If you believe milky toners are effective, this is the even better product I count on for achieving radiant skin during winter.
Since the release of Hailey Bieber’s Rhode Glazing Milk, there has been a surge of milky beauty products appearing on the market, such as milky toners, cleansers, and even face mists. With the colder weather prompting a desire for more potent hydration to soothe our weathered skin, we now see a new trend of milky moisturisers emerging. "The increasing popularity of 'milky' skincare reflects the diverse advantages these formulas provide," says dermatologist Dr. Derrick Phillips. "They tend to be lightweight, blending oil and water-based components to offer hydration without feeling heavy or clogging pores, making them especially appealing for dry and sensitive skin." It’s the profound hydration in a light texture that proves milky moisturisers to be particularly advantageous during this season. They are crafted to deliver the hydrating properties we expect from other milky beauty items and are rich in beneficial ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, and panthenol, yet they have a slightly creamier consistency than the milky toners and essences we turned to in the summer.
“Their appeal is also linked to the shift towards more simplified skincare routines,” continues Dr. Phillips. “Milky products are straightforward, effective, and often multifunctional, which makes them ideal for a minimalist skincare approach.” As someone who has been hitting the snooze button more times than I’d like to admit lately and searching for a quick and easy way to hydrate my dull winter skin, I can assure you that milky moisturisers are nearly fail-proof, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated in just one step. Consequently, over the last few months, I've tried many milky moisturisers and found the best-suited formulas for calming dry winter skin. Here are my top six picks…
**Best Milky Moisturisers**
**Best Overall Milky Moisturiser:** Tatcha Dewy Milk Moisturiser (£61)
**Best Affordable Milky Moisturiser:** Byoma Hydrating Milky Moisturiser (£15)
**Best Matte Milky Moisturiser:** Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Milky Lotion (£33)
**Best Lightweight Milky Moisturiser:** ILIA Beauty The Base Face Milk (£28)
**Best Multi-Use Milky Moisturiser:** Pixi Hydrating Milky Lotion (£24)
**1. Tatcha Dewy Milk Moisturiser**
**Best overall milky moisturiser**
Tatcha’s Dewy Milk Moisturiser, released in summer 2025, serves as a lighter option to the brand's renowned Dewy Skin Cream. In comparison, the Dewy Milk Moisturiser has a thinner texture but still provides ample hydration. What I particularly appreciate about this cream is that it gives the skin a subtly dewy and radiant look without unwanted greasiness or residue. My skin appears as if I’ve consumed plenty of water throughout the day (even when I’ve only had a couple of coffees and a Diet Coke).
**Pros:** Dewy finish, lightweight and hydrating
**Cons:** May not be suitable for those who prefer a matte finish
**2. Byoma Hydrating Milky Moisturiser**
**Best affordable milky moisturiser**
Byoma’s newly launched milky moisturiser is the best value option I’ve found for just £15. Unlike some milky moisturisers, it has a gel-like texture and is not overly runny, providing a cooling sensation when applied. Formulated with ceramides, panthenol, and avocado oil, it quickly nourishes, soothes, and protects the skin. If you're looking to dive into this trend, this moisturiser is an excellent place to start, and it pairs well with the brand's milky toner as well.
**Pros:** Affordable, gel-like texture
**Cons:** May not be ideal for very dry skin
**3. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Milky Lotion**
**Best matte milky moisturiser**
For those who prefer a matte finish, I recommend Dr. Jart’s Milky Lotion. While it contains hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, panthenol, and ceramides, this lightweight moisturiser absorbs quickly into the skin, almost blurring as it settles. After application, the skin appears plump and hydrated with a soft matte finish, making it perfect for wearing under makeup or for oily skin types wanting to minimize shine.
**Pros:** Soft matte finish, ideal under makeup
**Cons:** May not suit dry skin
**4. ILIA Beauty The Base Face Milk**
**Best lightweight milky moisturiser**
ILIA’s Face Milk bridges the gap between the milky toners and new milky moisturisers, providing significant hydration in a light, serum-like texture. The brand recommends using it as a layering product before your cream or on its own if you prefer not
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If you believe milky toners are effective, this is the even better product I count on for achieving radiant skin during winter.
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