Does milk cause acne?

Clear Food rates a glass of milk 79 out of 100: barely processed and high in protein. For skin, the research is less relaxed. A 2018 meta-analysis of about 78,000 children and young adults found acne was more common in those who drank more milk, skim milk included. That shows a link, not proof. If clear skin is your main goal, try two to three weeks without milk and compare.

Milk250 ml · 158 kcal
79

8 g protein · 12 g carbs · 8 g fat per serving

What the scan likes

  • Milk is a good source of protein for muscle building and satiety.
  • It provides essential vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D for bone health.
  • A naturally occurring food, it is minimally processed.

What pulls the score down

  • The fat content is 3.5%, which contributes to the calorie count.
  • Some individuals may experience bloating due to lactose intolerance.
  • Sugars are naturally occurring lactose, which can be high for some dietary approaches.

Sources

Scan your own food

Take a photo of any meal and get the same score, goals and macros in a few seconds.

AVAILABLE ON iOSGet the app

More food scores

Scanned with the Clear Food app on 29 September 2026. Values are estimates. Not medical advice.