If oat milk is the buzzy milk of the food aisles, goat milk just might be the equivalent in the skin care aisles. Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen a steady rise in products touting the ingredient—and for good reason.
Why Is Goat Milk Lotion A Thing (And What Are the Benefits to Using It?)
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Published May 19, 2020
What makes goats milk lotion different or better than any other lotion?
Historically, it’s been said that ancient Egyptians used goat milk to heal and nurture their skin. Scientifically, goat milk is packed with fatty acids, proteins, amino acids and vitamins to hydrate and soothe skin (and is particularly great for people with conditions like eczema or psoriasis). Goat milk also contains lactic acid, which is a natural exfoliant that helps to keep your skin clear (in case you always get those pesky little keratosis pilaris bumps on your arms).
In short, goat milk is a go-to for many because it’s a gentle ingredient that works both as a moisturizer and as an exfoliant. Here, our five favorite formulas to slather on dry skin.
Ulta
1. Dionis Sea Treasure Goat Milk Hand Cream
Thick, but not greasy, this cream has been especially (ahem) handy lately after all of the sanitizing and washing we’ve been doing. The rich formula is packed with the namesake ingredient and the scent is sweet and breezy and reminds us of a summer evening at the beach.
Buy it ($5)
Beekman 1802
2. Beekman 1802 Ylang Ylang & Tuberose Goat Milk Lotion
One of the OGs (that’s original goat for y’all) to bring the ingredient to the beauty space, this elegant lotion absorbs quickly on your skin, leaving it soft and silky for hours afterward. It comes in many different scents (including a fragrance-free version), but we are partial to this ylang ylang and tuberose blend, which is très magnifique (read: it smells like a fancy French perfume). The sleek black and white packaging and handy pump bottle make it the perfect complement to any kitchen or bathroom countertop.
Sephora
3. Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream
Fun fact: This famed skincare expert struggled with eczema as a child and found a solution in goat’s milk. And while you may mostly know her from her clientele (which includes Demi Moore and Eva Mendes) or her cult bestselling acne spot treatment, EradiKate, the goat milk cream is the unsung hero of the line. Packed with soothing goat milk, aloe and a blend of jojoba and avocado oils, the indulgent cream coddles and conditions your skin. The texture is lightweight and cooling, making it perfect for this time of year.
Amazon
4. Nature By Canus Goats Milk Lotion
This Canadian import has been creating goat milk lotions since 1998. Their original formula, above, has a high concentration of emollients to soothe dry and irritated skin without feeling greasy or slick. We’ve used it on everything from our flaky elbows to the cracked soles of our feet to much success. Note: It’s also available in a fragrance-free, shea butter or lavender scent.
iHerb
5. Nubian Heritage Body Lotion Goat's Milk & Chai
The brainchild of two New York City street vendors, this brand borrows from traditional African recipes to create natural products using only fair-trade ingredients. We’re big fans of this body lotion, which blends goat milk with shea butter to deeply moisturize your skin, while chai and rose extracts give it an aromatic quality that soothes your senses. The formula is rich, but not heavy or sticky and lasts for hours after you apply it.
Beekman 1802
6. Beekman 1802 Fresh Air Whipped Body Cream
Yes, they’re on here twice but that’s because we honestly don’t think anyone gets goat milk quite like the Beekman boys do. (Fun fact: The brand was founded by a couple who moved from New York City to a farm upstate, where they make everything from goat milk soaps to gourmet cheeses, and, of course, lotions.) This jar of velvety goodness is the cream of the crop with a fluffy texture that melts into dry skin and a crisp citrus scent that perks you right up.
