Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser
Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser
Product Description
Product overview
Kate Somerville's Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser is a gentle, non-foaming cream cleanser by Hollywood esthetician Kate Somerville. Enriched with soothing goat milk, nourishing manuka honey, and a rich blend of jojoba and avocado oils, this sulfate-free daily face wash removes makeup, dirt, oil and impurities without stripping skin or disrupting the moisture barrier. Clinically tested safe for sensitive skin, it transforms from a rich opalescent cream into a silky milk for a soft, comforted, never-tight finish.
Goat Milk Complex
Natural milk proteins and lactic acid soothe dry, sensitive skin while aligning with skin's natural pH.
Texture & feel
SENSORYGoat Milk Complex
Natural milk proteins and lactic acid soothe dry, sensitive skin while aligning with skin's natural pH.
Manuka Honey
Nourishes and softens skin without any tightness, dryness or irritation after cleansing.
Jojoba & Avocado Oils
Rich plant oils moisturize and condition as they purify, leaving a non-greasy, comforted finish.
Sulfate-Free Cleansing
Gentle surfactants remove makeup and impurities without disrupting the skin barrier.
Clinically Tested
100% of users showed improved skin softness, barrier function, and 46% rise in hydration immediately.
25+ Years Expertise
Formulated by Hollywood esthetician Kate Somerville, trusted by celebrities and dermatologists worldwide.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. Gentle enough for expecting and nursing mothers.
Contains coconut oil, fatty acids, esters, and milk proteins that may feed Malassezia yeast and trigger flare-ups.
Clinically tested and certified safe for sensitive skin. Formulated with soothing bisabolol, aloe, and anti-inflammatory rosemary.
Includes parfum and benzyl salicylate. Those with very reactive skin or fragrance allergies should patch test first.
Works beautifully with retinoids, vitamin C, AHA/BHA, niacinamide, and all actives as a non-stripping first step.
May sting if it gets into the eyes during makeup removal. Not recommended as a dedicated eye makeup remover.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSGoat Milk (Caprae Lac) ~1-2%Proven
The star ingredient, naturally rich in lactic acid, fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamin A. Closely aligns with skin's natural pH to preserve the microbiome while delivering gentle exfoliation and deep hydration.
- Composition: Contains caprylic, capric, and caproic acids that support skin barrier function
- pH Match: Natural pH of approximately 6.5, similar to healthy skin
- Inspiration: Kate Somerville formulated this after goat milk soothed her own childhood eczema
Manuka Honey Extract (Mel Extract) ~0.5-1%Proven
Premium New Zealand honey extract with documented antibacterial and humectant properties. Softens the skin, delivers trace minerals, and supports healing of irritated skin without adding any tightness.
- Humectant: Draws moisture from the air into the stratum corneum
- Antibacterial: Contains methylglyoxal (MGO) with clinically studied antimicrobial activity
- Soothing: Helps reduce inflammation in compromised skin barriers
Jojoba Seed Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis) ~1-2%Proven
A liquid wax ester that mimics human sebum more closely than any other plant oil. Balances oil production, conditions without clogging pores, and delivers lightweight moisture during cleansing.
- Structure: Molecular similarity to human sebum allows optimal absorption
- Non-Comedogenic: Rated 2/5 on the comedogenic scale
- Vitamin E: Naturally rich in tocopherols for antioxidant protection
Avocado Oil (Persea Gratissima) ~1-2%Proven
Nutrient-dense plant oil packed with oleic acid, vitamins A, D, and E, and beta-carotene. Deeply conditions dry, dehydrated skin while boosting the effectiveness of the cleansing process.
- Fatty Acid Profile: Rich in oleic acid (~70%) for barrier repair
- Antioxidants: High vitamin E content neutralizes free radical damage
- Note: Rated 2-3/5 comedogenic; most users tolerate it well in rinse-off formulas
Lactic Acid <1%Proven
A naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) present in goat milk. At this low concentration in a rinse-off product, it provides mild surface smoothing and moisture-binding benefits without irritation.
- Dual Action: Gentle exfoliant and humectant in one molecule
- Milder than Glycolic: Larger molecule size means less stinging
- Naturally Present: Occurs in the goat milk complex itself
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate ~5-8%Proven
A mild, coconut-derived surfactant known as one of the gentlest cleansing agents available. Effectively removes oil and debris without stripping natural lipids, making it ideal for sensitive and dry skin.
- Mildness: Rated among the lowest-irritation surfactants in cosmetic chemistry
- Barrier Friendly: Preserves the skin's natural hydrolipid layer
- Biodegradable: Breaks down naturally in the environment
Glycerin & Betaine ~3-5%Proven
A powerhouse humectant duo that draws moisture into the skin during cleansing and helps prevent the tight, stripped feeling common with traditional face washes.
- Glycerin Research: 2016 studies show superior humectant activity vs hyaluronic acid
- Betaine Benefit: Sugar-beet derived osmolyte that protects cell water balance
- Synergy: Combined humectants enhance moisture retention after rinse
Bisabolol & Aloe Vera <1%Promising
A calming botanical duo that reduces redness and irritation. Bisabolol is derived from chamomile and has documented anti-inflammatory activity, while aloe delivers polysaccharides for skin comfort.
- Bisabolol: Active compound alpha-bisabolol shown to reduce inflammation in clinical studies
- Aloe Vera: Contains acemannan with wound-healing and soothing properties
- Pairing: Bisabolol may enhance penetration of other soothing ingredients
38 ingredients
Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Betaine, Glyceryl Distearate, Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima Oil, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Xylitylglucoside, Propanediol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Caprae Lac, Lactose, Milk Protein, Lactic Acid, Tocopherol, Mel Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus Extract, Bisabolol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Oryza Sativa Bran Extract, Xylitol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Anhydroxylitol, Parfum, Stearic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Xanthan Gum, T-Butyl Alcohol, Benzyl Salicylate.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your first step in the morning, or as the second cleanse at night after an oil-based makeup remover for a thorough double cleanse.
How to use
HOW TO USEDampen Face
Splash lukewarm water onto face and neck. Lukewarm (not hot) water preserves the skin barrier.
Dispense a Pea-Sized Amount
Squeeze a small amount (about the size of a pea or almond) into damp palms. A little goes a long way.
Emulsify Between Palms
Rub between your palms with a splash of water to transform the cream into a milky, easy-to-spread texture.
Massage Gently
Massage onto damp face and neck in circular motions for 30 seconds. Avoid the immediate eye area.
Rinse & Pat Dry
Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and gently pat (never rub) skin dry with a soft towel.
Follow with Skincare
Use AM and PM daily. Apply your toner, serum, and moisturizer immediately while skin is still slightly damp.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, dehydrated, or tight-feeling skin
- You have sensitive, reactive, or eczema-prone skin
- You want a gentle cleanser that doesn't strip
- You're looking for a hydrating AM cleanse
- You prefer non-foaming, creamy textures
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding
- You want a luxury, clinically-tested formula
- You layer actives and need a gentle base cleanser
Consider alternatives if:
- You have fungal acne (Malassezia) concerns
- You have very oily skin that craves a deep clean
- You need a heavy-duty makeup remover
- You're sensitive to fragrance
- You're vegan (contains goat milk and honey)
- You're looking for a budget cleanser under $20
- You prefer clear gel or foaming textures
- You're extremely acne-prone and sensitive to oils
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESThe ideal match. Creamy texture and rich oils leave dry skin soft, comforted, and never tight after cleansing.
Clinically tested safe for sensitive skin with soothing bisabolol, aloe, and goat milk proteins.
A balanced, luxurious daily cleanser that maintains optimal hydration without any disruption.
Works well overall but may feel too rich on oilier T-zones. Best used once daily or as an evening second cleanse.
May feel too nourishing for oily complexions. A gel or foaming cleanser might provide a more satisfying clean.
Mixed results: many users with acne report no breakouts, but coconut and avocado oils may trigger sensitive acne.
Results timeline
LONG-TERM (6-8 WEEKS)Soft, Comforted Skin
Skin feels noticeably softer, hydrated, and free from the tight, stripped sensation. Clinical testing showed a 46% rise in hydration right after first use.
100% noticed softnessNo More Tightness
The uncomfortable post-cleanse tightness disappears. Skin feels balanced and comfortable rather than stripped, especially in the morning routine.
95% noticed comfortImproved Barrier Function
The skin barrier shows measurable improvement. Redness, flaking, and reactivity begin to subside as the moisture barrier rebuilds.
100% barrier improvementSmoother, More Radiant
Lactic acid from goat milk contributes to a smoother texture and brighter complexion. Skin looks and feels more even, supple, and hydrated.
88% reported radianceHealthier, Resilient Skin
With consistent daily use, the skin barrier becomes more resilient. Users with eczema, rosacea, or chronic dryness report significantly calmer skin.
92% would repurchaseRatings by platform
5K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Incredibly gentle yet effective at cleansing
- Zero tightness or stripping after use
- Ideal for dry, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin
- Luxurious cream-to-milk texture
- A little goes a long way (lasts 4-6 months)
- 100% clinical results for hydration & barrier
- Formulated by renowned celebrity esthetician
- Cruelty-free (PETA certified)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe
- Works beautifully under actives and retinoids
Criticized
- Premium price at $46 for 4 oz
- Contains fragrance (some find it too sweet)
- Not fungal acne safe
- Contains coconut oil (may concern acne-prone users)
- Not vegan (goat milk, milk protein, honey)
- May not remove heavy waterproof makeup
- Can sting if it enters the eyes
- Too rich for some oily skin types
- Tube packaging not fully recyclable everywhere
- Historical formula separation complaints (now reformulated)
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESNon-foaming, sulfate-free cream cleanser for dry to normal skin with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Less luxurious scent and no goat milk, but delivers similar non-stripping, barrier-friendly cleansing at a fraction of the price.
The classic drugstore gentle cleanser, recommended by dermatologists for 75+ years. Fragrance-free, non-stripping formula. Lacks the nourishing oils and goat milk but is ultra-reliable for sensitive skin.
Gel-to-milk texture inspired by contact lens solutions. Rose water scent rather than honey. Sephora users frequently recommend this as a direct swap with a similar milky, non-stripping feel.
Cream-gel formula with antioxidant-rich fruit oils and prebiotics. More youthful aesthetic and brighter scent. Vegan alternative without milk or honey.
Gentle, fragrance-free cream cleanser with allantoin and aloe. Ideal for ultra-sensitive skin that reacts to fragrance. Less indulgent texture but very reliable.
Balm-to-milk cleanser with plant-derived squalane. Melts away makeup more effectively and is fungal acne safe. Different texture but shares the nourishing, non-stripping philosophy at a fraction of the cost.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Unopened, the product has a shelf life of approximately 30 months from the manufacturing date.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid humid bathrooms if possible. Keep the tube tightly closed.
Recyclable plastic squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Hygienic, mess-free dispensing that protects the formula from contamination.
Yes — 4 fl oz (118ml) is under TSA's 100ml liquid limit for most international travel. A 30ml travel size is also available separately.
Frequently asked questions
FAQYes, this cleanser is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreen filters, or essential oils of concern. The formula relies on gentle surfactants, soothing goat milk, manuka honey, and plant oils. As with any product during pregnancy, consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist if you have specific concerns.
No, this cleanser is not considered fungal acne safe. It contains several ingredients that may feed Malassezia yeast: coconut oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, glyceryl stearate, glyceryl distearate, milk protein, and lactose. As a rinse-off product the risk is lower than with leave-on products, but if you have active fungal acne or seborrheic dermatitis, look for oil-free options like The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser or Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 instead.
Absolutely. This cleanser is an excellent base for any active-ingredient routine. Because it's a gentle, non-stripping first step, it prepares the skin without disrupting the barrier — making it ideal for those using retinol, vitamin C serums, AHA/BHA chemical exfoliants, niacinamide, or peptides. It helps mitigate the dryness and irritation that often come with potent actives.
It's formulated primarily for dry, dehydrated, sensitive, and eczema-prone skin. It's excellent for normal skin as well. Combination skin users often enjoy it as an evening cleanse. It may feel too rich for very oily skin types, who may prefer a gel or foaming cleanser. Acne-prone users have mixed experiences, as the formula contains coconut and avocado oils.
Immediately. Clinical testing showed that 100% of users experienced improved skin softness and suppleness after the very first use, with a 46% rise in skin hydration right away. After one week of consistent use, 100% of users showed improved skin barrier function and continued hydration gains. Most users notice the absence of post-cleanse tightness from day one.
This is your first step. Use it as your sole cleanser in the morning, or as the second cleanse in the evening following an oil-based makeup remover or cleansing balm (this is known as "double cleansing"). Apply to a damp face, massage for 30 seconds, rinse, and pat dry. Follow with toner, serum, moisturizer, and (in AM) SPF.
It has a comedogenic rating of approximately 3/5 due to the presence of coconut oil (rated 4/5), avocado oil (rated 2-3/5), and cetearyl alcohol. However, as a rinse-off product the comedogenic risk is significantly reduced compared to leave-on products. Many acne-prone users tolerate it well, but extremely breakout-prone skin or those sensitive to coconut derivatives may want to consider an oil-free alternative.
The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. Look for the small open-jar symbol on the packaging marked "12M." Store the cleanser in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight, and keep the cap securely closed between uses. With typical daily use (pea-sized amount twice a day), a 4 oz tube lasts most users approximately 4-6 months.
Verdict: Kate Somerville's Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser lives up to its cult status. It delivers exactly what it promises — a truly gentle, non-stripping cleanse that leaves dry and sensitive skin feeling soft, comforted, and ready for the rest of your routine. The clinically-backed formula blends luxurious cream-to-milk texture with soothing goat milk, manuka honey, and nourishing plant oils. The main drawbacks are the premium $46 price point, the sweet fragrance that won't suit everyone, and that it's not suitable for those with fungal acne concerns. For dry, sensitive, eczema-prone, or reactive skin seeking a spa-grade daily cleanser that never strips, this is worth every penny — and a tube lasts 4-6 months with pea-sized use.
Product Overview
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.
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.
Quick Product Notes
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.
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
Notable Effects & Ingredients
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.
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!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
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.
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.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
Surfactant, Hair Conditioning, Cleansing
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate
Emulsifying
|
|











