13 Best Esthetician-Approved Milk Cleansers For Dull & Dehydrated Skin: 2024
Bid adieu to dehydrated skin with these cleansers that help nourish your skin.
Hillary ClarkEsthetician
Hillary Clark is a third-generation beauty entrepreneur, celebrity makeup artist, and medical esthetician with 21 years of experience. Her stints as the youngest Beauty Director for Nordstrom and West Coast Beauty Editor for Sephora provide... more
kirtana divakarMA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after read... more
medha debIntegrated MA
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
monomita chakrabortyMA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global Univers... more
Image: Shutterstock
Hillary Clark, a third-generation beauty entrepreneur says, “Milk cleansers are a staple in my professional kit- especially when I will be using stubborn waterproof makeup on sensitive skin.”
Are you looking for the best milk cleanser for dull skin? We have just what you need.
Everyone likes experimenting with makeup products, and finding what works perfectly for you is always a process of trial and error. We don’t like removing them to make sure the debris does not give you skin allergies of any kind. Nourishing cleansing milk will see to it that no matter how stubborn and clingy your makeup is, it gets removed easily, and your skin regains its nourishment the right way. Makeup often soaks away all the hydration in your skin, and removing it can cause your skin to feel even more dehydrated and rough. While the market is full of face cleaners, you never know which ones work best for your skin’s deep cleansing while replenishing it the right way. Here is a list of 13 milk cleansers that will make sure your skin looks flawless, even if putting on makeup is a part of your daily routine.
In This Article
13 Best Milk Cleansers For Rejuvenated Skin In 2024
1. Best For Sensitive Skin:Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Gentle Milk Cleanser
Especially formulated for those with sensitive skin, the Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Gentle Milk Cleanser contains all-natural ingredients to give your skin a soothing effect. Hillary says, “Cucumbers + Milk is the perfect combination for dehydrated, red skin. You can use this twice as a double cleanse.” Indulge in this dermatologist-tested smoothing cleanser that combines aloe vera, rich soy proteins, and green tea extracts nourishes the skin without drying it. Free from harmful parabens, silicones, and SLS, this double cleansing milk product will also give you an antioxidant boost to leave you with flawless skin feeling soft and healthy. The goodness of cucumbers in this vegan, hydrating milk cleanser is guaranteed to keep your skin clean without stripping it of its natural barrier. You can take a look at this video review to know more about the results after using this popular milk cleanser.
Pros
- Soothing formula
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Free from parabens, silicones, and SLS
- Contains 95% natural ingredients
- Vegan product
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Some may find the fragrance to be a bit too overbearing.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 4,348 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
2. Best For Gentle Exfoliation:Neutrogena Skin Balancing Milky Cleanser
Image: Neutrogena If you’re looking for a formula that melts away dirt and impurities, the Neutrogena Skin Balancing Milky Cleanser is the one for you! This clinically-tested cleanser contains 2% polyhydroxy acid to exfoliate and condition your skin gently. The 2% polyhydroxy acid + milk will gently exfoliate to reveal fresher, serum-ready skin. You can maintain your skin’s pH balance with this soothing milk cleanser that is the perfect match for dry and sensitive skin. Also infused with castor, avocado, and sunflower seed oil, the soap-free formula is expertly formulated to target pore-clogging dirt with a potent liquid exfoliant and a moisturizing humectant. A good milk cleanser for sensitive skin, it is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, and dyes, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. Check this honest review of the product from a skincare enthusiast on YouTube.
Pros
- Exfoliates and conditions skin
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Free from parabens and sulfates
- No added dyes
- Soap-free formula
- Can be used as a daily face wash
- Affordable
- Clinically-tested
- Allergy-tested
Cons
- It may take some time to wash off properly.
"This cleanser is a comforting ally for my dry skin. Its creamy texture nourishes and hydrates, without leaving an unpleasant greasy residue. It's best as a gentle moisturizing cleanser or step two in a double-cleansing routine."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has gained over 3,713 positive reviews on Amazon, making it an all-time best-seller.
3. Best Cruelty-Free:Honest Beauty Magic Gel-To-Milk Cleanser
Made with pink kaolin clay, the Honest Beauty Magic Gel-To-Milk Cleanser is a cult beauty product that works effectively to remove makeup and other impurities without drying your skin out. New sugar chemistry technology is an exciting advance as it exfoliates and penetrates deeply to deliver essential ingredients. This skin balancing, purifying gel cleanser uses sugar chemistry technology and when mixed with water, transforms to a soft, milky formula to get rid of all the dirt while also conditioning your skin. The dermatologist-tested milk cleanser is also enriched with rose water to give you a refreshing and sweet-smelling natural scent, while smoothing your skin out. Choose from this range of products by Jessica Alba and get more than what is expected with this product that is free from parabens, phthalates, SLS, and other harmful ingredients. Before purchasing, you can take a look at a personal review on YouTube and know more about the merits and demerits of this product.
Pros
- Removes makeup
- Contains pink kaolin clay
- Free from parabens, phthalates, and SLS
- No synthetic dyes or fragrances
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some may find it slightly gritty
Pro TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,293 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
| Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Gentle Milk Cleanser Best For Sensitive Skin | Neutrogena Skin Balancing Milky Cleanser Best For Gentle Exfoliation | Honest Beauty Magic Gel-To-Milk Cleanser Best Cruelty-Free | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Sensitive | Sensitive | Sensitive |
| Dimensions | 1.9 x 2.13 x 7 inches | 1.85 x 2 x 7.32 inches | 2 x 2.6 x 5.6 inches |
| Weight | 7.58 Ounces | 8.32 Ounces. | 5.12 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 4,348 | 3,713 | 1,293 |
| Price | $9.55 | $7.1 | $14.4 |
4. Best Dermatologist Tested:Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Cleansing Almond Milk
The Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Cleansing Almond Milk is a must-have in your skincare routine. This gentle cleansing milk product is enriched with sweet almond oil, soothing cornflower water, and antioxidant polyphenols. The natural formula takes away makeup and impurities without drying out the skin. The soft, velvety texture makes the application process very smooth and adds extra hydration and nourishment. The natural almond scent in this skincare product makes your makeup removal process more effective and enjoyable to deliver visible results.
Pros
- Vegan
- Gentle
- Non-drying
- Contains antioxidant-rich ingredients
- Ophthalmologically tested
- Dermatologically-tested
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- None
"This cleanser is a gentle and effective choice for my dry, acne-prone skin. It complements an oil cleansing step and leaves the skin clean without dryness. A small amount goes a long way, making it a worthwhile splurge in my skin care routine."
5. Best Organic Formula:Eminence Coconut Milk Cleanser
You can remove all surface impurities without stripping your skin of its natural moisture with the Eminence Coconut Milk Cleanser that is 100% naturally organic. Cleanse and nurture your skin by incorporating this product into your daily skin care routine to replenish lost moisture levels and say hello to a fresh, dewy finish. This rich coconut milk formula with water soluble hydrating ingredients will help you treat dry and sun-tanned skin. It also helps in calming irritated skin while gently softening and hydrating it. This daily cleansing milk cleanser is pure luxury and ideal for sensitive skin and eyes. Your skin will feel like butter. Enriched with ingredients like virgin coconut oil, calendula oil, rosemary extracts, bio complex with vitamins A, C, and E, this product delivers visible results, making your skin appear soft, supple, and refreshed.
Pros
- Contains vitamins and antioxidants
- Moisturizing properties
- Soothing formula
- For normal to dry skin types
- Organic product
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Slightly expensive
"This cleanser offers a creamy texture and a luxurious coconut scent that's quite unique. It's gentle and moisturizing and makes daily cleansing enjoyable. It effectively removes light, everyday makeup without dryness or irritation."
6. Best Hypoallergenic:Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser
Specially formulated for dry skin types, the Eau Thermale Avene Gentle Milk Cleanser is a milky no-rinse luxe milk cleanser that will help you remove makeup gently. Hillary says, “It is much better than a cleansing wipe. This is a staple in my kit and my bedside for lazy but thorough makeup removal.” This dermatologist-tested cleanser is enriched with vitamin E for maintaining the skin’s moisture balance and provides antioxidant protection that leaves you with smooth, soft, and supple skin. The Avene milk cleanser also contains hyaluronic acid that moisturizes your skin from within and removes skin impurities. Say no to irritated skin with this hypoallergenic cleanser that contains Avene Thermal Spring Water that soothes your skin barrier. This product is also free from parabens and gluten, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin!
Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Hypoallergenic
- Does not clog pores
- Dermatologist-recommended
- No gluten or parabens
Cons
- Some users reported a slightly greasy residue
"This facial wash is gentle but effective, especially for my sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. It's lightweight and hydrating and the subtle scent is a bonus. It is a staple in my skin care routine, but it needs to be paired with a stronger makeup remover when needed."
7. Best Creamy Texture:SheaMoisture Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Face Milk Cleanser
The 100% virgin coconut oil blend with coconut milk, gum acacia, and raw shea butter in this milk cleanser makes it a must-have in your daily cleansing routine. Enriched with other natural ingredients like aloe leaf juice, white tea extract, cucumber fruit extract, grapefruit peel oil, and sunflower oil, it not only cleans your pores, it also keeps your skin moisturized throughout the day. The certified organic and natural ingredients in this cleanser lock in natural skin oils and keep your skin hydrated, promoting a healthy glow. You can naturally restore your skin’s balance with this gentle cleanser that also soothes dry and irritated skin. According to multiple reviewers, this cleanses your skin without drying it out.
Pros
- Contains certified organic and natural active ingredients
- Cleanses and moisturizes
- Creamy texture
- Made with fair trade ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- No parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or mineral oil
Cons
- Some may find it slightly greasy
"This one stands out for its gentle yet effective cleansing. It suits dry skin well and leaves it feeling hydrated without tightness. The formula is non-greasy, moisture-rich, and has a subtle scent. It's a good pick for a soothing, hydrating cleanse."
8. Best For All Skin Types:Irene Forte Almond Cleansing Milk
The Irene Forte Almond Cleansing Milk removes impurities and makeup. It is infused with omega-rich oils 3, 6, and 9, pro-vitamin B5, wild rose oil, aloe vera juice, shea butter, and sweet almond oil to hydrate and soothe the skin. The gentle formula replenishes, softens, and nourishes the skin. It works effectively on all skin types, including sensitive skin. This nourishing cleansing milk keeps your skin smooth and supple, making it a great choice for your daily skincare routine. Indulge in this smoothing cleanser that removes dirt without stripping the skin of its natural oils and moisture. This cleanser is clinically examined and confirmed safe for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Artificial preservative-free
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- Silicone-free
- Mineral oil-free
- TEA-free
- DEA-free
- Artificial color-free
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- None
9. Best Alcohol-Free:Tula Skin Care Super Calm Gentle Milk Cleanser
If you’ve got sensitive skin, you are bound to go the extra mile when it comes to choosing the right product for you. An almost delicious cleansing milk, the Tula Skin Care Super Calm Gentle Milk Cleanser is a lightweight formula that will give you calm, nourished, and hydrated skin with healthy ingredients like probiotic extracts, cucumber, aloe, ginger, and colloidal oatmeal. This clinically-proven formula protects the delicate microbiome and is ideal if your delicate skin is irritated after over exfoliating. The milky texture is gentle enough to restore irritated skin without clogging your pores. Free from phthalates, sulfates, fragrance, alcohol, and other skin-irritating harsh ingredients, this cleanser’s proven efficacy helps lock in moisture, minimize pores, balance your skin, and improve skin texture.
Pros
- For sensitive skin
- No sulfates or phthalates
- Free from alcohol and fragrance
- Contains probiotic extracts
- Has nourishing natural ingredients
Cons
- Slightly expensive
"The milky cleanser is gentle and non-irritating, but takes a bit of effort to work up a lather. It makes my skin feel smooth and doesn't have that unpleasant greasy residue. The formula is clean, light, and a boon for my sensitive skin."
Pro Tip10. Best For Sensitive Skin:Georgette Klinger Coconut Cleansing Milk
Keep dirt, oil, and makeup residue at bay with the rich and luxurious Georgette Klinger Coconut Cleansing Milk. This cleanser has a creamy formula that cleans your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. It is ideal for all skin types and is fortified with essential nutrients that help restore moisture in the skin.
It is infused with coconut oil and extracts that minimize dryness and irritation, leaving your skin feeling healthy and hydrated. The formula works by soothing skin with its grape and cucumber extracts that offer anti-inflammatory properties to reduce redness. According to multiple reviews, the milky texture is easy to use and doesn’t clog your skin. You will be achieving a fresh and clean complexion after every use!
Pros
- Ideal for sensitive skin
- Nourishing
- Lightweight
- Pleasant fragrance
- Softens skin
- Non-stripping
- Non-greasy
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Sulfate-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- None
"This coconut cleansing milk effortlessly removes makeup without irritation. The creamy texture and soothing coconut scent make it a pleasant experience that doesn't leave the skin feeling stripped. It's a good balance of efficacy and gentleness."
11. Best pH-Balanced:Cocokind Prebiotic Oil To Milk Cleanser
In case you are looking for a gentle cleanser for non-disruptive daily cleansing, the Cocokind Prebiotic Oil To Milk Cleanser is guaranteed to leave your skin feeling soft, hydrated, and replenished. The oil-to-milk formula removes every trace of makeup without disrupting your microbiome. Gently remove dirt and makeup without stripping your face by letting your skin indulge in this cleanser that supports a healthy pH skin barrier. This cleanser is formulated with fermented oats and an oat lipid complex and vouches for a healthy microbiome to help your skin fight external stressors. The gentle scent of chamomile and geranium, along with the organic oil blend will help to nourish your skin and seal in moisture, leaving you with a pleasant after-feeling.
Pros
- Contains certified organic ingredients
- Suitable for daily use
- Maintains pH balance
- Defends skin from external stressors
Cons
- May not be best suited for extremely sensitive skin
"This cleanser is fantastic for stripping away makeup and the fact that it's made with clean ingredients is definitely a plus. It's gentle on the skin and can make it feel softer. I have noticed an improvement in my skin's texture and moisture retention over time."
12. Best Pregnancy-Safe:Versed Gentle Cycle Hydrating Milky Cleanser
The Versed’s Gentle Cycle Milky Cleanser effectively removes dirt, makeup, and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils. It is enriched with oat milk, antioxidant-rich marula oil, probiotics, and blackberry vinegar to hydrate and soothe irritation or inflammation. The nourishing formula helps to protect and heal the skin. Massaging it regularly will leave your skin smooth, soft, supple, and nourished. This gentle cleanser makes it perfect for daily use and ensures your skin looks and feels healthy.
Pros
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Gentle
- pH-balanced
- Suitable for dry and acne-prone skin
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- None
"This cleanser has a special knack for soothing sensitive skin and removing tough makeup easily. It's vegan, gentle, and keeps skin hydrated. It's been a real help for my dry, irritated skin."
13. Best For Deep Conditioning:Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser
You can gently rid your skin of any dirt, oil, and makeup remnants without stripping it of its natural moisture with the Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser. Milk + Honey gently exfoliates while healing. This non-foaming formula is ideal for calming and cleansing dry skin and does not leave it feeling tight. This sulfate-free cleanser is suitable for removing makeup and is clinically tested safe for sensitive skin types. This creamy wonder is enriched with ingredients like goat milk, manuka honey, jojoba oil, and avocado oil to soothe and nourish your skin. This deep conditioning cleanser will help you maintain your skin’s radiance and preserve essential moisture.
Pros
- Clinically tested
- For sensitive skin
- No sulfates
- Non-drying formula
Cons
- Some may find the consistency to be rather watery.
"This cleanser keeps my sensitive skin calm and clean without causing dryness or irritation. Its creamy texture and gentle formula make it a good daily wash option. It moisturizes the skin and leaves it clear and healthy."
We get that an extra-gentle cleanser that does not strip your skin is exactly what dry and sensitive skin types need. Our buying guide will help you get your hands on a formula that will work wonders for your skin.
How To Choose The Best Milk Cleanser
- Skin type
When choosing the right cleansing milk, you will want to consider your skin type as these products penetrate the skin to clean it thoroughly. Choose a cleanser that has mild or no additives as they can work wonders for your skin. If you have oily skin, you may want to choose non-comedogenic cleansing milk for preventing breakouts and clogged pores. Those with dry skin types need to choose hydrating cleansing milk formula that does not strip your skin of essential moisture.
- Ingredients
If you have dry, flakey, and dehydrated skin, you can check the ingredients and look for moisturizing agents like hyaluronic acid or natural alternatives like bamboo, aloe, manuka honey, shea butter, and green tea. These ingredients will deliver intense moisture to the skin and aid in water retention to prevent further dehydration. You can also opt for products with essential oils instead of synthetic fragrances to get the best results that these cleansing milk products offer. The best milk cleansers will keep your skin nourished and may even come with anti-inflammatory properties to help soothe irritated skin and some can even help in improving skin elasticity.
- Texture
Choose a cleanser with a consistency that you are comfortable with using. Most of these milk cleansers are recommended for daily use, so you would want to look for a creamy lotion-like texture instead of something that is like soap. Thick and heavy cleansers can feel greasy on your skin, so opt for lightweight cleansers instead.
When Can You Use Cleansing Milk
You can use a cleansing milk formula at least once a day to rinse your skin of dirt and impurities. These formulas can also help in removing impurities and makeup, so that you may use them as part of your nighttime routine. A milk cleanser is relatively simple to use, and all it takes is a few drops of the cleanser to tackle the grime that is stuck on the surface of your skin. Nourishing cleansers contain organic oils and natural extracts to restore your skin to the moisture you may have lost under all the makeup and pollutants. Gently massage the product into your skin to get instantly radiant skin.
Infographic: The Right Way To Use A Milk Cleanser
Using a milk cleanser daily is a great way to get rid of impurities and stubborn makeup. The creamy formula makes your skin appear fresh and radiant after every wash. This cleanser also delivers essential nutrients to the skin, rather than leaving it dry and dull. Check out the infographic below to learn how you can incorporate it into your skin care routine.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Dry skin is vulnerable to pollution and sun damage and, therefore, needs a lot of special care. The best milk cleansers remove all the dirt, grime, and makeup without causing any irritation. They are gentle on the skin and offer proper hydration and nourishment to keep the skin soft and moisturized. The formulas mentioned in our list are mostly chemical-free, and they exfoliate dead skin cells. Some of them have organic or plant-based formulas that maintain the skin’s pH level and help in repairing damaged skin due to environmental aggressors. The Yes To Cucumbers Soothing Gentle Milk Cleanser soothes and nourishes the skin without drying it, while the Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Cleansing Almond Milk uses the goodness of almond milk to cleanse and hydrate the skin. If you want to irritated skin and restore its natural balance, try the Tula Skin Care Super Calm Gentle Milk Cleanser. These milk cleansers also provide anti-aging benefits while dealing with mature skin concerns. The vitamin-enriched formulas add the necessary nutrients to the skin and shield it from dryness and can aid in promoting collagen production. They are mostly non-comedogenic and dermatologist-tested. However, avoid products that are greasy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is using a milk cleanser good for dry skin?
Yes, using a milk cleanser can get rid of the dirt present on the surface of your skin. You can also use it to remove makeup effectively. In combination with nourishing ingredients, a milk cleanser will help you tackle dry and dehydrated skin.
Is a milk cleanser good for acne-prone skin?
Milk cleansers often contain intense hydrating ingredients and may leave your acne-prone skin feeling oily. You can, however, find suitable cleansers that will not aggravate acne-prone skin.
Can milk cleansers remove sunscreen?
Yes, a decent cleansing milk can remove all products, including sunscreen and makeup. They gently wipe away dirt and impurities from your skin’s surface.
Do milk cleansers clog pores?
Milk cleansers may or may not clog your pores, depending on the choice of product. Look for non-comedogenic milk cleansers if you have enlarged pores and want to steer clear of dirt getting stuck under your skin.
Can we use a milk cleanser every day?
Yes. Milk cleansers have a gentle formula that is safe for daily use. They help rejuvenate and nourish your skin, preventing environmental damage.
Is milk cleanser water-based or oil-based?
Milk cleanser is a combination of both water- and oil-based cleansing agents. Therefore, it fills your skin with the benefits of both agents.
Which is better, cleansing milk or cleanser?
Cleansing milk is a gentle formula that does not require water to foam up. If you have dry and sensitive skin, opt for a cleansing milk. A cleanser requires water to lather up. So, use it if you have oily skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a skin care enthusiast and loves to experiment with various skin care products. She believes that using a milk cleanser can help you get rid of the dirt on the skin surface. The products included in the list can also be used to remove makeup. She went through hundreds of reviews across trusted online platforms to curate this list. These milk cleansers are cruelty-free and suitable for all skin types.
