Cleopatra’s Milk & Honey Bath: A Glowing Skin Ritual That Still Works

Astrid van Essen
Jul 1
2 min read

Cleopatra, the last queen of Ancient Egypt, was known for her beauty rituals as much as her political prowess. Ancient texts suggest she bathed in milk daily—often with honey and rose petals—to keep her skin supple, soft, and radiant.

Did you know Cleopatra wasn’t just known for her power and intelligence—she was also one of history’s first beauty influencers? One of her most famous self-care secrets was the milk and honey bath—a luxurious soak that left her skin soft, smooth, and radiant.

A luxurious, softly lit bath scene inspired by Cleopatra. A white freestanding bathtub is filled with creamy, milky water and scattered rose petals. A wooden or ceramic stool beside the bath holds a carafe of oat milk, a small honey jar with a dipper, a bowl of dried petals, and an amber essential oil bottle. — Cleopatra’s Milk & Honey Bath: A Glowing Skin Ritual That Still Works

While I don’t have a palace or a team of perfumers at my disposal, I love recreating this ancient ritual at home with modern, skin-friendly ingredients. Cleopatra’s Milk & Honey Bath is a beautiful way to slow down, nourish your skin, and feel a little more like royalty.

Why Milk and Honey?

In Cleopatra’s time, fresh milk was believed to soften the skin and gently exfoliate thanks to its natural lactic acid. Honey, a natural humectant, helped lock in moisture and soothe irritation. The result? Glowing, nourished skin—and a deeply relaxing bathing ritual.

Today, oat milk, coconut milk, or goat’s milk make great plant-based or natural alternatives. I like to add rose petals or essential oils for a sensory touch.

DIY Cleopatra-Inspired Milk & Honey Bath

Ingredients:

2 cups oat milk (or goat’s milk if preferred)
2 tbsp raw honey
1 tbsp sweet almond or jojoba oil
Optional: 5 drops rose or frankincense essential oil
A handful of dried rose petals or lavender

A clear glass jug of oat milk, a small honey jar with a wooden honey dipper, a tiny dish of sweet almond oil, and a few dried rose petals are arranged on a white surface — DIY Cleopatra-Inspired Milk & Honey Bath

How to use:

Run a warm bath and pour in the milk and honey while the water is running.
Add oil and essential oils, swirling to distribute evenly.
Scatter petals on top.
Soak for 20–30 minutes while breathing deeply and unwinding.

Tip: Rinse off gently with plain water afterwards if needed.

When to Use

This ritual is perfect for:

Dry or sensitive skin days
Self-care Sundays
A slow start to your morning or a luxurious wind-down in the evening

Ancient Ritual, Modern Self-Care

There’s something magical about connecting with beauty traditions that have stood the test of time. Cleopatra’s bath isn’t just a skincare remedy—it’s a reminder to pause, nourish your body, and embrace softness in your daily life.

Would I use this weekly? Absolutely. Especially in the colder months when my skin craves a little extra love.

Cleopatra’s Milk & Honey Bath FAQs

1. Can I use cow’s milk instead of oat or goat’s milk? Yes, but it may not be ideal for sensitive skin. Plant-based milks, such as those made from oat or coconut, tend to be gentler yet still effective.

2. What if I don’t have a bathtub? Use this as a foot soak! Just reduce the recipe quantities.

3. Will the bath be sticky from the honey? No—once diluted in hot water, honey dissolves completely and won’t leave a residue.

4. Is this suitable for children? Yes, if using gentle ingredients without essential oils.

5. Can I store the mix? It's best made fresh, but you can pre-mix the dry floral components in a jar for quick use.