What is Soap?
Soap is created through a chemical reaction called saponification. In this reaction acids (oils or fats) combine with a base (sodium hydroxide or lye) to form an emulsion. The molecules in this emulsion contain a water-loving part (hydrophilic) and an oil-loving part. The hydrophilic part of the molecule breaks apart the droplets of water on the skin allowing the soap to work more effectively. And the oil-loving part of the molecule attract dirt and oils away from the skin and suspend them until the water can rinse them away.
Isn't Lye soap harsh?
Of course lye is a strong caustic and you would not want it to come into contact with your skin (or anything else for that matter). But, once saponification is complete there should be no more lye remaining in the soap. The lye has been consumed and chemically altered and will not have the same qualities as before the process. Therefore, lye soap is a balanced and gentle, cleansing soap.
What is goat's milk soap good for?
Milk soaps in general create a richer, creamier lather. They are soothing to sensitive or irritated skin. They help skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. And they also help balance the oils in your skin. What makes goat's milk different is that it is naturally homogenized. Meaning it has smaller fat particles which remain suspended in solution, unlike cow's milk which separates easily. Also, goat's milk has more fat and less water than cows milk. This makes it easier to incorporate into the soap and creates a more rich and moisturizing soap.
How do I know if I need a moisturizing soap or a cleansing soap?
Our skin secretes an natural protectant called sebum. This is a thin layer of oils which protect our skin from toxins, elements and injury. When we bath we remove that layer which signals the sebaceous glands in our skin to create more. If we bath excessively, or use harsh cleansers our skin is going to become oilier. Therefore, a well balanced soap is the best for ALL skin types.
Basic Cleaner: 2 tsp. Borax
1 tbsp. liquid detergent
1 qt. of water
Dishwasher: 3 cups Borax
3 cups washing soda
1/8 cup powdered laundry detergent
Carwash: 1 gallon hot water
1/2 cup liquid detergent
1/4 cup baking soda
*use 1 cup solution per bucket of warm water.
Spray & Wash: 8 cup water
1/2 cup whiter vinegar
1/2 cup ammonia
1/4 cup baking soda
3 tbsp. liquid dish detergent
Window/Glass cleaner: 1/2 cup ammonia
16 oz. rubbing alcohol
1 heaping tsp. liquid dish soap
10-13 cups warm water
Windshields: 1 qt. alcohol
2 cups water
2 tbsp. liquid detergent
* in cold areas reduce water to 1 cup.
Brass Cleaner: 1 tbsp. vinegar or lemon juice
1 tbsp. salt
*mix into a paste and rub gently. rinse with
warm, soapy water.
Buffalo Ridge Farms
Copyright © 2008 [Buffalo Girl Soaps]. All rights reserved.
Revised: December 09, 2008
.