The Albion Infinesse Derma Pump Milk Transformed My Skincare Routine Forever
Written By Jenny Wu on
We all know the light to heavy rule when it comes to product layering right? First toners, then serums, then your heavier emulsions and moisturizers last. This is skincare 101 stuff.
So what happens if you reverse that order? Does your face fall off? Do you breakout horribly?
I did an emulsion-first routine for 2+ months with the Albion Infinesse Derma Pump Milk, and I don’t think I can go back to the old way anymore. It’s transformed my skincare routine forever.
Key Points
- The emulsion-first routine is unique to Albion and should only be used with their products which are specifically formulated for this purpose. No guarantees if you try this with any other products!
- My skin felt considerably more moisturized and plump, while fine lines became less noticeable.
Table of Contents
Overview
What is it
This unique, best-selling balancing milk is Step 2 in the ALBION 4-step Skincare Ritual. In addition to balancing the skin’s moisture content after cleansing, this Hyaluronic Acid-infused formula promotes supple, smooth, bright, poreless-looking skin. Formulated with our proprietary ingredient OSK9 and collagen, it helps firm the look of skin for a youthful, healthy complexion.
Best suited for
Normal to dry skin types, especially if you’re over 30 and starting to notice signs of aging. Combo skin may want to focus on just their drier areas only, while oily skin types may find this too rich for their needs.
Things to note
Contains alcohol and fragrance, but it’s not irritating or drying. In fact I found it the exact opposite!
Packaging
A tall plastic bottle with a pump. Looks more expensive than it feels.
Scent
A pleasant, but noticeable, floral scent. Not too different from that typical bougie skincare signature scent. I really enjoy it, but if you’re sensitive to fragrance, you might not.
Texture
Creamy with a lot of slip, feels more like a rich moisturizer than a typical milk or emulsion. But when used with their cotton pads it blends easily into the skin and doesn’t feel thick or sticky.
Finish
Dewy but without any tackiness or discomfort. It definitely feels like you’ve applied something on your skin though, but this is can be alleviated once you do a swipe with cotton pad + toner (the next step in the Albion Skincare Ritual).
Price & Size
$70 for 200g on Albion Official Site
Product Demo
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Albion Infinesse Derma Pump Milk Ingredients
According to product claims, the star ingredient OSK9 is described as “a highly potent peptide that revitalizes, firms, and promotes a lifted, youthful look” to help people over 30 with their skincare concerns. It was developed with Professor Morishita of Osaka University Clinical Gene Therapy Department.
A closer look at the ingredient list reveals that OSK9 is actually Acetyl Pentapeptide-55 Amide, which is a peptide made from 5 amino acids including histidine, arginine, leucine and lysine. It has been found to promote fibroblast growth and hyaluronic acid production.1
Fibroblasts are cells in our skin that’s responsible for producing collagen and elastin, as well as helping with wound healing. Now you can see why they play such an important role in keeping our skin young and healthy!2
Other anti-aging ingredients include:
- Carnosine, a peptide that may have anti-glycation benefits. In other words it can prevent the damage to our skin (think collagen breakdowns and wrinkles) as a result of too much sugar.3
- Glycine and Proline are two amino acids that when combined with Leucine (found in OSK9), may help improve wrinkles!4
- Royal Jelly Extract is full of amino acids, lipids, mineral, and vitamins. Specifically 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid, which can prevent dark spots from forming, and according to dermatologist Hadley King, “stimulates fibroblast production in collagen”.5 It’s also moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and promotes wound healing.
- Rosa Rugosa Flower Extract comes from a species of rose native to East Asia. It’s been shown to have strong moisturizing and antioxidant benefits, specifically its ability to inhibit elastase and tyrosinase, which can have anti-aging effects.6,7
- Resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant that not only protects against UV damage, but has been shown to improve wrinkles, fine lines, and skin elasticity after 12 weeks!8
As of most emulsions and milks, you’ll also find plenty of moisturizing ingredients, including glycerin, squalane, collagen, cholesterol, meadowfoam seed oil, vitamin e, and vitamin f ethyl ester.
What’s interesting is that there’s no hyaluronic acid, despite the “hyaluronic acid-infused formula” claim. Maybe they were referencing the HA production ability of OSK9, but even that’s a bit of a stretch.
Despite the promising benefits of OSK9, it’s not nearly as well proven as retinol or other anti-aging peptides, and the supporting ingredients don’t feature your usual superstars. Don’t let this deter you though, it’s a fantastic product that truly delivers!
How I Use It In My Skincare Routine
If you treat this like your typical emulsion and try to layer from light to heavy, ie. applying this after your serum, stop.
This milky goodness is actually meant to be applied immediately after cleansing to help prep the skin and allow subsequent products to absorb better:
- Using a large and thick facial cotton pad (I find Albion’s works best), hold it between your index and ring finger so that pad rests on your middle finger.
- Apply three pumps of product to the cotton pad. Yes it’s a lot, and no don’t skimp or else you won’t get the best results.
- Using the pad, dab the product onto your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.
- Gently massage the product into your skin using a circular motion, upward and outward, until it has fully absorbed. Make sure to get your entire face during the process.
- Follow up with your toner or essence of choice, gently patting the liquid into your skin using your hand while continuing with the light circular massages.
- Proceed with the rest of your routine, though I do recommend skipping any hydrating serums. Trust me, your skin will be plenty moisturized!
Albion recommends using their milk twice a day, but I usually save it for the evenings when I have more time. I will say that on the days I do use this in the morning, my makeup always adheres well and has more of a glow!
My Usage Experience & Results
I’ve tried emulsions before and either loved it or hated it, so I was definitely nervous about the Infinesse Derma Pump Milk. Lucky for me, this was a hit.
Results Timeline
Immediate results: Skin feels incredibly moisturized, but not heavy or sticky. Subsequent products applied like a dream, which is the whole concept of Albion’s “milk first” method.
Next morning results: Skin felt more moisturized waking up (vs not using the milk), and I had a nice glow! Also felt smooth and soft.
Long term results: A strengthened moisture barrier, and noticeably more radiant and plumper skin. Fine line and pores did seem less noticeable but “pore-less” (per the brand’s claims) would be a stretch.
Despite the extensive massage each night with a cotton pad, my skin never felt irritated or tugged at thanks to the rich and emollient texture. The process also helps remove any makeup residue and gently exfoliate excess dead skin cells! I found myself reaching for my exfoliants less as a result, yet my skin still feels extremely soft and smooth.
However, I don’t love how time consuming it is, that’s why I stopped using it while pregnant and for several weeks postpartum. Mama needs her sleep! It wasn’t until recently that I’ve had the time (and energy) to add this back to my routine.
Also, don’t try this method with other emulsions. Believe me, I’ve tried, and I got none of the benefits but did get a lovely break out. Albion’s milks were specifically formulated to be used this way, so stick to their products if you want to try the milk first method!
Other Milky Products To Consider
The Albion Infinesse Derma Pump Milk is truly a unique product in that there’s nothing else like it that’s formulated to be used the same way. But, there are other “milks” that can deliver some of the same benefits:
Laneige Cream Skin
This one is also incredibly moisturizing and helps with product absorption, but comes in a much lighter liquid texture that’s easy to use. Minimal skin smoothing and plumping benefits though.
Dr.Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Essence
Similar to the Laneige, but even lighter, and more fun to use. This also gives a bit of glow and plumpness to my skin in the long run, but nowhere as noticeable as the Infinesse Milk.
AMOREPACIFIC Essential Creme Fluid
This is a beautiful silky emulsion that’s rich in antioxidants while moisturizing the skin. It’s meant to be used as a regular emulsion, and can double as a moisturizer if you have oily skin.
Final Verdict
Pros
- Unique formula balances, moisturizes, and preps skin for enhanced product absorption.
- Delivers on its claims of smoother, brighter, and more supple skin.
- The massaging process itself feels relaxing and therapeutic.
Cons
- Pricey and not suitable for all skin types.
- The massaging process is also time-consuming, so it wouldn’t be suitable for busy lifestyles.
Scores & Summary
-
Ingredients
7.5
-
Packaging
9
-
Texture/Application
10
-
Performance
9.5
-
Price
7.5
I fell in love with the Albion Infinesse Derma Pump Milk at first use and I fell hard. It’s such a unique product that delivers 95% of its claims while being a joy to use, which is truly impressive in my book. Can you replicate the benefits using multiple products? Certainly, but if you enjoy a therapeutic and bougie facial massage experience, it’ll be hard to replicate that. I’ve already repurchased this, and as long as I have the time, I will continue using this in my routine.
Article Sources
To keep my content accurate and trustworthy, I rely on peer-reviewed studies, articles from reputable academic institutions, and quotes from certified healthcare professionals to back my claims.
“US20180110713A1 – Peptide with Anti-Aging Effect and Use Thereof – Google Patents.” Google.com, 7 Dec. 2017, patents.google.com/patent/US20180110713A1/en.
Rousilândia de Araújo, et al. “Fibroblast Growth Factors: A Controlling Mechanism of Skin Aging.” Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, vol. 32, no. 5, Karger Publishers, Jan. 2019, pp. 275–82, https://doi.org/10.1159/000501145.
V. Prakash Reddy et al. “Carnosine: A Versatile Antioxidant and Antiglycating Agent.” Sci. Aging Knowl. Environ, 2005, pe12-pe12(2005). DOI:10.1126/sageke.2005.18.pe12
Kawashima, Makoto, et al. “Improvement of Crow’s Feet Lines by Topical Application of 1-Carbamimidoyl-L-Proline (CLP).” European Journal of Dermatology, vol. 23, no. 2, John Libbey Eurotext, Mar. 2013, pp. 195–201, https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2013.1964.
Peng, Chi-Chung, et al. “The Functional Property of Royal Jelly 10-Hydroxy-2-Decenoic Acid as a Melanogenesis Inhibitor.” BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 17, no. 1, BioMed Central, Aug. 2017, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-1888-8.
Xie, Jing, et al. “Chemical Compounds, Anti-Aging and Antibacterial Properties of Rosa Rugosa Purple Branch.” Industrial Crops and Products, vol. 181, Elsevier BV, July 2022, pp. 114814–14, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.114814.
Zhang, Chaoli, et al. “Purification, Characterization, Antioxidant and Moisture-Preserving Activities of Polysaccharides from Rosa Rugosa Petals.” International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, vol. 124, Elsevier BV, Mar. 2019, pp. 938–45, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.11.275.
Farris. “Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerance of a Nighttime Topical Antioxidant Containing Resveratrol, Baicalin, and Vitamin E for Treatment of Mild to Moderately Photodamaged Skin.” Journal of Drugs in Dermatology : JDD, vol. 13, no. 12, J Drugs Dermatol, 2014, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25607790/.
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Anne
As much as I love the results you describe, I don't think I would take the time to do that regularly.
Anne from “Doctor Anne”
Ella J.
Has anyone with sensitive skin tried the Albion milk and how did your skin react? I'm always hesitant to try new skincare because my skin can be pretty unforgiving. Thanks!
DanielleP
everyone's raving about osk9 but does it really make a difference? feels like every other week there's a new 'miracle ingredient'. i'll believe it when i see it. anyone with before and after pics?
Chris F.
The Infinesse Derma Pump Milk has been a game-changer for my skincare routine! Love how my skin feels after, definitely worth the investment.
Ron D.
While I appreciate the innovation behind the OSK9 peptide, I'm curious about the empirical evidence supporting its efficacy. Has there been any independent research beyond what's been presented by Albion's team?
Jill H.
Great question, Ron. I looked into it, and there's limited independent research on OSK9 specifically. Most studies are funded by cosmetic companies, so it's hard to find unbiased data.
Jenny Wu
This is correct. Unless we're looking at a super common ingredient like retinol or vitamin c, the independent research is going to be limited, and even more so for these brand-specific ingredients.
Ron D.
Thanks, Jill, that's what I suspected. It underscores the need for more transparent research in the beauty industry.
Sophie K.
Does anyone know if Albion's Infinesse Milk is cruelty-free? Trying to make ethical choices with my skincare.
Jenny Wu
Unfortunately Albion is not cruelty free. If a brand is cruelty free I always list it in the notes!
TJ_Smith
I'm all about the tech behind skincare, and this OSK9 stuff sounds like the future. Love the science behind it!
AJ_Cole
How's this different from the regular lotions or moisturizers out there? New to skincare and trying to figure out what all these steps are for. Can you break it down a bit?
Jenny Wu
While you definitely can use this as a regular lotion/moisturizer, it's specifically formulated to help balance your skin's moisture/oil levels and help prep for subsequent product absorption. That's why it's used almost first after cleansing instead of at the end of the routine.