From Milk to Moisture: How to Make Breastmilk Soap Safely

According to my analytics y’all love a good breastmilk soap recipe! I had some previous readers concerned about potential spoilage in previous recipes so I’ve adapted a new recipe with new spoil free solutions.

We know breastmilk is magic. but did you know you can turn that liquid gold into soothing skincare too?

Whether you’ve got a freezer stash that’s nearing expiration or a few extra ounces from a recent pump session, breastmilk soap is a beautiful way to repurpose milk while honoring the journey it came from. But like anything natural and homemade, safety is key, especially when using products on baby’s sensitive skin.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a safe, beginner friendly recipe for breastmilk soap, tips to keep it from going bad, and ways to customize it with baby safe essential oils or skin soothing herbs.

Why Make Breastmilk Soap?

Breastmilk is packed with immune-boosting antibodies, natural fats, and skin-soothing properties. When turned into soap, it can help with:

• Baby acne, eczema, or cradle cap

• Dry or sensitive skin (for both baby and parent)

• Gentle handwashing

• A calming bedtime routine

Here’s our updated vegan friendly breastmilk soap recipe that avoids animal derived ingredients like goat milk. This gentle, plant-based version is perfect for babies and sensitive skin, and it’s designed to minimize spoilage.

🧼 Vegan Breastmilk Soap Recipe (Melt & Pour Method)

🧾 Ingredients:

• 1 lb vegan melt-and-pour soap base (e.g., shea butter, coconut, or glycerin-based)

• 8 oz room-temperature breastmilk (fresh or previously frozen and thawed)

• 1–2 tsp skin-safe carrier oil (such as calendula, sweet almond, or grapeseed)

• Optional: 1–2 drops of baby-safe essential oil (see suggestions below)

• Silicone molds or ice cube trays (a zillion options on Amazon, pick whatever you like the look of and is in your budget plus BPA free)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Soap Base: Cut the soap base into small cubes and melt it using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until fully melted.

2. Cool Slightly: Allow the melted soap base to cool slightly to prevent curdling when adding breastmilk.

3. Incorporate Breastmilk: Gently stir in the breastmilk, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

4. Add Oils: Mix in the carrier oil and, if using, the essential oil. Stir gently to combine.

5. Mold the Soap: Pour the mixture into your chosen molds.

6. Set and Cure: Place the molds in the refrigerator for several hours until the soap hardens completely.

7. Unmold and Store: Once hardened, remove the soap from the molds.

🧴 Storage Tips to Prevent Spoilage:

• Refrigeration: Store the soap in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

• Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the soap tightly and freeze for up to 6 months.

• Room Temperature: If kept at room temperature, use within 4 weeks and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Baby Safe Customization Ideas:

Essential Oils (use sparingly):

• Lavender: Calming and promotes sleep.

• Chamomile: Soothes irritated skin.

• Frankincense: Gentle and supports skin health. 

Note: Avoid essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus for infants under 6 months.

Add-ins:

• Colloidal Oatmeal: Adds gentle exfoliation and soothes the skin.

• Dried Calendula Petals: Known for their skin-healing properties.

• Finely Ground Oats: Provides a soothing texture and benefits sensitive skin.

🛁 How to Use:

• For Babies: Use during bath time to cleanse and soothe sensitive skin.

• For Adults: Great for handwashing or as a gentle facial cleanser.

• Patch Test: Always perform a patch test before widespread use, especially on infants. 

I hope you feel inspired to try making this gentle vegan breastmilk soap and experience the nourishing care it offers. As you stir in each precious drop of your liquid gold, remember you’re putting it to beautiful use instead of letting it go to waste. We’d love to see your creations and hear your story—share a photo of your homemade soap with the Melanin Milk SD community on social media and tag us so we can celebrate with you. As you continue your parenting journey, we invite you to explore more of our supportive content and consider our wellness services whenever you need a helping hand. 619-841-1160 text for an appt our our rates.