So, Donkey Milk Is A Beauty Ingredient Now

One day you’re cleansing your skin with the latest AHAs, preparing it for peptides in your serum to penetrate the epidermis. The next, you’re massaging donkey milk into your complexion to remove your makeup for a seriously enviable glow. Wait…donkey milk?!

Yep, you read that right. Enter Napoleon Perdis' new Auto Pilot Hydrating Milk Cleanser, which features lactation-by-donkey (we felt gross just typing that) as its star ingredient.

Australian makeup artist and founder of the eponymous brand Napoleon Perdis told us he was inspired by ancient beauty rituals for the brand’s latest concoction. And, ancient isn't an exaggeration.

“After learning Egyptian queen Cleopatra had reportedly bathed in donkey milk for its youth-enhancing effects, my team and I did some research into the benefits,” says Perdis. “We discovered that, due to its vitamin-rich composition, it was perfectly suited to the face.”

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: Donkey milk, which is higher in protein than regular cow and goat milk, is also packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids like omegas 3 and 6. And, because the milk is quite similar in composition to human milk, it’s easily absorbed into the skin.

So, what are the benefits? After cleansing with Perdis' product, skin is free of makeup, dirt, and impurities, but it also feels exceptionally hydrated, almost as if it’s been moisturized. It's suitable for all skin types, though Perdis notes, “Dry, dehydrated complexions and more mature skins would notice the biggest difference. It’s very gentle and soothing on the skin, but it also helps to intensely rehydrate, leaving the skin looking more plump.”

And, so, with the makeup maestro’s BB cream already containing snail mucus (yes, we also think it's a bit mad that we now consider snail mucus a normal beauty ingredient), what could possibly be next? “We have to wait and see,” says Perdis. “The demand for natural ingredients is one of the beauty industry's fastest growing areas. I love stepping outside the square for my formulations and products, so I'm not necessarily after the ‘next big thing’ but more what my customer wants (and won't be able to find elsewhere).”

So, would you try donkey milk in the name of beauty?

Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Hydrating Milk Cleanser, $69, available August 3 at Nordstrom.