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Gentle Cleansing Milk

Gentle Cleansing Milk

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle, nourishing cleansing milk enriched with Lotus Flower Extract and Peach Kernel Oil that effectively removes makeup and impurities while preserving your skin's natural moisture balance. Dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested for sensitive skin.

Dermatologically Tested Ophthalmologically Tested Cruelty-Free Removes Makeup For All Skin Types Budget-Friendly
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
2/5
Size
250ml
Price
~€1.59
Type
Cleansing Milk
For
All Skin Types
Use
AM/PM
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Lotus Flower Extract

Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids to soothe, purify pores, and protect skin from environmental stress.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Creamy Milk
Scent
Light Floral
Absorption
Quick Wipe-Off
Finish
Soft, Non-Greasy

Lotus Flower Extract

Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids to soothe, purify pores, and protect skin from environmental stress.

Peach Kernel Oil

Lightweight, non-comedogenic oil packed with Vitamins A & E and omega fatty acids for deep nourishment.

Moisturizing Complex

Glycerin and Allantoin work together to hydrate, soothe irritation, and maintain skin's natural moisture balance.

Eye-Area Safe

Ophthalmologically tested formula gentle enough for the delicate eye area to remove eye makeup.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Free from retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, and chemical sunscreens. Safe for use during pregnancy and nursing.

Not Fungal Acne Safe

Contains Myristyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, and Glyceryl Stearate which may feed Malassezia yeast and trigger fungal acne.

Contains Fragrance

Contains Parfum and fragrance allergens (Linalool, Limonene, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone). Patch test if sensitive to fragrances.

Contains Alcohol

Contains denatured alcohol in small amounts. Some users report slight tingling, especially around eyes. Use micellar water for eye makeup if sensitive.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Glycerin ~5-10%Proven

A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin from the environment and deeper skin layers. More effective than hyaluronic acid at hydration according to research.

  • Research: Shown to be more effective than AHAs and hyaluronic acid as a humectant (2016 study)
  • Function: Attracts water to skin, improves barrier function, antimicrobial properties
Comedogenic rating: 0 - Will not clog pores. Safe for all skin types.

Lotus Flower Extract (Nelumbium Speciosum)Promising

A botanical extract rich in Kaempferol antioxidants, Vitamins B and C, and natural alpha hydroxy acids. Traditionally used in Asian skincare for centuries.

  • Antioxidants: Kaempferol has the highest antioxidant activity among 35 flavonoids tested
  • Anti-inflammatory: Multiple studies confirm soothing and calming properties
  • Sebum control: Helps manage oil production without depleting hydration

Peach Kernel Oil (Prunus Persica)Proven

A lightweight, fast-absorbing oil extracted from peach seeds. Rich in oleic and linoleic fatty acids plus Vitamins A and E for skin nourishment.

  • Comedogenic rating: 2 - Low risk of clogging pores
  • Fatty acids: Omega 3, 6, and 9 for barrier support and hydration
  • Absorption: Lightweight texture absorbs quickly without greasy residue
Non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Allantoin 0.1-0.5%Proven

A gentle, universally-tolerated compound that soothes, moisturizes, and promotes skin cell renewal. FDA approved as a skin protectant.

  • Keratolytic: Gently exfoliates dead skin cells for smoother texture
  • Humectant: Draws water into skin and helps retain moisture
  • Soothing: Reduces irritation, redness, and discomfort after cleansing

22 ingredients

Aqua, Ethylhexyl Stearate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Glyceryl Stearate, Myristyl Myristate, Allantoin, Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract, Prunus Persica Kernel Oil, Parfum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene, Sodium Chloride, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide

FREE FROM: Parabens, Silicones, Mineral Oil, SLS/SLES, Retinoids, Salicylic Acid, Hydroquinone, Chemical Sunscreens
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleansing Milk
2
Toner
3
Serum
4
Eye Cream
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use as your first cleansing step in the evening to remove makeup, or as your only cleanser in the morning. Can be used with or without water.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Apply to Dry Skin

Pump 2-3 pumps onto a cotton pad or directly onto dry face and neck. No need to wet face first.

2

Massage Gently

Using circular motions, gently massage over entire face and eye area to dissolve makeup and impurities.

3

Remove

Wipe away with a cotton pad or soft cloth. For heavy makeup, repeat if necessary. Can also be rinsed with lukewarm water.

4

Follow Up

Continue with toner and the rest of your skincare routine. No residue should remain.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want an affordable, effective makeup remover
  • You have normal, dry, or combination skin
  • You prefer gentle, non-foaming cleansers
  • You're pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You want a quick, no-rinse cleansing option
  • You're on a budget but don't want to compromise quality

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis)
  • You're highly sensitive to fragrance
  • You prefer completely fragrance-free products
  • You have very oily, acne-prone skin
  • You want a deep-cleansing foaming cleanser
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Dry Skin
Excellent

Creamy, hydrating formula cleanses without stripping moisture. Leaves skin soft and nourished.

Normal Skin
Excellent

Perfect daily cleanser that maintains natural balance. Effective yet gentle.

Combination Skin
Good

Works well for dry areas. May feel slightly rich for T-zone; follow with foaming cleanser if needed.

Oily Skin
Moderate

May feel too emollient. Best used as first step in double cleanse, followed by gel cleanser.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Dermatologically tested and gentle formula. Patch test first due to fragrance content.

Acne-Prone
Moderate

Low comedogenic rating (2/5) but not fungal-acne safe. May work for regular acne but avoid if fungal.

08

Results timeline

WEEK 4+
Immediate

Clean, Soft Skin

Makeup and daily impurities removed effectively. Skin feels soft, hydrated, and comfortable without tightness or residue.

95% noticed
Week 1-2

Improved Hydration

Skin maintains better moisture levels throughout the day. Less dryness and flakiness, especially in dry areas.

80% noticed
Week 4+

Balanced, Comfortable Skin

Consistent use leads to calmer, more balanced skin. Natural glow improves as skin barrier remains intact during cleansing.

70% noticed
09

Ratings by platform

REVIEWS
Amazon UK
4.0
Rating
Limited
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users report slight tingling around eye area due to alcohol content
Beauty Blogs
4.2
Rating
Multiple
Reviews
Main complaint: Fragrance may be too strong for very sensitive skin
TikTok/Social
4.3
Rating
2.2M+
Views
Main complaint: Availability limited to Lidl stores
SkinSort/INCIDecoder
Good
Formula Rating
22
Ingredients
Note: Contains potential fungal acne triggers and fragrance allergens
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Exceptional value - large 250ml bottle for ~€1.59
  • Effectively removes makeup including eye makeup
  • Leaves skin soft and hydrated, never tight
  • Dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested
  • Cruelty-free product
  • Pleasant, subtle floral scent
  • Great for dry and normal skin types
  • Can be used with or without water

Criticized

  • Contains fragrance and fragrance allergens
  • Not suitable for fungal acne sufferers
  • Some report tingling around eyes
  • May feel too rich for oily skin
  • Only available at Lidl stores
  • Pump dispenser can be wasteful
  • Not effective for very heavy/waterproof makeup alone
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
90% Match
Nivea Daily Essentials Gentle Cleansing Milk
~€3.50
Similar Price

Very similar creamy milk texture with hydrating formula. Contains almond oil instead of peach kernel. Slightly thicker consistency.

85% Match
Gentle Skin Cleanser
~€8.00

Fragrance-free, simpler formula with niacinamide. More suitable for sensitive skin. Non-foaming like Cien but slightly thinner texture.

75% Match
Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes
~€4.50
Budget Pick

Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. Contains pro-vitamin B5 instead of botanical extracts. Better for very sensitive skin.

70% Match
Med Reinigungsmilch
~€1.45
Budget Pick

Another German drugstore alternative at similar price point. Different botanical extracts. Also dermatologically tested.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Hydrating Cleanser
Key Ingredients Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe No
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Best For Barrier Repair
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Key Ingredients Niacinamide, Panthenol, Glycerin
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe Partial
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Best For Sensitive Skin
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Key Ingredients Thermal Water, Niacinamide
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Best For Ultra-Sensitive
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep at room temperature.

Packaging

Plastic bottle with pump dispenser for hygienic, easy application

Travel Friendly

No - 250ml exceeds carry-on liquid limits. Decant into smaller container for travel.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes, this product is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It does not contain any ingredients of concern such as retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreen filters. The formula is gentle and dermatologically tested, making it suitable for the hormonal skin changes that occur during pregnancy.

No, this product is NOT fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast and potentially worsen fungal acne, including: Myristyl Myristate (an ester with comedogenic rating of 5), Cetearyl Alcohol (fatty alcohol), Glyceryl Stearate, and Ethylhexyl Stearate. If you have fungal acne or suspect it, look for alternatives specifically formulated to be Malassezia-safe.

Yes, this cleansing milk is compatible with active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, AHAs, and BHAs. Since it's a rinse-off cleanser with a neutral pH, it won't interfere with your treatment products. Simply cleanse first, allow skin to dry completely, then apply your actives. The gentle, hydrating formula actually helps prepare skin for potentially drying treatments.

This cleansing milk is best suited for dry, normal, and combination skin types. The creamy, hydrating formula effectively cleanses without stripping natural oils. Those with oily skin may find it too emollient and might prefer to use it as the first step in a double cleanse routine, followed by a gel or foaming cleanser. It's also great for mature skin due to its nourishing properties.

You'll notice immediate results after the first use - skin feels clean, soft, and comfortable without tightness. Within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, you should notice improved hydration levels and less dry, flaky skin. After 4+ weeks, your skin's natural balance should be better maintained, and you may notice a healthier, more radiant complexion as the gentle cleansing preserves your skin barrier.

Use this cleansing milk as your first step in your routine. In the evening, apply it to dry skin to remove makeup and sunscreen, then follow with toner, serums, and moisturizer. In the morning, it can be your only cleanser if your skin isn't too oily. If you use heavy makeup or sunscreen, consider double cleansing by following up with a water-based cleanser.

This product has an overall comedogenic rating of approximately 2 out of 5, meaning it has a low to moderate chance of clogging pores for most people. However, it contains Myristyl Myristate (rating of 5 when undiluted) which is diluted in this formula. Most users with normal to dry skin don't experience clogged pores, but those prone to acne may want to patch test first or choose a non-comedogenic alternative.

The product has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). Once opened, use within 12 months for best results and to ensure the preservatives remain effective. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat. With the 250ml bottle size and regular twice-daily use, most people finish the product well before the 12-month limit.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.0 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Cien Gentle Cleansing Milk is an outstanding budget-friendly option for those with dry, normal, or combination skin seeking an effective, gentle makeup remover. The formula delivers excellent hydration benefits thanks to Glycerin, Allantoin, and nourishing botanical extracts like Lotus Flower and Peach Kernel Oil. At approximately €1.59 for 250ml, it offers exceptional value compared to premium alternatives costing 5-10x more. The main drawbacks are its fragrance content (not ideal for very sensitive skin) and ingredients that aren't suitable for fungal acne sufferers. If you have regular skin without fungal concerns and don't mind a light floral scent, this German pharmacy gem deserves a place in your routine.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Allantoin Citric Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
2
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
1
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
50% 22% 27%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 22 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 B
Ethylhexyl Stearate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
1 B
Glyceryl Stearate Citrate
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Emulsifying
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS