Donkey milk research · Study 135

Creams with donkey milk in nanoliposomes: skin moisture, water loss and pH measured

In 15 healthy volunteers, creams with skimmed donkey milk encapsulated in nanoliposomes showed “satisfactory” moisturising properties shortly after application according to the authors, measured as the electrical capacitance of the skin; with the night cream the value was reached earlier. Transepidermal water loss fell slightly only after 4 weeks, and skin pH stayed similar.

Important: Cosmetic creams from the authors’ own patent were tested, not a food. The study says nothing about drinking donkey milk and concerns healthy skin, not a skin disease.

At a glance · tap the cards

The key figures

Study design

How it was studied

Application study by a research group from Niš (Serbia) with participation from Australia. 15 healthy volunteers (11 women, 4 men) received creams in which skimmed donkey milk was encapsulated in nanoliposomes; the formulation comes from the authors’ registered patent. Comparisons were made with a placebo cream and with untreated skin. Electrical capacitance of the skin (hydration), transepidermal water loss and skin surface pH were measured; use lasted at least 4 weeks. Evaluated based on the abstract: figures, measurement time points, allocation of skin sites and blinding are not reported.

Human study

Study typeApplication study in volunteers (skin creams)CountrySerbiaYear2020JournalDermatol Ther

Results

What the study measured

According to the authors, the patented creams showed “satisfactory” moisturising properties shortly after application, measured via the electrical capacitance of the skin.

At the sites treated with the night cream, measured hydration was reached earlier.

Transepidermal water loss fell only slightly and only after 4 weeks of treatment, at every skin site assessed.

Skin pH was similar after all treatments.

The abstract does not give specific values, differences from the placebo cream or statistical measures.

Authors’ conclusion: The tested creams may increase skin moisture shortly after application, possibly allowing deeper permeation of phospholipids and proteins without changing pH, and may contribute to “anti-ageing effects”. However, only three skin parameters were measured in 15 healthy people; skin ageing and the penetration of ingredients were not examined.

Critical appraisal

Strengths and limitations

Very small groupClear limitation

15 healthy volunteers, mostly women. This is not enough for general statements.

Conclusion goes beyond the measurementsClear limitation

Title and conclusion speak of a favourable effect and possible anti-ageing effects. Capacitance, water loss and pH were measured, not wrinkles or penetration depth.

Authors’ own patentNote

A formulation from the authors’ registered patent was tested. Funding and conflicts of interest could not be checked from the abstract.

Only the abstract assessedNote

Values, time points, blinding and the arrangement of skin sites are unknown. Whether an effect comes from the donkey milk or from the cream base cannot be judged.

Placebo cream and untreated skin as comparisonStrength

The study compares against two control conditions and uses established instrumental skin measurements rather than self-assessment alone.

clear limitationnotestrength

Editorial note: The paper tests the authors’ own cosmetic formulation in a small group of healthy people. It is not informative for donkey milk as a food, and for cosmetics it shows only short-term measurements at the skin surface. To the research archive.

Research question for DON DONKEY’S®

What fat and protein values does a batch analysis of our donkey milk show, and how much do they vary between deliveries from our partner farms?

Human studySkin creamsNanoliposomes

Original publication

Favorable effect of creams with skimmed donkey milk encapsulated in nanoliposomes on skin physiology

Original title: Favorable effect of creams with skimmed donkey milk encapsulated in nanoliposomes on skin physiology

Kocic H., Stankovic M., Tirant M., Lotti T., Arsic I.
Dermatologic Therapy · 2020 · 33(4), e13511

Clinic of Dermatology and Medical Faculty (Pharmacy), University of Niš, Serbia, with participation from Australia (according to author details)

DOI: 10.1111/dth.13511

Transparency: funding and conflicts of interest could not be checked from the abstract; the authors test a formulation from their own patent. No product-related statement for DON DONKEY’S®.

Summarised and checked by the DON DONKEY’S editorial team against the original publication · As of: November 2026

End of the study summary

Note on our products

The study summarised above was carried out independently of DON DONKEY’S® and does not relate to our products. It serves solely to inform about the state of research.

DON DONKEY’S® donkey milk and donkey milk powder are foods. They are not intended to prevent, treat or cure any disease and do not replace medical advice.

From our shop

DON DONKEY’S® donkey milk

100 % donkey milk · raw milk, frozen

On this page we report the findings of a published study. Independently of that, you will find our donkey milk here: 100 % donkey milk, frozen as raw milk.

Transparency: The study examined milk from another herd – not the milk from our partner farms.

€24,90

100 ml bottle / 100ml · Unit price: €249,00 / 1 l · incl. VAT, plus shipping

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Also in our shop

Donkey Milk Powder

Donkey milk in powder form

For anyone who prefers a longer shelf life: our donkey milk in powder form – easy to store and portion.

Transparency: The study did not examine our donkey milk powder.