Why Donkey Milk Powder Is Gaining Ground in Skincare Formulations
Donkey milk powder is produced through gentle dehydration of natural donkey milk, which preserves proteins, lactose, vitamins A, C and E along with the B-group, unsaturated fatty acids and minerals. Historically prized for its softening properties, this ingredient is now widely used in modern formulations of creams, masks, serums, body lotions and hair care products. The item belongs to the Active Complexes category, which brings together concentrated ingredients designed to boost the performance of base formulas, and the compact 10 gram size makes it particularly convenient for home formulators and trial batch testing before committing to larger production runs.
The strongest global demand for donkey milk powder today comes from the personal care industry, where it is added to moisturizing and repairing creams, overnight masks, body balms, shampoos and conditioners targeted at dry or damaged hair. The ingredient supports the skin barrier, contributes a mild softening effect and enriches formulations with naturally derived bioactive compounds. Beyond cosmetics, small quantities of milk powder are occasionally used in specialty food products and nutraceutical blends, and in soap making it can be added at trace to give bars a gentler feel, though this remains a secondary rather than primary use.
Donkey milk powder pairs well with other functional actives, allowing formulators to build more complex, targeted products. In body contouring and firming products it is often combined with LPD's Slimming Anti-Cellulite Complex, while in restorative creams for dry or mature skin the milk powder is complemented by the Phytosterol Complex, which helps maintain the lipid barrier of the epidermis. For formulas focused on strengthening hair and nails, milk powder is frequently paired with Crodasone Cystine, valued for its sulfur-containing amino acids.
The recommended usage rate for donkey milk powder ranges from 1 to 5 percent of the total formula weight, depending on the desired concentration of active compounds. It should be introduced into the cold phase, or at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, to prevent protein degradation. Before adding it to the main batch, dissolve the powder in a small amount of water, hydrolate or glycerin until smooth and lump-free, then blend it into the base under continuous stirring.
Store donkey milk powder in a tightly sealed container, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and strong odors, since the powder readily absorbs moisture from the air. When stored properly, the ingredient retains its activity for an extended period, making it a reliable choice for regular use in small-batch home and studio formulations.
Soothing Donkey Milk Night Cream
Distilled water 55 ml
Shea butter 8 g
Emulsifying wax 7 g
Donkey milk powder 3 g
Sweet almond oil 6 ml
Glycerin 4 ml
Preservative 1 ml
Melt the shea butter and emulsifying wax together in a water bath at around 70 degrees Celsius, and separately warm the water to the same temperature. Combine both phases and whisk continuously until a smooth emulsion forms. Once the mixture cools to 38-40 degrees, blend in the donkey milk powder previously dissolved in glycerin, then add the almond oil and preservative, mix until uniform and transfer the finished cream into a clean jar.