There are a few things that relax your face after a long, tough day of college or work – splashing cold water on your face and a cleanser melting the makeup and dirt off. However, using the best cleansing milk isn’t solely for meditative purposes. Our skin is exposed to an unthinkable amount of dirt and germs daily; therefore, we need a gentle formula to scrub our faces.
The best cleansing milk in India gives our skin a good old cleanse while keeping it hydrated and soft. They are a hardworking product, ideal for a quick facial massage and gentle exfoliation too. Discussed below is a detailed guide on how to choose cleansing milk for your skin type. Lastly, do not forget to check the best products from Himalaya, Khadi, Plum, and more.
Quick List - Top Cleansing Milk
mybest editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in India in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
Table of Contents
Cleansing milk is a gentle and effective formula that cleanses your skin by removing all traces of makeup along with oil and impurities. It deep cleanses clogged pores, leaving behind clean and clear skin.
However, there is no universally accepted cleanser for all skin types; different skin types require different formulas. So, here’s a buying guide to help you choose the right formula.
Although cleansing milk is a reasonably simple product, it is important to understand your skin type while picking one. Cleansing milk is a premier irritation-free way of removing impurities and makeup that works on all types of skin.
But if you need a targeted formula, there are a variety of products available for oily, dry and sensitive skin. Here’s how you can differentiate between them to get the best results for your skin type.
Water is one of the most common ingredients in cleansing milk. If you’ll read the labels carefully, it is also one of the first ingredients listed. Water-based cleansing milk boosts hydration and keeps skin soft while washing out the makeup and sunscreen.
The best part about using a water-based product is that your skin won’t break out and stretch. In fact, it will give your face a uniquely luxurious texture without making it oily or greasy. It will also make sure your skin stays well nourished and moisturised.
A moisturising agent is another popular ingredient of cleansing milk. To maintain the simple, gentle formula, brands derive moisturiser from natural ingredients, including green tea, bamboo leaf, cactus fruit, etc. All these natural ingredients thoroughly moisturise the skin without drying out or irritating it.
Apart from these, certain types of cleansing milks are infused with hyaluronic acid, which assists in water retention and glycerine (draws moisture into the skin) production. Whether you've excessively dry or combination skin, you should give moisture-based cleansing milk a try.
Oil-based formula dissolves makeup, impurities and excess oil while nourishing the skin. Cleansing milks are infused with essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender to calm and soothe dry and itchy skin.
People with acne-prone or sensitive skin should stay away from oil-based cleansing milk as they might experience irritation from oil. Acne-prone skin requires many drying ingredients like salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid that reduces acne by exfoliating the skin) to maintain skin’s pH without drying it out completely.
Shea butter is one of the top calming ingredients in cleansing milk. If you experience mild acne or your face is sunburned, the anti-inflammatory properties of shea butter will help keep redness at bay.
However, if you have more serious acne, you may want to avoid using cleansing milk with shea butter as you might find it heavy on your skin, which might cause breakouts. But cleansing milk consisting of shea butter thoroughly remove dirt, oil and makeup while keeping the skin hydrated.
It is important to look for products that are gentle on your skin and free from harmful ingredients. Ingredients such as drying alcohols, fragrances/dyes, essential oils, are harmful to the skin, especially acne-prone and sensitive skin, as they can cause inflammation in the skin.
Inflammation and irritation disrupt our skin’s ability to hold on to vital fatty acids and other emollients that keep skin smooth and soft – which over time leads to dry and cracked skin. Cleansing milk with harsh surfactants like SLS has an alkaline pH i.e., a pH level greater than 8. The optimal pH value of skin on our face and bodies lies between 4.7 and 5.75.
This negatively impacts the acid mantle of the skin by causing irritation and increasing the presence of bacteria. Whereas, cleansing milk with milder surfactants such as Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES) in combination with Cocoamidopropyl Betaine (CAPB) and Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate have a pH closer to that of skin, i.e., less than 6, and are much gentler on skin.
Choosing ingredients that work best for your skin, and avoiding those that are harmful is a great way to start your skincare routine. But it is equally important to choose products that maintain your skin in the longer run.
Cleansing milk with ceramides, non-fragrant plant oils, fatty acids, and antioxidants works amazingly to soothe and moisturise the skin. They also boost the cleansing abilities of a product by dissolving makeup and other substances from the skin. So, look for all the useful ingredients and stay wary of harmful ones.
Cleansing milk is most commonly available in creamy gel or liquid consistency, which is easy to massage over the face. However, with its increasing popularity, new formulas are emerging on the market that is equally effective and easy to use.
Cleansing milk wipes are pre-infused with the formula that is great for someone who’s continuously traveling. Bottles take more space and pose a risk of spilling, which you would not want. So, you can carry handy wipes as an easy way to cleanse your skin while on-the-go.
However, we would advise exercising a certain degree of caution with cleansing milk wipes, as they can encourage rubbing and pulling on screen rather than gentle massaging. And this might lead to premature signs of ageing.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Himalaya Refreshing Cleansing Milk | ![]() | Liquid Formula to Maintain Skin’s Natural Moisture Balance | |
2 | Lakme' Deep Cleanser Cleansing Milk | ![]() | Cleansing Milk Enriched With Natural Avocadoz | |
3 | Vaadi Herbals Aloe Vera Deep Pore Cleansing Milk | ![]() | A Dual-Purpose Lotion to Cleanse and Moisturise | |
4 | Khadi Mauri Purifying Cleansing Lotion | ![]() | Take Control of Acne-Prone Skin | |
5 | Khadi Natural Herbal Cleansing Milk | ![]() | Paraben-Free Formula Enriched With Shea/Kokum Butter | |
6 | Biotique Bio Berberry Hydrating Cleanser | ![]() | Dermatologically-Tested Cleanser that Leaves Nothing Behind | |
7 | Ayur Herbal Deep Pore Cleansing Milk | ![]() | Cleanse and Maintain Skin’s pH Balance | |
8 | Plum Hello Aloe Gentle Cleansing Lotion | ![]() | Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula for Dry and Sensitive Skin | |
9 | Lotus Herbals Whiteglow Cleansing Milk | ![]() | Dispense Your Cleansing Milk Easily with This Pump | |
10 | Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips | ![]() | Non-Irritating Formula to Take Off Eye and Lips Makeup |
Himalaya’s unique refreshing and cleansing formula removes dirt, makeup, and daily impurities while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance. This light liquid formula consists of lemon, grape seed and mint that gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin.
Lemon is a natural cleanser and astringent that refreshes the skin without irritating it. Grape seed further rejuvenates the skin while calming and nourishing it. Mint cools down the skin, keeping it healthy and radiant. Therefore, making the product ideal for all skin types.
The blend of natural avocado and water in this cleansing milk makes for a very gentle product that works wonderfully on dry skin. There is also vitamin E present in the cleansing milk that is known for its antioxidant properties to cleanse and purify the skin.
You can apply the product directly to your face and neck and gently massage it into your skin. Then wipe it off with a damp cotton pad or rinse it away with water, and still be assured that it’ll do a good job removing your makeup, sunscreen and other impurities.
Made with a combination of all the important ingredients, this cleansing milk from Vaadi Herbals is undeniably one of the best cleansers. It is formulated with Steam Distilled Aloe Vera Extract, Lemon Peel Extract, Coconut Oil Derivative, Pure Rose Water, Jojoba Oil, Organic Honey and DM Water (Aqua).
With a silky soft feel, the lotion cleanses and moisturises the skin effectively. The gentle formula penetrates deep into the skin’s pores and cleanses it by removing dirt and makeup without stripping the moisture.
With a powerful blend of strong antiseptic and detoxifying botanicals, this purifying cleansing lotion by Khadi is a great gentle cleanser for mornings and evenings. The rejuvenating formula is useful for skin toning, deep cleansing, radiance and glow and makeup removal.
This is an affordable option that works well without showing any side effects. Reviewers suggest that the product works like a magic as a makeup remover. However, it doesn’t remove kajal and eyeliner that effectively. They are also satisfied with the quantity of product received at the price.
If you’re looking for a paraben-free product, this cleansing milk is your top pick. With cucumber and aloe vera extracts, this creamy cleanser not only cleanses and refreshes skin but removes dirt, grime and makeup, leaving skin feeling soft and healthy.
The cleansing milk is a great choice for all skin types, especially those with sensitive or dry skin. Apply the product in a circular motion on the face and neck, and wipe off with a moist cotton pad. Later, rinse with water and pat dry to reveal glowing skin.
Formulated with the pure and natural extracts of berberry, red sandalwood, fenugreek, lodhra bark, and almond oil, this cleansing milk is your new best friend. It is loaded with an ayurvedic recipe that deeply cleanses, removing any impurities without being harshly astringent.
Berberry has a rich history of having anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can even soothe sensitive and dehydrated skin. Women have loved the product; however, their only concern is the strong fragrance which can get a little overwhelming.
A herbal cleansing formula that contains a unique blend of all-natural ingredients to leave your skin thoroughly hydrated. The product is said to be suitable for all skin types; however, those with oily skin should avoid it as even after washing your face, you might feel a heavy oily layer on your skin.
But if you’re looking for a gentle formula for dry and combination skin, the product will work nicely. It is also pretty affordable and easy to carry if you travel frequently. Reviewers feel that there is nothing special about the product, in fact, its formula is quite basic.
If you’re looking for a paraben-free and cruelty-free product, Plum’s Hello Aloe gentle cleansing lotion will be your best pick. This is a non-drying lotion that is formulated with the natural goodness of pure aloe juice.
The spill-proof dispenser bottle makes it a favourite product for many. However, there are certain cons that you might want to consider before investing in the product. The cleansing milk has an artificial fragrance and consists of synthetic colours.
Lotus Herbal’s cleansing milk is another skin brightening and whitening product that does a fair job of removing the makeup, dirt, and excess sebum and soothing your skin after a long day. It even removes the dead skin cells and controls melanin (natural skin pigment) production.
The product has all the nourishing properties of a milk cleanser, but it contains paraben and artificial fragrance and might lead to breakouts. If you have highly sensitive and acne-prone skin, you might want to steer clear of the product.
If it’s an everyday challenge for you to remove waterproof mascara and eyeliner, Clinique’s non-irritating and non-stringing formula will work wonders for you. Its residue-free formula helps maintain moisture barrier, leaving skin soft and comfortable.
The cleansing milk dissolves and lifts away long-wearing makeup with ease. The product is fragrance-free and allergy-tested. The only con is that the product is suitable only for eye and lips makeup, and is quite expensive considering the quantity.
Cleansing milk can be used in the morning and/or night, as per your skincare routine. The product is gentle enough to be used twice a day. It should not be used as a traditional cleanser. So, here are proper steps on how to use cleansing milk.
To read more about cleansing milk and its application, read here.
Whether you have a five or step skincare routine, or you want to keep things simple with a cleanser, lip scrub and CC cream, we’ve rounded up three more skin-related articles for you to take benefits from. Happy reading!
Whether you want to use cleansing milk as an alternative to face wash or want to add a new product to your skincare routine, rest assured it’ll be a perfect addition. With gentle ingredients and nourishing properties, cleansing milk will take care of all your skin woes.
Author: Srishti Sikka
No. 1: Himalaya|Refreshing Cleansing Milk
No. 2: Lakme'|Deep Cleanser Cleansing Milk
No. 3: Vaadi Herbals|Aloe Vera Deep Pore Cleansing Milk
No. 4: Khadi|Mauri Purifying Cleansing Lotion
No. 5: Khadi Natural|Herbal Cleansing Milk
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
PC and Cameras
Home Appliances and Electronics
Cosmetics and skincare
Health
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Household goods
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Smartphones and mobile phones
Investment and asset management
Music
Smartphone applications