Peptides, snail mucin, retinol, and the latest and greatest are one thing, and the beauty secrets that have been around for centuries are quite another—they’re here to stay.
Donkey milk skincare, aka Cleopetra’s beauty secret, is now making splashes in the beauty world, and for good reason—it’s packed with nutrients that can do wonders for your skin.
If you’re already skeptical, we’ve done the research for you. Let’s uncover the little-known benefits of donkey milk for skin and how you can incorporate it into your skincare routine.
What is Donkey Milk?
Donkey milk is exactly what it sounds like: creamy milk produced by female donkeys (jennies). While it’s less common than cow’s milk, it’s getting recognition for its unique composition and benefits, especially for skincare.
Its composition is remarkably similar to human breast milk, making it one of the most ‘hypoallergenic’ types of milk.
Beyond its basic nutritional profile, donkey milk is brimming with bioactive compounds that can give your skin a serious glow-up.
A quick history
This ancient youth elixir (aka the most Googled ingredient in 2021) has a history as rich and luxurious as its texture. The legendary Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, is rumored to indulge in daily donkey milk baths to maintain her famously flawless complexion. While some historians debate the exact number of donkeys required for such extravagance (rumored to be in the hundreds!), donkey milk’s long-standing reputation for beauty remains intact.
But Cleopatra wasn’t the only one about this ancient beauty secret. Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, prescribed donkey milk for various ailments, including skin conditions.
Back in the day, donkey’s milk was a potion reserved for the elite. But guess what? It’s no longer just for the privileged few. It’s getting its well-deserved spot in the beauty space, especially in K-beauty.
Researchers scoured into donkey milk’s health and beauty secrets and found it’s loaded with skin-loving compounds. Think chock full of lactose, casein, vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, D, and E that are good for your body and skin. What’s more, celebs like Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and Miranda Kerr already love it.
Remarkable Beauty Benefits of Donkey Milk
Strengthens skin’s barrier
Donkey milk can reverse sun damage caused by UV rays and improve skin barrier function by adding a protective layer. Recent research proves that—it stimulates filaggrin, a protein responsible for maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Since sun damage can weaken this barrier, donkey milk helps rebuild it, making your skin more resilient.
Deeply hydrates
Proteins like fatty acids and phospholipids in donkey milk improve skin’s ability to attract and lock in hydration. It’s also been proven that moisturizers with jenny milk outperform usual creams and deliver deeper hydration. This makes donkey milk skincare extra moisturizing and hydrating. So, it’s safe to consider it as your skin’s ultimate defense system against dryness and irritation.
Good for anti-aging
Donkey milk is bursting with Vitamins A, C, and D. Surprisingly, its high vitamin A content speeds up skin cell renewal and helps it stay younger. With regular use, expect to see younger, brighter-looking, and silky skin.
The milk is also naturally loaded with vitamin D, which helps prevent early aging. The rich blend of proteins, phospholipids, and ceramides work together to tighten, regenerate, and smooth skin—like a mini facelift in a bottle.
Lightens and brightens
A unique composition in donkey milk stifles melanin production. Research published in Frontiers in Nutrition reveals that it boasts a potent ability to suppress melanin production, a process that gives your skin its color (the more melanin, the darker your skin). It does so by targeting tyrosinase, a key enzyme involved in melanin production, and suppressing pigment-producing genes.
Moreover, it’s 4x richer in vitamin C than cow’s milk, so it means more glow. Simply put, donkey milk slows down the processes that cause dark spots and uneven skin tone.
Has skin regenerative potential
Its skin rejuvenation potential lies in its ability to interact with the cells that maintain the skin’s structure and elasticity. Deep within the skin, powerful cells called fibroblasts produce collagen, a protein that keeps it looking young. Research shows donkey milk can boost these fibroblasts and trigger them to create more collagen. This collagen boost will result in improved skin elasticity and fewer fine lines. Not only that, this cellular communication could potentially speed up wound healing, leading to skin renewal.
Calms and soothes skin
The anti-inflammatory properties of donkey milk ease redness and quell discomfort caused by flare-ups. The higher levels of lactoferrin (a protein in human milk) and lysozyme (an antimicrobial enzyme) compared to cow’s milk work as powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents against irritation. When the skin’s barrier strengthens, inflammation decreases, which makes it a better alternative to steroid creams. Likewise, it relieves acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and stressed-out skin.
Gently exfoliates
It’s a great natural exfoliant owing to its high lactic acid content, a mild alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) known for breaking down dead skin cells. Lactic acid encourages the shedding of old, damaged skin cells, making way for new, healthy ones. This gentle exfoliation reveals a fresher layer of skin while helping dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and even scars fade.
Donkey Milk for Skin Concerns
- Dry skin: offers hydration, seals in moisture and prevents water loss
- Sensitive skin: soothes, calms down redness, itching, and discomfort
- Aging skin: promotes skin regeneration, collagen formation, and elasticity
- Eczema, acne and Psoriasis: helps redness, itching, flaking, and prevents flare-ups caused by these conditions
How to Incorporate it into Your Skincare Routine
Drink it fresh: enjoy the fresh milk alone, or mix it in smoothies and shakes. Source it from a reputable supplier and handle it with proper hygiene.
Cook with it: donkey milk can replace cow’s milk when baking, making sauces, and soups.
Skincare products: go for products that contain a high percentage of this ingredient, such as
- Soaps
- Face and body lotions
- Creams
- Face washes
- Face masks
- Serums
- Hand creams
DIY recipes: you can make DIY skincare recipes with it:
- Refreshing cleansing milk: use raw donkey milk as a gentle cleanser by applying it to your face with a cotton pad and rinsing off with lukewarm water.
- Beauty mask: mix the milk with honey or oatmeal for a nourishing and hydrating face mask.
- Luxe bath soak: Add a cup of donkey milk to your bath for a heavenly, skin-softening experience.
How to choose the right donkey milk-infused product
- Consider your skin type. For dry skin, go for rich, nourishing creams and lotions. For oily or combination skin, serums or gels work well. If you have sensitive skin, look for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options.
- Know what your skin needs. Look for labels such as anti-aging formulas for fine lines and wrinkles, brightening products for dark spots and hyperpigmentation, and soothing options for acne-prone/irritated skin.
- Check the ingredients. Select products with a high percentage of donkey milk and other beneficial natural ingredients. Avoid those with nasty chemicals or artificial fragrances.
- Look for certifications like organic or cruelty-free if those are your values.
Does donkey milk have any side effects?
While it’s a relatively safe and well-tolerated ingredient for most skin types, those with lactose sensitivities and allergies should be aware of potential reactions.
Lactose intolerant individuals might experience mild digestive issues if they consume a lot of donkey milk since it has more lactose than cow’s milk. However, topically, it’s less likely to cause a reaction.
While rare, some people can be allergic to the proteins found in donkey milk. This can lead to reactions such as hives, itching, or respiratory symptoms. If you have a history of milk allergies, consult your healthcare provider first.
To check for allergies, start by applying a small amount, then gradually introduce it to your entire skin regimen. If your skin tolerates it well, slowly increase the use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is donkey milk safe for all skin types?
Since it’s incredibly gentle and soothing, it’s ideal for all skin types, including the most sensitive. Especially beneficial for acne-prone skin—thanks to lactic acid—a powerful exfoliant that speeds up skin cell renewal. Still, always perform a patch test before applying any new product to your whole face.
Where can I purchase donkey milk skincare products?
You can buy them online, at specialty beauty stores, or even directly from farms that produce the milk.
Is it suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
While topical use is usually considered safe, pregnant and breastfeeding women should always check with their doctor before trying any fanciful product.
Can donkey milk interact with other skincare ingredients?
Most skincare ingredients are compatible with the milk. However, as with any new product, always introduce it gradually and avoid layering it with actives like retinol or acids. Use it on alternate days or at a different time of day.
Is donkey milk cruelty-free?
Make sure you source it ethically. Find brands that prioritize donkey well-being and humane farming practices. Most reputable brands will be upfront about their sourcing and animal welfare.
Can it work for hyperpigmentation or dark spots?
Donkey milk can reduce hyperpigmentation. Basically, its melanin-blocking action and gentle exfoliating effect can brighten and even out your skin.
Are donkey milk products expensive?
Compared to cow’s milk, donkey milk is rarer and often produced in small batches (like goat milk), so it’s more expensive. However, as its popularity grows, more skincare products infused with it are now available.
Bottom line
Donkey milk is an ancient beauty secret backed by modern science. The benefits of donkey milk for skin are plentiful—it’s deeply hydrating, anti-aging, brightening, soothing, and it suits all skin types. It’ll soon make its way into cosmetic formulations. Couple it with a balanced skincare regimen to get the most from this ingredient. Using a mix of hydrating, protecting, and exfoliating products will help this ancient elixir work better on your skin.
Have you tried any donkey milk products on your skin or wanting to? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.
