Welcome to Little Bramble Soapstead!

Hello my name is Kirsty. Me and my family moved to Co. Mayo Ireland two years ago to setup our homestead, to live a more self sufficient life. Due to my sensitivities to cows milk we purchased our first couple of goats, Sally and Rosie so we could source our own raw goat milk. We believe in the health of our goats and their kids, this is why we use a milk sharing process. This means we only take the milk that the kids don't drink. This ensures that the kids receive the milk they need first. 

This led me down the path of what to do with the excess milk. 

Being a horse owner I have realised the benefits of using natural products and herbs and how it can enrich and improve the health of my horses. This has led me down a more holistic path. 

Our skin is our biggest organ and sometimes gets neglected, which is why I strive to make products that the skin will love.

After researching the benefits of goat milk in soaps I started making soaps for my family and friends. Everyone loved the soaps I and I love making soaps!!!

We put a lot of time and thought into the ingredients we use, ensuring the are nourishing and gentle on the skin.

Here are some of the ingredients we use and the benefits they bring:

• Olive oil: It adds that gentle, moisturizing touch while also providing antioxidants to the skin. It's such a classic choice in soap-making and is perfect for sensitive skin.
• Coconut oil: Is a great balance with other oils, to avoid the sometimes drying effect it can have. When used correctly, it gives soap that perfect, rich lather while creating a protective moisture barrier on the skin.
• Castor oil: This is such a powerful ingredient!  A little goes a long way, but it makes a huge difference in creating a smooth, creamy lather and helping lock in moisture.
• Shea butter & Mango butter: Both of these are fantastic for skin hydration and nourishment. Shea butter, with its high concentration of vitamins, helps heal and protect skin, while mango butter gives that extra glow and softness. Together, they’re perfect for making the skin feel soft and rejuvenated.
• Sweet almond butter: Is the perfect final touch! The vitamins and fatty acids in sweet almond butter help nourish and calm skin, especially if it’s prone to irritation.
• Essential oils: Essential oils are so much better for both the skin and the environment. By avoiding synthetic fragrances,  we are ensuring that our soaps are as pure as possible, which is so important for sensitive skin. Essential oils are also a wonderful way to infuse soaps with natural healing properties.

• Goat milk: Goat milk is such a powerful ingredient. It has been cherished for centuries for its skin-loving properties! Its natural, gentle qualities make it especially beneficial for those with sensitive or dry skin, and the fact that it's packed with vitamins, minerals, and proteins makes it an excellent addition to our soaps.

  Some really powerful properties of goat milk:

  • Vitamin A, E, and C: These are all essential for maintaining healthy skin. Vitamin A promotes cell turnover and helps with skin regeneration, while Vitamin E is a potent antioxidant that helps protect the skin from damage. Vitamin C helps with collagen production and brightening, so it's perfect for creating a healthy, glowing complexion.
  • Balancing pH: Goat milk’s ability to naturally balance the pH of soap is huge! Because it’s slightly acidic, it can help create a soap that's more in harmony with our skin's natural pH, making it gentler and less likely to strip the skin’s moisture barrier. This also helps to prevent irritation and dryness, which is such a benefit, especially for sensitive skin.
  • Caprylic acid: I find this such an interesting aspect of goat milk. Caprylic acid helps to lower the pH of the soap, making it less harsh compared to other types of soap. It also works as a natural antimicrobial, which can help prevent skin breakouts. Because it’s more similar to the skin’s natural pH, it can be absorbed more readily by the skin, allowing it to deliver its nourishing benefits more effectively.

  All of these ingredients combined leave the skin feeling soft, nourished, and deeply hydrated after use.

Our triple butter with goat milk soap is our first luxury range and we will be working on more to come.

We have also started to create our own range of eco-friendly coconut soap dishes, fully hand crafted by ourselves. I will extend this range soon as I think they look so rustic and stylish !!!