Should You Take a Milk Bath to Soothe Your Skin?

Milk has a long and fascinating history in beauty and skin care. Centuries ago, people around the world used milk for cosmetic reasons.

"Cleopatra was purported to take milk baths to have beautiful, luminous skin," says Audrey Kunin, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist, author, clinician, and educator who founded DERMAdoctor. Hippocrates, who is known as the father of medicine, even claimed that milk could help heal skin sores.

With so many milk-based skin care products gaining popularity today, you might wonder if there's any truth to these claims. Let's look at what research says about how milk baths affect your skin.

What is a milk bath?

Contrary to what you might think, a milk bath doesn't involve hopping in a tub full of cold milk. Instead, you add liquid or powdered milk to a warm bath. Many people use cow's milk. But there are other options like goat's milk, buttermilk, and nut or soy milk.

Historically, people around the world, including ancient Romans, adopted the practice for healthier skin. Though they often used sour, fermented raw milk. Today, enthusiasts claim that milk baths soften, soothe, and nourish the skin.

Skin benefits of milk baths

There is no credible scientific evidence that milk baths can improve the appearance or health of your skin. But that hasn't stopped many people from adding them to their skin care routine.

Some of the supposed benefits include limiting wrinkles and soothing irritation from sunburn. But research is needed to support these and other claims about the benefits of milk baths.

Experts do know that milk contains ingredients that may offer skin care benefits, such as:

• Hydration: “Milk includes five substances — proteins, lipids, vitamins, minerals, and lactic acids — that our skin adores,” says Anna H. Chacon, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. Those substances — especially proteins, fats, and lactic acid — may help replenish your skin's moisture.

• Exfoliation: If you've ever browsed the beauty aisle at a drugstore, you've probably seen skin care products that have alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) on the shelf. "Milk contains lactic acid, an AHA that helps chemically exfoliate dead, dry skin and help moisturize it, leaving skin feeling smooth and supple," says Kunin. In fact, studies show that lactic acid can improve skin texture and firmness.

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Evidence suggests that milk proteins in cosmetic products may help skin conditions like acne and psoriasis. But it's worth noting that skin care products often contain synthetic versions of these ingredients with much higher concentrations than those found in milk.

Your milk bath should contain some lactic acid to reap possible benefits for your skin. So, the milk product you choose is important, as ingredients will vary. For example, buttermilk has more lactic acid than regular cow's milk. Plant-based choices like fermented soy milk may contain lactic acid, too.

While research on milk baths is limited, there are proven benefits of taking a warm bath. They've been shown to improve sleep quality, boost your mood, and relieve stress.

Is bathing in milk safe?

According to board-certified dermatologist Brian Moore, MD, FAAD, bathing in milk is generally safe.

"[I] haven't come across any evidence of benefit," says Moore. [But] "I don't believe that milk baths are likely to cause harm." That said, it may be best to talk to a healthcare provider first if you have skin conditions, allergies, or sensitive skin.

What’s the best recipe for a milk bath?

There isn't one agreed-upon recipe for the perfect milk bath. You can try various options to find what — if anything — works best for you. For example, some people like to add other ingredients, like essential oils or Epsom salt, to boost the known benefits of milk baths. 

First, fill your bathtub with warm water. Next, pour about 1 to 2 cups of your preferred liquid or powdered milk. Then, pour any other ingredients, like a few drops of lavender oil, as you see fit. Remember to patch test your add-ons before putting them in your milk bath. You can also use prepackaged milk bath products and simply follow the instructions for a relaxing soak.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Lisa Marie Basile, MFA

Lisa Marie Basile is a health writer and author. She is the former senior editor at The Vitamin Shoppe and a current patient leadership member of Health Union, where she writes and moderates patient communities.

Edited by:

Lauren Savage, MA

Lauren Savage, MA, is a health editor at GoodRx, where she focuses on movement, exercise, and healthy aging. She aims to provide readers with the information they need to live healthier, more active lifestyles.

Reviewed by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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