Ingredient Spotlight: Donkey Milk in the Personal Care Industry

What is Donkey's milk?

Donkey Milk is the natural milk produced by donkeys, usually processed in powder form to be used as an ingredient to avoid rancidity. It was a common ingredient used by the Egyptians as a natural elixir of a long life, full of healing, nutritional and rejuvenating properties for the skin. It’s also a well-known fact that Cleopatra used donkey milk baths as a skin beauty treatment. So what makes it such a rejuvenating ingredient and what role does it play in the modern personal care industry?

Donkey milk is the closest substitute for women’s breast milk based on its pH level and nutritional makeup. It is rich in vitamin E, amino acids, vitamins A, B1, B6, C, D, E, Omega 3 and 6. It contains high amounts of calcium and has four times less fat than cow’s milk. To add to all these great nutrients, its youth-keeping properties are caused by retinol found in the milk. These properties make it a very special ingredient in cosmetic products.

Donkey Milk in Personal Care Industry

Donkey Milk has been recognised by the personal care industry as a beneficial ingredient in many cosmetic products. Skincare products such as soaps, creams, cosmetics and moisturizers made with donkey’s milk are well perceived in beauty markets, however, the products are positioned as premium as soap costs between £5 and £10 for a 100g bar.

The European market has the widest range of donkey milk personal care products with France being in the lead in product development. Also Asian market has seen an active increase in demand, particularly those in Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and China are said to be favouring it in anti-ageing products. Also, there is rising demand in Russia and further across Europe. To sum up, the market potential is huge for donkey’s milk, but for now, it is a rare and highly specialized commodity.

Powerful Anti-Ageing and Healing Ingredient

Donkey milk has powerful anti-ageing and healing properties as it contains essential fatty acids. These fatty acids lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and help to regenerate damaged skin. It is also effective in healing and soothing minor skin abrasions.

Antioxidant and Nutrient-Rich

Donkeys milk is packed full of powerful antioxidants and nutrients. These include essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, D, C, also, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Donkey’s milk is gentle to use on sensitive skin for both babies and adults4.

Moisturiser and Softener

Donkeys milk is a powerful moisturiser, cleanser, and softener for skin. With consistent use, it cleanses, softens and smooths, making it a very versatile beauty product.

Products and Brands Using Donkey Milk

To give you an idea of exactly how donkey milk products are positioned in the market, and how brands are using marketing claims on their products, we have compiled a list below.

Product: Bath Cream / Hand Cream
Brand: Asinerie du Pays des Collines
Marketing Claims: sensitive skin, moisturising & hydrating, soothing irritations

Product: Cleansing Water & Solid Soap
Brand: Laboratoire Paysane Cosmetique au Lait d’Ânesse
Marketing Claims: organic, soothing, nourishing & restructuring

Product: Soap Bar
Brand: Fleurance Nature
Positioning Claims: soothing, organic

Product: Soap Bar
Brand: Mességué Laboratoires L’Hygiène Authentique sans Parfum
Positioning Claims: brightening, illuminating, softening, organic

If you would like to enquire about our Crystal Donkey Milk, get in touch here.

You can also download our Donkey Milk Booklet, packed with recipes and marketing information - Download yours here.