A new “old” ingredient can tell a powerful story. This is the case with Mathilde B. Mrs Léon, creator of the brand, was inspired by Cleopatra, who took baths filled with donkey’s milk. This prompted Mrs Léon to bring back what existed millenniums ago, while respecting dermatological standards. As Cleopatra found, donkey milk is soft and soothing, and famous for its strong regenerative power. It is said to be similar to breast milk and particularly well tolerated by more sensitive, irritated, dry and intolerant skins, thanks to the vitamins it contains. The donkey milk used in these cosmetics comes from Mathilde B.’s local production site in southwest France. Products include hand cream, foot cream, face cream, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and soap (4.50-16 euros).

Packaging is pretty and feminine with pink stripes and “tied” with a bow.

More info: www.mathildeb.fr