Skincare Goes The Milkyway
By : Rochelle Crasto
Update: 2024-08-12 19:31 GMT
In the ever-shifting world of skincare trends, milky-textured products are making a splash like never before. It’s like Cleopatra’s milk baths got a modern makeover—because who needs a royal tub when you can have radiant skin in a bottle? This ancient beauty secret has been revamped into a skincare sensation.
Allure of Milk
Milk has long been the VIP of indulgence, but in skincare, it’s not the dairy that’s getting all the applause — it’s the silky texture it inspires. Think of ‘milky’ as a skincare magician’s trick: a fluid, lightweight formula that blends the best of oil and water-based ingredients. Unlike those dense creams and lotions that stick around like an unwelcome guest, these products vanish into your skin, leaving behind nothing but a soft, hydrated finish. No grease, just glow — like a milk bath without the tub. Dr Shailya Gupta, Dermatologist says, “It depends on the formulation, ingredients, and texture. Go for products with ceramides and Hyaluronic acid if you want a plump and hydrated skin.”
Milk has long been the VIP of indulgence, but in skincare, it’s not the dairy that’s getting all the applause — it’s the silky texture it inspires. Think of ‘milky’ as a skincare magician’s trick: a fluid, lightweight formula that blends the best of oil and water-based ingredients. Unlike those dense creams and lotions that stick around like an unwelcome guest, these products vanish into your skin, leaving behind nothing but a soft, hydrated finish. No grease, just glow — like a milk bath without the tub. Dr Shailya Gupta, Dermatologist says, “It depends on the formulation, ingredients, and texture. Go for products with ceramides and Hyaluronic acid if you want a plump and hydrated skin.”
Formulators are leveraging technologies that protect sensitive ingredients, such as vitamin C and retinol, ensuring they remain effective over time. According to Lee et al. (2024) in Cosmetic Dermatology, milky skincare products with ingredients like Vitamin C and Licorice extract effectively reduce hyperpigmentation and enhance skin
radiance. Participants reported a 45% reduction in dark spots and improved radiance over eight weeks.
Benefits Beyond Softness
Incorporating milky-textured products into your skincare routine is as easy as pouring a glass of milk — except this milk leaves your skin glowing. These versatile products, whether you choose a milky toner, serum, or moisturizer, blend seamlessly into your regimen, offering a splash of hydration and a dash of luxury.
They multitask like a pro, combining toning, serum action, and moisturizing into one smooth move. “Milky-textured skincare has revamped my routine. It absorbs faster than you can say ‘glow-up,’ leaving my skin soft and hydrated without a hint of grease. Perfect for my sensitive skin,” says Simran Shukla, skincare enthusiast and milkshake lover.
Superior Hydration
According to Martinez et al. (2024) in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, milky emulsions have demonstrated superior hydration compared to traditional products. Their research highlights a 60% increase in skin moisture. For those who are committed to cruelty-free and vegan skincare, the milky texture trend offers a promising array of options. Many of these products use plant-based milk alternatives, such as almond or coconut milk, and are free from animal-derived ingredients.
As this trend continues to gain popularity, it’s clear that the milky texture is more than just a fleeting trend. “Look for the ingredients like ceramides, Hyaluronic acid, and glycerine for hydrated skin,” says Dr Gupta. Recent innovations in milky textured products are the integration of probiotics and fermented ingredients that aim to support and enhance the skin’s natural microbiome. Probiotics, often referred to as “good bacteria,” play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the skin’s microbiome. When integrated into milky-textured products, probiotics help strengthen the skin’s barrier function, enhance its natural defenses, and promote a balanced microbiome. “Formulating milky textures is challenging. Key issues include selecting the right emulsifier, preventing foaming, and ensuring proper active ingredient levels. It often requires multiple iterations to get it right,” says Shankar Prasad, CEO of Plum.
Goodness of Milk
Dr Gupta says that milky products penetrate the skin faster and deliver hydration without leaving a residue. The balance of water, lipids, and emulsifiers in them ensures they provide both immediate and lasting hydration. Formulations can include encapsulated ingredients or nanotechnology to improve delivery of the ingredients, for better efficacy.
radiance. Participants reported a 45% reduction in dark spots and improved radiance over eight weeks.
Benefits Beyond Softness
Incorporating milky-textured products into your skincare routine is as easy as pouring a glass of milk — except this milk leaves your skin glowing. These versatile products, whether you choose a milky toner, serum, or moisturizer, blend seamlessly into your regimen, offering a splash of hydration and a dash of luxury.
They multitask like a pro, combining toning, serum action, and moisturizing into one smooth move. “Milky-textured skincare has revamped my routine. It absorbs faster than you can say ‘glow-up,’ leaving my skin soft and hydrated without a hint of grease. Perfect for my sensitive skin,” says Simran Shukla, skincare enthusiast and milkshake lover.
Superior Hydration
According to Martinez et al. (2024) in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, milky emulsions have demonstrated superior hydration compared to traditional products. Their research highlights a 60% increase in skin moisture. For those who are committed to cruelty-free and vegan skincare, the milky texture trend offers a promising array of options. Many of these products use plant-based milk alternatives, such as almond or coconut milk, and are free from animal-derived ingredients.
As this trend continues to gain popularity, it’s clear that the milky texture is more than just a fleeting trend. “Look for the ingredients like ceramides, Hyaluronic acid, and glycerine for hydrated skin,” says Dr Gupta. Recent innovations in milky textured products are the integration of probiotics and fermented ingredients that aim to support and enhance the skin’s natural microbiome. Probiotics, often referred to as “good bacteria,” play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the skin’s microbiome. When integrated into milky-textured products, probiotics help strengthen the skin’s barrier function, enhance its natural defenses, and promote a balanced microbiome. “Formulating milky textures is challenging. Key issues include selecting the right emulsifier, preventing foaming, and ensuring proper active ingredient levels. It often requires multiple iterations to get it right,” says Shankar Prasad, CEO of Plum.
Goodness of Milk
Dr Gupta says that milky products penetrate the skin faster and deliver hydration without leaving a residue. The balance of water, lipids, and emulsifiers in them ensures they provide both immediate and lasting hydration. Formulations can include encapsulated ingredients or nanotechnology to improve delivery of the ingredients, for better efficacy.
Milky-textured skincare products are shaking up the beauty scene with a versatile twist on hydration. “While oil serums are superb for deep, intense hydration, they can sometimes feel a bit too rich. Milky textures hit the sweet spot, providing balanced moisture while keeping things light and smooth,” says Reena Kausar, fashion and beauty influencer.
The rise of milky-textured skincare is more than just a trend — it’s a fresh take on achieving natural beauty with ease. While gel-based products offer a cool, refreshing feel and oil serums provide deep hydration, milky textures blend the best of both in a light, easy-to-use formula.