Whey is naturally rich in lactic acid — the same acid the skin produces itself to maintain its moisture barrier — which makes it gentle, well-tolerated, and suited to sensitive skin.
For centuries, whey has held a quiet place in Alpine beauty tradition. Susanne Kaufmann has drawn on the nourishing properties of lactic acid in whey for her treatments for decades. Ingo Metzler, a farmer and brand ambassador from the very beginning, has supplied the whey for these treatments since discovering its effect on the skin more than 25 years ago.
The secret lies in the source: Ingo Metzler uses only grass-fed milk to produce whey, which carries higher levels of skin-supporting vitamins and fatty acids — including omega 3 and linolenic acid — than standard cow's milk.
Here's what to know about whey's benefits for the skin, and how it fits into a Susanne Kaufmann routine today.
What Are the Benefits of Whey for Skin?
Alongside vitamins, antioxidants and protein, whey is rich in lactic acid. The body produces this itself — it occurs naturally in the skin's protective acid mantle — so the lactic acid in whey is chemically identical to what the skin already makes. That's what makes it so well tolerated and easily absorbed.
1. Supports the natural skin barrier
The skin relies on lactic acid to help retain moisture in the epidermis. Whey supports this natural process, helping skin feel firmer and more supple over time.
2. Helps balance the skin's pH
Applied topically, lactic acid helps stabilise the skin's pH — a key factor in overall skin health. Whey's lactic acid is only mildly acidic.
3. Suited to sensitive skin
Whey-based skincare is gentle and well suited to most skin types, including sensitive, allergy-prone skin, thanks to its nourishing and barrier-supporting properties.
4. Gently removes dead skin cells
Lactic acid has a mild keratolytic effect, helping to loosen and clear away the outer layer of dead skin cells — useful for rough patches and everyday dullness.
5. Supports a more even-looking complexion
Used regularly, lactic acid can help the appearance of pigmentation and uneven tone soften over time, and may help calm the look of occasional blemishes.
The Spa Tradition — and How to Bring Whey Into Your Routine at Home
Whey baths remain one of Susanne Kaufmann's most distinctive spa treatments, drawing on the same Alpine tradition described above. For extremely dry or easily unsettled skin in particular, this kind of intensive bathing ritual has long been valued for how comforting and nourishing it feels.
To bring the benefits of whey into a daily routine at home, reach for our Body Butter, formulated with whey powder alongside olive fruit oil, shea butter and honey. It's designed to deeply nourish and support the skin barrier, with the same gentle, well-tolerated profile that makes whey suited to sensitive skin. Body Butter for the Senses offers the same whey-powder formulation in a more fragranced variant, if you prefer a more sensorial finish.
For best results, apply after cleansing and bathing, while skin is still slightly damp, to help lock in moisture.
If a dedicated bathing ritual is more your routine, explore the rest of our dry and sensitive skin routine for a full step-by-step approach.
FAQs
What does whey do for the skin? Whey is naturally rich in lactic acid, which helps support the skin's moisture barrier, balance pH, and gently clear away dead skin cells — making it a gentle option for most skin types, including sensitive skin.
Is whey good for sensitive skin? Yes. Because the lactic acid in whey is chemically identical to the lactic acid the skin produces itself, it's typically well tolerated, even by skin that's prone to sensitivity or irritation.
How is lactic acid different from other exfoliating acids? Lactic acid is a mild alpha hydroxy acid with a gentler, more hydrating profile than stronger exfoliating acids, making it a good starting point for those new to acids or with reactive skin.
Can whey help with dry skin? Yes — whey's lactic acid content supports the skin's natural moisture-retention process, which is why it's long been used in intensive treatments for very dry or easily unsettled skin.
Where does Susanne Kaufmann source its whey? From grass-fed cows, supplied by Ingo Metzler, a farmer and Susanne Kaufmann brand ambassador who has worked with the brand since discovering whey's effect on skin more than 25 years ago. Grass-fed milk yields whey with higher levels of skin-supporting vitamins and fatty acids, including omega 3.
