Ingrown hairs make my blood boil. They appear as tiny, infuriating bumps and show no respect for timing, outfits, or beach day plans. In my quest to banish them for good, I’ve tried what feels like every product on the planet—I’ve even had laser hair removal on a significant portion of my body, with plans to keep going until I’m smooth from head to toe (and therefore avoid shaving altogether). But until that glorious day comes, I, like so many of us, still deal with the occasional stubborn ingrown. That’s where the best ingrown hair treatments come in to help, and lucky for us, there are plenty of options that actually work.
But before we get into the MVPs, let’s level-set with a quick 101: "Ingrown hairs occur when a hair strand grows back into the skin instead of straight out, causing irritation and bumps," explains Rachel Westbay, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical. "They are often caused by hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, or plucking, as well as friction from tight clothing."
Ingrowns are especially common in areas with thick, curly hair (like the bikini line), where dead skin cells can trap new growth beneath the surface. Certain habits—like shaving against the grain, pulling the skin taut, or using a dull razor—can also make them more likely to appear, Dr. Westbay adds. The fix? Consistency. The best ingrown hair treatments combine chemical exfoliants, hydrators, and anti-inflammatory ingredients to soothe bumps and help prevent them from recurring.
Since you deserve only the most effective options, I rounded up 15 ingrown hair treatments that are actually worth your money, tried and tested by me, Marie Claire editors, dermatologists, and fellow beauty obsessives. Keep scrolling to find your new favorite, and don’t forget to read through the Q&A at the end for even more expert insight.
The Best Ingrown Hair Treatments
- Best Ingrown Hair Treatment Pads: First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads With BHA & AHA
- Best Body Serum for Ingrown Hair: Tata Harper Resurfacing Body Serum
- Best Heavy Duty Ingrown Hair Treatment : Tend Skin Ingrown Hair Solution
I’m not one to ignore a dermatologist’s product rec, especially when it’s this convenient. Board-certified dermatologist at Austin Skin, Kristina Collins, MD, suggests the First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads With BHA & AHA for their mess-free design and impressive formula. Each pre-soaked pad uses a pore-clearing blend of AHAs and BHAs, plus soothing witch hazel to calm skin as it exfoliates. Pro tip: Some reviewers cut them in half to make the jar last even longer.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic and salicylic acid (exfoliating); Witch hazel (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory); Bisabolol (soothing)
What I Love: Easy to use, pre-soaked pads; Dermatologist-recommended; Pads are compostable
What I Don't: The brand recommends waiting a full day post-shave to use them because using them too soon can cause irritation
Review for MC: "I love First Aid Beauty’s Radiance Pads, so of course these were next on the list. They have both beta-hydroxy acids and alpha-hydroxy acids for deep exfoliation and aloe for moisture, making them great for sensitive skin. I’ve been using them on my knees and underarms to prevent ingrown hairs, and this is the longest I’ve gone without irritation in both areas. 10/10 product.” — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Beauty writer Ariel Baker uses the First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads with BHA & AHA.
This multitasking body serum hydrates skin and treats ingrown hairs in one very luxurious step. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and formulated to use daily, not just when bumps make an unwelcome appearance. In true Tata Harper fashion, the formula swaps synthetics for potent botanicals sourced from the brand’s Vermont farm and trusted ethical growers around the world.
Key Ingredients: Willow bark extract (soothing and exfoliating); Sugar cane extract (exfoliating); Centella asiatica extract (soothing); Calendula flower extract (anti-inflammatory)
What I Love: Sensitive skin-friendly; Meets Clean at Sephora standards; Housed in recyclable (and luxurious) glass bottle
What I Don't: Most expensive option on the list
Review for MC: "I scoured my body for ingrowns in the name of journalism and found myself in a weird spot—happy not to have any, but mildly disappointed I couldn’t share dramatic before-and-after shots of this exfoliating body serum. But honestly, that might be the best endorsement of all. This stuff works preventatively. I’m someone who exfoliates regularly, and pairing that routine with this silky, lotion-like serum has become my not-so-secret recipe for staying ingrown-free (well, that and the laser hair removal I mentioned earlier)." — Marisa Petrarca, Contributing Beauty Writer
Marisa Petrarca uses the Tata Harper Resurfacing Body Serum.
With thousands of five-star ratings on Amazon, it’s no secret that Tend Skin Solution has a fiercely loyal following. And it tracks: one look at the ingredient list confirms it means business. Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin—yes, that’s the correct spelling for the topical version) helps calm redness and gently exfoliates, while alcohol disinfects and hydrating ingredients work to balance things out. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing pick on our list, but it gets the job done. Just be warned, if you have sensitive skin, it's strong.
Key Ingredients: Acetylsalicylic acid (anti-inflammatory and exfoliant); Isopropyl alcohol (antiseptic); Glycerin and diglycerin (hydrating)
What I Love: Available on Amazon Prime; Loved by men and women since 2001; Has over 5,000 five-star ratings
What I Don't: Uses alcohol, which can be drying and irritating
Review for MC: "This aftershave from Tend is honestly a miracle worker. My husband has been dealing with some pretty serious ingrown hairs after cutting his beard, and I gave him a bottle of this to use. I kid you not, within a week, I saw a drastic improvement in the appearance of his skin. We will now never be without this product." — Ariel Baker, Beauty Writer
Beauty writer Ariel Baker uses the Tend Skin Ingrown Hair Solution.
There’s bar soap, and then there’s this exfoliating MVP from Soft Services. It’s loaded with gritty physical exfoliants like magnesium oxide and alumina, which work overtime to slough off dead skin cells, keep follicles clear, and help prevent ingrowns before they even have a chance. It’s ideal for spots that can handle serious scrubbing (think: the backs of your arms, legs, and butt) and also uses skin-soothing hydrators to leave you soft and smooth.
Key Ingredients: Magnesium oxide and alumina (physical exfoliants); Aloe (soothing and hydrating); Glycerin and shea butter (hydrating)
What I Love: Ideal for ingrown hair prevention; Gritty texture is a dream for physical exfoliant fans; Also works well for keratosis pilaris
What I Don't: Doesn't contain chemical exfoliants or anti-inflammatory ingredients, so it's not as effective at treating active ingrowns as some other options on my list
Review for MC: "My keratosis pilaris is no match for these buffing bars. I’ve been using one for the last two years on the back of my arms and around my knees to fight that annoying chicken skin texture, but for total body exfoliation, they’re also stellar to keep my skin super smooth." — Hannah Baxter, Beauty Director
Fur lands a well-earned spot on our list of the best ingrown hair treatments. The brand was created with one goal in mind: to care for body hair, whether you’re removing it, growing it out, or, in this case, dealing with pesky ingrowns. This formula is made for anywhere you’re prone to them and features chemical exfoliants, which, as Dr. Westbay says, are key for sloughing away the dead skin cells that “can block hair follicles and lead to ingrown hairs.”
Key Ingredients: Witch hazel (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory); Willow bark extract (soothing and exfoliating); Lactic acid (exfoliating); Aloe (soothing and hydrating)
What I Love: Uses dermatologist-recommended ingredients; Fans call it "magic"; Also available in a rollerball version
What I Don't: Contains essential oils, which may be irritating to some people with sensitive skin
Customer Review: "I have been dealing with ingrown hairs under my belly button that have made me insecure for almost a decade now! I have light skin, so they always show up and look really bad when they do. I've been using this stuff every day for a week and guys...I could cry. It actually works. I have sensitive skin, and I have had ZERO issues. It's worth the price." — Amazon
This roll-on tonic gets a gold star from both MC's Beauty Director, Hannah Baxter, and Dr. Westbay. It’s packed with ingredients that help prevent ingrown hairs and take down the ones already testing your patience. And the applicator is straight-up genius; you simply roll it on to affected areas and keep your hands clean in the process.
Key Ingredients: Willow bark extract (soothing and exfoliating); Glycolic acid and salicylic acid (exfoliating); Zinc PCA (antimicrobial and oil-balancing); Allantoin (soothing); Glycerin (hydrating)
What I Love: Hygienic and mess-free design; Fragrance and essential oil-free; Vegan
What I Don't: Takes a few minutes to dry after application
Customer Review: "I was skeptical, but this product really is as good as the reviews say it is! I have struggled with ingrown hairs around my bikini line for YEARS. I use this roll-on product after every shower, and it has dramatically reduced my ingrowns and helped heal scars from past ingrowns. This is worth the hype!" — Amazon
Word to the wise: Don’t sleep on the drugstore beauty aisle just because the packaging isn’t as chic. This body treatment is one thousands of people reach for to tackle ingrown hairs, thanks to its no-frills yet potent formula. It uses the essential exfoliants and calming ingredients your skin actually needs, minus the potentially irritating (and totally unnecessary) fragrance and dyes.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid and lactic acid (exfoliating); Niacinamide (anti-inflammatory and brightening); Ceramides (strengthening); Glycerin and hyaluronic acid (Hydrating)
What I Love: Comes in both a pump and a tub, depending on your preference; Part of a larger salicylic acid line, so you can build out your routine; Great for barrier repair thanks to its ceramide-packed formula
What I Don't: Some find the texture of the formula too thick and heavy
Customer Review: "I have super sensitive skin. Horrible razor burn and ingrown hairs. This stuff works wonders on both of those!! I have always been so self-conscious when wearing a bathing suit, but this stuff has seriously changed my life." — Amazon
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is basically a celebrity in the beauty world, with a bonafide cult-following thanks to its skin-smoothing benefits. While it’s not explicitly marketed as an ingrown hair treatment, it might be even better because it’s multipurpose. You can use it on your face and neck like a traditional toner, but countless shoppers also apply it to areas prone to ingrowns—and rave about the fast-acting results.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid (exfoliating); Green tea leaf extract (soothing)
What I Love: Alcohol-free formula; Comes in a mini size if you want to test it before committing to the full bottle; Made with the maximum-strength salicylic acid allowed in over-the-counter products
What I Don't: Not specifically marketed for ingrowns, so it may fly under the radar if you're not looking
Customer Review: "I’ve struggled with ingrown hairs over my body my whole life, and no amount of exfoliating brushes/scrubs does the work quite like Paula’s Choice! I use it two or three times a week after a shower, and the results have been amazing. It also helped to fade dark marks from previous ingrown hairs in about two weeks!" — Amazon
The Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Extra Strength Daily Peel is one of the most iconic exfoliating treatments on the market. The two-step system starts with a pre-soaked pad to exfoliate, followed by a second step to neutralize and deliver protective antioxidants. I—and plenty of reviewers—swear by it for treating and preventing ingrown hairs. Best of all? It works fast.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid (exfoliating); Witch hazel (antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory); Zinc PCA (anti-inflammatory and oil-balancing); Retinol (promotes cell turnover); Vitamin C (brightening); Chamomile extract (anti-inflammatory; Green tea extract (antioxidant and soothing)
What I Love: Individually packaged (great for hygiene and travel); Multipurpose benefits like smoother texture and added glow; Innovative two-step system
What I Don't: Not specifically formulated to use on the body
Customer Review: "The Dr. Gross Alpha Beta extra strength peels are amazing, I have sensitive skin, so I used one on my face, one on my neck and chest, and the rest for my legs which get ingrown hairs frequently. The result is that my skin is soft and clear after use." — Dr. Dennis Gross
Much like the rollerball-style treatment I mentioned earlier, EADEM’s Smooth Slate Ingrown Relief Serum is a multitasker in every sense of the word. It gently exfoliates to free trapped hairs and help prevent new ones while soothing irritation and fading post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (aka dark spots) with brightening ingredients like azelaic and mandelic acids. Bonus: It even features daffodil extract, which early studies suggest may help slow future hair growth.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid and mandelic acid (exfoliating); Azelic acid (anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial); Allantoin (soothing)
What I Love: Improves the appearance of dark spots; Clear formula is transfer-proof; Can be used on face and body
What I Don't: It’s called a “serum,” but it’s actually a solid balm stick
Customer Review: "The Eadem Smooth Slate Ingrown Relief Serum is a must-have summer body care essential! I love the formula & this is the first time I’ve seen a serum in cream form. It glides on so smoothly, goes on clear, and dries down quickly. My dark spots on my bikini line have visibly brightened, and when I notice an ingrown, a couple of swipes bring it right to the head for easy extraction. I’ve tried a lot of serums over the years, and this one is hands down my favorite and is a new staple. If you’re considering whether it’s worth the buy, it is!" — Sephora
We can’t talk about ingrown hairs without addressing the pubic region, which, as you likely know firsthand, is especially prone to them thanks to frequent hair removal (if that's your thing) and ultra-sensitive skin. This is one of the few products that explicitly states it’s safe for your most delicate areas, but don’t let that limit you. It works just as well anywhere you shave, wax, or pluck.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic, glycolic, and mandelic acid (exfoliating); Jojoba seed oil (softening); Hyaluronic acid (hydrating)
What I Love: Gynecologist-tested for safety; Doubles as a discoloration treatment (just note you’ll need a bit more product than when you use it for ingrowns); Dries down quickly
What I Don't: You shouldn't apply it anywhere near the inside of your vagina, as it's for external use only
Customer Review: "I'm almost finished with the first bottle, so I ordered another! I no longer get ingrown hairs AND the hyperpigmentation between my thighs has improved SO MUCH. Nothing has ever worked before." — Ulta
It’s not every day you see a brand openly share the exact percentages of its active ingredients, especially since they’re often present in lower concentrations. But that’s one of the things I love about The Inkey List. The formula breaks it down for you: 7 percent glycolic acid to exfoliate, 0.5 percent salicylic acid to clear pores, and 10 percent shea butter to soothe and moisturize. Together, they strike that sweet spot between gently resurfacing skin and keeping it calm (aka a win for anyone dealing with ingrowns).
Key Ingredients: Glycolic and salicylic acid (exfoliating); Shea butter and jojoba oil (moisturizing)
What I Love: The brand specifies the exact concentrations of its most potent actives; Under $20; Also works wonders on rough elbows and knees, and dry, cracked heels
What I Don't: Some users find the texture a bit greasy
Customer Review: "The internet recommended I try this after shaving to avoid bumps and ingrown hairs, and boy, did this not disappoint. I make sure to apply this after shaving and have not gotten pesky bumps or ingrown hairs since. The product glides on smoothly and clear and has no scent. I will be repurchasing this until the end of time." — Sephora
Jan Marini is a brand worth having on your radar if you’re into luxe formulas that actually target specific concerns. Its lineup includes categories for everything from texture to acne, plus options that work double-duty on ingrown hairs, like this dual-exfoliant body wash. It features a biodegradable physical exfoliant (a major upgrade from traditional microplastics) paired with calming ingredients to help soothe irritation.
Key Ingredients: Polylactic acid (biodegradable physical exfoliant); Glycolic acid (exfoliating); Aloe vera (soothing); Chamomile (anti-inflammatory); Glycerin (hydrating)
What I Love: Dual exfoliation (physical and chemical); Uses biodegradable beads instead of traditional microplastics; Glycolic acid is listed high, suggesting an effective concentration
What I Don't: Contains methylchloroisothiazolinone, a preservative that can irritate sensitive skin
Customer Review: "If you're prone to ingrown hairs or irritated bikini line, this stuff is a miracle worker. It lasts a long time since you don't have to use a lot or every day, and it really helps eliminate ingrown hairs after shaving, waxing, or epilating." — Amazon
If you’re all about getting the most out of every dollar, this exfoliating body wash deserves a spot in your shower. At under $20 for a generously sized 16.9 fl oz. pump bottle, it’s the best value on our list. The ingrown hair treatment leans on AHAs to gently slough away dead skin, making it ideal for preventing ingrowns before they start. But if you’re dealing with the angry, already-there kind, you’ll probably want to reach for something with salicylic acid to go a little deeper.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic, lactic, and malic acid (exfoliating); Sodium PCA and glycerin (hydrating)
What I Love: Easy to find at major retailers; Generously sized (16.9 fl oz) bottle lasts a long time; Can also be used on face
What I Don't: Some reviewers reported issues with the pump arriving broken
Customer Review: "I saw this product on TikTok. I have always had extremely thick, coarse hair. I constantly have ingrown hairs, even on areas that I don't shave, because my hair is just so thick. I also struggle with razor burn. This product has really helped my skin. My skin feels really soft, and I'm having fewer ingrown hairs and red bumps." — Amazon
I’ve covered just about every texture imaginable in this roundup, except oils. Enter: Bushbalm’s Ingrown Hair Oil. This one’s especially great for sensitive skin types thanks to its minimalist, all-botanical ingredient list. This ingrown hair treatment may not pack the punch of salicylic acid-based formulas, but its blend of soothing oils still helps calm irritation and prevent ingrowns, gently.
Key Ingredients: Grapeseed oil (anti-inflammatory and hydrating); Jojoba seed oil (moisturizing and sebum-balancing); Tea tree leaf oil (antibacterial and anti-inflammatory); Copaiba oil (soothing)
What I Love: Effective ingredient list; Uses exclusively botanical oils, which is great for sensitive skin; Subscribe and save option available on the brand's website
What I Don't: Some reviewers say the pump dispenser can get messy
Customer Review: "I have tried so many different products to help with razor burn and ingrown hairs on my bikini line. This is the only one I have ever used that truly works. Bonus, it smells great and leaves my skin softer." — Amazon
What to Look For In an Ingrown Hair Treatment
No matter which formula you choose, the best ingrown hair treatments have one thing in common: they’re made with intention. "Effective treatments should help exfoliate the skin to free trapped hairs and reduce inflammation," explains Dr. Collins. "Look for products containing ingredients like salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid that exfoliates and unclogs pores), glycolic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid that smooths the skin), and soothing agents like witch hazel or aloe vera. Antibacterial ingredients like tea tree oil can also help prevent infection."
What Is Ingrown Hair?
An ingrown hair isn’t just about the trapped strand; it’s also the inflammation and irritation that comes with it. "Ingrown hairs occur when a hair curls back or grows sideways into the skin instead of rising up from it," says Dr. Collins. "They typically appear as a small, raised bump—similar to a pimple—that can be red, swollen, and sometimes filled with pus. It may be tender or itchy and may have a visible hair trapped beneath the skin’s surface."
What Causes Ingrown Hairs?
"Ingrown hairs are often caused by hair removal methods like shaving, waxing, or plucking, as well as friction from tight clothing," explains Dr. Westbay. When a hair is removed, the follicle stays put, and as that new hair starts to grow back, it may curl into the skin rather than breaking through the surface. Add in friction from clothing or repetitive movement, and the risk increases.
Dead skin cells can also play a role by clogging the hair follicle, preventing the hair from growing outwards. According to Dr. Westbay, areas with thick, curly hair—like the bikini line—are especially vulnerable. Shaving against the grain, stretching the skin taut, or using a dull razor can all raise your chances of dealing with ingrown hairs. But luckily, there are plenty of options to treat existing ingrowns and prevent the issue before it ever starts.
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 ingrown hair treatments over the years. For this piece, she consulted two board-certified dermatologists for expert insight and tested specific products alongside other Marie Claire staffers. She evaluated each formula based on ingredient quality, ease of use, and effectiveness on ingrown hairs.
Meet the Experts
Dr. Rachel Westbay, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, where she specializes in cosmetic and general dermatology.
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 the founder of Foy by Dr. Kristina Collins, MD.
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