7 Best Eye Creams for Milia-prone Skin to Promote Gentle Exfoliation

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 20, 2024
Eye Cream for Milia
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

In addition to dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging, milia is also one of the skin concerns that a lot of us face. They are keratin cysts or white bumps that cause no discomfort or pain, they are just there on your skin! However, with the best eye creams for milia, you can reduce their appearance and brighten up your under-eye bags. According to a paper published in the National Library of Medicine, the natural course of milia is self-limited and it is good to manage them with creams loaded with glycolic acid, peptides, ferulic acid, topical retinoids, and exfoliants to promote skin cell turnover and boost collagen production.

As per our expertise, eye creams for milia should be formulated to hydrate, nourish, and revitalize the sensitive skin under the eyes. Dermatologists suggest the use of creams that tend to be light in weight. Formulas with smooth liquid or lotion-like textures and without occlusives tend to not clog pores or worsen the skin condition. So, moisturizing your delicate under-eye area with a soothing and gentle eye cream is the key to preventing milia and reducing their appearance as a whole.

Check out our expert recommendations and explore how to prevent milia under the eyes. Let’s get started!

7 Best Eye Creams for Milia

The transformative powers of Mario Badescu’s Glycolic Eye Cream are perfect for reducing the appearance of milia. It is a fabulous anti-aging skincare cream that is formulated to soothe fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Being loaded with a potent blend of ingredients, it promotes a softer and youthful-looking eye area. Plus, this eye cream for milia-prone skin works overnight and boosts the hydration levels of your skin.  

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, vitamin E, antioxidants, and cocoa butter

Pros
  • Diminish dark circles
  • Refines uneven texture
  • Unscented
  • Defends skin against free radicals
Cons
  • Little greasy
  • Editor’s Pick

    Replenix Age Restore Anti-Wrinkle Eye Repair

    Replenix Age Restore Anti-Wrinkle Eye Repair
  • Embrace the fusion of science and nature with Replenix’s Age Restore Anti-Wrinkle Eye Repair, as it fades away milia, fine lines, and dark circles. Because it is backed with an advanced blend of Green Tea Technology and collagen-boosting properties, every application will take you a step closer to achieving youthful under-eye bags. Users rank it amongst the best eye creams for milia-prone skin as it lends the eye area much-needed hydration and aims to improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin. 

    Key Ingredients: Retinol and peptides

    Pros
    • Neutralizes free radicals
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Non-comedogenic
    • Fragrance-free
    Cons
    • Fragile dispenser

    Quick Tip

    Apply it around your eyes twice daily. Avoid eyelids and follow up with a serum and moisturizer. Apply a sunscreen if using it in the morning.

  • Best Gel Texture

    Jan Marini Skin Research Marini Luminate Eye Gel

    Jan Marini Skin Research Marini Luminate Eye Gel
  • The Luminate Eye Gel from Jan Marini is specially designed to reduce the appearance of those white pesky bumps, dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles. It features a very lightweight texture that glides seamlessly on your skin and leaves your under-eye bags looking healthy and bright. An Amazon reviewer says, “This product has dramatically improved the appearance of my under-eye circles. Friends have commented that I look much younger than my age.” 

    Key Ingredients: Vitamin E and peptides

    Pros
    • Ideal for dry, normal, and oily skin types
    • Addresses discoloration under the eyes
    • Little goes a long way
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best for Enhancing Skin Resilience

    Neostrata Restore PHA Eye Cream

    Neostrata Restore PHA Eye Cream
  • Neostrata’s Restore PHA eye cream is a game-changer in the fight against milia, fine lines, dark circles, and stressed and tired skin. What we really love is the fact that it hydrates and protects your skin’s natural moisture barrier and aims to improve overall skin resiliency. With an anti-aging and non-irritating formula, it also works to soothe the delicate eye area and leave it soft and supple. All in all, this eye cream will pave the way to achieving a younger-looking skin.

    Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils

    Pros
    • Ophthalmologist-tested
    • Unscented
    • Lightweight texture
    • Travel-friendly packaging
    Cons
    • Slow results
  • Most Hydrating Formula

    iS Clinical Eye Complex

    iS Clinical Eye Complex
  • iS Clinical Eye Complex is the secret to reducing the appearance of milia and preventing it from occurring again. That’s due to its advanced formula and blend of mild exfoliating ingredients that work to brighten your skin and rapidly reduce under-eye puffiness. In addition, with its fabulous hydrating powers it enhances skin’s elasticity and tightens it. What’s more? This exfoliating eye cream for milia-prone skin also boosts collagen synthesis and comes with healing properties to target your skin concerns.  

    Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf extract, mixed fruit acids, and vitamin C

    Pros
    • Keeps your under-eye area moist
    • Best for regular use
    • Stays in place even in humid weather
    • Can also be applied under makeup
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best for Skin-tightening

    Ole Henriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Creme

    Ole Henriksen Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Creme
  • Here comes yet another potent eye gel to fight against milia and other signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. The brand Ole Henriksen has mindfully crafted Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol Eye Gel Creme with a luxe blend of ingredients that makes this product no less than a magical elixir. It is indeed the powerhouse to reduce the appearance of your skin concerns and thereby leave your under-eye areas tightened. Plus, it feels light and never burns or irritates delicate skin.

    Key Ingredients: Peptides, orchid stem cells, and hydroquinone

    Pros
    • Quick-absorbent
    • Very moisturizing
    • Bleads effortlessly
    Cons
    • Slightly thick texture
  • Best Luxurious Formula

    Perricone MD Smoothing & Brightening Under-eye Cream

    Perricone MD Smoothing & Brightening Under-eye Cream
  • Last but not least, meet this impeccable Smoothing and Brightening Under-eye Cream by Perricone MD that aims to protect and replenish your fragile skin around the eyes. It is a smooth ultra-rich cream that blends effortlessly and diminishes milia, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. It melts like butter and nourishes your skin from within. In a nutshell, this under-eye cream gently exfoliates, replenishes the skin’s moisture barrier, and amplifies its natural radiance. 

    Key Ingredients: Lactic acid

    Pros
    • Prevents saggy skin
    • Soothes dry skin
    • Little goes a long way
    Cons
    • Expensive

    Quick Tip:

    Pour a little amount of the cream and pat it onto the eye area gently. Use your ring finger for accurate application. You may use it every morning and evening for effective results.

    That was our comprehensive list of the best eye creams for milia. Now, let us run you through a detailed buying guide.

    How to Select the Best Eye Creams for Milia?

    Here are a few aspects that you should consider before splurging on the best eye cream for milia: - 

    Skin Type and Concerns: Ensure that you analyze your skin type and concerns before investing in any of the best milia removal products. You may come across creams, gels, balms, etc, that are highly versatile and go beyond diminishing the appearance of milia. Some also work in reducing fine lines, dark circles, and wrinkles, and prevent saggy skin alongside. Secondly, if you possess extremely sensitive skin, ensure that you splurge on an eye cream that features a mild, gentle, yet effective formula. For those with dry skin, a hydrating or moisturizing eye cream will play the game for you.

    Ingredients: Always pay heed to the list of ingredients before getting your hands on any eye cream that won't cause milia. Choose creams that are loaded with the goodness of hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, peptides, vitamins, ceramides, antioxidants, and retinol. As per our research, these ingredients have been found to help in reducing the appearance of milia and preventing it. Plus, they offer much-needed nourishment to your skin and also diminish fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. 

    Texture: The next important aspect is the texture of the eye cream. It is advisable to snag eye creams that possess a smooth, rich, lightweight texture that glides on the skin like a breeze. It should not feel heavy or crease. Additionally, the texture should be non-sticky and non-greasy and allow your skin to breathe. 

    Formula: Lastly, check the formula of the eye cream you have decided to invest in. It is wise to pick creams that feature a non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, vegan, and cruelty-free formula. Adding to that, it should be free from harsh ingredients like sulfates, alcohol, gluten, phthalates, etc, as they might worsen your skin condition.  

    After taking note of the above-mentioned aspects, let us acquaint you with a few of the application tips for using an under-eye cream for milia appropriately.

    How to Apply an Eye Cream to Prevent and Treat Milia?

    Following are a few application tips that you need to pay heed to for accurate results: - 

    Step 1: Make sure that your skin is clean and dry. 

    Step 2: To apply the eye cream, use your ring finger for a gentle yet effective application. 

    Step 3: Gently tap small dots under your eyes starting from the innermost corner. 

    Step 4: Apply on the milia and begin blending it in an outward direction. Avoid applying it too close to your bottom eyelashes.

    Step 5: Pat and spread the cream and do not rub or drag it. 

    Step 6: Wait until it gets absorbed and then begin applying the rest of your skincare products like sunscreen followed by makeup. 

    Tada, you are done!

    Conclusion

    With these best eye creams for milia, you can seamlessly reduce the appearance of milia along with fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles. These creams with light and hydrating formulas exfoliate your skin gently and promote high cell turnover, thereby preventing the buildup of keratin. What makes them a must-have product to reduce and prevent milia is their splendid blend of ingredients that regulate sebum production, and tighten, and brighten your under-eye skin. After considering factors like texture, formula, ingredients, skin concerns, reviews, and ratings, we managed to bring you the best eye creams to attain healthy and youthful-looking skin. Some of the products that bowled us over were Mario Badescu Glycolic Eye Cream which soothes your under-eye area and helps you bid adieu to milia and Neostrata Restore PHA Eye Cream which revitalizes your stressed and tired under-eye area with its anti-aging and non-irritating formula. So, wait no longer and incorporate the best eye creams into your everyday skincare. Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    Can I wear make-up over milia?
    Yes, you can. However, it is advisable to use powder-based products to let your skin breathe.
    How can I prevent milia?
    You can prevent milia by using an under-eye cream every day. Opt for lightweight formulas with retinoids, hyaluronic acid, and peptides.
    How can one differentiate milia from other skin concerns?
    Milia are white to yellow cyst-like bumps on your skin that appear in groups or clusters. They do not cause irritation or pain, unlike other skin concerns.
    Can using regular eye creams contribute to milia development?
    It depends on the cream and its texture. Avoid using thick eye creams as they can lead to the clogging of pores and the development of milia.
    What ingredients should I avoid in eye creams if I'm prone to milia?
    As per our findings, liquid petroleum, parabens, sulfates, alcohols, and paraffin oil are the ingredients that you should avoid.
    How long does it typically take to see results from using milia-friendly eye creams?
    It takes one to two weeks to see results from using milia-friendly eye creams.
    Can I use milia-friendly eye creams if I don't have milia?
    Yes, you can. Pick lighter eye creams that are enriched with milia-fighting ingredients like AHAs and retinoids.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Our certified skincare expert, Anoushka, has meticulously crafted the best eye creams for milia to help you make better purchasing decisions. She considered a plethora of factors like ingredients, formulas, and textures, and also glanced through reviews of the products to help you reduce the appearance of milia as well as other skin concerns like dark circles, wrinkles, and fine lines. She believes that the ingredients in each of the under-eye creams for milia-prone skin play the game as they aim to hydrate the skin and prevent further development of milia. Personally, she is quite impressed with Mario Badescu Glycolic Eye Cream which promotes softer and youthful-looking eye areas by diminishing not only milia but also other signs of aging. You can also snatch a glimpse of the rest of her top picks and incorporate one into your everyday skincare routine. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More