Milk Skincare: Get That Clear, Pearly Glow!

Interested in getting that clear, pearly glow? Check out milk-based skincare products – they’re all the rage lately! 

Milk is a great natural source of protein and lactic acid, which are both great for skin. Moreover, this creamy substance is the key to silky, healthy skin! 

Here are some of our favorite milk skincare products to help you get started. Happy Glow Hunting!

What is milk for skin?

Milk is a liquid that can be extracted from many sources including animals and vegetables. This substance is a natural source of lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that exfoliates dead skin cells and reveals brighter, more even-toned skin. Lactic acid is also hydrating, so milk can help to keep your skin feeling soft and supple.

Pros & Cons of using milk beauty products

Pros

• Milk has lactic acid, which is an AHA that can help to gently exfoliate the skin and brighten the complexion.
• It is also a natural source of hyaluronic acid, which helps to keep the skin hydrated and plump.
• Contains fatty acids that can help to nourish and protect the skin barrier.
• Milk skincare is a natural source of vitamin A, which can help to improve the overall health of the skin.

Cons

• AHAs are known to be very drying, so if you have dry skin, milk skincare might not be for you. 
• Depending on the product you use, the milk could be vegan or from animal sources. 
• Some kinds of milk can be quite irritating because they contain casein, which is a protein that can cause irritation and inflammation. If you have sensitive skin, milk skincare might not be for you. 
• The lactose content in milk can cause breakouts for those with dairy sensitivities. Again, this depends on the milk you use. 

Milk Ingredient Specifications

Clean

This depends on the milk you choose. Milk from vegetable sources, like coconut, is clean and safe to use. However, even though animal-based milk is also clean, it could contain hormones and other growth factors that can harm the environment.

Vegan

Milk skincare products could be vegan, but this depends on the type of milk the product is using. If you want to opt only for vegan-friendly milk beauty products, read the label to check the ingredients. 

Pregnancy safe

Milk products are made with natural ingredients and are perfectly safe for pregnant women to use.

Breastfeeding safe

Yes, milk for skin is breastfeeding safe. In fact, the lactic acid in milk helps to break down dead skin cells and milk proteins help to repair and regenerate your skin after pregnancy.

Active ingredient

Milk is an active ingredient in most skincare products since it contains many benefits for your skin.

Comedogenic

No, milk is not comedogenic. In fact, milk can actually help to keep your skin clear and free of blemishes because it has lactic acid and vitamin A.

Milk skincare EWG score is 1, meaning it is a safe ingredient to use. This is based on the amount of milk fat and milk solids in the product, as well as the presence of any harmful chemicals.

CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Rating: A

The CIR considers milk protein and amino acids to be safe

PRECAUTIONS: Things to know before using this ingredient 

How many times a day should you use milk beauty products? Is it safe for all skin types? What are the do’s and don’ts? Let us answer these questions: 

When to use milk skin care products?

Milk skincare products can be used in the morning and evening and you can include them in your routine in the form of cleansers, toners, serums, and face masks.

What skin type is milk good for?

Milk is good for all skin types since it is a non-comedogenic, gentle exfoliant. However, this always depends on the type of milk you use. 

What you can’t mix with milk?

• Retinol is a powerful ingredient that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. However, it can also be quite drying. When used with milk, retinol can further dry out the skin and cause irritation.
• Glycolic acid. This is because glycolic acid is also an exfoliating AHA, so mixing milk- which contains lactic acid- with it can irritate and inflame your skin. 

Top Picks 

Best Sellers 

• G9SKIN White In Milk Toner 
• Missha all around safe block Waterproof sun milk
• LOVEMORE - Pearl Barley & Milk Smoothing Sheet Mask

$15 and under products with milk

• G9SKIN White In Milk Whipping Foam
• ESFOLIO Moisture Milk Hand Cream
• A'Pieu Chocolate Milk Face Sheet Mask

FAQ’s

You have a lot of questions about how to use milk. We have the answers!

Can I use raw milk directly on my skin?

You can, but you shouldn’t! Like all skincare ingredients, it is better to include them in your routine in formulated products instead of applying them directly to your face. This is because they can cause irritation and other negative effects when used raw. 

Can you use milk twice a day?

Using milk beauty products in both skincare routines can be beneficial, so yes, go ahead!

What type of milk is good for the skin?

Each type of milk has different benefits for skin. In this sense, in the beauty industry, the most used kinds of milk are dairy milk, produced by animals like goats, and non-dairy milk, like coconut. 

The one that has more lactic acid and the best benefits is dairy milk, which is also not vegan. 

Tips & Tricks

• To enjoy the best benefits of milk skincare go for a milk-based cleanser, toner, or face mask. 
• If you have sensitive skin, always do a patch test first to discard any allergies. 
• If you are using a milk toner, don’t use an AHA serum or exfoliator.