The Albion Infinesse Derma Pump Milk Transformed My Skincare Routine Forever

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Using the pad, dab the product onto your cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

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