10 Best Milia Removal Products to Tackle the Milk Spots Head On!

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on Feb 16, 2024
Milia Removal Products to Tackle the Milk Spots Head On!
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Milia are small cysts that develop beneath the skin, mainly on the face. These milky white spots or dots (a.k.a milia) are only a cosmetic concern, therefore you may choose whether or not to treat them. However, we recommend giving a go to the best milia removal products from our handpicked list, there are ways to get rid of them for glass-like skin in no time.

To get more information, we dug deep into the causes of these pesky spots. Milia, frequently confused with whiteheads, is a skin condition that is typically associated with newborns but can occur in children and adults. While milia can appear anywhere on the skin, it is most common around and beneath the eyes. If you only have a few milia lumps here and there, you may want to start with an over-the-counter (OTC) solution that helps exfoliate dead skin cells off the skin's surface. 

Scroll down for our top recommendations to say good riddance to those stubborn spots!

10 Best Milia Removal Products

To smooth out breakouts, uneven skin tone, or texture, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is worth a go. Its key active ingredient is 2% salicylic acid (a.k.a BHA) which deals with blackheads, whiteheads, and enlarged pores due to oil production, keeping those issues in check (1). Among the best exfoliators for milia, the product formula also comprises the goodness of green tea extracts — offering anti-aging antioxidants called catechins — to help protect the skin from free radicals. After trying the product, we found it didn't help much with hyperpigmentation but definitely dealt with angry skin bumps and acne spots!

Product Type: Exfoliating serum

Pros
  • Minimizes large pores
  • Smoothes skin texture
  • Melts into the skin
  • Climate pledge friendly
  • Easy to dispense
Cons
  • Could be irritating for some skin types
  • Best Non-Comedogenic Serum

    CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

    CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum
  • Considered a go-to by skincare enthusiasts for simple skin ingredients, this product by CeraVe is a must-have if you want something more than encapsulated retinol. This fancy serum is formulated with buzzy skincare saviors — ceramides (1,3 and 6) to help maintain the skin's natural barrier. To aid in moisture retention, comes niacinamide (a vitamin B3 derivative), which is essential for individuals with oily or acne-prone skin - hydrates, helps control excess oil, reduces the appearance of pores, and relieves irritation. It also contains licorice root extract, a natural brightener, which completes the remarkable combination (2).  What we love about this product is that its retinoid content helps treat milia spots without harming the skin whatsoever!

    Product Type: Serum

    Pros
    • Non-comedogenic
    • High street-friendly pricing
    • Paraben-free
    • Fragrance-free
    • Ideal for all skin types
    • Melts into skin
    Cons
    • Might smell unpleasant
  • Best Facial for Milia

    New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask

    New York Biology Dead Sea Mud Mask
  • Crafted for all skin types, this Dead Sea mud mask by New York Biology boasts stem cell and collagen production for a more youthful appearance. this mineral-infused clarified mud mask is based on a sophisticated mix that gently purifies and cleans blocked pores using dead sea mineral mud, aloe vera, calendula oil, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. What we love about this product is the infused mineral-rich dead sea mud, which cleanses the skin and provides a relaxing sensation (3). Many reviewers laud that the formula also supports skin regeneration by generating a mild exfoliating effect that eliminates excess oil, toxins, and dead skin cells for a smoother feel and luminous shine. 

    Product Type: Facial mask

    Pros
    • Balances oil production on the skin
    • Detoxifies the skin
    • Travel-friendly
    • No sticky residue
    • Ideal for mature skin
    Cons
    • Not evaluated by FDA
  • Best for Sun-Protection

    SHVYOG Vitamin C Clay Mask

    SHVYOG Vitamin C Clay Mask
  • Those who skipped on the glass of OJ (a.k.a orange juice) can easily achieve the goodness of vitamin C for a brighter complexion and treat milia spots with this product. The clay face mask is blended with organic turmeric, which helps reduce dullness and makes your skin look fresh and beautiful. Vitamin C helps prevent pigmentation, which is beneficial in avoiding sunburn (4). Further, it all comes together with the kaolin clay to gently exfoliate dead skin cells that are trapped under the skin and treat milia spots in the process. Lastly, the product also contains soothing notes of calendula and aloe vera that smell oh-so-heavenly whenever applied to the skin, making it the best face mask for long wear!

    Product Type: Facial mask

    Pros
    • No inflammation of the skin
    • Affordable pricing
    • Paraben-free
    • Ideal dull tired skin
    • Doesn't clog pores
    Cons
    • Leaves sticky residue on hands
  • Best Chemical Peel for Sensitive Skin

    Ebanel 30% + AHA 2% BHA Chemical Peel Exfoliant Gel

    Ebanel 30% + AHA 2% BHA Chemical Peel Exfoliant Gel
  • This 30% + AHA 2% BHA Chemical Peel Exfoliant Gel is the perfect product to incorporate into your skincare regimen for glossy skin. The invigorating formula of the chemical peel helps boost collagen production and fades dark spots and acne scars with consistent use. With this exfoliating gel, you can cleanse cystic acne and unclog pores by employing active ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid and exfoliating dead cells on the skin’s surface. Also, it includes chamomile and green extracts to soothe sensitive skin that is prone to tingling sensations, and leaves a pleasing scent behind!

    Product Type: Face peel

    Pros
    • Smooths skin
    • Promotes collagen production
    • Easy to dispense
    • Travel-size
    • Non-comedogenic
    Cons
    • Expensive
  • Best Peel for Acne-prone Skin

    DERMA E Overnight Peel

    DERMA E Overnight Peel
  • DERMA E introduces a powerful AHA peel that works as an overnight exfoliant, sloughing away dead skin cells that dull the complexion and mask its inherent radiance. Formulated with 5% alpha hydroxy acids, the exfoliating face mask for blemishes and uneven skin is an efficient dark spot remover that lowers the appearance of hyperpigmentation, redness, and irritation. The calming notes of green tea help to protect the skin from environmental stresses, brightening vitamin C serves to level out the complexion for a vibrant, young glow, and vitamin-rich jojoba oil to relax and soothe. Many reviewers mention how it is one of the best milia treatment products that is incredibly efficient while being gentle on the skin. 

    Product Type: Lotion

    Pros
    • Ideal for acne-prone skin
    • Easy to dispense
    • No sticky residue
    • Suitable for all genders
    Cons
    • Small in quantity
  • Best for Facial Cleansing

    QRxLabs Glycolic/Salicylic Acid 10/2 Acne Control Pads

    QRxLabs Glycolic/Salicylic Acid 10/2 Acne Control Pads
  • Throw out those plastic pads and cotton balls, and instead invest in these cotton pads that are saturated with 10% pure glycolic acid and 2% medical-grade salicylic acid for treating stubborn milia spots. The jar comes equipped with 50 professional-grade non-woven textured pads with an easy-to-apply finger notch. When we tried the product, we found it comprises natural ingredients like vitamins B5, C, and E, witch hazel, glycolic acid, aloe vera, and citric acid that control sebum production and exfoliate the skin to reduce breakouts and leave the skin looking cleaner and healthier. 

    That's not all folks, it also harnesses allantoin and calendula extracts to soothe and protect the skin, while green tea acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent (5). Those with sensitive skin must give this product a try for exceptional face cleansing!

    Product Type: Cotton pads

    Pros
    • Good quantity of pads
    • Easy to dispense
    • Travel-friendly
    • FDA-approved
    Cons
    • Might dry up quickly
  • Best Edible Milia Removal Product

    TreeActiv Milia Treatment Skin Vitamins

    TreeActiv Milia Treatment Skin Vitamins
  • With the continuous use of this digestible alternative, Skin Vitamins by TreeActiv will help alleviate these common causes of skin ailments. The specific blend of potent nutrients like nicotinamide, zinc, pyridoxine, copper, folic acid, milk thistle, and selenium aids with skin healing and anti-inflammatory properties. As you eat the tablet, it flushes out the impurities and fades away the blemishes over time. The brand recommends trusting the recommended dose of 1 tablet a day to keep up with consistent results. After testing it out, we found this digestible tablet is one of the best products for milia-prone skin treats milia spots, and keeps cystic acne at bay for all skin types!

    Product Type: Tablets

    Pros
    • Prevents breakouts
    • No flare-ups
    • Travel-friendly
    • Unflavored
    • Cost-effective
    Cons
    • Could make individuals nauseous after consumption
  • Best Non-Comedogenic Serum

    Debaiy Hyaluronic Acid Serum

    Debaiy Hyaluronic Acid Serum
  • When dealing with a few bumps of milia spots on your under eyes and cheeks, this little serum is a must for exfoliating dead cells from the skin's surface first. The Debaiy serum comprises 1.8% hyaluronic acid and 1% niacinamide to hydrate and heal your skin, giving you clean and glowy skin. Luckily, it also features antioxidants such as vitamins C and E that promote collagen production, delay signs of aging, and breakouts, increase melanin production, and reduce wrinkles over time (4). As indicated by our tests, we believe the serum does extract whiteheads and deals with milia spots over a long period but can be improved in terms of watery consistency. 

    Product Type: Facial serum

    Pros
    • Absorbs easily
    • Contains active ingredients
    • A little goes a long way
    • Sulfate-free
    Cons
    • Contains parabens
  • Best Irritant-Free Serum

    Novensa Milia Remover Treatment

    Novensa Milia Remover Treatment
  • This Novensa Milia Spot serum also aids in the correction of obvious symptoms of skin aging and acne caused by skin irritants such as pollution, stress, and sun exposure. Those seeking flawless skin, are sure to get what they want with the help of ingredients like salicylic acid and benzalkonium chlorides (BACs) can be used for cold sore care. Encased in a clear bottle, the pinch-and-drop applicator makes it sanitary to use without letting cross-contamination occur at all. Also, don't miss out on the great response from Amazon reviewers, who rave about the skin-restoring powers and a blemish-free and smooth skin texture.

    Product Type: Serum

    Pros
    • Ergonomic design
    • Sulfate-free
    • Gentle formulation
    • No parabens
    Cons
    • Small quantity

    The above-mentioned products for Milia have been tested out by our beauty experts and team for a better overview of how the results would turn out. Below we have mentioned a few points to remember and consider before buying any skincare products for milia and heading to the checkout spot.

    How to Choose the Best Milia Removal Products?

    Swipe down for some tips on how to choose and purchase the best milia removal products from the list.

    • Ingredients: Keep an eye out for exfoliating ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid are ideal, as they help flush impurities and boost your body's natural defenses. Also, opting for retinol is fantastic as it accelerates cell turnover, and having fewer layers of dead skin means fewer blockages, fewer white pimples, and a more smooth, perfect skin texture. Lastly, it's critical to integrate SPF into your skincare routine, as the acid-containing peels and exfoliators can leave your skin very vulnerable to UV radiation.
    • Harsh Chemicals: We recommend no scrubbing or exfoliating too hard around the weak regions of the eyes and face to avoid any scars and inflammation. Excessive sun damage can cause the milia to spread more, so be sure to wear your SPF day in and day out. Lastly, steer clear of harsh chemicals or perfumes that can clog the pores resulting in more milia formation. 
    • Dermat's Approval: Before you buy the product, take the opinion of a board-certified dermatologist to determine what your skin requires and responds to. Always select dermatologist-approved over-the-counter products that are skin-friendly and safe for daily use. 
    • Reviews: With plenty of women and men praising fast recovery from having excessive cyst formation and dry skin problems, many find these over-the-counter products a pocket-saver too. Besides the good reviews, we found that more than half of the customers, all around the globe,  recommend using these milia removal products if facing any skin issues. Many suggest keeping them handy for upgrading your skincare routine.

    We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to skin issues, but this diverse list of the best milia removal products can help in different ways for all skin types. When dealing with Milia, one must ensure regular cleaning, exfoliating, and moisturizing of the skin. Do not, I repeat do not pop those pesky little spots as they can inflame and more damage than required. Stick to the chemical peels and serums that can help exfoliate the first layer of skin away, unearthing a new layer of skin to come through. Finally, think about making lifestyle adjustments in your skincare routines to help avoid milia in the future. Happy shopping!

    FAQ's

    What products to avoid if you have milia?
    We recommend avoiding harsh surfactant-based products and rough facial scrubs if you have milia as these can damage the top layer of the skin.
    Does salicylic acid remove milia?
    Salicylic acid helps exfoliate the skin which in turn removes the dead skin cells and cleans the clogged pores, which in turn removes milia.
    How do you get rid of milia ASAP?
    Try choosing and using one of the many products recommended above to get rid of milia ASAP and follow it with a skincare regimen for better results.
    How long does it take for milia removal products to work?
    We recommend being patient as the results won't show up in just a day. Try using the product if advised to use it daily, and follow it for weeks and months to get apt results.

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    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