Milk is the central subject of many a controversy. From the ‘milk first vs. cereal first’ debate to the way black coffee drinkers look down on those who prefer lattes, the deliberation around when and where dairy belongs rages on. The only milk-related discussion we care to be involved in, however, is the matter of whether or not we should be putting it on our faces.
Cleopatra was certainly a fan (a donkey milk bath was her idea of self-care), but she did also marry and murder her own brother, so we’re reluctant to follow too closely in her footsteps. She wasn’t wrong, though: packed with proteins, milk does have legit beauty benefits (and for the record your skin care regime is no place for diet dairy – if you’re going to go there, use full fat). But whilst it technically works, we’d rather save the real stuff for our cereal and opt for cleansing milks instead.
Made to mimic the gentle nature of actual milk, these kinds of cleansers are created with natural emulsions of fats and water to effectively eliminate impurities whilst keeping your complexion balanced and calm. So, if you’re finding foamy formulas a tad drying, take your pick from our round up of milky options. There’s something for everyone, with not a single cow involved…
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The Brightness Booster
kōtia Exfoliating Cleansing Milk
kōtia certainly could have taught Cleopatra a thing or two about milk skin care, because deer milk is the real moisturising MVP – not only does this clever cleanser hydrate like a dream, but it also gently exfoliates to reveal the smooth, luminous skin that’s been hiding from you all winter.
The Ultimate All-Rounder
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk
Meet the MVP of the milk cleanser gang. This residue-removing formula is the one to reach for on the days you decided to delve into your ‘long-wearing’ makeup stash – it wipes away literally everything but hydration.
The Oil Eliminator
Clarins Cleansing Milk with Gentian
Not dissimilar to a committed yogi, this bad boy is all about balance. The purifying plant extracts of gentian and hawthorn will help to stabilise skin’s grease levels even when your skin is oilier than a basket of fries.
The Hydrating Hero
endota spa Organics Moisture Restore Cleansing Milk
Think your current cleanser is creamy? Well, compared to this one (enriched with a hydrating trio of cocoa butter, lilly pilly and calendula leaves), we promise you, it’s not.
The Wrinkle Reducer
Natio Ageless Gentle Cleansing Milk
Rich in antioxidants to protect skin from the invisible aging devils of pollution and UV radiation, this lightweight blend will leave your face extremely clean and eternally youthful.
The Natural Nurturer
Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk
A masterful milk able to loosen impurities and stimulate cell turnover in a few swipes of a cotton pad, it’s formulated with apricot and borage oils to smooth and soothe whilst reviving skin’s vitality.
The No-Rinse Wonder
Bioderma Sensibio Cleansing Milk
On the nights (or let’s face it, early mornings) when you can’t muster the energy to make it to the sink, let this milk replace your trusty face wipes – it leaves your complexion clean and comfortable, no rinsing required.
The Fatigue Fighter
L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cleansing Milk
Been tired since 2001? Us too, but this milk is here to give your face the wake up call it’s been waiting for. With magnesium and Vit-C, it cleanses, brightens and works to diminish the appearance of wrinkles. We’ll take ten.
The Gentle Giant
Mild and creamy (it’s the weak cappuccino of cleansers), this milk offers a deep cleanse for dry skin, protecting the skin barrier whilst refining and nourishing with witch hazel and a blend of soothing essential oils.
The Soap-Free Superstar
Sensitive skin types basically live in fear of cleansing, frightened that every formula will send their face into crisis mode, but this soap-free formula is so delicate that flare-ups don’t stand a chance even after a double cleanse.
I do believe milk bath and adding a dash of milk to face masks helps soften the skin and regular use of it will help remove the sun tan, and adding yogurt just speeds it up. I add a tea spoon of yogurt to my face mask every now and then, especially after a day out in the sun to soothe my skin and remove the sun tan. I wouldn't use it directly because there are times when applying only yogurt on my skin has left me with a big nose/ chin breakout, so I ensure I add it to my existing mud/ any other face mask
I have tried a milk bath before and I enjoyed it. I’ve tried the Clinique take the day off cleansing milk in the past and it did remove make up well, it didn’t have a stinging effect like some I have reacted to
Thanks for the article. Interesting.
Good to know Miramarmari as my skin is sensitive and I hate when products make me sting.