Soap Company. Their soap has NOTHING added that shouldn’t be there, and so far I’m really liking it. I’ll have an official review in a few weeks, and wasn’t quite ready to post it on the blog just yet. 😉
Tiffany, I am reading this all the way from New Zealand! Your blog is great and I’m so enthusiastic to start trying some of your ideas! Go you! Martine 🙂
Wow! Thanks so much for reading Martine, and for leaving such a nice comment! Thank you for brightening my day. 🙂 Blessings to you!
Where can I find goat’s milk soap, or even better the scraps you mention?
Hi Annie! I’m currently testing soap from Bend Soap Company. Their soap has NOTHING added that shouldn’t be there, and so far I’m really liking it. I’ll have an official review in a few weeks, and wasn’t quite ready to post it on the blog just yet. 😉
I just ordered some bulk soap from Bend Soap Co. Can’t wait to get it! The price is amazing! Thanks for the tip 🙂
Yes, $8/lb for the bulk scraps is a great deal, and they’re a really great company to work with. You’re most welcome!!
Wow! These are hardly scraps, they’re full bars of soap 🙂 The first thing I saw when I opened the box was a handwritten note from maker. So sweet 🙂 Do you think the scented soap will be OK for my face? Since I bought bulk scraps, I have no idea what scents they are. But they all smell divine.
So excited! Just ordered the bulk scraps!! MUCH cheaper than what I’ve been buying at whole foods. Thanks for the info!
You’re welcome Meredith! I hope you like their soap as much a I do!
Wow – that was fast! Didn’t you just order the other day? The owners really are so incredibly sweet – they’re like neighbors via email, lol! Yes, the scented soap will be fine. I’ve used the oatmeal/honey and cranberry so far and haven’t had any reactions. The smell is more noticeable when you use them, so maybe you’ll have to shower once or twice to figure out which one is which!
May I suggest Bend Soap Company @ bendsoap.com. Not sure about liquid but I buy my goats milk bars from them.
Some of Bend Soap Company’s scented soaps and product contain synthetic fragrant. Their website has it listed under the ingredient tab. They said some of their products have it in it. I wouldn’t put it on my face if it was made with the synthetic fragrant. Is there an ingredient label that came with it. If it says fragrant it is synthetic and toxic. Some of their products are made with essential oils. I would contact the company and ask is the soap they sent you has the synthetic fragrant in it.
This looks so interesting! I’ve also been using the expensive facial cleansers with lots of chemicals, and would like to make a change.
What sort of container are you putting your cleanser in? Is it one of the reusable foaming pumps, or just a regular pump? Thank you!
I’m currently using a regular pump. I plan to test a foaming pump soon, but haven’t done so just yet. To save on funds, I’d use any container you currently have. I just rinsed out a container that once held regular soap. 🙂 If you don’t have one, consider the dollar store for anything that has a pump for $1. Then dump it out, wash it out and use! 🙂
I purchase mine from whole foods and love it! I use the one with frankincense and myrrh essential oils because I know they have great benefits to your skin and so far I am loving it! Your right about it dissolving though. I bought a plastic soap dish to store mine in and use a washcloth to get it out because it adhered to it. Its worked ok but I think doing this would be much easier-especially when trying to wash my face at night. 🙂
The fact that the bar soap stuck was a true deterrent for me to wash my face at night, so this definitely helps. Those essential oils are great for the skin, and I bet the bar smells so good! What a great way to start and finish the day! 🙂
I’ve been using goats milk soap bars from the local Farmers Market. I place it upright in a little juice glass. Doesn’t stick to anything and works great. 😀
What a great idea Kimiko! Thanks for sharing!
Hi there, thank you for such a great idea. I have a question, does this homemade soap remove foundation/eye makeup/ mascara? I currently use Neutrogena liquid (fresh foaming cleanser I think the name is) and it removes all my makeup no prob. I am really interested in making this soap though, it is much more natural & so much cheaper! I just don’t know if it will wash all the makeup off.
What do you follow up with — toner and/or moisturizer? Bar soap leaves my skin with what seems to be a film.
Hi I am a soap maker from Australia..I found this post through a pin on pinterest while looking for something else. You can buy bulk bar soap as you suggest above but you can also buy bulk liquid goats milk soap as well and thin it down with some water or hydrosol to thin it out to use in pump bottles and foaming bottles. As you are using natural handmade goats milk soap you do not need to add any additional glycerine as natural hand made soap (goats milk or any other type of hand made from scratch soap) has all its naturally occurring glycerine still added into it. Its nice to add a bit of scent (either from a pre made bar as someone suggested above or scented scraps are fine..but remember that the greater benefits will come from skin friendly essential oils added to the mixture, though the skin safe fragrance oils in the soaps scraps won’t hurt you as they are skin safe they will smell nice but add no benefits except nice smell..) This is a very easy and simple recipe and will work really well to clean your face with. You can even add a touch of honey if you like as it is good for your skin as well..not much though. I love it when people get excited over learning new things and how to repurpose other ingredients to make things for themselves..this was EXCELLENT for those things..well done!! This is also a good soap for baby and to clean their nappy area down with when they have soiled…then wipe over with some hydrosol and its clean and smells much better..goats milk soap helps to balance the ph of the skin and heal up any small damage (nicks or scratches etc) as well…
Thank you for the information on the glycerin Amanda! I thought I had read that, but since I’m not a soap maker, some of the information is a bit on the confusing side. 🙂 I appreciate you taking the time to share your knowledge with the rest of us! I haven’t seen liquid goat milk soap in bulk before, so I’ll definitely keep an eye out!
Please excuse my previous comment; should have read the entire convo…egg on my face.
LOL – no worries Mary! Love that you’re suggesting the company that I use too! 🙂
Hello!
I’m a 14 year old australian who’s been struggling with acne for a few years now. I have naturally dry skin, but since I’m a teenager it gets pretty oily as well. I’ve been using all sorts of commercial soaps but nothing was working, and they’d dry out my skin badly. I found out on the internet that using natural things like raw honey/manuka honey on your face works wonders. The problem is that I can’t get it locally and it’s pretty expensive anyway.
I was on pinterest one day and I found your blog. I read about goats milk soap and found it cheaply at a local chemist. In fact, they had it in ‘original goats milk soap’, ‘goat’s milk soap with oatmeal’, and ‘goats milk soap with manuka honey’. All three variations were the same price.
I bought the manuka honey type since I had heard such good things about the honey, and I’ve been using if for a month now. My skin has cleared right up!
So I’d like to thank you so much for creating this blog and showing me the amazingness of goats milk soap, it has changed my life!
I’m also wanting to try you’re tinted moisturiser, but I’m afraid that the coconut oil will cause acne. Does it block pores?
Thanks so much for everything!
You’re most welcome Ellis, and I’m so glad goat milk soap has done wonders for you too! In regards to coconut oil – it varies from person to person. I personally don’t have a problem with it, but others have said otherwise. If you already have it at home, it might be worth testing on a small portion of your body prone to breakouts (face, back or otherwise) for about a week, and then seeing what happens. Worst case, you stop using it and the breakouts clear up with the soap. However, if it works, you can proceed with the tinted version of the recipe and enjoy!!
I attempted to make the facial cleanser with goat’s milk on Saturday, and it looks as if it is a bit too watery. Is it possible I didn’t wait long enough for the mixture to sit?
I was just wondering if this would work as a liquid shampoo? I read your post about using the goats milk soap bar to shampoo your hair & thought it would be so nice to have a liquid version to use.
Hi Jackie! I did try this as a shampoo, but felt like I was using an awful lot just to adequate cover my head. And I mean A LOT. After trying the bar, it being so easy and not having to use nearly as much, I was sold. 🙂
Thanks for letting me know. I was hoping it would work. I guess I will try the bar option.
Here is a tip to avoid wet jammies. I use hair scrunnchies on my wrists. They soak up the water before it can go running down your arms and get everything wet. Works great.
Thank you for your recipe , cant wait to try, Could you tell me where you purchased your bottle to put it in? thanks again
Hi Lisa! That bottle was re-used bottle that once held Method soap. 🙂
Hi! First of all, thank you so much for your site! It is the first one I found when researching real food and natural products and it is just great. I especially love that you do not “induce guilt” like I found with other sites. You share your ideas in a gentle, newbie friendly way.
Anyway, I’ve made the cleanser twice. It is just wonderful and everyone I share it with loves it too. I have a problem with the soap not gelling – tried a bit less water last time with the same results. Do you have any suggestions?
Also, is it appropriate for me to give the finished products as gifts? I would attach a label on them attributing the formula to your site. Is this considered an okay thing to do?
Thanks again for your help and for your great site!
(PS – I’m now a Bend soap company fan. Our locally made goat soaps are more expensive and the shreds are great!)
Hello Tiffany,
I’ve read your post and decided to buy a goat soap bar. You were right, the little sucker is hard remove from the soap dish it dried on.
And because I’m lazy, I did not want to go through the process of turning it to a liquid face cleanser. So at first, I was just rubbing my wet hands on the surface available because I could not unstick it from the soap dish. Then I had a revelation, I put a little pebble under the soap, so that the surface in contact with the soap dish is diminished. And it worked. Now I’m able to pick the soap up more easily.
Anyway, all this description to say hello from Tahiti
Aha! Great tip Maylis! Thank you for sharing from beautiful Tahiti!! 🙂
Would I be able to add a little apple cider vinegar to this recipe?
I guess you could Patricia, but I honestly don’t know how well the acid would react to the soap over time. My recommendation would be to make a separate ACV toner instead of adding it to this recipe. 🙂
How long is the shelf life of this? Since it’s actual soap I assume a pretty long time…but I’d like a relative timeline. Also, have you heard anything about this goat milk soap being good for acne? Is there any reason you don’t use glycerin? Is the shelf life of glycerin shorter?
Hi Jaime! I’ve had extra soap stored in a jar for over 6 months without issue. In regards to acne, it’s what I use!! I didn’t use glycerin because I didn’t have any, and the recipe worked fine without it. 🙂
There really is nothing like the smell of milk soap! There’s a richness to it that always seems fancier than ordinary soaps.
When I made this I substituted strongly infused tea for the water – just a bag of decaf green tea with honey and chamomile that happened to be in the pantry, and added two drops of lavender essential oil and six of sage. I did need more soap shavings than your recipe called for.
Ended up having the family test the result using little 3oz travel size bottles.
The first few days the face wash was mostly liquid, but has since gelled up from all the shaking I do each time I use it. By now it has a lovely creamy consistency from all the tiny bubbles! The tea turned it a pretty amber-gold color.
Smells fantastic, very mild. But Ma reports it does a great job of getting her makeup off and my face has been less oily since I started using it.
Thanks a lot for the recipe!
Yes I agree, and you’re most welcome for the recipe. Great idea to use infused tea for water – those herbs are so beneficial!
Hi! How many times can I make this recipe using 1/4 cup of soap shreds if I have 1lb of shredded goats milk soap? I’m trying to figure out cost to see if I need 1lb or 2lbs!
I’m not sure Kathryn, but I’m thinking at least 4 times (and each batch makes A LOT). I bought shreds Feb 2015 (about 2 lbs I think) and it’s lasted me all year with laundry detergent and I still have some left! If I had consistently made this soap too, I bet I’d still have plenty leftover!
Hi Tiffany! I love your site, and want to try all your recipes! Loved the homemade earth paste! I just made your liquid goats milk soap, and read a post by Ashly about it being a bit watery, and she was wondering if she didn’t ‘let it sit long enough. There was no reply, and I had the same issue, so I was wondering what could have made mine so watery? Also, 1/4 cup packed or loose soap shavings? Thanks so much!
Hi Sara! The only time I noticed mine being watery is when the soap kinda separated from the water. If you swish together slowly – NOT shake vigorously, it’ll re-mix together and you’ll be good after a pump or two. I think my shavings were semi-packed? Definitely not loose, but not jam packed in there too. Kinda when you measure and push down so it doesn’t fall out, then add a it more on top. I hope this helps!
Hello there! Where to begin… congrats on all of your work! I’ m a 22 year old with hormonal acne and hormonal issues altogeher, lol! I come from Greece and being a really low budget student I was so happy to come across your site! I just wanted to ask… if I manage to get my hands on it… do you think it would be ok to use any kind of dairy milk soap on my face? My dermatologist has suggested I cut back on dairy as the hormones in milk might cause more trouble. Please excuse my ignorance… I m really trying to find something effective and safe. P.S. a lot of people here in Greece seem to be super excited about donkey milk soaps and creams etc… have you tried that?
Hormones in milk…are you referring to added hormones or naturally occurring? If you’re referring to added hormones, then you should be able to use an organic milk.
Van – it’s illegal to add hormones to dairy milk. The only hormones that are present are the naturally occurring ones.
It might be illegal to add Hormones but all animals except maybe organic ones get hormone shots to grow quickly and produce more meat and milk. If you buy non organic you definitely also absorb the grow- Hormones and other nasty stuff. Your skin only needs a few seconds to absorb the stuff you put on your skin and bring it to your bloodstream. Hormones as well.
Hey! I love your DIY recipes! Could I use this soap for the lady parts as well or what would you recommend instead? I moved here only recently and I am not satisfied with the ingredients in the feminine wash but using only water is neither something I wanna do on a regular basis. Do you have any recommendations? Thank you
Just as I suspected…the goat milk soap from Bend Soap contains coconut oil, which is highly comedogenic (pore clogging).
https://www.beneficialbotanicals.com/facts-figures/comedogenic-rating.html
Van – everyone’s skin reacts differently to different ingredients. Some people may have issues with coconut oil, but I have used it exclusively as a moisturizer for almost 3 years now and it – along with Bend Soap Company’s soap – has helped to HEAL my acne-prone skin! Oddly, argan oil is listed as a 0 on your list, as “will not clog pores,” and it made my skin break out horribly after trying it for a few weeks.
If you react to coconut oil, then don’t use it. But bear in mind that not everyone’s skin is created equal. 🙂
I make cold process soap and noticed your comment about an immersion blender causing the most bubbles. Try the soap maker’s trick :)…”burp” the blender by tapping it on the bottom of the container to release the air bubbles (they will come to the top) and then try blending. I bet you will get much better results :).
Swing K Farm in Oklahoma sell goat milk products. You can find them at http://swingingkfarm.com. They are very nice people. Meet them at the Farmer’s Market in Oklahoma.
Sorry for the English, I guess it’s too early in the morning. “sells goat milk products” and “Met them ….”
Loll, this was funny to read. I feel you on the wet Jammy sleeves.
Hi Tiffany, I can see that you do not use any preservative, but preparing with water.
I have read that it could be damaging for our skin and health because of the possibility of bacterias and moho growing.
Could you tell me please your experience?.
I already have made 2 diy recipes with just few water and/or aloe vera gel, and in my experience they both got damage in one week!.
On the other hand, sadely in my town (Ecuador, South America) it is not possible to find a natural preservative :(. Then, I am looking for an alternative to continue making my own natural cosmetics. I hope you can help me, thanks.
Hi! Have you tried distilled water or water you brought to a Boil? You have no bacteria or microbes in these two kinds of Waters.
Do you think this would work equally as well as a liquid hand soap? Thank you!!
Yes it will Rebecca!
Have you ever tried using Bend Soaps oatmeal honey soap this way? Would it be possible with the oats in it??
Hi Lorac! I haven’t tested that particular scent – we use that one only in the tub. 🙂 It might be possible with the oats, but I’d personally use a different bar, just in case.
Hi! I am interested in making this soap and wondering how it would do if I added witch hazel for acne? What are your thoughts? I am making felted face washing pads out of alpaca fiber and this liquid soap seems like it would be a perfect pairing.
I’m not sure Denell – I’ve never added witch hazel before!
I made this and put it into a pump container thing and it become all like gelatin, how can I fix it?
Alina – does it pump at all? Mine is definitely thick, but it still pumps… If it doesn’t, put it back in a pot, bring it to medium heat and add more water until it’s your desired texture.
Hi! I was wondering if I could do this technique with African Black Soap? I
I’m no sure Tiana, I’ve never tried that soap before!
Hi.. I am impressed a lot on ur home made face wash. I would like to prepare too. Could you please let me know about water measurement… waiting for your response.
Thank you
I am planning to make your Liquid Goats Milk Soap. I was just on the Bend Soap Company website. Amazing operation and the quality is what I’m looking for. Thank you for your recommendation. However, just for information, the Shredded Goats Milk Soap by the pound is now $17.95 and the 7 oz. bath size is $9.95.
I appreciate the update Susan!
Hello i have made this and mine separated after a time. It was ok at first using but then the water and soap separated.
This will happen since there’s no artificial emulsifier. I’ve found that gently tipping it over in my hand a few times (like shaking, but gently!) every now and then will fix it.
Hi there!
I followed the recipe but unfortunately when the mixture cooled down, it was still “liquidy”. I reheated it and added more soap shavings, but the same thing happened. It’s literally like colored water. Please help! What am I doing wrong?!
Hi Isabelle! Did you start with goat milk soap from Bend Soap Company?