If you've ever noticed a tiny white bump sitting stubbornly beneath the skin—most commonly around the eyes, cheeks or forehead—there's a good chance you've encountered milia. Unlike acne, blackheads or congestion, these small bumps don't typically respond to your usual blemish treatments, nor can they be easily squeezed away. In fact, attempting to do so often causes more harm than good.
While milia are completely harmless, they're one of the most common skincare concerns I'm asked about as an esthetician. Their appearance can be frustrating, especially when they seem to linger for months or even years without changing. Adding to the confusion, many people mistake them for whiteheads or blocked pores, leading them to reach for products that aren't actually effective.
The good news is that milia are incredibly common and, in many cases, can be prevented or improved with the right skincare approach. Understanding why they form is the first step. Factors such as skin cell turnover, product choice and even individual skin characteristics can all play a role in whether you're prone to developing them.
To find out exactly what milia are, why some people seem to get them more frequently than others, and the best ways to treat and prevent them, we spoke to dermatologist Sonia Khorana. Ahead, find what you need to know about these persistent little bumps—and the ingredients and treatments that can help keep them at bay.
What Are Milia?
"Milia are small, white or yellowish bumps that form when keratin becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface," explains Khorana. "They are harmless and common around the eyes and cheeks." Although they're often mistaken for whiteheads, milia are actually tiny cysts filled with keratin, a protein naturally found in the skin, hair and nails. Unlike acne, they don't develop because of excess oil or bacteria, which is why traditional spot treatments rarely make a difference. They can occur at any age and are particularly noticeable in delicate areas of the face where the skin is thinner. While they pose no health risk, many people choose to address them for cosmetic reasons.
What Causes Milia?
According to Khorana, "Milia occur when dead skin cells and keratin become trapped beneath the skin. They can develop naturally or can be associated with skin damage, heavy occlusive skincare products or reduced skin cell turnover." Essentially, when the skin doesn't shed dead cells efficiently, they can become trapped beneath the surface and harden into the small cysts we recognise as milia.
Genetics may also play a role. "Some people seem naturally more prone to milia due to differences in their skin and how it sheds dead skin cells," she adds. "They may also be more likely to develop if they use richer skincare products or have skin that is slower to renew itself." This is why some people can use rich eye creams for years without issue, while others develop milia seemingly overnight.
How to Get Rid of Milia
The most effective long-term approach is to encourage healthy skin cell turnover. "Ingredients that support skin cell turnover can help reduce the appearance of milia over time—retinoids and gentle exfoliating acids, like lactic acid or PHAs, can help encourage the skin to shed dead cells more effectively," says Khorana. Prevention is equally important. She advises avoiding "very heavy or occlusive skincare products, especially around the eye area," and warns against picking or squeezing milia, which can irritate the skin and increase the risk of scarring.
For existing milia that won't budge, professional extraction is often the quickest solution. "Milia can be professionally removed by a dermatologist or trained therapist, typically using a sterile needle or small blade to create a tiny cut in the skin before extracting the trapped keratin," she explains. "The procedure is pretty quick and causes minimal pain."
Best Products for Milia
- Best Overall: Skin Rocks The Strong Acid
- Best Toner: Alpha-H Liquid Gold
- Best Serum: Dr. Sam's Flawless Nightly Serum
- Best Eye Cream: Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream
- Best Multitasking Treatment: Cosmetic Consult Miracle Skin Transformation
1. Skin Rocks The Strong Acid
Combining exfoliating acids including glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid, this powerful toner helps dissolve the build-up of dead skin cells that can contribute to trapped keratin beneath the skin's surface. The formula works on multiple levels to encourage smoother skin turnover, making it particularly effective for those prone to recurring milia, while also helping to refine texture and boost overall radiance—but note that it is strong, and so should be used in careful moderation, particularly on the sensitive eye area.
Pros
- Effective for very stubborn milia
- Draws upon the benefits of multiple active ingredients
Cons
- Expensive price point
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
2. Alpha-H Liquid Gold
Alpha-H Liquid Gold has earned cult status for good reason. Powered by glycolic acid, it helps accelerate skin cell turnover, encouraging the skin to shed dead cells more efficiently before they can become trapped and contribute to milia formation. With regular use, skin appears smoother, brighter and more even, making it an excellent option for tackling both existing milia and preventing future bumps from forming. Again, use this with caution around the delicate eye area.
Pros
- Powerful and fast-acting formula
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
3. Dr Sam's Flawless Nightly Pro Serum
Retinoids are one of the most popular dermatologist-recommended ingredients for milia-prone skin, and this serum delivers them in an effective, beginner-friendly formula. Encouraging faster cell turnover and preventing dead skin cells from accumulating beneath the surface, it helps reduce the appearance of milia over time. As an added bonus, it also targets pigmentation, fine lines and uneven texture, making it a worthwhile all-round investment.
Pros
- Helps with multiple skin concerns
Cons
- Expensive price point
4. Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3
The delicate eye area is one of the most common places for milia to develop, but it can also be prone to irritation. Medik8's Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye Cream solves both problems by delivering retinal in a formula specifically designed for the eye contour. Combined with barrier-supporting ceramides, it helps encourage healthy skin renewal while minimising the risk of dryness or sensitivity, making it ideal for treating and preventing milia around the eyes.
Pros
- Multitasking formula
- Suitable for all skin concerns and types
Cons
- Expensive price point
5. Cosmetic Consult Miracle Skin Transformation
As the name suggests, this treatment does a little bit of everything. A carefully balanced blend of retinoid, exfoliating acids and skin-renewing actives helps improve skin cell turnover, reducing the likelihood of keratin becoming trapped beneath the surface. Alongside targeting milia, it works to smooth rough texture, brighten dullness, soften pigmentation and minimise breakouts, making it a particularly good choice if you're dealing with multiple skin concerns at once.
Pros
- Multitasking formula
Cons
- Expensive price point
6. Susanne Kaufmann Enzyme Exfoliator
For those who find traditional acids too strong, enzyme exfoliants offer a gentler alternative. This cooling gel treatment uses fruit-derived enzymes to break down and remove dead skin cells sitting on the skin's surface. By helping prevent this build-up from becoming trapped beneath the skin, it can reduce the likelihood of milia forming while leaving the complexion smoother and noticeably more radiant.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Expensive price point
7. Byoma De-Puff and Brighten Eye Gel
When it comes to milia prevention, texture matters. Heavy, rich eye creams can sometimes contribute to congestion around the eye area, which is why lightweight gel formulas are often a better choice for those prone to milia. This light eye gel delivers hydration in a refreshing, fast-absorbing texture that doesn't feel occlusive, helping to keep the delicate eye area comfortable without weighing it down.
Pros
- Light and soothing
- Won't cause new milia to form
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Doesn't actively treat existing milia
8. Sunday Riley Breakout Breakup Purifying Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Salicylic acid is particularly useful for keeping pores and skin clear over the long term, making it a helpful ingredient for those prone to milia. Because consistency is key, incorporating it into a daily cleanser is an easy way to maintain regular exfoliation without overcomplicating your routine. I love this one, which gently cleanses while helping to prevent dead skin cells from accumulating, supporting smoother skin over time.
Pros
- Good for daily use
Cons
- Takes time to see results
9. Erborian Glow Moisturiser
If you're prone to milia, choosing a gel moisturiser can make a surprising difference. Rich, heavily occlusive creams can sometimes contribute to trapped dead skin cells, particularly around the eyes and cheeks. This soothing gel-cream formula delivers plenty of hydration (and major glow) without feeling heavy on the skin, making it an excellent everyday option for maintaining moisture levels while minimising the risk of congestion.
Pros
- Light texture
- Deeply hydrating
Cons
- Often sold out
10. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel
Sensitive skin types often struggle to find exfoliating products that don't trigger redness or irritation. These pre-soaked peel pads offer a more approachable way to encourage skin renewal, using a blend of carefully balanced exfoliating acids to help lift away dead skin cells. Regular use can help reduce the build-up that contributes to milia while keeping skin calm, smooth, and comfortable.
Pros
- Perfect for sensitive skin
Cons
- Expensive price point
11. Naturium AHA Exfoliating Mask 10%
For a more intensive weekly (or monthly) treatment, this exfoliating face mask uses acids to help resurface the skin and promote healthy cell turnover. Encouraging the removal of dead skin cells before they become trapped beneath the surface, it can help improve the appearance of existing milia while supporting a smoother and brighter complexion overall. Plus, you can expect skin to look noticeably fresher after each use.
Pros
- A low maintenance approach
- Affordable price point
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
12. Tatcha The Milky Sunscreen SPF50
Sun exposure can contribute to milia formation by impairing the skin's natural renewal process and slowing healthy cell turnover, so daily sunscreen is an important part of any prevention strategy. Tatcha's The Milky Sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection in an exceptionally lightweight formula that layers beautifully under makeup and skincare, helping to protect against UV damage without leaving behind a heavy or occlusive finish.
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Glowy finish
- Functions as a makeup primer
Cons
- Expensive price point
13. The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
Proving that effective skincare doesn't have to be expensive, this retinol eye cream offers an accessible way to introduce a retinoid around the eye area for milia prevention. Retinol helps encourage skin renewal and reduce the build-up of dead skin cells that can contribute to milia, but this gentle formula is perfectly suitable for regular use. It's a brilliant entry-level option for anyone looking to tackle persistent bumps around the eyes on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- May take time to see results
How We Tested
As an aesthetician, milia is one of the most common concerns I encounter with my clients, particularly around the eyes and cheeks. For this edit, I drew on both my professional experience treating clients prone to milia and my own testing of these products over several months. I assessed each formula based on its ingredients, texture, ease of use and ability to support healthy skin cell turnover without causing irritation. I also considered which products I most frequently recommend to clients and have seen deliver consistent results when used as part of a long-term skincare routine.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.