Best Milky Cleansers for Your Most Pressing Skin Concerns

I used to rely on heavy creams to combat the tightness I felt after washing my face with a daily scrub. Then I made a change. I dropped the harsh soaps and reached for something creamier. I realized that just because it lathers and smells fresh doesn’t mean you should clean your face with it.

Now I rely on lotion-like milky cleansers for a different type of deep clean—one that softens skin for a smooth and hydrated result. In addition to effectively removing makeup and debris, milky cleansers target some of your most pressing concerns in a gentle way. They moisturize dryness, soothe irritation, remove excess sebum, and promote collagen production. These facial cleansers below provide the same purified feeling you get from a classic wash, but without the accompanying moisture loss.

Sensitivity:

Caudalie Gentle Cleansing Milk , $14

Milky cleansers work for all skin types, but its gentle nature is especially effective on sensitive complexions because it doesn’t strip delicate skin. I love how Caudalie’s Gentle Cleansing Milk caresses every contour with a blend of nourishing grape seed oil, softening sweet almond oil, and smoothing oat extracts for skin that’s completely quenched.

Fine lines/Wrinkles:

Omorovicza Cashmere Cleanser , $70

Harnessing the silky-soft texture of cashmere, this Omorovicza cleansing milk softens and plumps for younger-looking skin. Formulated with antioxidant-rich apricot kernel oil, moisturizing shea butter and restorative calendula extract, this cushiony cleanser promotes collagen production and boosts lipid content.

Excessive oiliness:

Sisley-Paris Cleansing Milk with Sage , $110

Known for its toning and purifying properties, Sage is a popular astringent found in skincare. Add this ingredient to a cream-textured cleanser, and you’ve got the Holy Grail for oily skin types. Sisley-Paris Cleansing Milk with Sage removes excess sebum while hydrating pores for a deep clean without stripping essential skin oils.

Inflamed/Irritated:

HoliFrog Tashmoo Water Lily Nourishing Milky Wash , $38

Aggravated skin? Here’s some milky relief. HoliFrog’s Nourishing Milky Wash mimics the soothing effects of lotion with added non-fragrant botanicals, gently sweeping away makeup and debris. Infused with aloe vera, vitamin E and a blend of skin-identical amino acids, this formula quells irritated complexions to reduce redness and promote cell renewal.

Dryness:

Mila Moursi Cleansing Milk , $75

With just a couple pumps, this velvety cleansing milk delivers a spa-like experience with soft, supple results. Formulated with squalane, Mila Moursi Cleansing Milk restores proper oil balance to dry skin. Apply using circular motions with gentle pressure, then steam skin with a warm washcloth for a DIY facial.