Milk cleansers are very on brand with the current trend of hybrid skincare. We’re seeing a lot of makeup removers that double as moisturizers, and oils being used to remove impurities, and these milky washes are no different.
They’re basically like washing your face with a gentle moisturizer. They’re typically the consistency of a slightly watery lotion, except they actually are good for something.
Although milk cleansers are a little weird to get used to, they’re typically packed with a bunch of skin-loving ingredients and even take the messy, extraness out of washing your face in the AM and PM.
We have a few cleansers we think you should try, but before we even get into that, let’s talk about what milk-like cleansers even do and how to start using them in your skincare routine.
First things first, what even is a milk cleanser?
A milk cleanser is like moisturizer that cleanses the skin. Unlike its other soapy counterparts, these cleansers aren’t incredibly hard on the skin. Instead, they lather into a soothing cream or milk-like substance.
Of course, this doesn’t make these cleansers any more or less effective than others. Rather, it offers up gentle, moisturizing benefits that other cleansers may not possess.
That’s because it’s made with a mix of natural fat emulsions and water, which contributes to the cleanser helping your skin preserve natural oils instead of stripping away some much-needed moisture.
How do you use one?
How you decide to use your milk cleanser is completely up to you. And while different products have different guidelines, the general idea is that you should apply it directly to dry skin without water, massage, and rinse.
If you’re wearing makeup or haven’t washed your face in a few days, it’s suggested that you go in with a deep cleanser before your milk cleanser to ensure that your impurities are actually removed from your face.
If keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized is one of the most important things for you when washing your face, consider opting for an oil cleanser right before or after you go in with your milky wash.
Milk Makeup Daily Milk Face Wash, $30
One thing that makes this milk cleanser special is the Desert Milk base. If you don’t know, Desert Milk is a plant-based milk that’s an oil-in-water emulsion and is made from a blend of kalahari melon, baobab, jojoba, and aloe.
This unique mix of ingredients basically keeps skin hydrated, moisturized, and supple. Plus, it’s blended with actual oat milk which just doubles down on calming and comforting impact of the wash.
Moon Juice Milk Cleanse, $32
Skin can be a funny thing. Sometimes it’s oily, sometimes it’s completely dry, and other times, you don’t know what’s causing the breakouts and irritation—you just know it’s there and it’s happening. Whew, sis! The struggle.
This cleanser from Moon Juice kinda solves all of those little problems by not only working well with all skin types, but it’s formulated to gently wash away impurities with no dryness or harshness on the skin.
Sioris Cleanse Me Softly Milk Cleanser, $28
Removing your makeup is a task because, if you put it on correctly, baby it’s not coming off easily! Petroleum jelly is always a good option, but what if I told you milk cleansers do the same thing without all the greasiness?
Yup! This Cleanse Me Softly milk from Sioris is made with licorice root, broccoli extract, aloe vera, and macadamia, and is a dream come true for oily and combination skin types. Plus, it’s Certified Vegan by the Vegan Society.
