Halsey Calls Breast Milk 'Best Skincare Ingredient Ever'
Often touted as "liquid gold," human breast milk supports healthy growth and development through a baby's first months—but that's not all. According to singer-songwriter Halsey, breast milk can also be a powerful skincare ingredient.
"I started breastfeeding and I figured out that breast milk is the best skincare ingredient ever," said Halsey, who uses they/them pronouns, in an April 21 interview with Nylon. "It's so full of antioxidants and good fats and stuff that speed up the healing process."
Halsey, founder of the beauty brand About - Face, said they became more selective about their skincare after giving birth to their son. After a baby is born, many parents avoid wearing harsh lotions or strong-smelling fragrances when making skin-to-skin contact with their newborn.
"I've always been really conscious about what goes on my skin, but when your baby is kissing you or snuggled up against you, you become hypercognizant of what's on your face," they explained in the interview.
To be clear, Halsey didn't say they use their breast milk as a skincare remedy. Instead, they plugged a product from Biologique Recherche, Colostrum VG, a serum containing colostrum, the gold-colored liquid the body produces before breast milk production.
Colostrum is highly concentrated and packed with nutrients, has low fat content and is essential to infant health.
"[Colostrum] is a newborn's first protection from illnesses and allergies," said Sheila Janakos, M.P.H., a certified lactation consultant in California, in a 2021 Giddy report.
What to know about colostrum for skincare
Colostrum is typically sourced from cows (not humans) in skincare products. Fans of the niche skincare ingredient claim it can dramatically improve the appearance of your skin, with benefits including plumping, smoothing and minimizing wrinkles.
Some cell culture studies suggest that colostrum could help protect the skin and delay aging. However, further research is needed to understand how the potential benefits translate to topically applied antiaging skincare products.
What we know about breast milk and its benefits
Historically, human breast milk has been used for a wide range of remedies, from healing cracked nipples to treating eye infections.
Considering breast milk composition and the antibacterial properties it possesses, it makes sense the substance might be able to alleviate mild health concerns. More research is needed to understand breast milk's potential use in skincare products and healthcare.
In one 2019 systematic review, researchers suggested human milk could be helpful in treating eye problems, umbilical cord stump care and diaper rash. The study authors concluded: "Due to its low cost, wide availability and lack of undesirable effects, mothers' milk has the potential to play a role in human health and in evidence-based therapy."
Morgan Michalowski, C.N.M., a women's health nurse practitioner and board-certified lactation consultant in New York City, echoed the stance in a 2022 interview with Giddy.
"We do know that breast milk is safe for people and contains substances that may help the body to grow and repair itself," Michalowski said.
The bottom line
The properties of breast milk provide a newborn with everything they need for an excellent start to life. According to singer Halsey, it may even help your acne.
If you suffer from acne, use Giddy Telehealth to connect with a healthcare professional who can help. The convenient online portal makes it simple. Many healthcare providers offer same-day appointments.
