When I first started making soap for my family, I put my engineering brain to work and started studying all my potential ingredients. Every ingredient you use in soap adds a particular quality. But if you add too many, you dilute the benefits of each ingredient you do use.

The first thing I needed to decide was whether I was going to use animal fats in my soap. Our family is not vegan or vegetarian and so we didn't immediately rule out animal fats. I made soap with just vegetable oils and I made soap with animal fat. And then we used and tested it.

And it was quickly clear that soap made with animal fat outperformed soap made with just vegetable oils. As compared to soap made with just vegetable oils, animal fat soap:

• Lasted longer
• Lathered better
• Increased the improvement in skin health

"Love the Oatmeal Milk & Honey soap…lathers beautifully & smells so good….I actually hated getting through with my shower" - Patricia S.

I had two winning ingredients - goat milk (of course) and animal fat. I then had to decide between lard and tallow. Since there was no obvious difference between those soaps, we ended up going with lard because I had a local supply of pastured lard.

I then spent 3 years refining and perfecting my formula. Once I knew we had an incredible soap formula that would help most people with their skin issues, we started Goat Milk Stuff.

I talk a lot about all of the benefits of goat milk, but I don't often talk about the benefits to your skin from lard. So I wanted to elaborate on this ingredient.

Lard, derived from pig fat, has played a significant role in skincare and personal care products throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern formulations, lard’s versatility, sustainability, and skin-friendly properties make it an intriguing choice for soap and skincare applications.

"This is like a spa day on your face! We love it, my son loves it. This Tea Tree soap has tremendously helped both my son and I's acne. I threw away all my other cleansers. They never made my skin feel like this. You will experience an amazing clean face like no other cleansers can provide." - Abby J.

Historical Significance of Lard in Skincare

The use of lard in skincare dates back centuries. Ancient Egyptians combined lard with jasmine, honey, and other ingredients to soften and moisturize their skin. Greek and Roman women utilized lard as a conditioner for their hair, appreciating its emollient properties. These practices reflect lard’s longstanding reputation as a natural and effective skincare ingredient.

However, with the advent of synthetic alternatives in the 20th century, lard fell out of favor in commercial skincare. Products like mineral oil and petroleum-based creams replaced animal-derived fats. In recent years, as consumers shift towards natural and sustainable options, lard has experienced a resurgence as an eco-conscious ingredient.

"This Ocean soap is incredible! I just received my 3rd purchase today. The fragrances are wonderful, not overpowering, and they lather up perfectly. Thank you for such an earth friendly product!" - Gail D.

The Science Behind Lard and Lard Glycerides

Lard’s effectiveness in skincare lies in its composition. It contains a blend of fatty acids, including oleic, palmitic, and lauric acids, which nourish and protect the skin. Additionally, lard is a rich source of vitamins A and D, both essential for skin health. These vitamins promote cell repair, reduce inflammation, and guard against environmental damage.

Lard glycerides (fatty acid compounds combined with glycerin) offer enhanced moisturizing benefits. Glycerin is a natural humectant that helps the skin retain moisture, making lard glycerides particularly beneficial for dry or sensitive skin. Studies also indicate that lard glycerides have mild antimicrobial properties, supporting skin health and reducing acne-causing bacteria.

"My aging skin looks & feels so much healthier when I use my Purity goat's milk soap - I love it" - Mary Ellen R.

Myths and Misconceptions About Lard in Skincare

Despite its skin-supporting benefits, lard currently faces some misconceptions we want to clarify.

Misconception #1. Lard Clogs Pores.
Many believe lard is comedogenic, but its pore-clogging potential is low (especially when used in an excellent soap formula). Its fatty acid profile supports skin without overwhelming it.

Misconception #2. Strong Odor.
Properly rendered lard used in skincare is odorless and integrates seamlessly with other ingredients.

Misconception #3. Outdated or Low-Quality Ingredient
Lard’s return to modern skincare reflects its compatibility with the clean beauty movement. High-quality, responsibly sourced lard is valued for its eco-friendly profile and skin benefits.

Uses of Lard in Skincare and Haircare

Lard’s applications extend across skincare, haircare, and makeup products.

Soap
Lard creates a creamy, stable lather in soaps, providing excellent cleansing and moisturizing properties. It is often combined with other oils like coconut or olive oil for a balanced formulation.

"I tried the Lavender Peppermint for my morning showers. Smells great! I hate having to slather on body lotions and this soap is very moisturizing." - Elizabeth O.

Moisturizers and Balms
Lard’s natural emollient qualities make it a staple in salves and creams, soothing and protecting dry or irritated skin.

Haircare
As a conditioning agent, lard glycerides add softness and shine to hair while creating a protective barrier against damage.

"Using the Lavender Goat Milk Shampoo bar has been such a luxurious experience! The lather is very rich and creamy and the fragrance is so calming yet elegant. My hair feels hydrated and is so shiny. It really exceeded my expectations!" - Deborah R.

Makeup
Lard glycerides enhance the texture and consistency of products like lip balms, foundations, and creams.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

One of lard’s most significant advantages is its sustainability. As a byproduct of the meat industry, using lard in skincare reduces waste and supports a circular economy. Unlike synthetic ingredients, lard is biodegradable and requires minimal processing, resulting in a lower carbon footprint. Ethically sourced lard also aligns with principles of responsible consumption.

Risks and Considerations

While lard is generally safe for topical use, individuals with sensitivities should perform a patch test before incorporating it into their routine. Overuse in haircare can lead to product buildup, necessitating balanced formulations. Additionally, sourcing from ethical and sustainable farms is crucial to address concerns about animal welfare.

Kosher and Halal

Because I originally created our goat milk soap just for our family, I did not consider that people who have Kosher or Halal beliefs are unable to use a lot of our soaps. We have multiple products that do not use lard for these people and the list can be found on this ingredients page.

"I'm using the mega Castile bar and enjoying the creamy and almost lotion-like lather. It truly leaves one soft, fresh, and not needing lotion after a shower." - Pat E.

I regret that we don't have a larger offering and so we will be creating some tests to see if we can create some tallow soaps that perform as well as our lard soaps. This would enable us to expand our offerings for people who wish to avoid lard for their belief system.

Lard Makes Great Soap

Lard’s unique combination of historical significance, scientific benefits, and sustainability makes it a compelling ingredient in modern skincare. As consumers embrace natural and environmentally friendly products, lard’s role in soap and personal care is poised for growth.

By understanding its properties and uses, we can appreciate lard as a timeless, versatile ally to goat milk soap in the pursuit of healthy, nourished skin.