Top 4 Best Milk Alternatives for Acne-Prone Skin: A Detailed Analysis

If you find yourself breaking out from dairy milk, you’re not alone.

According to evidence-based studies, dairy is one of the worst foods when it comes to acne.

Not only does dairy aggravate existing acne, but it also worsens skin inflammation and increases sebum production.

Dairy can also cause many digestive issues for anyone with lactose intolerance.

Because of these dairy consequences, we resort to alternatives like almond, soy, coconut, hemp, oat, and flaxseed milk.

But which plant-based milk alternative is the best for acne-prone skin?

Table of Contents

Why You Should Avoid Dairy Milk if You Want Clear Skin

Did you know that dairy cows are given artificial hormones that increase their milk production? Yep, that’s true!

When you consume milk products from these cows, your hormones may be put off balance and affect your overall health.

In the eBook included in the Clear Skin Resource Kit, I break down several reasons why dairy is linked to acne:

Dairy contains IGF-1 hormones that clog pores
Most dairy triggers a significant insulin (an acne-causing hormone) response. This aggravates hormonal acne
Protein found in dairy (casein) can damage the digestive system in some people
Dairy is high in calcium, which prevents zinc, a crucial nutrient for clear skin, from being absorbed
Many people are allergic or intolerant to dairy, which can cause inflammatory acne

While some dairy is better than others on these issues, milk is one of the worst.

Milk triggers a huge insulin response – insulin contributes to hormonal acne
Most milk contains high amounts of casein A1 protein, which can damage the gut and cause acne
It’s extremely high in lactose and whey, which can trigger acne in certain individuals

Overall, milk is one of the worst drinks you could have if you’re trying to get clear skin.

While raw, grass-fed milk from sheep or goats is likely to be tolerated better than pasteurized cow milk, there are better choices.

Luckily, there are some much better options when it comes to dairy-free milk substitutes for acne-prone skin.

The Best Dairy-Free Milk Substitutes for Acne-Prone Skin

Before we begin, let me say this: quality counts regarding dairy-free milk substitutes.

If you’re buying coconut or almond milk with tons of added ingredients and sugar, it’s not going to matter how organic or high in vitamin E it is. It will likely trigger a large hormonal release that’ll make your acne worse.

Always go for sugar-free, natural milk alternatives with the least amount of added ingredients possible.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is an amazing substitute for dairy milk as long as it meets a few criteria:

No added sugar
Minimal added ingredients
Organic and cold-pressed, if possible

Coconut milk is low in sugar, low in inflammation-causing omega-6 fatty acids, and high in skin-clearing nutrients, including magnesium (26% DV/cup), potassium (142%), and selenium.

It’s also a great source of high-quality saturated fats, which are a much better fuel source than carbs and sugar when it comes to acne-prone skin.

The fat in coconut milk is also a great way to eliminate harmful bacteria and lower inflammation, two additional benefits for acne.

On top of that, most coconut oil is gluten-free, soy-free, and unlikely to cause any issues to your gut or digestive system. Coconuts are among the safest, most digestible plants you could possibly eat.

Although soy is promoted as a healthy meat alternative, there are many examples of soy being an acne trigger.

You can make your own coconut milk or purchase high-quality, unsweetened coconut milk online (I prefer the powder) or at most grocery stores.

Bottom line: Coconut milk is a safe choice for acne-prone skin and could help clear existing acne.

Macadamia Milk

Much like coconut milk, macadamia milk is a highly safe choice for dairy-free milk substitutes for clear skin.

The reason for this is simple: macadamia nuts are an extremely safe, easy-to-digest, and low-carb food that is unlikely to trigger inflammatory or hormonal acne.

They’re rich in healthy monosaturated fats and very low in inflammation-causing omega-6 fatty acids (unlike many other dairy-free milk substitutes).

There are only two caveats to macadamia milk: sweetened macadamia milk should be avoided, and individuals with allergies or intolerances to tree nuts should opt for something else.

It may be hard to find macadamia milk, but if you can, it’s one of the best options out there.

Bottom line: Macadamia milk is extremely safe for your health and your skin

Almond Milk

Almond milk is another solid choice for acne-prone skin, but not quite as safe or beneficial as coconut milk.

On the plus side:

Almond milk is high in skin-clearing antioxidant vitamin E
Unsweetened almond milk is low in sugar and high in healthy fats
It may contain prebiotics that helps feed the gut microbiome

On the downside, almond milk is a little higher in omega-6 fatty acids (which can trigger inflammatory acne, especially for people with oily skin) and is more commonly attributed to digestive issues. Sensitivities and intolerances to almonds are fairly common.

If you have a hard time handling certain tree nuts, almond milk can make acne worse.

Sometimes almond milk is fortified with really high amounts of vitamin B12, which has been linked to increased acne (and is probably why your multivitamin is giving you acne).

Making your own almond milk at home using sprouted or raw almonds is your most healthy option if you consume nut milk.

Still, most unsweetened almond milk will be fine for acne-prone skin. Rude Health Almond Milk is my preferred brand. It contains only two ingredients: organic almonds and water.

Bottom line: if you tolerate almonds and other tree nuts, almond milk is a great alternative to traditional cow milk for acne-prone skin

For further information, read the detailed writeup on almond milk’s impact on acne.

Cashew Milk

Even though cashews aren’t exactly one of the safest nuts for acne, cashew milk is a pretty great choice for acne-prone skin.

On the plus side, cashew milk is:

Low in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids (0.4g/cup)
Has very little vitamin B12, unlike most other milk substitutes
It is low in carbs and high in healthy fats

On the downside, cashew milk is:

High in phytic acid, which can prevent nutrients from being absorbed
Fairly high in calcium, which can make it harder for your body to absorb zinc

Some people also have a hard time digesting cashews and other nuts – if this is the case, don’t try cashews.

Bottom line: Cashew milk is a pretty solid and safe choice when it comes to dairy-free milk alternatives for clear skin

The Worst Dairy-Free Milk Substitutes for Acne-Prone Skin

Not all of these cow milk alternatives are horrible for acne. Some are still much better than cow’s milk for acne-prone skin.

If you can, stick with the alternatives above if you’re trying to eat a diet that leads to clear skin.

Goat/Sheep Milk

A better choice than milk from cows? Absolutely.

A good choice for your skin overall? Probably not.

Sheep and goat milk are better than cow milk for a few reasons:

Lower in lactose – it’s less likely to cause an allergic reaction
Much lower in casein A1 protein – less likely to cause gut/digestive issues
Hormonally closer to human milk – goat and sheep milk is a better fit when it comes to hormones than cow milk

Still, goat and sheep milk is not safe for acne-prone skin for a few reasons:

It’s still full of hormones, including IGF-1 and added growth hormones from farmers
It’s still high in calcium, which can prevent zinc absorption
It still has some lactose, granted not as much

Overall, you’re much better off going with plant-based, dairy-free alternatives like coconut or almond milk.

Oat Milk

Oat milk isn’t the worst choice when it comes to dairy-free milk alternatives. In fact, some people might tolerate it just fine.

Some people would use oat milk for their skincare routines too.

Still, there are a few downsides:

Most oat milk contains trace amounts of gluten from processing. If you’re sensitive to gluten, this can be an issue.
It’s pretty high in carbs (20g/cup) without a whole lot of fiber – this can lead to insulin spikes and hormonal acne.

These aren’t enough to make oat milk public enemy number one, in fact, it’s probably a better choice for most people than cow’s milk. Still, when there are alternatives like coconut milk or almond milk available, it’s a no-brainer to go with these safer options.

Bottom line: Oat milk isn’t a horrible choice for ance-prone individuals unless you are sensitive to gluten or carbs.

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is a type of milk produced from soaked and crushed hemp seeds. The resulting color, texture, and flavor are similar to milk.

On the surface, hemp milk is a decent alternative to dairy milk for acne-prone skin. It’s low in carbs and high in nutrients like magnesium.

Hemp milk is a great alternative for vegetarians and vegans.

Unfortunately, hemp milk is extremely high in inflammation-causing omega-6 fatty acids.

A single cup of hemp milk has over 3.0g of omega-6 fatty acids.

Consuming too many omega-6s without enough omega-3s (found in fish) can lead to chronic inflammation – a condition where the immune system fires off an inflammatory response for minor threats, including acne.

This takes a relatively harmless acne infection and turns it into a bright, red, protruding pimple.

Even though hemp milk is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation, they’re high in the wrong type of omega-3s, ALA.

Your body is very inefficient at breaking down ALA omega-3s into usable omega-3s, which is part of why plant-based and Vegan diets can lead to acne.

On top of that, hemp milk is high in vitamin B12, which can make acne worse.

Bottom line: Hemp milk is not a great alternative for acne-prone skin due to its high levels of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids

Rice Milk

Rice milk is tricky because it really depends on the type of rice milk.

Most rice milk is relatively low in omega-6 fatty acids, a big plus for acne-prone skin.

Unfortunately, rice milk is typically the highest in carbohydrates among dairy-milk alternatives, making it a prime candidate to spike insulin levels and cause hormonal acne.

The plus side of rice milk is that it is relatively easy to digest, much like white rice. During the process of converting brown rice to white rice, the hull is removed.

The hull is what contains all the problematic anti-nutrients that can trigger acne – lectins, phytic acid, etc. Brown rice milk, on the other hand, still contains trace amounts of these compounds, making it more likely to trigger inflammation and acne.

Overall, neither white rice milk nor brown rice milk is a great alternative to dairy consumption.

Bottom line: White rice milk is relatively easy to digest but high in carbs. Brown rice milk is more difficult to digest and more likely to lead to inflammatory acne.

Flaxseed Milk

On the surface, flaxseed milk looks like a good alternative to dairy milk because it’s low in carbs and high in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids.

Below the surface, flaxseeds and flax milk all have a plethora of problems for acne:

High in inflammation-causing omega-6 fatty acids (1.7g/tablespoon of seeds)
High in phytates, an antinutrient that prevents skin-clearing vitamins and minerals from being absorbed
Can potentially throw off the hormonal balance of estrogen and testosterone, leading to hormonal acne

Finally, the form of healthy, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids found in flax milk, ALA, is not the body’s preferred form.

ALA is extremely inefficient in breaking down into usable DHA and EPA omega-3s (which is why you should take a high-quality fish oil supplement).

Bottom line: Flaxseed milk is another plant-based milk alternative that can lead to nutritional deficiencies and hormonal and inflammatory acne

Soy Milk

Soy and soy products, including soy sauce, tofu, soy milk, and even plant-based protein powder, are a nightmare for acne.

Soy milk is high in saponin and phytic acid, compounds (antinutrients) that can easily cause damage to the digestive system. These compounds prevent crucial skin-clearing nutrients, like zinc, from being absorbed.

Furthermore, soy milk is high in phytoestrogens, which can disrupt your hormonal balance and lead to hormonal acne. Just like dairy milk, soy milk can lead to hormonal acne.

Even though it’s low in carbs and omega-6 fatty acids, soy milk is one of the worst choices for plant-based milk substitutes.

Bottom line: Soy milk is high in antinutrients that damage the digestive system and impair nutrient absorption, and can lead to hormonal imbalances that trigger acne

Summary

In this article, we looked at a couple of things…

First, we talked about why you should never drink dairy milk if you have acne-prone skin:

Dairy is a nightmare for hormonal acne
Casein (dairy protein) can damage the gut and cause inflammatory acne
A lot of people are sensitive or intolerant to dairy without even knowing it

Then, we looked at some better alternatives, including

Coconut milk – low in sugar, easy to digest, nutritious
Almond milk – high in antioxidants, a great choice if you can handle tree nuts
Cashew milk – a very safe option if you can digest tree nuts

Next, we looked at a few alternatives that you’re better off avoiding if you want clear skin:

Sheep/goat milk – still contains acne-causing hormones IGF-1
Hemp milk – high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids
Flaxseed milk – inflammatory and can throw off hormonal balance
Oat milk – high in carbs, contains trace amounts of gluten, but not a horrible alternative
Soy milk – a nightmare for hormonal acne, full of anti-nutrients

Remember, when buying milk alternatives, the most important thing is avoiding added ingredients and sweeteners that cause acne. You can find a complete list of ingredients to avoid in the GoodGlow Shopping Guide.

If your acne persists and continues to get worse, consult your dermatologist for professional help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Oat Milk Good for Your Skin?

A: Oat milk with added sugar will cause an insulin response and can increase both frequency and severity of acne. If you drink oat milk without any added sugar then oat milk is probably a better option for your skin than traditional cow milk.

Q: Does Almond Milk Cause Acne?

If you are suffering from acne almond milk is preferable to traditional dairy. Just make sure the almond milk you buy does not have added sugar. Almond milk products with added sugar have been known to cause acne breakouts.

Q: What Can I Substitute Milk With Acne?

You may want to try out coconut milk, almond milk, and cashew milk as alternatives to cow’s milk.

Q: Does Milk Worsen Hormonal Acne?

A: Dairy cows are given artificial hormones, which impact their milk output. Researchers believe that consuming milk products may put your hormones out of balance and worsen acne.

Q: Which Vegan Milk Is Good for Acne?

A: If you’re seeking a dairy replacement that can enhance your skin, you can try coconut milk or almond milk instead of oat milk.

Q: Are Eggs Considered Dairy?

A: Eggs are NOT considered a dairy product. While eggs are produced by animals and thus an animal by-product, they are not a derivation of dairy products.

Sources:

Juhl, Christian R., et al. “Dairy Intake and Acne Vulgaris: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 78,529 Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6115795

“Can The Right Diet Get Rid of Acne?” Can The Right Diet Get Rid of Acne?, www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet. Accessed 13 Dec. 2022

Szilagyi, Andrew, and Norma Ishayek. “Lactose Intolerance, Dairy Avoidance, and Treatment Options.” PubMed Central (PMC), 15 Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316316

Sethi, Swati, et al. “Plant-based Milk Alternatives an Emerging Segment of Functional Beverages: A Review.” PubMed Central (PMC), 2 Sept. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5069255

“Bovine Somatotropin (bST).” Bovine Somatotropin (bST) | FDA, 13 Apr. 2022, www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/product-safety-information/bovine-somatotropin-bst

MALEKINEJAD, Hassan, and Aysa REZABAKHSH. “Hormones in Dairy Foods and Their Impact on Public Health – a Narrative Review Article.” PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4524299. Accessed 13 Dec. 2022

Kim, Hyojin, et al. “Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Increases the Expression of Inflammatory Biomarkers and Sebum Production in Cultured Sebocytes.” PubMed Central (PMC), 3 Feb. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5318522

PhD, Helen Kollias. “Research Review: Fast Vs. Slow Whey for Protein Synthesis.” Precision Nutrition, 16 Sept. 2011, www.precisionnutrition.com/whey-vs-casein

Wood, Sam. “The Ultimate Guide to Curing Inflammatory Acne – GoodGlow.” https://goodglow.co/zinc-acne-supplement-clear-skin

“Can The Right Diet Get Rid of Acne?” Can The Right Diet Get Rid of Acne?, www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/diet. Accessed 13 Dec. 2022

“Chemistry and Composition of Coconut Oil and Its Biological Activities.” Chemistry and Composition of Coconut Oil and Its Biological Activities – ScienceDirect, 28 Jan. 2022, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128241356000258

Wood, Sam. “Can a Low-Carb Diet Cure Acne? – GoodGlow.” GoodGlow, 11 Nov. 2018, https://goodglow.co/keto-low-carb-acne

Wood, Sam. “Is Coconut Oil Good for Acne? 3 Reasons Why – GoodGlow.” GoodGlow, 28 Oct. 2018, https://goodglow.co/coconut-oil-more-effective-than-over-the-counter-cleansers-at-treating-acne

Wood, Sam. “Does Soy Cause Acne? 4 Ways Soy Can Cause Breakouts – GoodGlow.” GoodGlow, 10 May 2022, https://goodglow.co/does-soy-cause-acne

Tu, Xing‐Hao, et al. “A Comprehensive Study of Raw and Roasted Macadamia Nuts: Lipid Profile, Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Sensory Properties.” PubMed Central (PMC), 27 Jan. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7958573

“Safety of Milk and Dairy Products.” Safety of Milk and Dairy Products – ScienceDirect, 9 Aug. 2019, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128163337000059

“Development of a Non-dairy Probiotic Fermented Product Based on Almond Milk and Inulin – PubMed.” PubMed, 1 Sept. 2015, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25028153/

Kang, Dezhi, et al. “Vitamin B12 Modulates the Transcriptome of the Skin Microbiota in Acne Pathogenesis.” PubMed Central (PMC), www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6049814. Accessed 13 Dec. 2022.

Wood, Sam. “Does Almond Milk Cause Acne? Benefits, Disbenefits, Alternatives.” GoodGlow, 28 Apr. 2021, https://goodglow.co/almond-milk-acne

Wood, Sam. “Do Nuts Cause Acne? 11 Nuts Ranked From Best to Worst for Acne.” GoodGlow, 6 Feb. 2021, https://goodglow.co/the-best-and-worst-nuts-for-acne

Curl, Sarah, et al. “Plant-Based Milks: Hemp.” EDIS, vol. 2020, no. 5, University of Florida George A Smathers Libraries, Oct. 2020. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fs420-2020

Wood, Sam. “The Best and Worst Seafood for Acne – GoodGlow.” GoodGlow, 11 Mar. 2019, https://goodglow.co/best-worst-seafood-for-acne-salmon-sardines-cod

Wood, Sam. “The Ultimate Guide to Curing Inflammatory Acne – GoodGlow.” GoodGlow, 2 June 2018, https://goodglow.co/chronic-inflammation-acne

“Office of Dietary Supplements – Omega-3 Fatty Acids.” Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Consumer, 18 July 2022, https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/

Wood, Sam. “Why Your Vegan Diet Might Be Giving You Acne – GoodGlow.” GoodGlow, 14 Jan. 2019, https://goodglow.co/plant-based-diets-acne-vegan-vegetarian-ultimate-guide

Lamothe, Meagan, et al. “Plant-Based Milks: Rice.” EDIS, vol. 2020, no. 5, University of Florida George A Smathers Libraries, Oct. 2020. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-fs412-2020

Gupta, Raj Kishor, et al. “Reduction of Phytic Acid and Enhancement of Bioavailable Micronutrients in Food Grains.” PubMed Central (PMC), 24 Apr. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4325021

Wood, Sam. “5 Reasons Why Zinc Helps Cure Acne – GoodGlow.” GoodGlow, 27 Jan. 2019, https://goodglow.co/zinc-acne-supplement-clear-skin

Desmawati, Desmawati, and Delmi Sulastri. “Phytoestrogens and Their Health Effect.” PubMed Central (PMC), 14 Feb. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6390141

✨ Free Acne Skincare Routine ✨