Posted by Evelyn Smith
on July 22, 2025
The story of Cleopatra bathing in donkey milk is legendary, but it's no longer just a historical anecdote. Today, scientific research is validating this ancient practice, revealing exactly how donkey milk benefits the skin. A 2020 study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity provides concrete evidence, showing that donkey milk skincare is rooted in credible science that promotes skin regeneration and delivers powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
The Science Behind Donkey Milk's Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Chronic inflammation is a major factor in many skin concerns. Modern science has identified key molecular pathways that control it, and research now shows donkey milk can directly influence these pathways for calmer, healthier skin.
Suppressing the NF-kB Pathway for Calmer Skin
Within our skin's fibroblast cells, a protein complex called NF-kB acts as a primary switch for inflammation. When activated, it can trigger an inflammatory cascade. The study found that exposing skin fibroblasts to donkey milk and donkey colostrum resulted in a significant downregulation of the NF-kB p65 subunit. This suggests that the non-casein bioactive peptides in donkey milk may be responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. This finding points to the potential usefulness of donkey milk in managing inflammatory skin diseases.
How Donkey Milk Promotes Skin Regeneration
Skin regeneration is crucial for wound healing and maintaining a youthful appearance. This process relies on the proliferation and differentiation of skin cells, which are controlled by specific signaling pathways. The study highlights donkey milk's remarkable ability to activate a key pathway responsible for this renewal process.
Activating the p-Erk Pathway for Cell Renewal
The research identified the p-Erk kinase as a highly sensitive downstream effector in skin cells. The activation of the Erk pathway is essential for cell cycle activation, proliferation, and differentiation. The study demonstrated that all tested milk species, including donkey milk, were able to potentiate the p-Erk pathway. This strong stimulation of the p-Erk pathway suggests donkey milk's usefulness in wound healing and in regenerative and aesthetic dermatology.
Conclusion: Scientific Evidence for a Legendary Skincare Ingredient
The historical use of donkey milk for beauty is now supported by compelling scientific evidence. It is not just a passing trend. The documented ability of donkey milk to downregulate the pro-inflammatory NF-kB pathway and activate the pro-regenerative p-Erk pathway provides a solid foundation for its role in modern skincare. For those seeking ingredients that offer both soothing and restorative benefits, the science behind donkey milk makes it a standout choice.
Source: Kocic, H., Langerholc, T., Kostic, M., Stojanovic, S., Najman, S., Krstic, M., Nesic, I., Godic, A., & Wollina, U. (2020). The Regenerative Potential of Donkey and Human Milk on the Redox-Sensitive and Proliferative Signaling Pathways of Skin Fibroblasts. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, 5618127. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/5618127