Should you put milk on your skin like Cleopatra did?

Milk is the central subject of many a controversy. From the ‘milk first vs. cereal first’ debate to the way black coffee drinkers look down on those who prefer lattes, the deliberation around when and where dairy belongs rages on. The only milk-related discussion we care to be involved in, however, is the matter of whether or not we should be putting it on our faces.
Cleopatra was certainly a fan (a donkey milk bath was her idea of self-care), but she did also marry and murder her own brother, so we’re reluctant to follow too closely in her footsteps. She wasn’t wrong, though: packed with proteins, milk does have legit beauty benefits (and for the record your skin care regime is no place for diet dairy – if you’re going to go there, use full fat). But whilst it technically works, we’d rather save the real stuff for our cereal and opt for cleansing milks instead.
Made to mimic the gentle nature of actual milk, these kinds of cleansers are created with natural emulsions of fats and water to effectively eliminate impurities whilst keeping your complexion balanced and calm. So, if you’re finding foamy formulas a tad drying, take your pick from our round up of milky options. There’s something for everyone, with not a single cow involved...
The Brightness Booster

kōtia Exfoliating Cleansing Milk
kōtia certainly could have taught Cleopatra a thing or two about milk skin care, because deer milk is the real moisturising MVP - not only does this clever cleanser hydrate like a dream, but it also gently exfoliates to reveal the smooth, luminous skin that's been hiding from you all winter.
The Ultimate All-Rounder

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Milk
Meet the MVP of the milk cleanser gang. This residue-removing formula is the one to reach for on the days you decided to delve into your ‘long-wearing’ makeup stash – it wipes away literally everything but hydration.
The Oil Eliminator

Clarins Cleansing Milk with Gentian
Not dissimilar to a committed yogi, this bad boy is all about balance. The purifying plant extracts of gentian and hawthorn will help to stabilise skin’s grease levels even when your skin is oilier than a basket of fries.
The Hydrating Hero

endota spa Organics Moisture Restore Cleansing Milk
Think your current cleanser is creamy? Well, compared to this one (enriched with a hydrating trio of cocoa butter, lilly pilly and calendula leaves), we promise you, it’s not.
The Wrinkle Reducer

Natio Ageless Gentle Cleansing Milk
Rich in antioxidants to protect skin from the invisible aging devils of pollution and UV radiation, this lightweight blend will leave your face extremely clean and eternally youthful.
The Natural Nurturer

Andalou Naturals Apricot Probiotic Cleansing Milk
A masterful milk able to loosen impurities and stimulate cell turnover in a few swipes of a cotton pad, it’s formulated with apricot and borage oils to smooth and soothe whilst reviving skin’s vitality.
The No-Rinse Wonder

Bioderma Sensibio Cleansing Milk
On the nights (or let’s face it, early mornings) when you can’t muster the energy to make it to the sink, let this milk replace your trusty face wipes – it leaves your complexion clean and comfortable, no rinsing required.
The Fatigue Fighter

L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cleansing Milk
Been tired since 2001? Us too, but this milk is here to give your face the wake up call it’s been waiting for. With magnesium and Vit-C, it cleanses, brightens and works to diminish the appearance of wrinkles. We’ll take ten.
The Gentle Giant

Mild and creamy (it’s the weak cappuccino of cleansers), this milk offers a deep cleanse for dry skin, protecting the skin barrier whilst refining and nourishing with witch hazel and a blend of soothing essential oils.
The Soap-Free Superstar

Sensitive skin types basically live in fear of cleansing, frightened that every formula will send their face into crisis mode, but this soap-free formula is so delicate that flare-ups don’t stand a chance even after a double cleanse.
Main image credit: Getty Images
Have you tried cleansing milks before? Or have you been brave enough to apply actual milk as skin care?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
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Cleansing milks were been around for ages, but as 'milk' only in the name, as consistency and colour reminds of the substance. I like those, gentle on the skin.
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I like cleansing milks because they are gentle on my sometimes dry skin, but they're also good for ensuring I use my toner after cleansing instead of being lazy and skipping it. Sometime I'll purposely use products that make it impossible to cut corners. Cleansing milks and cleansing balms are such products for me.
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