ICYMI: We’ve reached peak aesthetic absurdity. Each new development toes the road between whimsical and incomprehensible. On the tamer finish of the spectrum, there are developments just like the #CleanLook, which has nothing to do with clean beauty. Then there are some seasonal developments just like the #TomatoGirl that dominated this summer season. However developments appear to be getting increasingly area of interest—and for some motive, they’re all associated to meals. Brownie Glazed Lips? Cinnamon Cookie Butter Hair? And now, pores and skin milks have entered the chat.
Dairy could also be on the outs, however milky skincare is all the trend. And in contrast to the extra ephemeral developments, pores and skin milks are right here to remain. After slowly gaining momentum over the previous few years, they now have the superstar seal of approval—à la Hailey Bieber. Her model, Rhode debuted its Glazing Milk pores and skin barrier increase, full with a “Received Milk”-style marketing campaign that’s been relentless with its attain. Now, many manufacturers are following swimsuit. And it’s not only for the thrill—as a result of pores and skin milk truly works. However the query stays: What’s it? And naturally: do they contain any milk in any respect?
Featured picture from our interview with Pritika Swarup by William Perez.
Skin Milk Explained
The first thing to address: no, skin milks don’t contain any actual milk. Rather than being defined by their ingredient list, these products are named for their texture. The allure—and efficacy—of milky, creamy beauty products isn’t new. In many ancient civilizations, bathing in milk was the ultimate luxury and purported to be the key to youthful, soft skin. And while this iteration of milky skin products is way less literal, it might actually be more effective.
The Skinny on Skin Milk Products
Skin milks come in many forms. Most often, we see the milky consistency leveraged to make either heavy-duty toners or lightweight serums. Since the texture is somewhere between a liquid and a cream, a skin milk offers hydration without the heaviness. In many cases, skin milks are marketed as multi-use products that can deliver the benefits of a toner, a serum, and even a moisturizer in just one product.
We’re also seeing more and more skin milks as cleansers and even as body products. Skin milks for the face and for the body are both compelling because they signal comfort. They’re the skincare equivalent of warm milk before bed, or a creamy, frothy matcha within the morning.
To be taught extra, I spoke to Yasmin Zeinab, founding father of ABI AMÉ, about all issues milky on this planet of skincare. I even examined the model’s pores and skin milk, ABI AMÉ’s Summer Skin and different merchandise to find out whether or not there’s reality behind the hype of this development.
What is skin milk?
Skin milk typically refers to the texture of a product that is more fluid than standard lotion. They’re lightweight and have a consistency similar to milk, hence the name.
The key difference between traditional lotions and a skin milk is the texture and consistency. Skin milks are fluid and lightweight, whereas lotions have a thicker consistency. However, if a skin milk has been formulated correctly, it can provide the same heavy-hitting hydration as a lotion without the downside of the heavy, sticky texture.
What are the benefits of skin milk?
Skin milks are deeply hydrating and nourishing for the skin. They are typically formulated with very soothing ingredients so they’re great for anyone with dry or sensitive skin. The main benefit of a skin milk is its texture. The ultra-lightweight, milk-like texture doesn’t leave a residue or feel greasy, but it’s a deeply hydrating and nourishing formula.
What substances ought to we search for in pores and skin milk?
You’ll need a pores and skin milk that’s deeply hydrating and likewise offers an occlusive layer on the pores and skin so there isn’t any have to layer a lotion excessive to seal within the moisture. Search for a mixture of energetic, hydrating, and occlusive substances which can be going to nourish and hydrate the pores and skin whereas making a barrier to lock in hydration.
Hydrating substances embody:
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Glycerin
- Ceramides
- Tremella Fuciformis
- Trehalose (an antioxidant)
- Sodium PCA
- Fatty Alcohols (cetyl and stearyl alcohol)
- Lactic Acid (which can also be an exfoliant and located naturally in, you guessed it, milk!)
Occlusive substances embody:
- Petrolatum
- Fatty oils (argan oil, tamanu oil, olive oil)
- Beeswax
- Shea Butter
- Squalane
- Silicones
The Best Skin Milk Products, Tested
I’m not immune to the aesthetic videos of skincare lovers applying creamy, milky serums, cleansers, toners, and more all over their skin. While the skin milks on my feed have different benefits, they all look equally satisfying to apply. Of course, I had to try. Here’s where some of the most buzzed-about products ranked on my list.
Every product is curated with care by our editors and we’ll always give an honest opinion, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Best for Hyperpigmentation: EADEM Milk Marvel Serum
For hyperpigmentation, dark marks, or melasma, this skin milk serum should be your holy grail. I don’t go a day without wearing it. It’s lightweight but delivers key ingredients that pack a punch. And, because of its silky, milky texture, it’s perfect for layering with all my other products.
Best Multi-Tasking: Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk
This is a saving grace for my lazier skincare days. It’s also a staple product for a more minimalist routine. This milky 3-in-1 spray by a cult French beauty brand is a toner, a serum, and a moisturizer. Just spray over your face after cleansing and you’re good to go. I’ve tried a lot of sprays that are filled with nothing but water and perfume. Instead, this one makes my skin feel instantly plump without the heaviness of multiple products or any sticky residue.
Best for Dry Skin: ABI AMÉ Summer Skin
Skin milks aren’t just for your face, they’re also all the rage in body care. Their lightweight texture means fast absorption, unlike most oils and lotions. So I tried the ABI AMÉ Summer Skin to check the pores and skin milk bodycare development for myself.
I’ve tried a whole lot of physique lotions, serums, and oils, however I at all times run into one in every of two points. A few of them take approach too lengthy to dry, leaving residue on my garments and growing my getting-ready time. Others are too skinny to really have any profit. This pores and skin milk is the exception. The feel is so satisfying and slightly goes a good distance. I additionally see an instantaneous distinction in its impact on dry, scaly pores and skin.
More Skin Milk Products to Try
Best for Oily Skin: Moon Juice Milk Jelly Foaming Cleanser
Part milk, part jelly, and with a foamy texture that feels so satisfying on the skin. The pH-balanced bubbles come from Coconut Ferment, which gently but deeply cleanse the skin. Barrier-boosting ingredients like adaptogenic reishi mushrooms hydrate as you cleanse without blocking your pores.
Best for Dry Skin: OSEA Ocean Cleansing Milk
The worst thing you can do for dry skin is use a stripping cleanser. That’s where the hydrating powers of skin milks come in. This one is rich in antioxidants like Undaria seaweed, as well as a moisturizing complex that includes glycerin for smoother, healthier skin.
Best for Mature Skin: Biologique Recherche Lait EV Cleansing Milk
This spa-like cleanser is a splurge, but it’s a favorite for a reason. It’s great for dry skin, as it replenishes any moisture loss in the cleansing process. Mature skin is especially prone to dehydration, so this milky cleanser locks in moisture while also addressing fine lines and restoring lipids.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Sporty & Rich Skin Softening Milk Cleanser
Formulated with the skin-gut connection in thoughts, this “well being is wealth” targeted model’s foray into magnificence is not going to disappoint. It’s formulated with nutritional vitamins, antioxidant-rich oils, hyaluronic acid, seaweed, and aloe vera. Packed stuffed with vitamins, this milky cleanser totally cleanses with out clogging pores.
Finest for Dry Pores and skin: Laniege Cream Pores and skin Toner & Moisturizer
With regards to pores and skin milks, this Ok-Magnificence favourite has been across the longest. One other multi-tasking components, this milky liquid gold is a toner and moisturizer in a single. Enriched with nourishing ceramides and peptides, it’s extraordinarily hydrating and moisturizing with out it being heavy.
Finest Pores and skin Milk Essence: Rhode Glazing Milk
This ceramide essence is definitely definitely worth the hype. Essences are identified for enhancing hydration, and this one’s milky texture floods your pores and skin with nourishing, barrier-protecting vitamins.
Finest Pores and skin Milk Serum: Herbivore Botanicals Milky Approach 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum
Exfoliate and hydrate directly with this clearing, milky serum. It’s mild sufficient for delicate pores and skin however sturdy sufficient to clear and stop blemishes. It smooths texture with 10% AHA and three% PHA, whereas hydrating with oat, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid.
Finest In-Bathe Pores and skin Milk: Chillhouse Alt Milk Bathing Creme
There are 3 ways to make use of this milky creme conditioner. 1. Lather on within the bathe as your final step after washing. 2, Apply like a physique masks earlier than your bathe. 3. Therapeutic massage onto your pores and skin earlier than moving into the tub for a milky soak. Whichever you select, that is your ticket to softer pores and skin.
Finest Dewy Pores and skin Milk: Tatcha Hinoki Physique Milk
Look forward to finding your favourite skincare substances, like squalane and ceramides, on this physique milk. Get dewy pores and skin throughout with this light-weight, hydrating components.
Finest Scent: John Masters Organics Physique Milk
Enriched with coconut oil and aloe vera, this physique milk circumstances and replenishes moisture to save lots of dry, cracked pores and skin. It additionally has the soothing, pure scent of vanilla and blood orange.
Finest Multitasking: By/Rosie Jane Physique Milk
Ever used a toner to your physique? Begin right here. Half toner, half moisturizer, this physique milk immediately absorbs into your pores and skin to tighten and clean.
