If you have sensitive skin and want a cleanser that effectively removes makeup without causing irritation, you will love cleansing milks and here's why.
Why use a cleansing milk?
Cleansing milks are super gentle cleansers which are great to use on dehydrated, sensitive and more mature skin types. Because they don't foam or contain any harsh agents, they can effectively hydrate and nourish the skin as they cleanse, making them great if you have any type of inflammation, redness or irritation.
If you're a fan of the double cleanse routine, cleansing milks make great first cleansers for you to then go in with a balm and really work into your pores. Discover some of our favourites below.
How do I use cleansing milks?
Although it completely depends on the cleansing milk you are using, there are some easy steps you can follow to ensure you effectively cleanse your skin without disrupting it's natural balance.
- Always pull your hair back before cleansing your face! It sounds simple but it will mean a completely clear canvas for you to use your products.
- Wash your hands to remove impurities and ensure you are not transferring any germs onto your face.
- You can either apply cleansing milks directly onto the skin or onto a cotton pad depending on your preference.
- If applying onto your skin directly, warm in your hands and then massage in using circular motions.
- If using on a cotton pad, sweep the cleansing milk over the skin.
- Rinse away with warm water either using your hands or a flannel.
- Pat dry and follow with the rest of your skincare routine.
7 of the best cleansing milks
Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk
Loved by Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Caudalie is a skincare brand always stocked on our bathroom shelves. Their Gentle Cleansing Milk is great for removing all manner of impurities, makeup, oil and dirt without disrupting the skin's natural balance, making it one of the best cleansing milks for all skin types and needs. Enriched with skin-soothing grape-seed polyphenols, the milk helps to leave the skin feeling comfortable, clean and rejuvenated whilst also imparting a healthy glow.
REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk
Anyone with super-sensitised skin will love REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk. Infused with nourishing and skin-conditioning agents, the milk helps to increase the skin's natural resistance against damaging external aggressors so that over time, it becomes less red, irritated, angry and inflamed. It's also great at removing all manner of makeup, dirt, oil and impurities to leave the skin feeling cleansed and refreshed and ready for the rest of your skincare routine.
ESPA Hydrating Cleansing Milk
ESPA's Hydrating Cleansing Milk is made with a blend of natural botanicals and active extracts which leave the skin feeling soothed, calmed and beautifully cleansed. Sweet almond and soya bean oils nourish dehydrated skin, while chamomile and marshmallow help to reduce signs of redness, irritation and discomfort.
Decléor Aroma Cleanse Youth Cleansing Milk
Decléor's Aroma Cleanse Youth Cleansing Milk has been specially formulated for more mature skin types thanks to its blend of conditioning ingredients which smooth and plump out the skin. Sweet almond oil and hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin while antioxidant-rich orange peel and green tea detoxify and strengthen the skin's natural barrier. Additionally, essential oil of magnolia provides incredible anti free-radical properties, helping to shield the skin against damaging environmental aggressors.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Milk
If you're a huge fan of the cult Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, but find you want a lighter texture, you will love the Take the Day Off Cleansing Milk. Suitable for all skin types, it's especially great for drier and more dehydrated complexions thanks to its super milky consistency which really nourishes and hydrates the skin. Completely residue-free, it rinses away all impurities, makeup and SPF to leave the skin feeling cleansed, healthy and purified.
Darphin Intral Cleansing Milk
Made especially for sensitive skin, the Darphin Intral Cleansing Milk is great if your skin is super reactive, inflamed or really irritated. It contains a blend of soothing ingredients which calm down redness and leave the skin feeling comfortable and calmed. Chamomile, hawthron and polysaccharides help to effectively remove all manner of impurities and makeup without disrupting the skin's delicate balance.
Institut Esthederm Hydra Replenishing Cleansing Milk
Formulated for more mature and dehydrated skin types, the Institut Esthederm Hydra Replenishing Cleansing Milk contains a blend of luxurious oils including coconut and almond to nourish the skin and relieve tightness. Infused with the brand's unique cellular water (a replica of the water found naturally in the skin), the cleansing milk helps to replenish lost hydration and leave the skin cleansed and comfortable.
