Milk in skincare is hardly new, but lately, there’s been a shift towards more unusual varieties.
Goat and buffalo milk are increasingly cropping up in creams, cleansers and even shampoos, with brands positioning them as gentler, more nourishing alternatives to harsher synthetic actives.
What’s the appeal? Both are naturally rich in fats, proteins and vitamins that help to soften and condition.
Goat milk, in particular, contains lactic acid - a mild alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) - which works as a natural exfoliant. It dissolves the bonds that hold on to dead skin cells, leaving skin looking fresher and smoother without the sting of stronger acids.
Buffalo milk, meanwhile, is high in calcium and lipids, giving it a deeply moisturising quality that can be especially comforting for dry or reactive skin. Both milks also have a similar pH to human skin, which means they’re less likely to disrupt your barrier and more likely to leave skin balanced and calm.
That makes them particularly good options if you find yourself sensitive to traditional actives or if your skin is prone to redness and dryness. Where a retinol or glycolic might feel too strong, a goat milk cleanser or buffalo milk lotion can offer a gentler route to smoother, healthier-looking skin. They’re also well suited to seasonal routines - think winter when central heating dries everything out, or summer when sun exposure can make skin more reactive.
The result is skincare that feels nurturing and effective. Whether you’re looking for a soothing hand cream to counter endless sanitiser, a cleanser that doesn’t leave your skin feeling drum-tight, or even a shampoo that takes care of your scalp, milk-based formulas are stepping up as the quiet achievers of the beauty world.
We've rounded up all of the best buffalo and goat milk beauty products below.
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Bufarma Comforting Milky Cleanser
If your skin leans towards the sensitive side, this is the sort of cleanser that feels more like a hug than a scrub.
Buffalo milk is the star ingredient here, rich in lipids and calcium, which means it cleanses without stripping away your skin’s natural oils. The texture is light and creamy rather than foamy, so you won’t get that tight, squeaky sensation afterwards - instead, your face feels balanced and calm.
It’s one to reach for if you’re prone to dryness or irritation and want a formula that nourishes as much as it cleans.
Buy now £29.00, Bufarma
Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cream
This cream has something of a cult following, and it’s not hard to see why. The formula uses goat milk proteins to soothe and hydrate, while a mix of avocado and jojoba oils lock in moisture without feeling heavy. It’s particularly good if your skin veers towards dry or reactive, as it calms redness and gives a soft, plumped finish. Think of it as a dependable daily staple: rich enough to comfort, light enough to wear under make-up.
It pairs well with Kate Somerville’s goat milk cleanser, which makes the simple act of face washing feel like an indulgent treat.
Buy now £72.00, Sephora
BIANCAMORE body lotion with buffalo milk and pomegranate
Buffalo milk and pomegranate might not be the most obvious pairing, but on skin it makes perfect sense.
The milk delivers moisture and softness, while pomegranate brings antioxidant punch to help defend against environmental stress. The texture sits somewhere between silky and milky, absorbing quickly so you don’t have to linger in your dressing gown waiting for it to sink in.
It leaves skin with that supple, just-nourished feel without any stickiness.
Buy now £35.00, Asitasahabi
Crabtree & Evelyn Goatmilk Hand Therapy
If your hands take a daily battering from typing, washing up or endless rounds of hand sanitiser, this is a quietly reliable option.
Goat milk lends its naturally soothing qualities, while the cream itself has a velvety consistency that sinks in without greasiness. It’s not one of those overly fragranced hand creams that lingers long after you’ve applied it - instead it’s subtle, softening and easy to keep in your bag or desk drawer.
The sort of product you’ll find yourself reaching for multiple times a day.
Buy now £7.31, Amazon
ZIAJA Goat's Milk Body Lotion
Affordable doesn’t have to mean basic, as this Polish brand proves. Its goat’s milk body lotion has a light, almost fluid texture that spreads easily and sinks in quickly, making it ideal for everyday use. The milk proteins help to soften and smooth, giving skin a healthier, more supple look over time. It’s the kind of bottle you can keep on hand without worrying about rationing it - a fuss-free daily hydrator that feels more luxurious than the price tag suggests.
Buy now £9.49, Amazon
Bufarma Nurturing Face Oil
For skin that thrives on oils, this one takes a nourishing approach rather than a greasy one. It blends buffalo milk extract with lightweight plant oils, meaning it delivers both fatty acids and hydration without tipping into overly rich territory.
A couple of drops are enough to restore some glow and calmness, especially if you’re dealing with dryness or seasonal dullness.
Used alone it feels indulgent, layered under or over a moisturiser it works as a boost - versatile, silky and skin-friendly.
Buy now £35.00, Bufarma
Angela Caglia Soufflé Moisturiser
This is very much at the luxury end of the spectrum, and it looks and feels the part. The soufflé texture is soft and whipped, melting into skin with minimal effort. Goat milk gives it a soothing base, while added botanicals target hydration and barrier repair. It’s one of those creams you reserve for days when your skin feels parched or you want to give it a little extra care - rich, comforting and elegant. The price might make you wince, but the sensorial payoff is undeniable.
Buy now £103.03, Amazon
Eveline Cosmetics Glycerine hand & nail cream with goat’s milk
A proper budget buy that still does the job, this cream combines glycerine with goat’s milk proteins to soften dry hands and condition nails at the same time. The texture is light and non-greasy, so it works well as an everyday option - the sort you can reapply without leaving smudges on your keyboard. It’s simple, effective and surprisingly good value, especially if you go through hand cream quickly.
Buy now £1.40, Notino
Beekman 1802 Bloom Cream
Beekman has built its reputation built on goat milk skincare, and this cream shows why.
It dispenses as a light bloom - think airy, whipped texture - that transforms into a more hydrating layer once applied. The goat milk proteins help balance the skin, while added prebiotics support the barrier.
It’s particularly good if your complexion is prone to sensitivity or feels a little out of sync, giving you that soft, dewy finish without heaviness.
Buy now £42.25, Beautybay
Avoka Naturals Vilvah Goat Milk Shampoo
Goat milk in haircare might sound unusual, but it delivers hydration and scalp comfort. This shampoo uses it to deliver a gentle cleanse that doesn’t strip natural oils, while also helping to smooth frizz and add softness. The formula is sulphate-free, so it lathers without that squeaky-clean aftermath, and it’s suitable for sensitive scalps.
A solid everyday shampoo if you want a bit more nourishment built in.
Buy now £19.99, Amazon
Verdict:
Bufarma's Comforting Milky Cleanser is the cream of the crop her4e. It’s soothing, gentle and nourishing thanks to its buffalo-milk base rich in lipids and calcium - and a lotion-like texture that never irritates. It cleans without stripping, leaving skin soft, calm and entirely balanced.
