Have you noticed something the majority of new skincare products hitting the shelves have in common? Milky skincare products are on the rise, and the beauty industry can't get enough. This summer, for example, Hailey Bieber's skincare line, Rhode Skin, celebrated its second anniversary with the launch of its Glazing Milk—a nutrient-rich, lightweight milky essence that preps the skin with barrier-boosting ceramides and luminous hydration. Within days of its launch, content creators took to TikTok to rave about it (and with good reason).
As someone with notoriously sensitive skin, I've struggled to find products that soothe and cleanse my skin of impurities without stripping away the good stuff like natural oils. For me, the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown were heavily defined by my efforts to revamp my lifestyle, starting with updating my skincare routine with high-quality products. Today, a good chunk of the skincare products I use have a milky quality to them, and my skin has never been better. Keep reading to discover how I made it happen and why I believe milky skincare isn't going anywhere.
What Is Skin Milk, and Why Is It on the Rise?
With milky skincare products trending throughout summer and now well into fall, we thought it was time to ask a dermatologist to weight in. "Skin milk is the name often given to skincare products that have a milky appearance," explains cosmetic dermatologist Dusan Sajic, MD, PhD, of Sajic Skin Science. "They typically do not contain actual dairy. The term 'milk' in this context describes the product's texture and consistency." Milky cleansers, lotions, serums, and more designed to be creamy, smooth, and light on the skin (similar to the qualities of milk) are formulated to provide gentle hydration and cleansing.
According to Sajic, skincare products with milky formulas have risen in popularity recently due major skincare movements that could very well have altered the beauty industry for good—minimalist skincare (commonly referred to as "skinimalism") and the natural/clean beauty movement. "With the trend leaning towards minimalist skincare and 'skinimalism,' many consumers are seeking simple, effective products that serve multiple purposes. Skin milks often fit this bill," he continues. "The name 'skin milk' resonates with consumers who are looking for more natural, uncomplicated, and 'clean' skincare products."
How Can Your Skin Benefit From It?
If you're still not convinced you should be adding these products your your skincare routine, you may be swayed after learning why skincare experts and beauty editors alike can't stop raving about them. Skin milk products are also often perceived as being gentler on the skin, making them suitable for all skin types and textures. What's more, their lightweight, hydrating properties provide moisture without the greasiness of traditional cream-based moisturizers. In a cleanser form, these products work to effectively remove makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of natural oils. Alternately, milky moisturizers can be gently massaged into the skin for deep hydration.
Pro tip: Before using a new product, Sajic recommends always patch-testing before fully integrating it into your routine. If you have specific concerns or needs, consult your dermatologist or skincare professional first.
Thirsty for some milky skincare recommendations? We've got you covered. Below, you'll find 13 of the best milky face and body products money can buy from a beauty editor who's gotten her hands on them.
One of Sajic's recommendations, Rhode Skin's Glazing Milk checks all the boxes for what a well-rounded essence should be. It's lightweight, hydrating, and calming on the skin. Ideal for all skin types, it's also a must-have for addressing redness, dullness, and dryness.
Customer review: "This essence makes my skin soft, glows, and soothed any irritation that occasionally occurs for me. I’ve already bought a backup because I can’t do my morning and nighttime skincare routines without this!"
Did you know almond milk can do wonders for the skin? Caudalíe's recently reformulated Vinoclean Gentle Cleansing Almond Milk now includes castor oil to support lash growth and uses natural surfactants instead of synthetic surfactants.
Customer review: "Great cleanser! I used to have oily combination skin, and now my skin seems to be a bit dryer. I happen to be in the store when the rep was there and she was good lol I purchased the cleanser and I don’t regret it at all… It takes up all my make up and leaves my skin feeling refreshed. I will definitely continue to buy this. it’s not oily and it is easy to rinse off."
Dermalogica's milky, oat-based calming powder cleanser uses a formula powered by AHAs, BHAs, and hyaluronic acid to gently exfoliate while smoothing and soothing. When the powder is activated by water, it transforms into a creamy lather, releasing papain enzymes and botanical extracts.
Customer review: "Wow. I have very dry and [eczema] prone skin and this is one of my favorite cleansers. It’s so creamy and nourishing but still very good at refining my pores. Literally love and recommend to anyone with the same skin type looking to try a powder cleanser!"
If you don't want to spend much time on skincare in your morning or evening, you'll want to add this all-in-one product to your routine. Use it to erase all traces of makeup, restore the skin's natural pH balance, and deliver long-lasting hydration.
Customer review: "This product has done wonders for my dry skin. After just a few uses my skin has become noticeably less red and more even-toned. Plus it leaves my skin super soft, brightened, and plumped. Can't say enough about this product. Will definitely be repurchasing. Also, I have very dry skin so I skip the cotton pad and just use it as a toner. Works great!"
This fragrance-free, moisturizing, creamy cleanser is designed to gently remove any impurities on the surface of the skin to promote a radiant complexion. It also has a pH-balanced formula, making it ideal for all skin types but especially amazing for sensitive ones.
Customer review: "My dermatologist has always recommended cleansing milk for my skin, because I have very dry skin. OSEA’s cleansing milk is gentle and has the added benefit of brightening my complexion."
If you haven't experienced the jaw-dropping benefits of a goat milk product, now's your chance. Kate Somerville's Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream gently hydrates the skin while supporting its natural lipid barrier and promoting a healthy-looking glow.
Customer review: "Amazing moisturizer! I was a little skeptical about it due to its watery feel at first, but this moisturizer is so perfect for my combination/ oily skin. My skin feels moisturized all day under my makeup and does not leave a greasy residue at all."
This cleanser combines cleansing milk and oil to help dissolve oil-based impurities while purifying the skin. It's formulated with amino-acid rich white tea leaf water to help strengthen the skin's moisture barrier and lock in hydration at the same time. Yes, it's that good.
Customer review: "This is not only such a good, gentle way to remove makeup but it has my skin so moisturized and milky! I love the cream skin line but don’t really know how a moisturizer/toner or a mist would fit into my current routine so this is perfect for me! Also love that this is a liquid because it’s much more convenient than a cleansing balm."
The Lait-Crème Concentré (formerly Lait Creme Concentre Gold 24 Hour Miracle Cream) has a lightweight, milky texture and formula featuring shea butter and essential fatty acids to repair the lipid barrier and increase elasticity.
Customer review: "After seeing this product mentioned in various posts, beauty blogs, and articles, I finally purchased it. What they say is true, this cream is everything and more! I use it both morning and night. Upon application it instantly makes my skin feel hydrated and delivers a plumping and healthy glow to my skin. This is a staple in my skin routine."
Uniquely formulated for melanin-blessed skin, this milky serum from Eadem addresses dark spots and uneven texture using a blend of niacinamide, encapsulated vitamin C, and amber algae, in addition to papaya and pineapple enzyme to resurface the skin while brightening and preserving the natural tone.
Customer review: "This serum worked great on my sensitive skin. I normally react to any kind of product not specifically designed for sensitive skin and I have no irritation or redness. It began clearing up my dark spots (I have a few from cystic acne scars) in just about a week."
Sajic also recommends giving this hybrid toner and moisturizer a try. Not only does it have the creamiest consistency, but it also has a fast-absorbing formula that deeply hydrates the skin using nourishing ceramides and peptides.
Customer review: "This product has been a game changer for me. My skin is glowing, soft, and overall comfortable and hydrated. I don’t know how I was living before this product. Best of all it is safe for acne prone skin which is a win for me!"
The Clarins Velvet Hydrating Cleansing Milk is formulated with gentle, purifying Alpine herbs to melt away lightweight makeup, impurities, and pollutants all while preserving the skin's natural microbiota. It's also simple to use—simply rinse the product off with water or wipe with a tissue.
Customer review: "Goes on softly and smoothly, leaving skin clean and feeling hydrated and soft but also very clean, even makeup comes off well without having to rub hard. Love this product."
Ren Clean Skincare's gentle cleansing milk targets and eliminates environmental aggressors, increases skin resistance, and minimizes signs of irritation that contribute to premature aging. This one comes highly recommended for all skin types.
Customer review: "I have very sensitive skin— redness, blotchy, combination, etc. This cleanser is like nothing I have used before. I didn't have high hopes because it is called a "milk" but it works like magic... leaves my face feeling clean and fresh and doesn't harm my sensitive skin. LOVE IT!"
ITK's Hydrating Milk Toner gently tones and preps the skin using a formula that features skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea, and squalane to renew the moisture barrier and reduce the appearance of redness.
Customer review: "I've been using this toner after showering with my skincare routine! I really like the consistency and it leaves my skin, refreshed, and soft, and I really get a clean feeling when applying. I love this product and will continue to purchase and use!"
This exfoliating toner by Kiehl's refines skin texture using lipohydroxy acid (a salicylic acid derivative), and almond milk to restore moisture, dissolve impurities, and remove dead skin cells. In the end, you'll have visibly smoother, clearer, and brighter skin.
Customer review: "This has changed my skin for the better! I am so glad I added this to my night time routine. It works fine if I use twice a day also, but I like to use a different for the morning to keep my skin matte. My skin has become softer, brighter and smoother! I will continue to keep buying for sure!"
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