We make both, our family has used both for generations, and customers ask us to pick a favorite almost every day. The truthful answer is that they do slightly different jobs. Here is how to decide.
Olive oil soap: the original
Olive oil soap is the traditional soap of Greece and the Mediterranean, and it is what Lori’s father grew up with on Kalymnos. Made with extra-virgin olive oil, it is mild, low-lather and softening. Olive oil is high in oleic acid and squalene, both of which the skin absorbs well, so the bar leaves skin feeling conditioned rather than squeaky. It is the choice for very dry or mature skin, for people who react to fragrance, and for anyone who likes a simple, unscented bar.
Goat’s milk soap: richer lather, more moisture
Our goat’s milk bars start from the same olive oil base and add goat’s milk, which lowers the pH closer to the skin’s own and adds milk fats and proteins. The result is a creamier, more generous lather and a bar that feels more moisturizing in the shower. It also carries natural lactic acid, a gentle exfoliant. Goat’s milk bars are the ones we make in forty-plus scents, so this is where you go if you want lavender, lemongrass or the seasonal Pumpkin Crunch Cake.
Side by side
- Lather: goat’s milk is richer; olive oil is low and creamy.
- Moisture: both are moisturizing; goat’s milk feels more so immediately, olive oil conditions over time.
- Sensitive skin: both are mild. Start with unscented olive oil or unscented goat’s milk.
- Scents: goat’s milk has the range; olive oil is mostly plain.
- Face: either, but we make dedicated facial goat’s milk bars.
- Price: similar; goat’s milk bars from $3.75.
Our honest recommendation
Most households end up with one of each: an olive oil bar by the sink and a scented goat’s milk bar in the shower. Use either with a natural sea sponge and you have the same simple routine our family has always used. More on the ingredients on our goat’s milk and olive oil page.
