Appreciated for its nourishing properties and rich lather, goat’s milk soap offers calming comfort to skin, and especially when a sprinkle of fragrant lavender enhances the mixture. Easy melting soap from the craft store ensures the simplicity of this project, pretty moulds create interesting shapes, and a range of possible additives allows the finished product to be perfectly personalized.
Lavender Goat’s Milk Soap
Makes 4 (6-ounce) bars
Ingredients
4 tablespoons dried lavender
Silicone moulds
24 ounces goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap base*
Additives, optional
Instructions
- Sprinkle approximately 1 tablespoon lavender into the bottom of each (6-ounce) well of a shaped silicone mould, or divide herb between available silicone moulds of varying sizes.
- In a double boiler, heat soap base over medium heat until melted and smooth, stirring frequently to ensure the soap heats evenly. Remove from heat.
- Add desired additives, such as a few drops of essential oil, fragrance, or natural colorant. Using a spatula, stir until fully incorporated.
- Pour melted soap over lavender in moulds. Using your hands or the spatula, press soap to eliminate bubbles and air pockets.
- Allow to set according to package directions. Once it is firm enough to remove from mould, allow soap to cure for several more days. This will enable moisture to evaporate, creating harder and longer-lasting bars.
- To release bar, gently apply pressure to bottom of mould.
- For a thoughtful hostess gift, present soap with a bundle of dried lavender and a monogrammed fingertip towel.
*If you cannot find a goat’s milk variety at your local craft store, add powdered goat’s milk to a traditional soap base.
Photography Stephanie Welbourne Steele
Styling Melissa Sturdivant Smith
For more glimpses of bucolic life, see “A Country Cadence” in the July/August 2020 issue of Victoria magazine, available on newsstands or at Victoriamag.com.
