Known to soothe, hydrate and nourish, skin milk in skincare is no new concept. In fact it was the Ancient Egyptians, and more specifically Cleopatra, dating back thousands of years ago who’s famous milk and honey baths were the biggest trend in the beauty world. In modern times, you may have noticed a sudden influx of skincare products with a “milk” or “milky” label (enter: Hailey Beiber’s internet famous Rhode Glazing Milk).
But what is it and why should you be slathering milk all over your face? We break it down for you including what it is, what it’s good for and how you use it. Plus we reveal our favourite skin milk products.
Here’s how glycolipid cream cleanses your skin while maintaining the health of your barrier
What is skin milk?
Skin milk in skincare can refer to a number of different products including toners, cleansers and creams. It’s essentially a made up term and isn’t actually an ingredient as such. Skin milk is the name given to these products that have a milk-like texture. Creamy, milky in appearance, light and hydrating. Depending on the products, there might not even be any milk in the ingredients list, so vegans don’t have to steer clear.
What is skin milk good for?
Generally speaking, skin milk products are ideal for giving your skin a boost of hydration. Depending on the product, some offer a level of light exfoliation, while also soothing and calming sensitive skin (kind of like when you’d reach for a glass of milk when eating spicy foods). The velvety texture of skin milks are also a big benefit for many users. It’s super lightweight so it doesn’t weigh down your skin or give you that overly greasy finish while still locking in moisture.
How do you use skin milk?
Again, the way you use skin milks will differ from product to product. Like any good skincare routine, layer your products from lightest to heaviest. In this case, use your skin milk product underneath any heavier balms and creams.
For example, when using a skin milk cleanser, apply directly to skin and work in circular motions around the face, neck and decolletage. For a toner, apply the product to your hands (or to a cotton pad if you prefer) and gently pat it over cleansed skin while your skin is still a little wet to help absorb in the product. Similarly for serums, pat into clean skin.
The best skin milk toners
If calmer, stronger skin is your goal, this one’s for you. Supporting skin barrier health, use this toner in the morning or night (or both) before any serums to visibly reduce redness in the skin and for a hit of hydration.
The lusciously milky texture of this toner is ideal for all skin types, but those with sensitive skin will drink this up. Also targeting redness and a very dry complexion, it will replenish, hydrate and restore the skin’s microbiome for a stronger barrier.
Doubling as both a toner and moisturiser, this brings together the best of both worlds into one. Think the lightness and softness of a toner with the nourishment and hydration from a facial moisturiser. It will leave your skin soft, smooth and calm.
This incredibly lightweight toner ever-so gently buffs away skin texture while introducing hydration and brightness to the complexion. It has a lovely milk-like texture, making it a breeze to apply.
The best skin milk cleansers
This incredibly gentle cleanser melts your day away (like the name suggests). Targeted to dry and sensitive skins, makeup and oils don’t stand a chance. Plus, the oat extract and meadowfoam seed oil helps to soothe and hydrate the skin.
A newcomer to the Sephora lineup, BYOMA’s gentle cleanser boasts hydrated skin and a restored skin barrier. The lightweight formulation is ideal for a dryer complexion as the ceramides and oat extract works hard to cleanse while nourishing.
This creamy formulation gently cleanses, removes make up and adds a big boost of hydration. Targeted to sensitive skin, it soothes irritated complexions while working gently to clean and restore supple skin.
Postbiotics and niacinamide word together to gently remove makeup without drying out the skin. Add a few dabs to a cotton pad and gently wipe across the face, eyes and lips while boasting 12 hours of hydration.
The best skin milk serums
A couple of drops of this milky-like serum is all it takes to rebalance the skin’s pH balance. Perfect to calm and soothe the skin while targeting dehydration, dryness and fine lines, yes, it’s expensive but 100% of participants in a 28-day trial reported improved skin calmness. We like those numbers.
A powerhouse brand in the K-beauty world, this lightweight conditioning milk is designed to restore your skin’s natural barrier, while adding hydration and radiance.
The ultimate multi-tasker. Part sunscreen and part serum, this 2-in-1 sun milk protects the skin with SPF50+, while the Vitamin C and Resveratrol evens out the skin tone while adding luminosity and hydration.
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