Skincare trends come and go, but the idea of skin milk is one we're deeply invested in. The concept of a milky toner has been around forever, within the world of K-Beauty especially. And then we have Rhode, who basically changed the skincare landscape when they launched the cult-loved Glazing Milk. But there's lots of options out there, and tit might be the missing link between you and plump, uber-glossy skin.
Fortunately we're investigating skin milk benefits and the best formulas out there, below.
What is a skin milk?
While it's not a clearly-defined category, a skin milk usually refers to a lightweight lotion or essence formulated with nourishing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts. The 'milky' texture makes it ideal for layering, delivering a dewy, plump finish without any heaviness. Kind of like a classic hydrating toner, only creamier.
What are the benefits of a skin milk?
Depending on the specific ingredient profile, the benefits of a skin milk are far-reaching: barrier support, soothing moisture and a plump, dewy skin finish. Because they're light, a skin milk can be used as a sole form of hydration for oilier skin types, or as an additional step to support those with a dry or damaged complexion.
Do you need a skin milk?
If you want to counteract signs of dryness (tightness, fine lines, itching or dull texture), or feel as if your current routine isn't rich enough, you could definitely benefit from a skin milk. It can also be the perfect step to increase moisture in the winter months without the need to overhaul your entire routine.
A skin milk is also your mealticket to glossy, Hailey Bieber Rhode-coded skin. She is the women who invented the Glazing Milk, after all.
The best skin milk formulas, according to 'RUSSH'
CHANEL Eclat Primer Bright Milky Essence
A dewy formula with added botanicals and niacinamide for bright, uniform skin.
Violette FR Boum Boum Milk
A spray-on creamy liquid with squalane, glycerin and birch sap to rehydrate the skin and restore a fresh, bouncy texture. It can even be used in the hair to smooth dry ends.
Ilia The Base Face Milk
This super light milky serum can be pushing into the skin before makeup application. it's also formulated with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to support barrier strength.
Mecca Max Milk It
A cheap and cheerful spray-on skin milk that imparts a light but dewy veil of moisture. It's rich in centella asciatica, squalane and panthenol for immediate and noticeable nourishment.
Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturising Milky Lotion
One of the original and arguably the best, Dr.Jart's version of skin milk sits somewhere between a serum and a moisturiser. Soft and creamy, it floods the skin with ceramides to protect against redness and irritation.
The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner
Rich in fermented extracts and niacinamide, this milky toner is a great choice for anyone that wants to brighten and hydrate in one easy step.
Tatcha The Dewy Milk Moisturiser
If you want skin that looks so hydrated it's as if you slept underwater, this is the formula to reach for. It's richer than a standard essence or milky toner, so can double as a moisturiser, if it suits your complexion.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Replenishing Rice Milk
K-beauty is the original birthplace of milky toners. Interestingly, this cult formula works to hydrate the skin, but also incorporates rice amino acids and mattifying powders to control the look of shine. Expert velvety, balanced but bouncy skin.
Westman Atelier Skin Activator
This is a true hybrid skincare product: a spray-on milky serum with hydrators, peptides and plant extracts to nourish, strengthen and firm the skin. It immediately boosts radiance and skin softness, so it's ideal under makeup.
Tammy Fender Plant Milk
This formula's main premise is to strengthen and soothe red, damaged or irritated skin. Whether you're prone to sensitivity or just want to repair temporary damage, it's full of calming botanicals and has a milky texture that's instantly comforting.
Images: @haileybeiber @violette_fr
