Credit: Courtesy of brands
Stylist Loves
Got milk? Here’s why your skincare routine needs a beauty milk
By Chloe Burcham &Charlotte Bitmead
16 days ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
4 min read
Lightweight and hydrating, skincare milks are the perfect addition to your beauty routine…
Do you find your skin just doesn’t get along with heavy moisturisers? Whether you’ve got oily, acne-prone or combination skin, sometimes a thick layer of rich cream does more harm than good (hello, oil-slick T-zone). Still, a little hydration wouldn’t go amiss. This is where skin milks come in.
These lightweight lotions are gentler on the skin – still delivering a dose of hydration but without adding too many surface-level emollients, which might cause your skin to break out. No unwanted pimples to see here.
Whether you’ve got dry skin and need an extra layer of moisture or you’re struggling with keeping oiliness under control and just want to add a touch of hydration to the skin, skin milks are incredibly versatile and can be slotted into your skincare routine where you need them. Did we mention they’re packed with skin barrier-boosting ingredients? More on that later…
Available in cleansers, moisturisers and body lotions, a skincare milk might be the lightweight option your skin is craving right now. Here are 12 beauty milks we really rate.
12 of the best skin milks
Rhode Glazing Milk
Packed with ceramides, magnesium, copper and zinc, this lightweight hydrating milk helps to defend against free-radicals while soothing dry, irritated skin.
Tatcha Hinoki Body Milk
This bath and body moisturiser is designed to replicate the spa-like benefits of Japanese forest bathing from the comfort of your own home. It blends the citrusy and woody notes of hinoki together with cedar and hibi essential oils to cocoon your skin and mind in soft, soothing comfort.
Dr Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk
If your skin is sensitive, you might find cleansing only aggravates it by stripping away essential moisture. This soothing cleansing milk is great for rebalancing the skin while keeping hydration levels optimal – and without clogging pores.
Shop Dr Hauschka Soothing Cleansing Milk at LookFantastic, £27
Fresh Milk Body Lotion
Offering 24 hours of hydration in a silky, lightweight milk, this body moisturiser is ideal for those who hate the sticky feeling often associated with moisturising. An infusion of plant-based milks (including centella, rice and linseed milk) condition your skin and strengthen your barrier to keep you feeling intensely comforted.
Byoma Hydrating Milky Toner
With moisture-attracting polyglutamic acid and soothing cica, this is a tall glass of milky water for stressed-out skin. The silky texture plumps and softens skin from the get-go, leaving you with a juicy glow. It’s also non-comedogenic and fragrance-free for those who are acne-prone or suffer from sensitivity.
Curél Moisture Facial Milk
If you find that your nightly moisturiser is too rich on your skin around this time of year, this facial milk is a great summer update. It replenishes ceramides to help protect and strengthen the skin barrier.
Fenty Skin Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner Essence
Aiming to minimise prominent pores and lock-in hydration, this milky toner contains a hydrating trio of glycerin, squalane and hyaluronic acid, as well as brightening niacinamide to even skin tone as it promotes dewiness.
Shop Fenty Skin Fat Water Hydrating Milky Toner Essence at Boots, £29
Caudalie Vinoclean Cleansing Almond Milk
This ultra-nourishing milk helps to cleanse the skin by gently lifting away dirt and impurities, while hydrating agents leave the complexion feeling soft and comfortable, helping to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
Shop Caudalie Vinoclean Cleansing Almond Milk at Space NK, £18
Ilia The Base Face Milk Essence-Moisturizer
A primer and moisturiser in one bottle, this milky essence is powered by hyaluronic acid to deliver a lightweight layer of moisture. It’s also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and free from silicones, making it safe for those who are sensitive.
Shop Ilia The Base Face Milk Essence-Moisturizer at Sephora UK, £58
[coat]s Gentle Hydrating Toning Milk
If you’re after something that gently exfoliates and delivers hydration, this is your milk. It features mandelic acid, hyaluronic acid and a ceramide blend to boost the skin barrier’s defences and remove dead skin cells or any lingering make-up.
Shop [coat]s Gentle Hydrating Toning Milk at LookFantastic, £20
Decorté Plump and Firm Emulsion
This comforting emulsion feels featherlight on the skin while nourishing your skin at its deepest levels. Perfect for dry skin types, powerful emollient ingredients work to enhance the skin’s luminosity and suppleness.
Avene Milk Cleanser
Ideal for stressed-out skin, this delicately fragranced lotion removes make-up and provides comfort in one simple step – with a non-sticky finish. Skin is cleansed and hydrated in one simple step.
Images: courtesy of brands
Sign up for our edit of what to buy, see, read and do, and receive a free mini-mag of the top 5 fashion trends you’re sure to see in 2024.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.