Stable to Spa: Horse-Inspired Ingredients in Beauty Products

Have you ever picked up a fancy skincare product and spotted something like “horse oil” or “mare milk extract” on the label, plus a vibrant Thoroughbred horse on the logo? Horse…what now?

Don’t worry, you’re not about to smear hay-scented lotion on your face. But yes, in the beauty world, we can spot a trend with horse-inspired ingredients. There are luxury moisturizers in Japan to mare milk soaps in Europe, so obviously, the human-horse connection runs deeper than you might think.

And no, this isn’t just a marketing stunt that will incentivize people to buy certain beauty products using horse ingredients.

Let’s dive into the weird world of horse-inspired beauty products, find out what’s trending, the effect of horse ingredients, and what the best products to try are.

Horses and Wellness Products

Long before beauty influencers were doing “get ready with me” videos, people were turning to horses for their rejuvenating powers (supposedly). Ancient Mongolians used horse oil for wounds and dry skin, and they even claimed that it sped up the healing process.

In Korea and Japan, it became a beauty secret passed down through generations. Since Korean cosmetics are one of the most popular in the world, to the surprise of most people, some of them use horse ingredients that help lock in moisture and repair damaged skin.

It seems like those ingredients are making a comeback in modern times. This is kind of an old-meets-new story that marketers love, but apart from making such cosmetics sell well on the market, there is actually some science behind it, too, that backs up how horse ingredients work.

The Rise of Horse-Themed Beauty Brands

That’s about it when it comes to using the ingredients of an actual horse. However, beyond the literal ingredients, the beauty world also loves to borrow the horse’s image, and for a good reason.

It is mainly used in massage creams, those that heat up your skin in seconds, although they don’t contain any horse ingredients. Horses symbolize strength, power, speed, and vitality, which is why most beauty brands use horse symbolism.

Applying such cream to your knees, it gets to your subconscious and makes you feel like an actual racehorse competing in the Breeders’ Cup. Maybe you’ll feel so pumped that you’ll want to place a bet on this event. If you do, make sure to check the Breeders’ Cup Classic guide here: https://www.twinspires.com/breeders-cup/classic/

But back to horse symbolism in beauty products. You’ll see brands using “equestrian chic” aesthetics in packaging, with leather-inspired scents and names like “Wild Mare,” “Gallop Glow,” or “Stallion Serum.”

But it’s not only for a show, but these horse beauty products also really work.

Actual Horse Ingredients Used In Beauty Products

Horse Oil

Let’s start with the most common ingredient for horse beauty products - horse oil. Yes, I know it sounds weird, but it is not as wild as it seems. This ingredient comes from the fat of horses (mostly in countries where horses are already part of the agricultural cycle). But why horse oil?

Well, horse oil is rich in linolenic acid and unsaturated fatty acids, so basically, the good stuff that mimics our own skin’s natural sebum.

So, is it good for us? Well, it is absorbed by our skin quickly, it moisturizes our skin deeply, and it helps calm irritation. In Korea, horse oil creams are quite popular, especially for people with dry or sensitive skin.

You’ll find brands like Guerisson and Deoproce, both using horse oil as their main ingredient, and they are great for skin moisturizing.

If you can get past the name, horse oil is actually one of the best and most effective natural moisturizers out there.

Mare Milk

Now things get weirder. Mare milk might sound like something straight out of a fairytale, but it’s real, and even Cleopatra was said to bathe in milk to keep her skin soft, so there must be more to it, right?

There are some modern spas all over the world (mainly in France and Italy) that have taken this a step further, offering mare milk baths. Mare milk is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, as well as lactic acid, and helps exfoliate, nourish, and soften your skin naturally.

That’s why we see mare milk ingredients in products like soaps, lotions, and even luxury face masks. It is much gentler than cow’s milk, and it is often used for sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and ethically sourced.

So, on your next luxury spa visit, don’t laugh if you see “mare milk facial” - it actually works, and it is becoming a growing trend in recent years.

Ingredients Used For Horses and Humans

Interestingly, some of the same botanical ingredients that keep horses' coats shiny are now entering human skincare, too. Horses are often pampered with aloe vera gels, chamomile rinses, and tea tree balms to soothe their skin and manes.

Well, since they work so well for horses, we are starting to see big brands using them for making human beauty products. 

So… Should You Try It?

Why not? If you are curious about horse-inspired skincare, the good news is that it’s not a passing trend. Horse ingredients have been used for centuries and will continue to be part of the beauty industry.

So, if you want moisturizers that will make your skin look alive, you have to try some of these products.