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Ok let's be clear right from the start - you won't end up smelling like a donkey.
The French Markets and French Pharmacies have always been a haven of interesting face and body care products for me and over the years I have always been intrigued with the broad range of Donkey's Milk products available; soaps, hand creams and face creams. At first I thought it was just a novelty - but NO it's a BIG THING in France and they know what they're talking about over there.
Why Donkey Milk Soap Is a Natural Provençal Skincare Treasure
Donkey's milk has always been famed for it's health properties especially in relation to skin care and infant nutrition. Donkey's Milk bears a very close resemblance to human milk, much more so than Cows milk and from the Renaissance times onwards scientists and doctors on the continent and in France in particular researched and documented the effectiveness of Donkey's milk in infant nutrition, the care of the sick and elderly and treatment of skin ailments. It is a naturally hypoallergenic product and rare for human's to be allergic to, it has very high levels of vitamin C and fatty acids and many people find that it alleviates skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. What we know for sure is that Sandra (the other half of Frenchsoaps.co.uk) has very sensitive skin often suffering from break outs of eczema and she finds that the Donkeys Milk soaps are one of the few soaps that helps to soothe her skin and doesn't bring her out in a rash. She is always first in the queue to scoop up a few bars of Donkey's Milk soap when all the new stock comes in!
And let's not forget Cleopatra who was famed for bathing in Asses milk to preserve her soft and silky skin. She apparently needed 700 donkey's to provide enough milk for her daily bath (Donkey's don't produce as much milk as a cow!).
So why not give our Donkey's Milk soaps and hand cream a try? We even have a Donkey's Milk refill soap for the fabulous Wall Mounted Rotating Soap unit. The soaps all have a rich and creamy lather, they are moisturising and gently cleansing. The hand cream is soothing and nourishing. And they ALL SMELL GORGEOUS.
See our full collection of enriched Soaps HERE
Donkey Milk Soap: A Provençal Skincare Secret for Radiance & Hydration
It may sound unusual, but donkey milk has long been considered a beauty elixir. Used since the time of Cleopatra and treasured in Provence’s artisanal soap tradition, this rare ingredient brings deep nourishment to your skincare routine—especially in the form of creamy bar and liquid soaps.
So, what makes donkey milk soap so special, and how is it used in both bar and liquid formulations? Let’s explore the ancient history, unique skin benefits, and cultural relevance of donkey milk in French soapmaking.
The Ancient Origins of Donkey Milk Beauty
Legend has it that Cleopatra bathed in donkey milk to maintain her legendary skin. Greek and Roman doctors recommended it for wounds and irritation, and it was even given to infants as a natural formula during the 1800s.
In France and Italy, donkey milk found its place in traditional healing and cosmetic rituals—especially in the sun-kissed lands of Provence, where nature and wellness are deeply intertwined.
Donkey Milk in Bar Soap: Ultra-Nourishing & Gentle
Bar soaps infused with donkey milk are incredibly hydrating and gentle. They're often cold-processed or triple-milled to preserve their nutritional integrity. In Provence, many bars combine donkey milk with olive oil, shea butter, or essential oils like lavender.
✨ Benefits of Donkey Milk Bar Soap:
- Rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E
- High in Omega-3 fatty acids
- Boosts collagen for anti-aging effects
- Soothes redness, dryness, and irritation
Donkey Milk in Liquid Soap: Light, Clean & Luxurious
In liquid form, donkey milk is used in gentle hand and body washes, especially in Marseille-style liquid soaps. While less concentrated than in bars, it still offers light hydration and cleansing comfort, ideal for sensitive skin and frequent use.
Best for:
- Dry or irritated hands
- Everyday body washing
- Delicate or mature skin types
Why It Works: The Science Behind the Soap
Donkey milk is structurally similar to human breast milk. That means it’s:
- Gentle: Suitable even for baby skin
- Bioavailable: Skin absorbs it easily
- Restorative: Rich in lactic acid and retinol
⚠️ Allergies & Sensitivities
Donkey milk is typically considered hypoallergenic, but individuals with dairy protein allergies or ultra-sensitive skin should patch test before use. Choose unscented or dermatologist-tested formulas if you have concerns.
Donkey Milk soaps are not suitable for Vegans.
Bar vs. Liquid: Which Should You Choose?
| Feature | Bar Soap | Liquid Soap |
|---|---|---|
| Hydration | Deep & long-lasting | Light & daily use |
| Best For | Face & body | Hands & showers |
| Format | Solid, often with exfoliants | Pump or refill bottle |
| Shea Butter Pairing | Often included | Optional for added moisture |
Donkey Milk in Provence & Marseille
Across the markets of Provence and soap factories of Marseille, donkey milk soaps are deeply cherished. Many local artisans work with small family-run donkey farms that ensure ethical treatment and sustainable sourcing.
Look for signs such as "Lait d'Ânesse Bio" or “Fabriqué en Provence” for authentic quality.
Some Artisan soaps combine fragrance. We stock these rather cute Donkey & Teddy Bear shaped Soaps, enriched with Donkey Milk, coloured and fragranced. Great gifts for children and grandparents!