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Cleopatra and donkey milk are linked in many people's minds. According to legend, the Egyptian queen bathed in donkey milk. Today, it can no longer be said with certainty what of this is historically proven. One thing is certain: donkey milk is still a valued ingredient in skincare and a rare food.
Here we separate myth from fact and show you how you can use donkey milk in your skincare routine today.The legend of the donkey milk bath
The story has been popular for centuries: Cleopatra regularly bathed in donkey milk for her beauty rituals. Some accounts even speak of hundreds of donkeys being kept for this purpose. However, there are hardly any contemporary sources that describe this in detail. Much of it was written down and retold long after her death.
Similar stories exist about other women of antiquity. According to legend, Poppaea, the wife of the Roman Emperor Nero, is also credited with a donkey milk bath. Such accounts show one thing above all: donkey milk was considered precious and special even back then.
Why donkey milk was precious even back then
The reason is simple: donkeys produce very little milk. A donkey gives about 1–2 liters of milk per day in addition to the milk for her foal. And she only gives milk when she has a foal. A full bath in donkey milk was therefore a luxury that only the most powerful could afford – if it ever took place.
Even today, donkey milk is hand-milked in small quantities. That is why it is rare and has its price.
Donkey milk in antiquity: further legends
Cleopatra is not the only figure associated with donkey milk. According to legend, the Greek scholar Hippocrates also dealt with donkey milk. Roman authors mention donkey milk in connection with beauty care. How accurately these texts reflect life at the time is not always clear among historians.
What is certain: donkey milk was known in antiquity, valued, and was a luxury good because of the small quantities. However, many details of the stories are more legend than history. That is exactly what makes them so fascinating to this day.
Donkey milk in skincare today
Instead of a full bath, donkey milk is mainly used in skincare products today. In creams, lotions, and shampoos, it is a nourishing ingredient. Cosmetics with donkey milk moisturize, make the skin supple, and ensure a pleasant skin feel. This makes your skin look better cared for.
In our donkey milk cosmetics, you will find, for example:
- For the body: the Sensitive Body Milk made from donkey milk for supple skin after showering.
- For the face: a face cream with donkey milk for daily care.
- For hair and body: a 3-in-1 product for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
A little Cleopatra-style ritual at home
You don't have to bathe in milk to bring a little antiquity into your home. Here is how you can create a relaxing skincare ritual:
- Take your time: Plan a quiet evening without your phone or time pressure.
- Shower or bathe warm: not too hot, so that the skin does not dry out.
- Pat dry gently: pat the skin dry instead of rubbing.
- Apply cream: apply a body milk with donkey milk while the skin is still slightly damp.
- Care for your face: finish by using a face cream.
And as food?
Donkey milk is not only a skincare ingredient, but also a food. Fresh donkey milk tastes mild and slightly sweet. Per 100 ml, it contains about 35–45 kcal, usually less than 1 g of fat, and around 6–7 g of lactose. We deliver it frozen. Store it at −18 °C and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C. Please follow the instructions on the label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Cleopatra really bathe in donkey milk?
This is a legend. Whether and how often she did so cannot be reliably proven historically.
What does donkey milk do in cosmetics?
Cosmetics with donkey milk moisturize, make the skin supple, and ensure a pleasant skin feel.
How do I store fresh donkey milk?
Frozen at −18 °C. To thaw it, place it in the refrigerator at 2–7 °C. Please follow the instructions on the label.
What is in donkey milk?
Among other things, milk protein, lactose, calcium, and naturally occurring lysozyme and lactoferrin. You can find the exact information on ingredients and allergens on the label.
