Xanthelasma Under Eyes

Key Takeaways

Cholesterol bumps under eyes are usually xanthelasma: soft, yellowish patches of cholesterol-rich fat in the skin of the lower eyelid. They’re harmless and painless, often sit near the inner corner and on both sides, and can be linked to raised cholesterol, so a check with your doctor is worthwhile.

• Xanthelasma is most common on the upper eyelids, but it can form under the eyes too.
• The patches are soft, yellow and flat or slightly raised. They don’t itch or hurt.
• Hard, white, pinhead bumps are more likely to be milia, which aren’t cholesterol at all.
• About half of people with xanthelasma have normal cholesterol.
• It’s linked to a higher risk of heart disease, even with normal cholesterol, so ask for a blood test.
• The patches rarely go away on their own, even when cholesterol comes down.
• Xanthel® xanthelasma removal cream is a cosmetic gel that can be made up for patches under the eyes.

By the Xanthel® teamUpdated 4 October 2026

What Are Cholesterol Bumps Under The Eyes?

Cholesterol bumps under the eyes are usually xanthelasma: small deposits of cholesterol-rich fat that build up in the thin skin of the lower eyelid. They show up as soft, yellowish patches, which is why many people search for “yellow spots under eyes” before they ever hear the word. They’re harmless, but most people would rather they weren’t there.

Under-eye patches usually start near the inner corner, close to the nose, and they often appear on both sides. When both eyes are affected it’s called bilateral xanthelasma, and it’s very common. Many people also have patches on the upper lids, which is where xanthelasma shows up most often.

The patches tend to grow slowly over months or years and rarely fade on their own. They don’t itch, hurt or affect your sight. But because they can be linked to raised cholesterol, diabetes or an underactive thyroid, they’re worth mentioning to your doctor.

Xanthoma Under The Eye: Is It The Same Thing?

Xanthoma is the umbrella name for fatty deposits in the skin, and they can appear almost anywhere, from the elbows and knees to the tendons. When one forms on or around the eyelids, it’s called xanthelasma. So if a doctor has mentioned a xanthoma under your eye, they almost certainly mean xanthelasma, and everything on this page applies to you. Our guide to xanthoma explains the other types.

Xanthomas elsewhere on the body are more often linked to very high cholesterol or triglycerides. If you have fatty deposits on your skin as well as under your eyes, tell your doctor, because it’s worth looking into.

Under the eyes, though, the patches are a cosmetic worry rather than a medical one, and there are good ways to deal with them.

Are Cholesterol Deposits Under Eyes Serious?

The deposits themselves aren’t dangerous. They don’t spread into the eye, affect your vision or turn into anything else. The main reason to take them seriously is what they can say about your health.

A Danish study of nearly 13,000 people, published in the BMJ, found that people with xanthelasma had a higher risk of heart attack and heart disease, even when their cholesterol was normal. That doesn’t mean you’ll have heart problems, but it’s a good reason to ask your doctor for a simple blood test for cholesterol, blood sugar and thyroid.

Does It Mean You Have High Cholesterol?

Not necessarily. According to NIH StatPearls, about half of people with xanthelasma have normal cholesterol, so you can eat well, stay active and still get them.

If your test does show raised cholesterol, bringing it down is good for your heart and may help stop new patches forming. It usually won’t shift the ones already there, which is why many people look at cosmetic options too. Our xanthelasma diet guide has easy food swaps.

What Causes Cholesterol Deposits Under The Eyes?

Xanthelasma forms when cholesterol-rich fat collects in cells just under the thin skin of the eyelid. Raised cholesterol or triglycerides are the best-known cause, and they can run in families. Other links include diabetes, an underactive thyroid and liver problems, and a diet high in saturated fat can push cholesterol up too.

It’s more common from middle age and in women, but it can affect anyone. Our guide to xanthelasma causes explains each one and what you can do about it.

How To Get Rid Of Cholesterol Deposits Under Eyes

Lowering your cholesterol is worth doing for your health, but on its own it won’t remove patches that have already formed. To get rid of them, you have a few choices.

Clinic options include laser, freezing, chemical peels and surgery. A doctor does them, and because the skin under the eye is so thin, ask about the risk of marks or lighter skin before you book.

Or you can deal with them at home. Xanthel® is a cosmetic gel designed to improve the look of xanthelasma, and it can be made up for patches under the eyes. Please don’t try garlic, acids or other DIY remedies here, because the skin is too delicate. Our xanthelasma removal guide compares every option.

Questions About Cholesterol Under Eyes

Are White Bumps Under The Eyes Cholesterol?

Usually not. Small, hard, white bumps are more likely to be milia, which are trapped keratin. Cholesterol deposits under the eyes are soft and yellowish.

Can Cholesterol Bumps Under Eyes Go Away On Their Own?

Very rarely. They usually stay the same or grow slowly, even if your cholesterol comes down.

Are Cholesterol Bags Under Eyes The Same Thing?

No. Puffy bags are usually fat or fluid behind the lower lid, not cholesterol in the skin. Xanthelasma is a flat or slightly raised yellow patch.

Can I Use Xanthel® Under My Eyes?

Yes. Tell us where your patches are and we’ll make it up to suit. It’s for the skin around the eyes, never in the eye itself. See our before and after photos.

Should I See A Doctor?

Yes, for a simple blood test. Go sooner if a bump bleeds, hurts, grows quickly or changes colour.