Goat Milk Is the Buzzy Ingredient Derms Say Will Hydrate and Firm Super-Dry Skin

Whether you’re a fan of oat, almond, or soy, there are plenty of alt-milk options out there for you to add to your a.m. coffee. But these days, there’s another type of milk that’s found its way into your skin-care products—and derms say it’s for good reason.

Goat milk—which, as you may have guessed, is milk that comes from goats—has been buzzing recently in the beauty world thanks to its hydrating and replenishing properties. It isn’t exactly new (legend has it that Cleopatra swore by it for keeping her skin soft and supple), but it’s becoming increasingly popular for use on dry, winterized skin.

According to Onyeka Obioha, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles, goat milk is an all-natural and extra-hydrating cleanser filled with vitamins and minerals that give skin the extra burst of hydration it may need during the colder winter months. Some of the standout actives in goat milk include, “vitamin A, Vitamins B and E, lactic acid, probiotics, triglycerides, saturated and unsaturated fats,” says Dr. Obioha, making the ingredient a go-to during the colder months.

Goat milk works so well this time of year because it works as both a moisturizer and a (very gentle) exfoliant. Lactic acid melts away dead skin cells from the surface of your complexion, and vitamin A stimulates cell turnover to bring up healthy new ones to replace them (it also boosts collagen production). Then, the other vitamins and fats do their jobs to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier.

Especially when it’s colder outside, goat milk can be used daily to prevent and treat dry skin and improve the skin’s elasticity. This means your skin will actually feel stronger and softer to the touch. It’s even gentle enough for skin that’s prone to eczema or psoriasis, says  Dr. Obioha, making it one of the most effective ingredients to treat inflammatory skin conditions.

If you’re ready to try goat milk for yourself, read on for four products to get your skin feeling soft, strong, and nourished.

Beekman 1802 Triple Milk Cleanser — $35.00

This formula gives a whole new meaning to the term “milky” cleanser. It combines goat milk with coconut milk and milk proteins to give you triple the dose of skin-nourishing goodness. It’s also got argan and olive oils in the mix, which help to remove makeup, dirt, and debris without stripping your skin.

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream — $76.00

Goat Milk has long been a staple in the moisturizing formulas from esthetician Kate Sommerville’s eponymous line. This one, in particular, pairs the ingredient with aloe (along with milk proteins and nourishing avocado and jojoba oils), making it extra soothing for sensitive skin.

Dionis Milk & Honey Goat Milk Body Lotion — $13.00

Goat milk can also be used to hydrate the skin from your neck down, and this $13 lotion is perfect for getting the job done. It’s non-greasy and smells faintly of honey, making the application experience feel far more luxurious than the price point would lead you to believe.

Little Seed Farm Goat's Milk Moisturizer — $26.00

This formula pairs goat milk with non-comedogenic argan oil, making it safe to use on all skin types because it won’t clog pores.

For more intel on hydrating ingredients worth adding to your routine this time of year, check out the video below. 

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