The legend is as famous as the pyramids which serve as its framework: Queen Cleopatra, anxious that she was to preserve the youth of her skin, basked – it is said – in baths with donkey milk. Would Julius Caesar have sold the wick back in Rome? In any case, Messaline and Poppée, wives of Emperors Claudius I and Nero, would in turn have adopted this recipe for beauty. Imitated many centuries later by Pauline, Napoleon’s sister. We even lend to François 1er, put back on his feet after a cure of donkey milk, the following wit: “I owe my health more to donkeys than to the Faculty. “
A natural tensor
So why did we wait so long to rediscover the cosmetic virtues of this milk rich in vitamins (A, B1, B2, B6, D, C, E), minerals and trace elements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus , sodium, iron, zinc)? It took the rise in the front line of organic cosmetics to remind us that this milk turns out to be a natural tensor and an excellent product for slowing down skin aging. But not only ! Its exceptional composition in proteins, phospholipids, ceramides and carbohydrates gives it softening and re-structuring properties, effective on weakened skin (eczema, psoriasis, acne …). Of course, donkey milk does not do everything on its own: present at 5 to 50% in formulas, it is often associated with vegetable oils, such as those of jojoba or argan, as well as with propolis wax, restorative and anti-infectious, with honey or other aromatic herbs with antifungal, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, healing, hemostatic properties… Ideal combinations for firming the skin.
Where to find the products ?
On the Internet. Most of the artisanal aniseries now have their online store where you can find the traditional soap, but also creams, body milks and sometimes face masks.
In organic markets. In the West as in Rhône-Alpes, Dauphiné and PACA, local markets welcome artisans who feature donkey milk soaps for a reasonable price (from 3 to 5 €).
In organic shops. Brands with a wider distribution, such as Anakae, Câlinesse or Gravier are generally represented there.