Devon family create skincare game-changer after baby's chronic condition

-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


A family’s determination to overcome their daughter’s severe eczema has sparked a thriving business that’s changing the way people think about skincare.

From trial and error with dairy goats to crafting handmade soap, Karen Austin and her husband Jay have turned personal challenges into a mission of sustainable living and skin health—and now they’re taking their passion to new heights with a local dairy and shop.

Karen is founder of Mother Clucking Farm, shared her family’s journey to creating their signature RAW Goat’s Milk Soap, which has become a hit for its natural skincare benefits.

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Based in North Devon, the Austins are committed to self-sustainability, a lifestyle born from necessity when their daughter, Norah, struggled with severe eczema as a baby.

Mother Clucking Farm have made soap using goats
Mother Clucking Farm have made soap using goats

“We exhausted the medical route,” Karen explained. “After researching alternative treatments, we discovered the world of RAW goats milk and its benefits for health and skin.”

Obtaining fresh raw goat’s milk, however, proved challenging due to strict regulations on unpasteurised milk. Recognising the need for raw milk’s full benefits, Karen’s family decided to raise their own dairy goats. This step marked the beginning of a journey that would redefine their approach to skincare.

Karen, who holds NVQs in beauty therapy and hairdressing, combined her knowledge of skin and hair anatomy with her newfound expertise in goat farming to develop a soap that was both luxurious and packed with skin-loving ingredients. “After two years of lots of trial and errors (and there were many!), the plain bar was born,” she shared. “It’s still our most popular bar.”

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The soap, made with milk from the family’s own herd, retains all the nutrients and probiotics of raw milk, which are essential for supporting the skin’s microbiome. Karen noted that while Norah still experiences occasional flare-ups, her condition has become far more manageable. “We have a much better chance of getting her skin under control and supporting the microbiome, which is crucial.”

Beyond improving her daughter’s skin, the venture has blossomed into an expanding business. “We have now built a dairy, and we will be the only RAW goats milk dairy in the area, which is exciting,” Karen said. The family has also opened a shop in Bideford Pannier Market on Butcher’s Row, offering their unique products to a wider audience.

Mother Clucking Farm’s RAW Goat’s Milk Soap has gained a loyal following for its ability to nourish and hydrate the skin without harsh chemicals. Its creamy, rich lather, loaded with vitamins and minerals, is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. The Austin’s believe their product is unique because they can use raw milk directly from their goats, avoiding the pasteurisation process that removes beneficial probiotics.

Karen reflected on the broader impact of their venture: “Not only has Norah's skin become more manageable, but we’ve all noticed, as a family, that our skin has improved.”

The family is eager to share their products and the story behind them with more people. “We would love to gain more exposure and spread the news on how amazing our products are and how they have helped so many people,” Karen said. She encouraged readers to visit their website for more information about their journey and range of products.

For more about their story and products, visit their website at Mother Clucking Farm.