Have you ever noticed white bumps near your eyes, cheeks, or nose? Thinking it’s acne, we try to pop it out, but nothing comes out. Why is that so? What are these bumps filled with? This condition is often referred to as milia. Milia is the development of white spots on your face; they are filled with keratin. Keratin is found in the upper layer of the skin, and it gets trapped in the bumps hence the condition. Milia won’t go away by popping the pimples but by using specific cleaning products. Surgically it is removed with the help of a heated surgical needle, but there are products you can use to prevent milia. We’re going to look at the Best Drugstore Products for Milia.
Milia does not affect a specific set of people but has certain parameters. The skin has been through trauma like sunburns, rosacea, dandruff, clogged pores, and prolonged exposure to the sun. There is almost no way of preventing milia, but we sure can get rid of it. Some of the best practices are chemical peels, retinoids, and AHAs. We can imbibe some products in our lifestyle such that milia are reduced, and we can avoid it to a particular scale.
Best Drugstore Products for Milia 2023 | 8 Picks
Few Parameters
Here are specific criteria to look for when finding the best drugstore products for milia.
Non-Comedogenic: You cannot use products that clog your pores, ever. Nonetheless, you think they’re not responsible for anything; they are secretly promoting the growth of milia. Always go for non-comedogenic products which cleanse your pores and do not clog them for any reason. Look for the “non-comedogenic “ tags in any beauty product you choose.
Retinoids: Retinoids also play a significant role to combat milia. If you are not keen on surgically removing milia, look for products that contain retinoids. Retinoids uproot the white bumps and squeeze out the keratin stuck under the layer of skin.
Harsh: Make sure the products you are choosing are not too short on your skin. Milia itself results from skin trauma, so we do not need another condition to take care of. Our skin has already gone through a lot, and we do not need another state at hand.
Best Drugstore Products for Milia | Top 8 Options
You’ll find several products claiming to be the best for milia, but how many do work? I conducted an extensive search for the best drugstore products for milia, and here are the top 8 products that seem to work the best for milia.
Cetaphil Daily Face Cleanser | I Cetaphil Good for Milia?
Milia is a condition where you need to focus on some products and not use too many. You need to search for mild cleansers which will not irritate your skin. Use cleaners that are mild on your skin and help you cleanse it deeply. Cetaphil Daily Face Cleanser is one such face wash that is skin-friendly and does not irritate your skin. It has a tremendous lotion-like consistency which feels good to massage on your face. You’ll have absolutely no breakouts with this cleanser.
It also does not foam up or leave your skin feeling drier or tighter after cleaning up. It has the perfect pH balance and would help soothe your milia. The cleanser does a fantastic job of not leaving any residue on your face. It’s very mild and treats all skins differently. It makes your skin soft and moist after use. You just pour a peanut of the cleanser, massage it over your face just like your lotion and rinse it off. Pat your skin dry, and you have a clean, soft face in no time.
Pros
- Best cleanser for milia
- Gentle cleanser
- Soft skin
- Skin-friendly
- Amazing consistency
- Mild cleaner
- No breakouts
- It does not leave your skin dry
- Perfect pH balance
- Easy application
- Use it anytime
- It works well to remove your makeup too
- Leaves no impurities residue on your face
Cons
- It takes about two weeks to show a noticeable difference.
- There aren’t any cons, as almost all dermatologists recommend this cleanser.
See Also: Eucerin VS Cetaphil | Which Is Ideal For Your Skin?
Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Facial Wash Gel
Vitamin E is nourishing for your skin and boosts collagen production in your skin. It deeply cleanses your skin and has healing properties. Nutritious food for your skin provides you with soft and clean skin. The gentle and non-greasy solution is oil-free and easy to use. It’s very compatible with your skin and very effective. Apart from the cleansing effect on your milia, Nivea Daily Essential Facial Wash also has anti-aging properties. Also, it reduces fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area.
Moreover, being a facial wash for the entire face, it is regarded as one of the best facial washes for the eyes. Regular use has proven to reduce milia, small bumps, white bumps, and blemishes. Imbibe it in your routine, and you’ll notice the difference for sure. Removes dead cells from the surface of your skin and boosts collagen production for new and rejuvenated cells. Moisturizes your skin and does not leave it dry. Free from all potential side effects and compatible with all skin types. Easy to apply and very reasonable pricing.
Pros
- Great for bumps and milia spots
- Moisturizing effects
- Vitamin E and other minerals
- Removes dead skin cells
- It leaves your skin soft and shiny
- Non-greasy solution
- Oil-free solution
- Easy to apply
- Best facial wash for eyes
- Anti-aging properties
- Fixed fine lines and wrinkles
- Repairs blemishes
- It does not dry your skin
- No side effects
- Boosts collagen production
- Compatible with all skin types
- Affordable
Cons
- It takes a longer time to show results
Eminence Sweet Red Rose Cleanser
Eminence Rose Cleanser is cleansing milk. It contains rose oil and lemon juice. The cleansing milk focuses on hydrating and nourishing your skin. Normal, dry, and combination skins are the skin types it supports. Safe for sensitive skin, and it works as a gentle cleanser. It is safe to use around your eyes and replenishes your skin. Red rose petals, and rose oil helps your skin to construct a moisture barrier and lock in moisture in your skin. Lemon juice presence tones your skin and soothes the milia spots. The complex in the formula is responsible for the anti-aging properties. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins.
It helps improve your overall skin complexion and gives you better-looking radiant skin. Also, it reduces wrinkles and fine lines around your eyes. It has a lightweight and milky formula which is super easy to apply. It soothes and calms your skin, gently cleanses it and gets rid of all the milia bumps. Apply the cleanser to your skin following the protocol. Take the cleaner on your fingertips and dilute it with some water. Remove it with a facecloth and apply your toner after removal.
Pros
- Rich cleansing milk
- Nourishes and gently cleanses
- Calms and soothes your skin
- Best for sensitive skin
- Anti-aging properties come along with BioComplex
- Reduces fine line and wrinkles
- Compatible with all the skin types
- It gives you a better complexion
- Radiant looking skin
- Soothes milia spots
- Constructs a moisture barrier
- Lightweight formula
- Easy to apply
- Hassle-free removal
- Removes impurities
- Contains antioxidants
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- More on the lotion side than a cleanser
- It does not smell good
- Not a user-friendly nozzle
Glytone Age-Defying Serum
Glytone contains vitamin C, E, and other nourishing minerals. It includes organic oils and other toxic-free chemicals. It is not a moisturizer or cleanser, but it comes as a facial scrub. Very dependable and combats the dry skin problem. Moreover, it removes the dead skin cells from the skin surface. Nourishes and moisturizes your skin. Younger-looking skin as the formula contains healing properties. Best facial scrub for dry skin but also compatible with oily skin.
The product is not just for temporary healing, but you can use it for permanent recovery. It has a deep exfoliating capacity that removes all blemishes and milia spots. Anti-aging properties also come along with the other peaks of the scrub. It removes fine lines and wrinkles from your face. It combats the visible signs of aging and prevents your face from getting them again. Glytone is the best facial scrub for allergies as it has almost no allergic reactions or breakouts. Affordable and available in all drugstores.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Nourishing and cleansing for your face
- Best facial scrub for milia
- Removes blemishes
- Anti-aging
- It prevents fine lines and wrinkles from coming back again
- Free of chemicals
- Organic oils and natural ingredients
- Removes dead skin cells
- Best for dry skin
- Younger looking radiant skin
- Exfoliating capacity
- Removes all visible signs of aging
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- No allergic reactions or breakouts
- Cheap and affordable
- Easy to apply and remove
Cons
- Early expiry dates
SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense
The fabulous lightweight formula works to remove blemishes and milia spots. It is not a formula for temporary help but a long-lasting permanent look. This is the best formula for premature aging and combating the signs of premature aging. It has an advanced nourishment capacity. It removes fine lines, wrinkles, and all blemishes. The formula also cures acne spots and milia. Salicylic acid and glycolic acid in the formula have super dissolving powers.
The only concern with these ingredients is that you need to have a tolerance for them. Newbies may feel a particular irritation or redness to their face if they have sensitive skin. They don’t cause any breakouts, but it’s easier to use them if you have developed a tolerance towards them. It delivers adequate nutrition to your skin, gives you a smooth texture, and is the best wrinkle remover. Many dermatologists suggest the formula for combating milia.
Pros
- Moisturizing
- Nourishing
- Great for milia spots
- Combats signs of aging
- Not a temporary but a permanent solution
- Works well for premature aging
- Removes fine lines and wrinkles
- Removes blemishes
- Advanced nourishing formula
- Salicylic and glycolic acid dissolving powers
- Provides adequate nourishment and nutrition to the skin
- Best wrinkles remover
- Smooth texture
Cons
- May cause minor irritation to the skin
Neutrogena Liquid Face Cleanser
Neutrogena has been in the market for far too long and knows exactly how to pitch a product. Neutrogena has introduced a face wash which is a mild facial cleanser. Neutrogena developed the facial wash to cleanse skin gently and remove excess oil from your skin. Now it does not release your skin’s natural oils to make it drier. There are no pores that are clogged due to the use of the cleanser. It gives you clean, bright, and radiant-looking skin. You can achieve healthy skin by using skin-friendly ingredients, and it improves the overall complexion.
It makes your skin smoother and softer to touch. The products contain glycerin which is a hydrating agent. The cleanser aims at removing all the excess oil from your face but does not strip it off the natural oil only because of the addition of glycerin. Glycerin also moisturizes skin to keep it plump and younger-looking—the best cleanser for oily skin. You can use it daily without fearing any breakouts. It is one of the best face wash for milia as it nourishes and cleanses your face removing all the impurities.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Best for oily skin
- No harsh chemicals
- Skin-friendly ingredients
- Hypoallergenic
- It does not cause any kind of a breakout
- Dermatologist tested
- Nourishing and cleansing
- Best for milia and small bumps
- Fragrance-free
- Oil-free
- Rejuvenating
- Contains glycerin
- Moisturizing
- Radiant healthy-looking skin
- Better complexion and tones skin
- Easy to apply and wash off
- Mild cleanser
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
Cons
- It does not suit sensitive skin
Also read: Reveiller Anti Aging Cream Reviews | True To Its Claims?
Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream with Retinol
Paula’s Choice is a one-stop solution for your anti-aging and milia needs. It restores the softness and radiance of any dehydrated skin. The jojoba oil present in the formula is hydrating and nourishing for the skin. It hydrates your skin and does not let it dry out. Retinol in the formula gives you anti-aging properties, which removes fine lines and wrinkles off your face. It does not combat but prevents the visible signs of aging, and it gives you firmer and more elastic skin. It also improves your overall complexion. This is a nutrient-rich formula that you can use on your face, neck, and eye region.
The cream is one of the choices for milia because it cleanses and nourishes your skin. It fights the signs of aging and promotes healing in the skin. It boosts the production of new cells and makes your skin more elastic, and retinol and peptides complex fights the signs of aging and restore hydration. Omega fatty acids do not cause redness or irritation in the skin. Hyaluronic acid also locks in moisture and makes your face look plump. Jojoba oil is famous for nourishing skin and providing nutrients. Use it as a night cream as the last step in your skincare routine.
Pros
- Nourishing your skin
- Moisturizing and hydrating your skin
- Anti-aging properties
- Solves milia issues
- Best for dehydrated and troubled skin
- Contains Jojoba oil and retinol
- Hyaluronic acid for hydration
- Fights new signs of aging
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Treats skin near the eye area
- Improves overall complexion
- Rejuvenating for your skin
- Nutrient-rich formula
- Promotes healing
- Boosts collagen cell production
- Increases elasticity in the skin
- Used as a night cream
- Lightweight cream formula
- Restores glow and younger-looking skin
- Best as a daily product for milia
- Firmer skin
Cons
- It takes a very long time to reduce milia spots
- Causes irritation at times
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
Jan Marini Skin Research Bioglycolic Face Cleanser
Jan Marini is a facial cleanser for milia that is designed not to clog pores. The products contain a high amount of glycolic acid and valuable minerals. Glycolic acid does not cause any breakouts, but it does require tolerance to use it. The cleanser is developed for everyday use, and it does not have any potential side effects. It provides instant healing from dark circles and gives an excellent performance for solving your milia problem.
Cleanses skin gently without causing any reactions. You can use it over sensitive skin and almost all types of skin. It is compatible with all kinds of skin and does not react differently to any of them. If you need a permanent, glorious glow on your skin, this product could be for you. It gives you more transparent and younger-looking skin. The product contains natural ingredients, it has dermatologist approval, and you do not need to run any more double checks. There is no exfoliation involved, and you can use it as a regular cleanser.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- Gentle facial cleanser
- Glycolic acid and minerals
- Rejuvenating and nourishing
- For everyday use
- No potential side effects
- Hydrating
- Moisturizing
- Glorious looking skin
- Healing skin
- Instant relief from dark circles
- Best for sensitive skin
- Compatible for all types of skin
- Cleaner younger-looking skin
- Dermatologist approved
- Affordable
- Immediate effects
Cons
- Glycolic acid may need some tolerance and slight irritation to your skin
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Closure | Best Drugstore Products for Milia
Milia is a condition but not hard to get rid of. Use just 1-2 products regularly, which are assigned explicitly for milia. You might have to use it for a longer time before actually noticing the change in your milia. Keep your face clean, and the milia spots will eventually start to subside. There are many products in the market, and here I have listed some of the Best Drugstore Products for Milia. Choose the kind of product that you want to imbibe in your skincare routine.
Your skincare routine needs to have a limited number of products. Do not complicate your way and stick to only one or two products concerning your milia. So choose the correct cleanser, cream, or scrub, and you’ll be good to go. This is an opportunity for you to fight your milia and get rid of the white bumps troubling you for years.
I aim to help as many people I can with the knowledge & experience I hold in skincare & makeup. Watching friends & HIMYM is my guilty pleasure 😀