commonly asked questions
Click on the question to reveal the answer to each commonly asked question.
Do you make all the soap yourself?
A: YES. I used to make this all in my kitchen, but now have trained one employee to do soapmaking at my production facility in Dover, and I batch from my "soap shed" at my home near Byron, MN ! I often joke that it goes right from the goat to the soap. I milk 11 goats seasonally, and I use their fresh milk in ALL the soaps.
What are your ingredients?
A: My staple ingredients are certified organic coconut, olive, palm, and castor oils. I do have soaps that have certified organic oat bran, loofah, or my chicken’s eggshells in them, for extra scrubbing power, too.
How does the goat milk get used to make soap?
A: I first mix together the goat milk and lye, then I place this solution into gently warmed base oils; this creates a chemical reaction that causes a soap molecule to be formed.
How much goat milk is in the soaps?
A: I use a pound and a half of goat milk in a batch of 24-26 bars, so a 4 oz bar has roughly 1 oz of luscious goat milk in it.
Are your soaps moisturizing?
A: All of my soaps have the naturally occurring glycerin in them from the soapmaking process. Glycerin is the byproduct of saponification (soap molecules being formed). Unlike commercial soapmakers, I do not have the time nor equipment to press the glycerin out of the soaps. Glycerin is a humectant, which means that it attracts moisture to your skin. Since the glycerin is left IN my soaps, your skin will appreciate and notice the difference in the shower or tub!
What is the difference between your "essential oil" and "fragrance oil" scents?
A: Essential oils are plant-derived scents from the bark, leaves, or flowers of plants. If you are holistically minded (as I am!), these are the types of scents you want to have in your soaps. Fragrance oils are synthetically made scents, created in a test tube. The fragrance oil scents deceive your nose into “smelling” a scent. The fragrance oils scents I purchase are phthalate, paraben, and paba-free. Have confidence that I’m avoiding poisoning you, my customer base!
How are your soaps different than commercial bars?
A: Goat milk is noted for it’s fats, proteins, and vitamins. Your skin will note these wonderful benefits and the naturally occurring glycerin in my soaps. I avoid using synthetic ingredients–including dyes, pigments, and additives. The only synthetic ingredient in some of my soaps is the fragrance oil used to scent them. Commercially made bars have synthetic emollients, fillers, and fragrances. In fact, most commercially made bars are detergent-based “soaps,” which means that they are entirely synthetically made. This is why you feel like a piece of cardboard after using a commercial bar in your shower. Your skin has been stripped of EVERYTHING!
Can I use this on my body, or is it just hand soap?
A: You can use this soap on your face, body, and hands. I have several customers also use it as a shampoo; however, they admit to having thinner, finer hair. Keep in mind that my soaps are NOT tear-free, so do use care when washing your face or shampooing–especially with children.
I also have a Lady’s and Men’s Shaver soap that has bentonite clay in it to help smooth your skin as you shave. And for you dog lovers, there’s the Dirty Dog bar that you can bathe your four-legged companion with, too!
Do you carve this soap?
A: I purchase molds from a company who specifically creates soap molds. These molds are flexible and durable. I love the detail and personality that each soap has. If I were to carve the soap, you would be paying substantially more for your bar of soap!
Which bar would you recommend for sensitive skin?
A: I would recommend avoiding any fragrance oil bars, and trying a scent/fragrance free bar OR a non-irritating essential oil bar like the Soothing (lavender), or the Terra Rose (Rosewood & Palma Rosa) bar.
Where are you located?
A: I live on a beautiful 20 acre farmette about 2 miles north of Oxbow Park. I host classes, workshops, and run and AirBnB from my spacious home, as well as tend my goats, chickens, and a mini schnauzer named Hans. My main production facility is in the basement of a shop in a little town called Dover that is just off of Highway 14 in southeastern MN.
Where can I find your soaps?
A: You are welcome to place a phone order by calling 507.923.8843, or order on our e-commerce website accessible through the “Shop Online” tab at the top of this page (www.igoatsoap.com).
You can also find us at local retailers. A list of local locations can be found here on our website under the “About Us” tab.
Do you teach soapmaking classes?
A: Yes, I teach classes from my farmette, in my soap shed. You can click on the “Shop Online” tab and register and pay for classes. With a minimum of 5 “students” I am happy to arrange a class specifically for your group. Please call 507.923.8843 if you are interested in setting up a group class.
Do you take custom orders?
A: Yes. A custom order is a great way to gift yourself, or for birthdays, weddings, thinking of you gifts, receptionist recognition, baby and bridal shower, co-worker surprise presents, and hostess or housewarming favors! You will need a minimum twelve bar order, and a 6 week lead time is necessary for creating and curing custom orders.
How does a solid had lotion work?
A: The solid hand lotions are a beeswax-based products, and the beeswax is what allows them to remain solid at room temperature. I use local beeswax, and the other ingredients in these wonderful lotions are all certified organic shea butter, cocoa butter, and sweet almond oil. Six of the 7 solid hand lotion types are scented with essential oils (plant-derived scent). The tins are petroleum and alchohol-free, and they have been proven to work extremely well on fissured hands, fingers, and feet! Most people gently rub the top of the lotion to get enough to apply, others will use their thumb-nail to scoop more out. I have a loyal customer–an older lady lacking fine motor skills–who applies the lotion by holding the tin in her hand and rubbing it onto the dry elbow, knee, or heel that is bothering her.
The NEW TUBES are very transportable, and user friendly. Just crank them up like you would a giant lip balm, and apply the lotion to your cuticles, feet, or other dry area with ease!
Is there SPF in your lip butters?
A: Because I do my best to avoid synthetic additives in all of my products, there is not SPF in the lip butters.