The History of Goat Milk Soap

Welcome to the third week of Renewal Reads! This week we are talking about something that I’ve been studying for awhile - the history of soap -  but more specifically goat’s milk soap. For those of you who are like me, this is a dream come true! For others it might be a nightmare. I promise you the history of soap is a lot more interesting than you’d think. 

The true birth of soap was in the Bronze Age of Mesopotamia around 2,800 BC. To make this thick cleaning product they would mix animal fats and plant ashes. Doctors of the time believed that it would clear skin ailments. While this cleanser was a lot different than the soap we have today, it did seem quite effective. 

The thick cleaner grew in popularity especially in Egypt. The Egyptians improved the cleaner by mixing animal and vegetable oils with alkaline salts. If you have ever read anything about Egypt you probably know about Cleopatra. Cleopatra was renowned for her beauty, but more specifically her skin's brightness. Why? According to legend she used to bathe in sour donkey and goat’s milk. It’s a bit strange but hey, it worked for her skin. 

Goat’s milk soap was truly invented in ancient Greece. This made a lot of sense considering the high population of goats in Greece. The Greeks had a love for learning and experimenting. Ever heard of Aristotle, Socrates, or Plato? Need I say more? They learned that the lactic acid in goat’s milk was perfect for moisturizing! It left your skin clean yet soft. Over time it increased in popularity and spread to different cultures. 

Medieval Europe is when and where goat’s milk soap really gained prominence. The nuns and monks of the time loved the gentle exfoliation that it provided. They led the way in producing and selling goat’s milk soap to people all around Europe. It is a tradition that has carried on to this day. 

The history of goat’s milk soap is a lot more detailed than most people realize! But now you know, the Greeks cracked the case for the perfect soap that leaves your skin moisturized each time. Join me next week for an interesting post on the uses of  goat’s milk soap beyond skincare. 

2 Corinthians 5:17 says,

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

NASB1995