Use of Goat Fat in the Production of Creams and Ointments: A Minireview

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of natural ingredients in skincare products [1-3]. This shift towards natural and organic skincare products can be attributed to the growing awareness among consumers of the potential harmful effects of synthetic ingredients commonly used in traditional skincare products. Consumers are seeking natural and organic alternatives that are free from potentially harmful chemicals and are more sustainable for the environment.

Goat milk and its by-products, including goat fat, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and cosmetics [4,5]. Goat milk is known for its high content of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, which provide nourishment and hydration to the skin [6,7]. Goat fat, in particular, is rich in essential fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin. These fatty acids help to restore the skin’s natural barrier, which can be compromised by exposure to harsh environmental factors, such as pollution and UV radiation [8,9].

Goat fat is also high in vitamins A and E, which are powerful antioxidants that protect the skin from damage and aging [10,11]. Vitamin A helps to promote the production of collagen, which is essential for maintaining the skin’s elasticity and firmness. Vitamin E, on the other hand, helps to reduce inflammation and soothe the skin, making it an excellent ingredient for sensitive and irritated skin [12,13].

Creams are one of the most popular skincare products due to their ability to provide hydration and nourishment to the skin. However, many commercially available creams contain synthetic ingredients that can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and other adverse effects. This has led to an increased demand for natural and organic skincare products that are safe and effective [14].

In summary, the use of natural ingredients in skincare products has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the growing awareness among consumers of the potential harmful effects of synthetic ingredients. Goat milk and its by-products, including goat fat, have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and skincare due to their high content of essential fatty acids and vitamins. The development of a natural cream using goat fat can offer a more sustainable and natural alternative to traditional skincare products and provide a safe and effective option for consumers seeking natural and organic skincare products [14]. The aim of this minireview is to indicate where goat fat can be found to be useful.

Goat fat, obtained from the tissue of goats, is a versatile ingredient used in various industries, including cosmetics, traditional medicine, and culinary arts. Goat fat has been used for centuries by different cultures worldwide for its health benefits and medicinal properties [15].

In the cosmetic industry, goat fat is used in the production of soaps, moisturizers, and other skincare products. It is rich in fatty acids, which help to moisturize and nourish the skin, making it an ideal ingredient for dry and sensitive skin types. Goat fat is also believed to have anti-aging properties and can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles [16].

In traditional medicine, goat fat has been used to treat various ailments, including joint pain, and digestive issues. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that can help to alleviate pain and reduce swelling [17].

In the culinary arts, goat fat is used as a cooking oil or as an ingredient in various dishes. It has a distinctive flavor that is often described as rich and savory, making it a popular choice for stews, soups, and other hearty meals [18].

The production of goat fat typically involves rendering the fat from the tissue of the goat. The fat is first cleaned and trimmed of any excess tissue or impurities before being heated at a low temperature to melt the fat. The melted fat is then strained to remove any remaining impurities before being allowed to solidify [19].

In summary, goat fat is a versatile ingredient used in various industries for its health benefits, nutritional properties, and unique flavor. It is a popular ingredient in the cosmetic industry for its moisturizing and anti-aging properties, in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and in the culinary arts for its distinctive flavor [19].

Fatty acids

The fatty acids found in goat fat can have a significant impact on its nutritional and health properties. Saturated fatty acids, such as palmitic and stearic acid, can contribute to high cholesterol levels and heart disease if consumed in excess [20]. However, in moderation, saturated fatty acids can provide energy and support hormone production. Monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid, can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid, are essential fatty acids that the body cannot produce on its own. They play a key role in brain function, hormone production, and cell growth [21].

Phospholipids

Phospholipids are essential components of cell membranes and can help improve cell function and communication. They also play a role in transporting lipids and other molecules throughout the body [22].

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in animal products, including goat fat. While high levels of cholesterol in the blood can contribute to heart disease, cholesterol is also essential for the production of hormones and cell membranes (Ivanovic et al, 2016).

Tocopherols (Vitamin E)

Tocopherols are a group of compounds that have antioxidant properties. They can help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can contribute to aging and disease [23].

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA)

Goat fat contains a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid called Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), which has been shown to have anticancer properties. Studies have also suggested that CLA may help reduce body fat and improve insulin sensitivity [24].

Omega-3 fatty acids

While goat fat is not as high in omega-3 fatty acids as fish or flaxseed oil, it does contain small amounts of these beneficial fats. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce the risk of heart disease, depression, and other chronic conditions [25].

In addition to these components, the composition of goat fat can vary depending on the animal’s diet and other factors [26]. For example, goats that are raised on pasture may produce fat with higher levels of beneficial nutrients compared to those raised on a grain-based diet [25].

Creams are widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry for various purposes. One of the ingredients that have gained attention in recent years is goat fat. Goat fat is a rich source of fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties. In this literature review, we will discuss the production of cream with goat fat and its potential benefits [27].

Goat fat has been used as a base material for creams due to its emollient and moisturizing properties. According to a study by Kim [27], goat fat contains a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic and linoleic acids, which are known to be beneficial for skin health. In addition, goat fat contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, which have antioxidant properties and can protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals.

Several methods have been used to produce cream with goat fat. One of the methods is the hot oil method, where the oil phase is heated to a specific temperature before mixing it with the water phase. This method was used by Karahan et al. [28] in their study, where they produced a cream with goat fat and evaluated its physicochemical properties. The results showed that the cream had good stability and texture, indicating that the hot oil method is a viable method for producing cream with goat fat.

Another method that has been used is the cold cream method, where the oil and water phases are mixed at room temperature. This method was used by Abbas et al. (2019) in their study, where they produced a cream with goat fat and evaluated its antimicrobial activity. The results showed that the cream had significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, indicating that cream with goat fat could be used as a natural antimicrobial agent.

In addition to the production methods, the concentration of goat fat in the cream also plays an important role in determining its properties and benefits. A study by Duman et al. [29] investigated the effects of different concentrations of goat fat on the physicochemical properties of the cream. The results showed that increasing the concentration of goat fat resulted in a cream with higher viscosity, better texture, and improved moisturizing properties. Overall, cream with goat fat has shown potential benefits for skin health and can be produced using various methods. However, further research is needed to investigate its long-term effects and potential side effects.

Goat fat is a natural ingredient that has been utilized in the production of various products, including ointments. Due to its high content of fatty acids and vitamins, goat fat has been shown to have beneficial effects on the skin, including moisturization, protection against environmental stressors, and improved healing of wounds. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in incorporating goat fat into ointment formulations, as it offers a natural alternative to synthetic ingredients [30].

A study by Al-Salahi et al. [30] investigated the potential use of goat fat in the formulation of ointments for wound healing. The authors prepared ointments using various ratios of goat fat, beeswax, and olive oil and evaluated their physicochemical properties, including texture, spreadability, and pH. The results indicated that the ointments containing goat fat had a smoother texture and better spreadability compared to those without goat fat. Moreover, the addition of goat fat was found to improve the healing rate of wounds in animal models.

Another study by Khajuria et al. [31] investigated the use of goat fat in the formulation of an anti-inflammatory ointment. The authors prepared ointments containing goat fat, beeswax, and various anti-inflammatory agents, including diclofenac sodium and ibuprofen. The results showed that the ointments containing goat fat exhibited superior anti-inflammatory activity compared to those without goat fat. The authors attributed this to the presence of fatty acids in goat fat, which have been shown to possess antiinflammatory properties.

In a review article by, the authors discussed the potential use of goat fat in the formulation of various pharmaceutical products, including ointments. The authors highlighted the various benefits of goat fat for the skin, including its moisturizing and healing properties. Moreover, the authors discussed various methods for extracting goat fat, including the rendering method and centrifugation method [32].

In the present era where wool fat and similar fats and waxes may be too expensive for many developing countries, goat fat needs to be explored for use in pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. This is particularly necessary where the composition of the goat fat may act synergistically with one or more ingredients of the other excipients for the formulation, especially for skincare products.

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