My Keratosis Pilaris Isn't Invited on Summer Travels—These 11 Treatments Keep It at Bay
Rough patches, meet your match.
My husband has had keratosis pilaris—aka the bumpy “chicken skin” most commonly found on the backs of the arms, cheeks, and thighs—his entire life. Even after doctors told him he’d “grow out of it,” he’s still dealing with small bumps and surrounding redness decades later. Luckily, he’s married to a beauty editor (hi, it’s me!), which means he’s tested more than his fair share of KP treatments—some that reduce redness, some that smooth the bumps, and some that do both.
“Keratosis pilaris is a very common and harmless skin condition caused by a buildup of keratin—a protective protein—in the hair follicles,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kristina Collins, MD. “This leads to tiny, rough bumps. While it's not dangerous, it can be cosmetically bothersome for many.” The best treatments, she says, “combine chemical exfoliants [like AHAs and BHAs] and hydrating ingredients.” That means look for salicylic, glycolic, or mandelic acid to break down keratin plugs, plus hydrators like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier.
The truth is, what works for one person might not work for another—so yes, this may be a bit of a trial-and-error situation. As board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, puts it: “There isn’t a cure for keratosis pilaris or anything that will make it magically disappear quickly, but there are treatments that can make it better.”
Ahead, I’ve rounded up 11 of the best keratosis pilaris products on the market at a range of price points and tapped Dr. Henry, Dr. Collins, and more top dermatologists to answer your most common KP questions. Keep scrolling to shop and learn more.
The Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatments
- Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatment Overall: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
- Best Fragrance-Free Keratosis Pilaris Treatment: Peach & Lily KP Bump Boss Smoothing Body Lotion
- Best Dual-Action Keratosis Pilaris Treatment: Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
You’ve (probably) seen this body scrub pop up time and time again in your search for the best KP treatment—and for good reason. "An effective KP treatment option uses exfoliating ingredients such as glycolic and lactic acid—[both found in] the First Aid Beauty Body Scrub—but without being too irritating or drying. Calming ingredients like bisabolol and moisturizing ingredients like glycerin and dimethicone help relieve irritation, inflammation, and still provide moisture to the skin," says board-certified dermatologist Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD.
It’s not just derm-approved, either: editors, reviewers, and even my beauty guinea pig of a husband appreciate how it leaves their skin feeling smoother than before.
Size: 8 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Pumice buffing beads (physical exfoliant); Glycolic and lactic acid (chemical exfoliants); Bisabolol (soothing)
What I Love: Combines physical and chemical exfoliation; Available in both fragranced and fragrance-free versions; Comes in a convenient mini size
What I Don't: The tube can be hard to squeeze, especially as you near the end
Review for MC: "Getting rid of my KP has been an ongoing mission, and like many, I haven’t quite cracked the code. That said, this body scrub—handed to me by my wife with zero room for negotiation—has made a subtle yet noticeable difference. The physical exfoliant is gentle enough not to inflame my already-sensitive skin, so I use it a few times a week, always followed by moisturizer. It hasn’t completely cleared my so-called chicken skin, but it’s helped, and that counts for something." — Nick Buhta, husband of contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca
Contributing beauty writer Marisa Petrarca's husband uses the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
As much as I love a good fragrance, it’s not the best match for sensitive skin, especially if you’re dealing with KP. That’s one of the many reasons countless beauty enthusiasts reach for this powerhouse formula from K-beauty favorite Peach & Lily. It blends six percent lactic acid and four percent glycolic acid (a notably potent combo) with a mix of hydrators and barrier-strengthening ingredients to smooth and soothe.
Size: 6 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Lactic and glycolic acid (chemical exfoliants); Urea (moisturizing); Glycerin (hydrating); Bisabolol and cica (soothing)
What I Love: Fragrance and essential oil–free; Brand clearly lists the exact percentages of exfoliating acids; Packed with soothing ingredients
What I Don't: Some users say the texture can feel a bit sticky
Review for MC: "I really tried to get ahead of my KP this summer, especially because I had so much travel (and strapless tops) on the books. This particular scrub has been my favorite. It's taken down a lot of the redness, so while I can still feel a little texture, my KP really isn't visible to a naked eye." — Sydney Holender, sister to senior beauty editor Samantha Holender
Sydney Holender uses Peach and Lily KP Bump Boss Smoothing Body Lotion.
I always recommend Paula’s Choice to friends and readers alike because the brand’s great at making no-BS formulations. This one’s my favorite for anyone dealing with both KP and occasional body breakouts, because it works for both. Its star ingredient is salicylic acid, which famously unclogs pores, clearing away the buildup that causes both breakouts and keratin plugs, which are responsible for KP. You can even use it as a spot treatment, so you’re really getting your bang for your buck, IMO.
Size: 7 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (chemical exfoliant); Bisabolol and allantoin (soothing); vitamin E (antioxidant); Chamomile and green tea extract (soothing)
What I Love: Great for KP and body breakouts; Doubles as a spot treatment; Bottle is recyclable through TerraCycle
What I Don't: Fragrance-free, but some find the natural smell off-putting
Review for MC: "While the above Peach and Lily option is so much gentler, I sometimes double up with this Paula's Choice treatment. This is a really strong formula that I throw in my routine about once a week. It makes a huge difference with texture." — Sydney Holender, sister to senior beauty editor Samantha Holender
Sydney Holender uses Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA.
It’s not the flashiest product on the shelf, but that’s often a good sign. According to Dr. Kristina Collins, ammonium lactate—a salt form of lactic acid—is a top-tier ingredient for smoothing rough, bumpy skin. It’s gentle, yet effective and more sensitive skin-friendly than pure lactic acid. She recommends using a formula with 12 percent ammonium lactate daily, so with this one clocking in at 15 percent, you might see results a bit faster. Just be sure to patch test if your skin tends to be sensitive!
Size: 3 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid (chemical exfoliant); Glycerin (hydrating); Petrolatum (moisture-sealing)
What I Love: Travel-friendly; High concentration of lactic acid; Two-pack available if you want to stock up
What I Don't: Small bottle size
Customer Review: "I’ve been using AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone for a couple of weeks, and the results are fantastic! The 15% lactic acid formula works wonders on my dry, bumpy skin, especially on my arms. It’s both an exfoliator and a moisturizer, leaving my skin smooth and hydrated. The bumps from keratosis pilaris have noticeably reduced, and my skin feels much softer overall. The cream absorbs quickly without a greasy feeling, and I love that it starts working almost immediately." — Amazon
While The Ordinary’s glycolic acid toner isn’t officially marketed as a keratosis pilaris solution, let me assure you that it does the job. Right after your shower, pat your skin dry (leave it a bit damp), then smooth a few drops on any KP spots. Lock it in with a rich, occlusive moisturizer. Skincare‑obsessed Redditors love using moisturizers containing urea for this step, which makes sense because as Dr. Henry explains, "Urea is another great ingredient to look for as it is an emollient that can help exfoliate and soften the skin."
Size: 8 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid (chemical exfoliant); Urea (exfoliating and softening); Glycerin (hydrating); aloe leaf water and ginseng root extract (anti-inflammatory and soothing)
What I Love: Can be used all-over (face, neck, scalp, and body); Comes in a travel-friendly size
What I Don't: Some customers reported that their bottles leaked during transit
Customer Review: "This has become a must-have in our skincare routine. I originally bought The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% for myself, but I started using it on my daughter’s arms to help with her keratosis pilaris (those little dry, bumpy patches), and the results have been amazing! We apply it a few times a week using a cotton pad, and her skin has become noticeably smoother and less irritated." — Sephora
The secret behind CeraVe isn’t magic; it’s a smart, straightforward approach to barrier repair. Every product is made with three essential ceramides that people with skin conditions like eczema and keratosis pilaris are often missing. This drugstore lotion is a go-to for smoothing bumpy skin, thanks to salicylic acid (to gently exfoliate keratin plugs), ammonium lactate (to resurface and hydrate), and hyaluronic acid (to lock in moisture).
Size: 8 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and Ammonium Lactate (exfoliating); Glycerin (hydrating); ceramides (barrier-repairing)
What I Love: There’s a SA cleanser to pair with it if you want a full routine; MVE Delivery Technology releases ingredients slowly to minimize irritation; Uses essential ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier
What I Don't: Some find the texture greasy
Customer Review: "I’ve been using this lotion for over a year now, and the difference in my skin texture is impressive. The rough patches on my arms and thighs have noticeably smoothed out, and those tiny bumps (keratosis pilaris, I think?) have almost disappeared. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, which is a big plus." — Amazon
Eucerin isn't just a great treatment for KP—this lotion also works wonders on sandpaper elbows, eczema, inflamed skin, and other topical concerns, due to the hydrating glycerin and the shea butter that locks it in for ultimate moisture. “[It] effectively delivers 48 hours of hydration. It is also enriched with urea to gently chemically exfoliate, so it smooths and softens rough and bumpy skin,” says Dr. King.
Size: 16.9 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Urea (exfoliating and softening); Lactic acid (chemical exfoliant); Glycerin (hydrating); Ceramide 3 (barrier-repairing)
What I Love: Most affordable option on my list; Widely available; Large bottle
What I Don't: Texture feels slow‑absorbing for some
Customer Review: "I have keratosis pilaris pretty bad on my legs. I've tried tons of different lotions for it, and this is the first one to really work! I like that it is unscented. It's not thick or greasy, but not thin and watery either. Love it!" — Amazon
Laura Dyer, board-certified physician assistant with Dr. Amy Wechsler Dermatology, says: “Alpha and Beta Hydroxy acids are the best treatment for KP—look for products with salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid to help exfoliate and smooth the skin." This kit covers the essentials with a body wash and lotion combo, taking the guesswork out of finding the right duo.
She adds: "This fragrance-free body wash and lotion duo also has an exfoliating pouf to add to the experience, if you have sensitive skin start by incorporating this set once a week then work your way up to using it two to three times a week."
Size: 16.9 fl oz
Key Ingredients:
Exfoliating Body Wash: Glycolc acid (chemical exfoliant); Glycerin (hydrating)
Exfoliating Body Lotion: Glycolic acid (chemical exfoliant); Glycerin (hydrating); Allantoin (soothing); Vitamin E (antioxidant and soothing); Petrolatum (moisture-sealing)
What I Love: Comprehensive two-step system; Brand specializes in glycolic acid formulations; Comes with a loofah
What I Don't: Some users report a slight stinging sensation, likely due to the potent glycolic acid concentration
Customer Review: "Trust me, this is very worth the money. I read mixed reviews, so I wasn't sure about buying it, but I took a chance and it's probably the best thing I've spent my money on in awhile. I've had really bad keratosis pilaris on my thighs for as long as I can remember. I never wear shorts in summer. I always pretend to be cold, but it's really because I'm embarrassed. I started using this kit and noticed a little bit of results right away, but after a couple of weeks, I noticed a HUGE difference. My thighs are now so smooth. I could not be happier. It's honestly changed my life. I feel SO much better about myself." — Amazon
As the name of this product suggests, the star here is urea, an ingredient you should be well-versed in by the end of this article. It’s a gentler alternative to the more aggressive exfoliating acids out there, with the unique ability to smooth and hydrate at the same time. This formula features a 10 percent concentration, which strikes that ideal balance: strong enough to soften rough texture, but gentle enough for daily use (just ease into it and check in with your derm to find the cadence that works for you).
Size: 13.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Urea (exfoliating and softening); Glycerin (hydrating); Shea butter (moisturizing); Allantoin (soothing)
What I Love: Hygienic pump bottle; Great for dry skin; Sensitive skin-friendly
What I Don't: Some find it to be a bit sticky
Customer Review: "I have dry skin, and I get KP on my arms. I am always on the lookout for the perfect lotion. I ordered this to try on my arms. I've been using it for a couple of weeks now and I absolutely love it! I live in Florida, so in the summer, heavy lotions feel gross, but my skin is so dry that I have to compromise sometimes. Not with this lotion from La Roche-Posay. The lotion feels thick when it comes out of the bottle, but it soaks in easily and doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy." — Amazon
Who says bar soap can't be cool? Just look at this blue buffing bar from Soft Services, the brand behind some of beauty's most Instagrammable products (see: the Theraplush hand cream). This two‑bar set uses superfine mineral crystals for physical exfoliation (great for bumps and KP) balanced with hydrating glycerin, shea butter, and aloe vera to soothe.
Size: 7.5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Magnesium Oxide and Alumina (physical exfoliants); Glycerin (hydrating); Shea butter (moisturizing and softening)
What I Love: Clean at Sephora-approved; Comes with two bars; Vegan
What I Don't: Might make the shower slippery
Customer Review: "This is an essential item that is always restocked in my home. As someone with hyperpigmentation and thick dark hair, this bar does magic. No more Keratosis Pilaris (strawberry skin). Hello to smooth, exfoliated and soft skin. You maximize effects if you use their daily exfoliant. Also… yes you can use it down there for ingrown hairs (seriously a lifesaver; just be gentle)." — Sephora
If KP has ever flared up on you, you know how those bumps can redden. Meet Skinfix’s KP + Psoriasis Smoothing Treatment. It combines a powerful trio: four percent glycolic, one percent lactic, and two percent salicylic acids to smooth those bumps, while 1% niacinamide helps calm redness and fade pigmentation around them.
Size: 5 fl oz
Key Ingredients: Glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid (chemical exfoliants); Urea (exfoliating and softening); Niacinamide (anti-acne, brightening, and firming); Shea butter (moisturizing)
What I Love: Uses niacinamide, an anti-inflammatory ingredient; Reduces scaling and flakiness
What I Don't: For best results, needs to be paired with the brand's Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream
Customer Review: "If you use it daily, you will definitely observe an improvement in keratosis pilaris bumps, one of the few lotions that I actually found effective." — Sephora
What Is Keratosis Pilaris?
“Keratosis pilaris is a common genetic skin condition that’s caused by a buildup of keratin in the hair follicle, forming rough, hard plugs that can look inflamed and red,” says Dr. Levin.
How Do I Permanently Get Rid of Keratosis Pilaris?
Despite the fact that KP occurs in about half of all adults, there’s still no one-size-fits-all treatment that works for everyone. Even dermatologist Dr. Hadley King co-signs that: “There is no 'cure' for this—KP is genetic and it will come back if you stop treating it. Gentle exfoliation, either physical or chemical, can temporarily improve the texture.”
Should I Exfoliate Every Day If I Have Keratosis Pilaris?
No, you shouldn't exfoliate every day if you have keratosis pilaris. "Daily exfoliation can actually make KP worse by irritating the skin," explains Dr. Collins. "I recommend exfoliating two to three times per week with a gentle chemical exfoliant, and focusing on daily moisturization instead."
What to Look for in a Keratosis Pilaris Treatment
- Exfoliating Actives: "You want to look for active ingredients that are exfoliating, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid and/or salicylic acid," says Dr. Henry. "Urea is another great ingredient to look for as it is an emollient that can help exfoliate and soften the skin." It’s a particularly good option for sensitive skin since it's gentle yet effective.
- Hydrating Ingredients: Dr. Collins explains that while chemical exfoliants help break down keratin plugs (aka those tiny bumps), “hydrators like hyaluronic acid and barrier-protecting ingredients such as ceramides help maintain healthy skin.” The combination of exfoliation and hydration is key because it helps keep the skin balanced and prevents irritation.
- Fragrance-Free Formulas: According to Dr. Collins, the best keratosis pilaris treatments are fragrance-free. Not every product on this list follows that guideline—and some people do tolerate fragrance without issue—but if your skin leans sensitive, it’s best to steer clear of added fragrance and overly potent actives. When in doubt, run it by your dermatologist before adding anything new to your routine.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Beauty writer Marisa Petrarca brings nearly a decade of expertise to this story and has researched and tested countless exfoliating treatments over the years. For this piece, she consulted four board-certified dermatologists and a physician's assistant for expert insight and enlisted her husband to test KP treatments alongside other Marie Claire staffers. She evaluated each formula based on ingredient quality, ease of use, and effectiveness.
Meet the Experts
Kristina Collins, MD, is a double-board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas, specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, as well as surgical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also the co-founder of Austin Skin Physicians and founder of Foy by Dr. Kristina Collins MD.
Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC specializing in Mohs micrographic surgery, laser surgery, and cosmetic dermatology. She's also the owner and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.
Hadley King, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Laura Dyer, PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant with Dr. Amy Wechsler Dermatology, specializing in aesthetic and clinical skin care.
