I receive this great question now and then, does goat milk soap expire?
Comments that have been received:
- The soap has milk in it so it has to deteriorate over a period of time.
- Goat milk soap has a shelf life between 1-6 months.
- Goat milk soap softens as it ages.
In actuality, goat milk soaps age beautifully.
A preservative is not needed in goat milk soap. If the soap has been made properly, cured and then stored properly, it will not “go bad.”
Moisture in soap does continue to evaporate after the initial curing period of 4-6 weeks, however, this does not mean it is no longer good for your skin. In general, the soap will hold the same properties, except it will weigh less, regardless of how long it is in stock. The soap will continue to harden over a period of time, which actually makes for a longer lasting bar. I prefer to sell soap that has some age behind it, but demand takes first choice.
Regarding my discounted soaps: Any soap that I sell that is not acceptable because it is too small, or the color or fragrance is not right, or if anything is wrong with the soap other than it not being safe (if it is not mild or mixed properly), is discounted and the description of the soap in my online store will say why it is discounted. Age is not a factor in discounting soap, unless it simply does not sell. For example: Lily Of The Valley goat milk soap does not smell (to me) similar to Lily Of The Valley. There is nothing wrong with the soap otherwise. I found it difficult to accurately describe the floral scent, so I discounted the perfectly good goat milk soap.
Your questions are appreciated, and please keep them coming!
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
And I do love my soap! Vickie from Sand Flat Farm gave me another bar – lavender – and it is heavenly! 🙂 I am just catching up here; I’ve been working quite a bit lately. This week, I have plums coming out my ears and will work on plum jelly, one of our favorites. Good to ‘see’ you, girlfran! Keep up the good work!
Plum jelly sounds fabulous! We have a few mulberry trees on the farm. I thought about mulberry jam. I think it’s getting too late for it now. The geese and birds have been happy though. Don’t work too hard!
Good info!
~*~Amy~*~
what is the best way to store goat milk soap for possble long periods of time? Thank You
Keep it in a dry area (a place without a lot of humidity), not tightly wrapped in plastic (allow the soap to breathe somewhat), and not in high temperatures. Room temperature is good. The plastic shoe boxes that can be found in most discount stores is a good place to store goat milk soap for long periods of time.
You say it will last a long time but about how long is a long time? A Year, Five Years, indefinitely? I would like to stock up on it but as I am the only one that uses goat soap I would rather not purchase in bulk unless it will last a very long time.
Laura, my statement, “A preservative is not needed in goat milk soap. If the soap has been made properly, cured and then stored properly, it will not “go bad.” I have not had a well-cured, well-stored, bar of goat milk soap go bad. It will keep indefinitely.