Cleansing Milk Essentials: 5 Top-Rated, High-Value Picks + Step-by-Step Usage Guide!

Cleansing milk — also known as cleansing lotion — has become one of the most popular makeup removers across beauty forums and skincare platforms. With its creamy texture and easy emulsification when in contact with water, it effectively dissolves makeup and impurities on the skin. Some even say cleansing milk can help clear blackheads for a deep, refreshing clean!

In this article, we’ll break down the key facts about cleansing milk, share five popular and well-reviewed products, and walk you through the correct cleansing milk techniques and detailed steps. Read to the end for the full guide!

1

How Cleansing Milk Works: Emulsify to Dissolve Makeup!

The secret behind cleansing milk’s gentle yet thorough cleansing power lies in its unique formulation. It’s composed of water-based ingredients, oils, and surfactants, which work together to achieve the “oil dissolves oil” principle.

The oil components help melt away makeup, including waterproof mascara and lipstick, while also lifting away sebum and impurities from the skin’s surface.

The emulsification process is key. Surfactants bind the oil and water phases, turning the formula milky and allowing it to rinse off easily with water. Once fully emulsified, makeup and debris are completely removed, leaving your skin clean, soft, and protected — without irritation or tightness.

2

Understanding 3 Major Types of Makeup Removers: Which One Fits You Best?

1. Cleansing Milk / Cleansing Balm

• Texture: Creamy or balm-like; rich and nourishing. Gently dissolves makeup and impurities.
• Best for: Dry or normal skin; ideal for long-wear or heavy makeup.

2. Cleansing Oil

• Texture: Lightweight oil that turns milky upon contact with water.
• Best for: All skin types; especially effective on waterproof or long-wear makeup.

3. Cleansing Water / Cleansing Gel

• Cleansing Water: Refreshing, high-water-content formula suitable for light makeup or sensitive skin.
• Cleansing Gel: Falls between water and milk textures; mild cleansing ideal for most skin types.

Choosing by Skin Type

• Dry Skin: Go for hydrating milky or balm formulas to prevent dryness.
• Oily Skin: Choose lightweight or non-comedogenic options to avoid clogged pores.
• Combination Skin: Use stronger cleansers (milk or oil) on the T-zone and milder milk on the cheeks.
• Sensitive Skin: Stick to low-irritation, fragrance- and alcohol-free cleansing water or gentle milk.

Choosing by Cleansing Power

• For Light Makeup: Choose mild cleansing waters or light milks to remove daily sunscreen and base makeup.
• For Heavy Makeup: Opt for cleansing balms, milks, or oils that effectively break down waterproof and long-wear formulas.

3

5 Expert Tips for Choosing the Right Cleansing Product

1. Match Cleansing Power to Your Makeup

Light makeup needs only a gentle formula like cleansing water or light milk. For heavy or waterproof makeup, choose a balm or oil cleanser to ensure complete removal without residue.

2. Match to Your Skin Type

• Dry skin: Moisturizing milks or balms help retain hydration.
• Oily skin: Lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas are best.
• Sensitive skin: Go for mild, low-irritation products with fewer surfactants.

3. Check Ingredients to Reduce Irritation

While surfactants help emulsify oils and makeup, too much can irritate the skin. Always check ingredient lists and avoid harsh formulas that may cause dryness or redness.

4. Keep Pores Clean Without Over-Stripping

Insufficient cleansing leads to clogged pores, while over-cleansing weakens the skin barrier. Choose a product that balances effective cleaning with hydration to maintain clear, supple skin.

5. Consider Texture and Feel

• Milky/Balm formulas: Rich and nourishing — perfect for dry or normal skin.
• Water/Gel formulas: Light and refreshing — ideal for oily or combination skin. Pick one that suits your texture preference and lifestyle for a comfortable cleansing experience every day.

4

Top 5 High-Value Cleansing Products of 2025 You’ll Love

1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water (For Sensitive Skin)

• Size: 500ml
• Price: HK$199
• Highlight: Famous for its ultra-gentle micellar formula that removes makeup while maintaining skin’s natural balance.

2. Curel Gentle Cleansing Milk (For Dry Skin)

• Size: 150ml
• Price: HK$120
• Highlight: Amino acid-enriched formula that gently removes makeup while protecting the skin barrier from dryness.

3. Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm (All-in-One Formula)

• Size: 100ml
• Price: HK$150
• Highlight: Melts makeup instantly while moisturizing the skin — a quick, convenient choice for busy lifestyles.

4. Minon Amino Moist Cleansing Milk (Sensitive Skin’s Favorite)

• Size: 120ml
• Price: HK$135
• Highlight: Formulated with amino acids to gently remove impurities while strengthening the skin’s protective layer.

5. Cow Brand Mild Cleansing Milk (Classic Japanese Favorite)

• Size: 200ml
• Price: HK$90
• Highlight: Loved for its mild, affordable, and reliable formula — ideal for everyday use.

5

The Right Way to Use Cleansing Milk: 4 Simple Steps to a Deep, Gentle Clean

1. Prep Before Cleansing

Wash your hands and ensure your face is completely dry before applying cleansing milk. This helps the product perform at its best.

2. Application Steps

Step 1: Take about 1–2 coin-sized amounts and apply evenly across your face. Step 2: Gently massage in circular motions from the center outward, focusing on heavy makeup areas like eyes and lips. Step 3: Add a little water to emulsify — the milk should turn milky white, showing that makeup is dissolving. Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with plenty of water to ensure no residue remains.

3. Post-Cleansing Care

Follow up with your usual routine — facial cleanser, toner, and serum — to keep the skin hydrated and healthy.

4. Common Mistakes & Fixes

• Rubbing Too Hard: Can cause redness and irritation. → Use gentle, fingertip motions.
• Not Enough Time for Makeup to Dissolve: Leads to residue and clogged pores. → Massage long enough for full breakdown.
• Incomplete Emulsification: May cause pore blockage. → Add water and continue massaging until fully milky.

6

Looking for a Deeper Clean? Try Perfect Medical’s Signature “Break Up with Acne” Treatment!

Still feel your pores aren’t fully clean even after using cleansing milk? It’s time to experience Perfect Medical’s Acne Treatment — a painless, non-invasive deep-cleansing facial designed to unclog pores and remove residue from deep within the skin.

Whether you’re struggling with acne, blackheads, clogged pores, or dull skin, our dual-spiral vacuum and microdermabrasion technology gently removes impurities, balances oil and moisture levels, and refines skin texture — all while you relax comfortably.

Say goodbye to acne, redness, and uneven tone — and hello to smoother, clearer, radiant skin.