Skip to content

Vegan Milk Cleanser

Vegan Milk Cleanser

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

A gentle yet effective, sulfate-free cream cleanser formulated with a nourishing blend of vegan milks — including Desert Milk, fig milk, oat milk, and argan milk — to wash away dirt, impurities, and makeup without stripping or drying the skin. pH-balanced between 5.5 and 6.5 for a comfortable cleanse every time.

Vegan Cruelty-Free Sulfate-Free Paraben-Free Fragrance-Free Silicone-Free Gluten-Free Clean at Sephora
Pregnancy
Yes
Fungal Acne
No
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
4 oz / 118 ml
Price
$30.00
Type
Cream Cleanser
pH Level
5.5 – 6.5
Skin Type
All Types
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

Desert Milk™ Complex

A proprietary blend of Kalahari melon, baobab, jojoba, and aloe vera that hydrates and helps skin retain moisture even after cleansing.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Rich cream
Scent
Mild, clean soap
Absorption
Rinses off clean
Finish
Soft, hydrated

Desert Milk™ Complex

A proprietary blend of Kalahari melon, baobab, jojoba, and aloe vera that hydrates and helps skin retain moisture even after cleansing.

Multi-Milk Nourishment

Fig milk refreshes, oat milk calms and soothes, and argan milk provides antioxidant protection — a trio of plant milks for total skin comfort.

Gluconolactone (PHA)

A gentle polyhydroxy acid exfoliant that helps smooth skin texture without the irritation associated with AHAs or BHAs.

Barrier-Respecting Formula

Sulfate-free surfactants (sodium cocoyl glycinate) cleanse effectively while maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier and pH balance.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Free of retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, and other ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. Contains only gentle, non-active cleansing ingredients.

Not Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Contains several fatty acids and esters that feed Malassezia yeast: stearic acid, shea butter, grape seed oil, oat kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, and octyldodecanol.

Low Comedogenic Risk (1/5)

Despite containing plant oils, this is a wash-off product with brief skin contact. Rinse-off cleansers carry minimal pore-clogging risk compared to leave-on formulas.

Sensitive Skin Friendly

Free of sulfates (SLS/SLES), parabens, formaldehyde, phthalates, and silicones. Contains less than 1% synthetic fragrance. pH balanced at 5.5–6.5.

Clean at Sephora Certified

Meets Sephora's Clean standards, formulated without over 50 restricted or potentially harmful ingredients including coal tar, mineral oil, and triclosan.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine Note

Contains cocamidopropyl betaine, which was once thought to be an allergen. Studies show pure forms do not cause allergic reactions, but individuals with known sensitivity should patch test.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Desert Milk™ (Kalahari Melon, Baobab, Jojoba, Aloe Vera)Proprietary Blend

Milk Makeup's signature blend of four desert-thriving plant extracts that bolster the skin's water-retaining capacity. These plants evolved to store moisture in arid environments, and their extracts help skin stay hydrated even after cleansing.

  • Kalahari Melon (Citrullus Lanatus): Rich in essential fatty acids and vitamin E; provides deep hydration and antioxidant benefits.
  • Baobab (Adansonia Digitata): Contains vitamins A, D, E, and F; supports skin elasticity and moisture retention.
  • Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis): Closely mimics human sebum structure; non-comedogenic oil that balances oil production.
  • Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis): Contains polysaccharides and salicylates with well-documented anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

GluconolactonePHA Exfoliant

A polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that provides gentle chemical exfoliation while also acting as an antioxidant and humectant. PHAs are the gentlest class of hydroxy acids, making them ideal for sensitive and dry skin types.

  • Exfoliation: Loosens dead skin cells on the surface for smoother, brighter skin without irritation.
  • Humectant: Larger molecular size draws moisture to the skin while being less penetrating (and therefore less irritating) than AHAs.
  • Antioxidant: Chelates metal ions to neutralize free radicals and protect skin from oxidative damage.
PHAs are considered safe for sensitive skin and during pregnancy, unlike AHAs and BHAs at high concentrations.

Glycerin #1 on INCIProven

Listed first on the INCI (highest concentration), glycerin is one of the most effective and well-studied humectant moisturizers. It draws water to the skin and strengthens the moisture barrier.

  • Research: A 2016 study found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than hyaluronic acid and AHAs.
  • Skin Barrier: Naturally present in the skin; supports barrier integrity and protects against irritants.
  • Comedogenic Rating: 0/5 — will not clog pores.

SqualaneProven

A plant-derived (olive) hydrocarbon that mimics the skin's natural lipids. Excellent emollient that seals in moisture and provides antioxidant protection without a greasy finish.

  • Source: Olive-derived squalane for a non-animal, sustainable ingredient.
  • Function: Creates a lightweight protective layer that locks moisture in and keeps environmental aggressors out.
  • Non-Comedogenic: Despite being lipid-based, squalane is technically a hydrocarbon (not a true oil) and is well tolerated by most skin types.
Olive-derived squalane may contain trace fatty acid impurities that could affect those with fungal acne. Sugarcane-derived squalane is preferred for malassezia-prone skin.

Oat Milk (Avena Sativa Kernel Oil & Extract)Proven

Colloidal oatmeal is an FDA-recognized skin protectant with well-established soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Both the oil and extract are included for maximum calming benefits.

  • FDA Status: Colloidal oatmeal is an OTC-approved skin protectant ingredient in the United States.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Contains avenanthramides, a unique group of polyphenols shown to reduce redness and itching.
  • Barrier Repair: Rich in lipids and beta-glucan that strengthen the skin's natural protective barrier.

Fig Milk (Ficus Carica Fruit Extract)Promising

A vitamin-rich extract from fig fruit that acts as a natural humectant and antioxidant. Softens and refreshes the skin while providing gentle hydration.

  • Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, C, and E plus minerals that nourish and revitalize tired skin.
  • Humectant: Attracts and binds moisture to help keep skin hydrated throughout the day.

54 ingredients

Glycerin, Water (Aqua, Eau), Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Stearic Acid, Diheptyl Succinate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Seed Oil, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Ficus Carica (Fig) Fruit Extract, Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Hyaluronate, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Sodium Methyl Oleoyl Taurate, Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Coco-Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Octyldodecanol, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Phospholipids, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Sodium Gluconate, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum/Fragrance.

FREE FROM: Sulfates (SLS/SLES), Parabens, Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde-Releasing Agents, Phthalates, Mineral Oil, Retinyl Palmitate, Oxybenzone, Coal Tar, Hydroquinone, Triclosan, Triclocarban, Silicones, Talc, Gluten, Animal-Derived Ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Makeup Remover
2
Vegan Milk Cleanser
3
Toner
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (AM)

Use morning and night as the first or second cleansing step. For heavy makeup days, use an oil cleanser or micellar water first, then follow with Vegan Milk Cleanser as your second cleanse.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Dampen Your Face

Splash your face with lukewarm water. The cleanser works best when applied to damp skin to help it spread and lather evenly.

2

Apply a Dime-Sized Amount

Squeeze a small amount (roughly the size of a dime) onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated cream formula.

3

Massage for 60 Seconds

Gently massage the cleanser over your entire face in circular motions. The cream will transform into a milky lather that lifts dirt, oil, and makeup.

4

Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse with lukewarm water until all product is removed. Pat dry with a clean towel and follow with the rest of your skincare routine.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You have dry, dehydrated, or sensitive skin that gets stripped by foaming cleansers
  • You want a gentle, non-foaming cream cleanser that leaves skin soft and hydrated
  • You prioritize clean, vegan, and cruelty-free formulas
  • You experience redness, irritation, or rosacea-prone skin
  • You need a pregnancy-safe daily cleanser
  • You want a sulfate-free cleanser with a nourishing, milky texture

Consider alternatives if:

  • You have fungal acne (malassezia) — contains multiple triggers including fatty acids and esters
  • You prefer a foaming or gel-type cleanser with a squeaky-clean finish
  • You need heavy-duty waterproof makeup removal in a single step
  • You have very oily skin and want a deep-cleansing, mattifying formula
  • You are on a tight budget — at $30 for 4oz, there are more affordable gentle cleansers available
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Dry Skin
Excellent

This is where the Vegan Milk Cleanser truly shines. The cream-to-milk lather never strips, and plant oils plus shea butter leave skin feeling nourished and comfortable after every wash.

Sensitive Skin
Excellent

Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and pH-balanced at 5.5–6.5. Oat milk and aloe vera actively calm irritation. Contains less than 1% synthetic fragrance, but patch test if extremely reactive.

Normal Skin
Excellent

A luxurious daily cleanser that maintains skin's natural balance. Cleans effectively without overdrying or leaving residue.

Combination Skin
Good

Works well for the dry areas of combination skin. Those with an oilier T-zone may feel it does not cleanse deeply enough, but it will not exacerbate dryness on cheeks.

Oily Skin
Moderate

The rich, cream-based formula may not provide sufficient oil control for very oily skin types. May leave a slight emollient film that oily skin users find too rich.

Acne-Prone Skin
Moderate

Low comedogenic risk as a wash-off product, but not fungal acne safe. Contains multiple fatty acids and oils. Those with standard acne may tolerate it well; those with malassezia should avoid.

08

Results timeline

6 – 8 WEEKS
Immediately

Clean, Soft, Non-Stripped Skin

Skin feels clean, soft, and hydrated right after first use. No tightness, dryness, or squeaky feeling. Dirt, oil, and light makeup are effectively removed.

100% noticed in clinical study
1 – 2 Weeks

Improved Skin Comfort & Reduced Dryness

Consistent use leads to noticeably less dryness and irritation. Skin's moisture barrier begins to strengthen as it is no longer being stripped by harsh surfactants.

90% felt nourished and moisturized
3 – 4 Weeks

Smoother, Calmer Complexion

Gluconolactone (PHA) provides cumulative gentle exfoliation, revealing smoother skin texture. Redness and sensitivity may be visibly reduced thanks to oat and aloe vera extracts.

100% said skin felt calmed and soothed
6 – 8 Weeks

Overall Skin Health Improvement

With a healthy, intact moisture barrier and consistent gentle cleansing, skin looks healthier, plumper, and more balanced. Active ingredients in the rest of your routine work better on properly cleansed, non-irritated skin.

85% would repurchase
09

Ratings by platform

3K+ REVIEWS
Sephora
4.3
Rating
1,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Doesn't fully remove heavy or waterproof makeup on its own
Amazon
4.4
Rating
650+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small bottle size for the $30 price point
Influenster
4.5
Rating
500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users felt it didn't agree with their particular skin type
Space NK
4.6
Rating
120+
Reviews
Main complaint: Not strong enough for heavy makeup days without double cleansing
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Extremely gentle — never strips or dries out the skin
  • Leaves skin feeling soft, hydrated, and nourished after cleansing
  • Clean formula: vegan, cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free
  • A little goes a long way — dime-sized amount is sufficient
  • Calming and soothing for red, irritated, or reactive skin
  • Pleasant creamy texture that feels luxurious to use
  • pH-balanced and suitable for sensitive skin
  • Travel-friendly mini size available (2 oz / $15)

Criticized

  • Struggles with heavy or waterproof makeup removal on its own
  • Expensive at $30 for only 4 oz (118 ml)
  • May feel too rich or emollient for oily skin types
  • Not fungal acne safe due to multiple fatty acid triggers
  • Does not foam, which some users find unsatisfying
  • Contains less than 1% synthetic fragrance (not 100% fragrance-free)
  • Some MakeupAlley reviewers found it unexciting compared to price point
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
82% Match
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
$14.79
Budget Pick

A dermatologist-favorite hydrating cream cleanser with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. Similarly gentle and non-stripping, but with barrier-repair ceramides instead of plant milks. Significantly larger size (16 oz) at half the price.

80% Match
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
$16.99
Budget Pick

Another cream-to-lather gentle cleanser with ceramides, niacinamide, and thermal spring water. Very similar non-stripping experience. Fragrance-free (truly zero fragrance), and available in 6.76 oz and 13.52 oz sizes for better value.

72% Match
Versed Gentle Cycle Milky Cleanser
$14.99
Budget Pick

A vegan and cruelty-free milky cleanser with oat extract and vitamin E. Similar gentle, non-foaming formula at a much lower price point. Slightly less complex ingredient profile but achieves a comparable soothing cleanse.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Hydrating Facial Cleanser
Size 16 oz / 473 ml
Key Ingredients Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid
Surfactant Type Betaine-Based (Gentle)
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Cost per oz $0.92/oz
Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser
Size 6.76 oz / 200 ml
Key Ingredients Ceramide NP, Niacinamide, Thermal Water
Surfactant Type Betaine-Based (Gentle)
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No (Polysorbate 60)
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Cost per oz $2.51/oz
Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser
Size 8 oz / 236 ml
Key Ingredients Kale, Green Tea, Spinach, Vitamin C & E
Surfactant Type Coconut-Based (Moderate)
Pregnancy Safe Yes
Fungal Acne Safe No
Fragrance Fragrance-Free
Cost per oz $4.88/oz
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 the cap tightly closed to prevent the cream from drying out.

Packaging

Squeeze tube with flip-top cap. Easy to control the amount dispensed and hygienic — minimal air exposure to the product.

Travel Friendly

Yes — the full-size 4 oz (118 ml) exceeds TSA carry-on limits, but the mini 2 oz (59 ml) version is carry-on approved. Available separately for $15.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Yes. The Vegan Milk Cleanser does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid (BHA), hydroquinone, chemical sunscreens, or any other ingredients commonly flagged during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The gluconolactone (PHA) in the formula is considered safe for use during pregnancy. However, always consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist if you have any concerns about specific ingredients.

No. This cleanser contains several ingredients that can feed Malassezia yeast, including stearic acid, shea butter, grape seed oil, oat kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, sunflower seed oil, polyglyceryl-10 laurate, octyldodecanol, and shea butter ethyl esters. If you are prone to fungal acne or pityrosporum folliculitis, consider fungal acne-safe alternatives like CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser or Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser.

Yes. Because this is a wash-off cleanser with a balanced pH of 5.5–6.5, it is safe to use before applying any active ingredient including retinol, vitamin C serums, AHAs, and BHAs. In fact, its gentle, non-stripping formula makes it an excellent cleanser to pair with potentially irritating actives, as it will not further compromise the skin barrier. Use the cleanser first, pat dry, then apply your active serum or treatment.

This cleanser is best suited for dry, normal, and sensitive skin types. Its rich, cream-based formula excels at providing a gentle cleanse without stripping moisture. People with dry skin, redness, or irritation will see the most benefit. Those with combination skin can use it effectively, though people with very oily skin may prefer a gel or foam cleanser for a deeper clean. The brand markets it for normal, dry, combination, and oily skin types.

You will notice softer, more hydrated skin immediately after the first use. Within 1–2 weeks of consistent use, you should experience less dryness and tightness. The cumulative exfoliating effects of gluconolactone (PHA) typically become visible after 3–4 weeks, showing smoother texture and a calmer complexion. In Milk Makeup's clinical study, 100% of participants said skin looked clean and soft immediately after use, and 90% felt skin was nourished and moisturized.

Use it as the first step in your skincare routine (or as the second cleanse if you double cleanse). Apply to damp skin morning and night before toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. For heavy makeup days, use a dedicated oil cleanser or micellar water first to break down makeup, then follow with the Vegan Milk Cleanser for a thorough but gentle second cleanse.

The overall comedogenic rating is 1/5 (very low risk). While the formula does contain some oils and shea butter that can have moderate comedogenic potential on their own, this is a wash-off product that stays on the skin for only about 60 seconds. Rinse-off cleansers have a significantly lower chance of clogging pores compared to leave-on products. Most users, including those with combination skin, report no breakouts from this cleanser.

The product has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. After opening, use within one year for optimal freshness and efficacy. Store with the cap tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Because only a dime-sized amount is needed per wash, the 4 oz tube typically lasts 2–3 months with twice-daily use, well within the PAO window.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.3 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: The Milk Makeup Vegan Milk Cleanser is a beautifully formulated, gentle cream cleanser that excels at delivering a comfortable, non-stripping cleanse for dry and sensitive skin. Its proprietary Desert Milk blend, calming oat milk, and gentle PHA exfoliant make it a thoughtful choice for anyone prioritizing skin comfort and clean beauty. The main drawbacks are its premium price ($7.50/oz) compared to similar drugstore alternatives like CeraVe and La Roche-Posay, its inability to tackle heavy makeup solo, and the fact that it is not fungal acne safe. If you have dry or sensitive skin, value vegan and cruelty-free formulas, and don't mind the price tag, this is an excellent daily cleanser. For budget-conscious shoppers or those with malassezia concerns, the alternatives offer comparable gentleness at a fraction of the cost.

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.

Awesome, I Understand!

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

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 1 ingredient(s):
Gluconolactone
brightening Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil Sodium Hyaluronate
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
3 1
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
47% 7% 45%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 53 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 B
Sodium Cocoyl Glycinate
Skin Conditioning, Surfactant, Hair Conditioning
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
1 A
Squalane
Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting
Hydrating
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS