Who Needs Donkey Milk? Benefits for Allergies and Sensitive Skin

November 1, 2025 •

2 min read

According to ancient tales, Cleopatra bathed in donkey milk to preserve her youthful skin, a testament to its long-held reputation for therapeutic properties. Today, modern research confirms that donkey milk offers a range of potential benefits, particularly for individuals with specific dietary needs, allergies, and skin conditions.

Quick Summary

This article explores the primary beneficiaries of donkey milk, including infants with cow's milk protein allergy, individuals with sensitive skin, and those seeking immune system support. It details the milk's nutritional profile, comparing it to cow's milk, and discusses its use in both diet and cosmetic applications.

Key Points

CMPA infants: The protein composition of donkey milk closely resembles human milk, making it a safe and tolerable substitute for infants with cow's milk protein allergy.
Sensitive skin relief: Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids, donkey milk provides deep hydration, soothes inflammation, and offers anti-aging benefits for sensitive or problematic skin.
Natural immune booster: With a high concentration of lysozyme and other bioactive compounds, donkey milk supports immune function and offers antimicrobial properties.
Easily digestible: Its low casein and fat content contribute to easier digestion compared to cow's milk, beneficial for individuals with sensitive digestive systems.
High nutritional value: Donkey milk is packed with vitamins and minerals, including significantly more vitamin C than cow's milk, providing a nutritional boost.
Limited availability: The high cost and low milk yield of donkeys mean donkey milk is a specialty product, limiting its widespread commercial availability.
Cosmetic applications: Beyond consumption, donkey milk is a popular ingredient in skincare products like soaps and creams for its moisturizing and healing properties.

Infants with Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA)

One group that can greatly benefit from donkey milk is infants with Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA). Donkey milk's protein composition is similar to human breast milk, making it a more tolerable option than cow's milk for these infants. It has lower levels of casein and higher whey protein content compared to cow's milk, which are often the cause of allergic reactions. Clinical studies have shown good tolerability in infants with CMPA consuming donkey milk, supporting healthy development. Its low casein content also helps prevent the formation of hard curds, aiding digestion.

Individuals with Sensitive Skin and Skin Conditions

Donkey milk has been used for skincare since ancient times. Its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids is beneficial for sensitive skin and conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

Benefits for skin health

Donkey milk helps skin by providing:

Hydration: Essential fatty acids support the skin barrier and moisture retention.
Exfoliation: Lactic acid gently removes dead skin cells.
Soothing: Anti-inflammatory properties calm irritation.
Anti-aging: Antioxidants and vitamins fight free radicals and promote regeneration.

Donkey milk is available in various skincare products for gentle nourishment.

Enhancing Immune Health

Donkey milk can support the immune system, especially in children and the elderly. It contains unique bioactive compounds that contribute to a stronger immune response.

Immune-boosting components

Key components include:

Lysozyme: High levels of this enzyme help fight bacteria and viruses.
Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E protect against cell damage.
Immunoglobulins: Contains IgG for immune defense.
Lactoferrin: This protein has antimicrobial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory effects.

Donkey Milk vs. Cow's Milk: A Comparison


Feature	Donkey Milk	Cow's Milk
Protein Content	Similar to human milk.	Higher.
Casein/Whey Ratio	Low casein, high whey.	High casein, low whey.
Fat Content	Very low.	Higher.
Lactose Content	Higher, similar to human milk.	Lower.
Allergenicity	Hypoallergenic, well-tolerated by those with CMPA.	Common allergen.
Digestibility	Easier to digest.	Can be harder to digest for some.
Vitamin C	Significantly higher.	Lower.
Antimicrobial Enzymes	High concentration of lysozyme.	Trace amounts of lysozyme.

Conclusion

Donkey milk offers specific benefits for those with particular health needs. Its similarity to human milk makes it valuable for infants with CMPA. Its properties are also beneficial for sensitive and dry skin, offering anti-aging, hydrating, and soothing effects. Additionally, its bioactive compounds support immune function. While more expensive and less available than cow's milk due to limited production, donkey milk is a useful option for those who can benefit most. Consulting a healthcare professional before use, especially for infants or individuals with health conditions, is advised. More scientific information can be found on the National Institutes of Health website at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Donkey milk is considered the closest substitute to human milk in composition and protein profile, making it an excellent alternative for infants with CMPA when breast milk is unavailable. However, due to its lower fat content, it should be fortified with lipids to ensure adequate nutrition for infants.

No, donkey milk is not a good option for people with lactose intolerance. Despite its low fat content, it has a high lactose content that is similar to human milk, and higher than cow's milk. Individuals with lactose intolerance will likely experience digestive issues from its high lactose content.

While generally safe and hypoallergenic for those with CMPA, it is crucial to ensure that donkey milk is pasteurized, especially for infants, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals. Raw milk carries a risk of foodborne illness from harmful pathogens.

Donkey milk is not widely available in regular supermarkets. It is more common to find it sold directly at specialized donkey farms, especially in Europe where it is more popular. Powdered forms and cosmetic products are also available through online retailers.

Yes, donkey milk has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. This is due to its high lactose content and lower fat content compared to cow's milk.

Donkey milk's anti-inflammatory and soothing properties help calm irritated skin associated with eczema. The essential fatty acids help repair the skin barrier, while vitamins aid in regeneration, helping to reduce redness and promote healing.

Due to low milk yield per donkey and the specialized farming required, donkey milk is significantly more expensive than cow's milk. A single liter can cost a premium, reflecting its rarity and intensive production.