- Avarna Jain,
Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media
Hello, glazed donuts...

Milky toners have been trending for a while now, and the fascination with this kind of toner began rising to popularity sometime last year. The trend snowballed even more so when 'milky' products, such as milky nails, milky cleansers, body lotions, and moisturisers started emerging on our social media feed. But, what really excelled this beauty trend was when Hailey Bieber released Rhode’s Glazing Milk, a barrier-boosting essence last year. However, one must remember products such as the Laneige Cream Skin Toner and Josie Maran’s Pure Argan Milk Treatment, pioneers in making this kind of formula popular in the first place, which launched back in 2019 and 2014 respectively.
Eventually, somewhere along the way, we saw milky toners infiltrate the beauty market. But, do not be mistaken, though they’re called “milky toners,” many don’t actually contain organic milk as an ingredient, they simply resemble a milk-like consistency.
These toners act as barrier-boosting products and help the skin stay hydrated and leave it looking almost glossy, like milk itself. “Milky toners are essentially toners without alcohol and astringent. Now we have toners which cater to sensitive and dry skin, and when you feel your skin feeling parched, these toners are a good option," says Mumbai-based dermatologist Dr Madhuri Agarwal, "Also, milky toners usually have ingredients that can be classified as humectants, which help the skin retain moisture. Varieties available in the ingredients such as glycerine, squalene, or oatmeal and coconut milk extracts, which help moisturise the skin, without stripping it in any way. Ideally, the product is great for dry and sensitive skin and helps soothe the skin as well."
She also goes on to say that though toners are not a must for a skin-care routine, if you want to soothe or hydrate your skin a little more than usual, milky toners are safe to use. But she also advises against using the product during the more humid months of the year, as that may clog the pores.
It seems milky toners are an evolved and elevated version of toners. Something that adds to your skincare, rather than complicates it!

Consisting of rice extracts which the brand claims to help soothe the skin, the I’m From rice toner also contains ingredients such as niacinamide, Pentylene Glycol (a humectant) and ginseng. All of which may help with dullness.

Another rice extract-based toner, this milky toner by The Face Shop contains ceramides and and glycerine, both of which help hydrate the skin and boost the skin barrier. It seems Korean skincare is mastering milky beauty products like nobody’s business.

This formula by Fae Beauty consists of Ceramides, Rainbow Algae Extract, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic acid. Which helps the skin appear hydrated and gives it a healthy glow.
The Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser contains ingredients such as squalane, glycerin and peptides. While squalane helps in hydrating the skin and protecting it from free radicals, glycerin helps in taking care of the skin barrier and peptides are known to take care of pigmentation and the skin carrier as well.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Wild Oat Soothing Toner claims to soothe the skin by with its oatmeal extract and keep it hydrated with Hyaluronic Acid. So if you’re looking to calm your skin down, this might just be your cup of tea.