When it comes to finding the perfect face wash, it can feel like an overwhelming task. For those of us with ultra-sensitive skin, it can seem even trickier, as even the gentlest breeze can set our pores aflame. With this in mind, I set out to create a balanced, soothing detox soap that would cater not only to sensitive skin but also to oily, dry, and combination skin types. Fear not, your hero has arrived! (And by the way, I’d rock a cape and tights.)
So let’s start by talking about what a good facial cleanser should do. A great facial cleanser should be gentle enough to calm irritated skin while tackling pollutants. It needs to have the strength to effectively remove dirt and grime from your pores, without damaging the delicate surface of your skin. This balance is something many of us struggle to find in the quest for the perfect skincare routine. When I chat with friends about their cleansers, they often mention the burning sensation they feel, thinking it’s proof the cleanser is working. I call this the “Dude Theory” of skincare. (Side note: the “Dude Theory” is also responsible for those guys using a single 5-in-1 product as face wash, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, and moisturizer. Please trust me when I say that this is not the skincare routine you want to follow.) That burn may feel effective at first, but it ultimately strips away your skin’s natural oils, leading to more oil production and potential damage. The Activated Charcoal Detoxing Goat Milk Soap gives you that same clean without the burn or harm.
As with all of my products, I only include raw materials when they truly add value and contribute to overall skin health. These ingredients are chosen with purpose—mainly to deliver vitamins and minerals that not only have anti-aging benefits but also prevent and reverse the damage done by harsh chemicals in other products (or, you know, “Dude Theory” products).
This straightforward recipe focuses on gently exfoliating the skin with alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), penetrating the pores to detoxify, and healing and protecting the skin with essential vitamins and minerals. So, let’s dive in—if you’re more of a visual learner, you can check out the video instead.
First things first: Goat’s Milk Soap
Goat’s milk soap is becoming more popular, but it’s still not the easiest to find in stores, as the soap-making process is a bit more complex. While it can be made from scratch by adding lye to the milk, I’d leave that to the experts. It sounds pretty dangerous if you’re not a chemist. If you can, look for a locally sourced goat milk base. If not, I’ve found a budget-friendly one on Amazon that works great.
Why use goat milk soap over something like shea butter soap? Goat’s milk is incredibly soothing, especially for sensitive skin, like mine. It’s also highly recommended for conditions like psoriasis and eczema due to its healing properties. There are three main reasons why goat’s milk soap is my go-to: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), moisturizing fats, and vitamin A.
- Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) help gently remove dead skin cells without damaging the skin underneath, paving the way for anti-aging nutrients to penetrate more effectively.
- Vitamin A not only supports anti-aging but also helps tighten skin and smooth out wrinkles, giving your skin a radiant glow.
- The healthy fats in goat’s milk help replenish the skin’s surface, locking in moisture and promoting healthy cell development—key for youthful, vibrant skin.
The Magic of Coffee Grounds and Activated Charcoal
Coffee grounds are essential for exfoliation. They help remove dead skin and allow the activated charcoal to deeply cleanse pores, binding to impurities and pulling out oil and dirt. The result? Smaller pores and smoother skin, which, let’s be honest, everyone loves. And the caffeine in the coffee also tightens the skin, which helps reduce pore size, particularly for those with larger pores (yes, gentlemen, I’m looking at you).
Tea Tree Oil: The Detox Hero
Tea tree oil is a powerful detoxifier and anti-inflammatory. It’s soothing and helps reduce irritation, while also aiding in the healing of acne scars and other skin damage.
The Brightening Power of Orange Essential Oil
Last but not least, my personal favorite: orange essential oil. Extracted from the zest of oranges, it’s packed with vitamin C, which brightens the skin by boosting blood circulation and oxygen flow. Vitamin C also helps reduce wrinkles by supporting collagen production, which is crucial for skin elasticity and structure.
I hope this helps with your skincare journey. Please share, like, and follow to stay connected with my latest projects!
Equipment
- 1 quart heatproof container (I like using mason jars for this)
- Soap mold (silicone molds from any home store work great)
- Whisk
- Measuring Spoons (1 tablespoon size)
Ingredients
- 1 lb goat’s milk soap base
- Tea tree oil
- Sweet orange oil
- ½ cup used ground coffee
- 1 tbsp activated charcoal
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil, enough to submerge your heatproof container about ¾ of the way.
- Dice the goat milk soap base into 1-inch cubes and place them in your heatproof container.
- Once the water is boiling, place the container with the soap base into the pot (it’s okay if it touches the bottom).
- Whisk occasionally as the soap melts—it should only take a few minutes.
- Once fully melted, turn off the heat and remove the container from the pot.
- Add the activated charcoal, coffee, tea tree oil, and orange essential oil, then whisk until everything is thoroughly blended.
- Pour the mixture into a greased mold (olive or coconut oil works great) and let it sit for 24 hours. Although you can use it once it’s removed from the mold, it’s best to let it age for about 4 weeks before the first use.
