---
title: Milia
entity_type: Concern
canonical_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/concerns/milia
date_modified: 2026-05-26
date_reviewed: 2026-05-26
mcp_eligible: true
summary: Milia are tiny keratin-filled cysts that can appear under the eyes; they are not regular whiteheads and should not be picked, squeezed, or scrubbed at home.
ranked_products:
  - title: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
    url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/paulas-choice-2-bha-liquid-exfoliant
ranked_product:
  title: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
  url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/paulas-choice-2-bha-liquid-exfoliant
key_ingredients:
  - title: Salicylic Acid
    url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/salicylic-acid
evidence_sources:
  - title: DermNet — Milium, milia
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-milium
    original_source_url: https://dermnetnz.org/topics/milium
    source_type: dermatology_reference
  - title: Cleveland Clinic — Milia
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/cleveland-clinic-milia
    original_source_url: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17868-milia
    source_type: medical_reference
product_fact_sources:
  - title: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant — Official Product Page
    canonical_citation_url: https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-paulas-choice-2-bha-liquid-exfoliant
    original_source_url: https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-perfecting-2pct-bha-liquid-exfoliant/201.html
    source_type: official_product_page
---

# Milia

## Quick Summary

Milia are tiny keratin-filled cysts that sit just beneath the skin surface. They often look like small pearly white bumps, especially around eyelids, cheeks, and delicate under-eye skin. They are not regular whiteheads and should not be squeezed.

## Causes

Milia form when keratin becomes trapped below the surface. DermNet describes them as small cysts containing keratin, and Cleveland Clinic frames them as usually harmless. Around the eyes, heavy product layers, irritation, and natural skin turnover patterns can make people notice the texture more, but appearance alone cannot confirm the cause.

## Related Entities

- [DermNet — Milium, milia](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/dermnet-milium)
- [Cleveland Clinic — Milia](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/cleveland-clinic-milia)
- [Official Product Page — Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant](https://skinknowledgebase.com/sources/official-product-page-paulas-choice-2-bha-liquid-exfoliant)
- [Salicylic Acid](https://skinknowledgebase.com/ingredients/salicylic-acid)
- [What causes milia under my eyes?](https://skinknowledgebase.com/questions/what-causes-milia-under-my-eyes)
- [Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant](https://skinknowledgebase.com/products/paulas-choice-2-bha-liquid-exfoliant)