14 Best Keratosis Pilaris Self-Care Treatments for Your Smoothest Skin Yet
The quest for clear skin doesn't stop at the neck. With breakouts and bumps possible anywhere you have hair follicles, the best keratosis pilaris self-care treatments have proven especially indispensable. That's because keratosis pilaris, or KP, is a surprisingly common skin condition; About 50% to 80% of teenagers and 40% of adults will experience it at some point, according to the Cleveland Clinic. So, if you're experiencing areas of small rough bumps that look more like red goosebumps than zits or bouts of eczema, you may be dealing with keratosis pilaris or KP.
To address these bumps, we rounded up 14 of the best products for keratosis pilaris, as recommended by dermatologists, that'll promote cell turnover and smooth the look of skin.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, $30
- Best Lightweight Lotion: DermaDoctor KP Duty Dry, Rough, Bumpy Skin Moisturizing Lotion, $40
- Best Physical Exfoliant: KP Away Skin Polish, $20
- Best Chemical Exfoliant: Oui the People Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Serum, $45
- Best Drugstore: CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin, $16
- Best Dual-Exfoliant: Fur KP Body Scrub, $38
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Peach & Lily KP Bump Boss Microderm Body Scrub, $29
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is keratosis pilaris or KP?
- How do you treat keratosis pilaris?
- Can you permanently get rid of keratosis pilaris?
- Should I see a dermatologist for KP?
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Why It's Worth It: "Because people with KP have a genetic tendency toward allergies and skin sensitivity, it is important to be mindful of products with fragrances, which can be irritating," Texas-based board-certified dermatologist Heidi Prather, MD, of Westlake Dermatology, says. This First Aid Beauty scrub is a fragrance-free formula that's unlikely to irritate sensitive skin, and it offers both chemical (lactic and glycolic acid) exfoliation and physical exfoliation to buff away dead skin cells and smooth skin texture.
Editor Tip: New York City-based dermatologist Hadley King, MD, also gives First Aid Beauty's KP Smoothing Body Lotion a hearty stamp of approval. "It contains lactic acid and urea to gently exfoliate and smooth the skin, as well as colloidal oatmeal and ceramides to support the skin barrier," she explains.
Key Ingredients: Buffing beads, glycolic acid, lactic acid
Best Lightweight Lotion: DermaDoctor KP Duty Dry, Rough, Bumpy Skin Moisturizing Lotion
Why It's Worth It: Dermadoctor's KP Duty line was one of the first skin-care collections to specifically call out keratosis pilaris as its target, and it's still a staple. Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Louisiana, refers to the surprisingly lightweight lotion as a derm staple. Key ingredients include a patented blend of AHAs, BHA, PHAs, urea, and green tea — and that's just the top of the list. To replenish and protect your dry, bumpy skin, ingredients like eight ceramides and squalane come to the rescue to provide hours of moisture.
Editor Tip: Other products like the Body Scrub are still gaining fans, thanks to their carefully formulated concoctions of microdermabrasion and exfoliating acids.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, squalane
Best Physical Exfoliant: KP Away Skin Polish
Why It's Worth It: KP Away's Skin Polish is designed for ultra-sensitive skin, so the jojoba oil wax beads won't further exacerbate irritated skin — in fact, they do the opposite. As you scrub, the exfoliating beads in this 2022 Best of Beauty Award-winning formula biodegrade into a nourishing oil for the skin to absorb, leaving you with softer, smoother skin.
Editor Tip: Many keratosis pilaris solutions come in the form of a body lotion or acid-concentrated treatment, but in-shower exfoliation is a great way to get a jump on handling this pesky skin condition.
Key Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil, aloe, coconut oil
Best Chemical Exfoliant: Oui the People Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Serum
Why It's Worth It: Known for its gorgeous, single-blade razors, Oui the People is making serious moves in other smoothing departments. While you should not use the Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Serum post-shave (hello, potential irritation), this clear gel is formulated with a gold mine of texture-clearing, brightening ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and PHA. To nourish skin post-exfoliation, there's Atlantic sea kelp to soothe skin and maintain moisture levels.
Editor Tip: Since this contains heavy-duty acids, start by using it a few times a week, then work your way up to daily use.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, polyhydroxy acid
Best Drugstore: CeraVe SA Lotion
Why It's Worth It: CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin is a favorite of New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Sperling, MD, who says the formula's salicylic acid — that's what the SA in the name stands for — is an effective way to smooth skin. Despite also gaining exfoliating benefits from lactic acid, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Marina Peredo, MD, says this body moisturizer is incredibly gentle and locks in hydration with hyaluronic acid, while also maintaining your skin's barrier with critical ceramides.
Editor Tip: The lightweight lotion absorbs quickly, so it's a great option for hot or humid weather.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Best Dual-Exfoliant: Fur KP Body Scrub
Why It's Worth It: For a more intensive treatment, we suggest grabbing a bottle of Fur's KP Body Scrub, a formulation that features a highly concentrated blend of physical and chemical exfoliators. As perlite, a mineral derived from volcanic rocks, polishes away dead skin cells, lactic acid dissolves excess keratin buildup, and licorice root extract brightens the tone of skin and reduces the look of dark spots on your upper arms, legs, and just about anywhere else you scrub. (If that sounds drying, don't sweat: Sunflower seed oil helps replenish moisture and support the skin barrier.)
Editor Tip: The exfoliation can even help tackle ingrown hairs.
Key Ingredients: Perlite, lactic acid, licorice root
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Peach & Lily KP Bump Boss Microderm Body Scrub
Why It's Worth It: "Peach & Lily KP Bump Boss Microderm Body Scrub has 10% AHA and PHAs, as well as hyaluronic acid to help loosen dead skin while hydrating the skin," Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Caroline Robinson, MD, says. No wonder this Korean bath scrub-inspired treatment keeps selling out. (If you happen to catch it in stock — well, stock up.) There's a long list of soothing, redness-reducing ingredients to nourish compromised skin, including mugwort, barley, and cica.
Editor Tip: The ingredients in this scrub are also found in the best products for body acne and can tackle below-the-neck breakouts.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, cica
Best Luxury: U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound
Why It's Worth It: Like many of the products on this list, U Beauty's Resurfacing Body Compound contains a trifecta of chemical exfoliants. In this particular formula, you'll spot mandelic, glycolic, and lactic acids all working their texture-transforming wonders. But what makes U Beauty's impressive concoction stand out is its inclusion of biomimetic peeling peptides, an ingredient known for its firming properties. All of this is housed in a luxurious serum that alleviates dry patches, unclogs keratin blocks (that cause stubborn bumps), and smooths away clogged pores.
Editor Tip: It needs an hour to sink in before you can apply moisturizer, so plan accordingly.
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, glycolic acid, peptides
Best Body Scrub for Keratosis Pilaris: StriVectin KP Care Bump Exfoliating Body Scrub
Why It's Worth It: StriVectin's KP Care Bump Exfoliating Body Scrub takes a slightly different approach from others: While this body scrub contains lactic acid, as many do, it pairs that with pomegranate enzyme ferment, which is a gentler alternative to exfoliating acids. That makes it milder but no less effective. It also offers a physical exfoliant, with exfoliating beads to slough off dead skin. Together, they help skin feel smooth and buttery-soft, but not at all dry.
Editor Tip: The scrub works best when applied to dry skin, so use it before hopping in the shower.
Key Ingredients: Microderm crystals, lactic acid, pomegranate enzyme ferment
Best for Rough Skin: AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
Why It's Worth It: When no less than five dermatologists recommend a particular lotion for KP, it has to be good — like this potent, 12% lactic acid formula. "It is important to have lactic acid in a regimen to help break down keratin in the hair follicles," Dr. Sperling, says. Since it's a treatment and moisturizer packaged in one convenient formula, it can be used on a more regular basis compared to more concentrated formulas, Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Minneapolis, confirms.
Editor Tip: While the Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion is a staple, Dr. Turegano, also recommends the Rapid Relief Restoring Lotion, which pairs 15% exfoliating lactic acid with three types of ceramides to intensely hydrate skin.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycerin
Best Body Mask: Naturium AHA/BHA/PHA KP Resurfacing Treatment Body Mask
Why It's Worth It: The ingredient list for Naturium's AHA/BHA/PHA KP Resurfacing Treatment Body Mask reads like a Who's Who of chemical exfoliants — think alpha hydroxy acid, beta hydroxy acid, and polyhydroxy acid. Unlike some scrubs, it actually sticks on the skin for more effective buffing (courtesy of pumice and jojoba beads). That also allows it to double as a body mask; simply slather it on, let it sit while you condition your hair, and then rinse.
Editor Tip: With this many exfoliating acids, you'll want to apply sunscreen all over after using this, especially if you plan to be outdoors.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, pumice, salicylic acid
Most Long-Lasting: Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion
Why It's Worth It: Similar to its dermatologist-recommended counterpart, the Intensive Repair Lotion, this bump-smoothing moisturizer incorporates urea and lactic acid with barrier-protecting ingredients like shea butter and ceramides. Dr. King says this formula excels in softening rough areas like elbows and heels. To add to its benefits, "glycerin hydrates and shea butter locks in that hydration to moisturize, effectively delivering 48-hour-long hydration," she notes. Meanwhile, Dr. Liu is a fan of its non-sticky, fast-absorbing texture that caters especially to "those who don't enjoy heavy creams of sticky lotions."
Editor Tip: Since it doesn't leave a greasy feel, it also doubles as a good hand cream.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, urea, shea butter
Best KP Duo: Glytone KP Kit
Why It's Worth It: It's not just exfoliating lotions and scrubs that help smooth the look and feel of keratosis pilaris — the best body wash for keratosis pilaris can make a difference, too. "I really like the two-step approach in the KP Kit by Glytone that pairs a glycolic acid-based body cleanser and body lotion with vitamin E for extra hydration," Dr. Prather says.
Dr. Robinson is also a fan of the Exfoliating Body Wash, in particular. Its "8.8 free acid value of glycolic acid is mild enough for sensitive skin but effective enough for dry, rough, bumpy, or flaky skin on the body," she says of the body polish, which can be used to treat dry or scaly feet and legs — as well as the rest of the body. In addition to recommending this wash for KP, Dr. Robinson says the brightening formula also helps reduce hyperpigmentation, too.
Editor Tip: The kit includes a loofah for gentle scrubbing.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, vitamin E, glycerin
Best Body Butter: Bliss Texture Takedown Skin Smoothing Body Butter
Why It's Worth It: With a formula so velvety, it's surprising that Bliss's Texture Takedown Skin Smoothing Body Butter packs an impressive 10% blend of alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids. It also uses squalane as an emollient — meaning it fortifies the skin barrier — so you can use this as both a KP treatment and your everyday moisturizer. While it's meant for KP, it can also handle rough, dry areas like the knees and elbows.
Editor Tip: The tube and cap are recyclable through Terracycle.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, squalane
Frequently Asked Questions
What is keratosis pilaris or KP?
"Keratosis pilaris is a buildup of keratin — a hair protein — in the pores that clogs up and blocks the opening of growing hair follicles," New York City board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, previously told Allure. "As a result, small bumps form over where the hair should be. Birmingham-based board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, notes that "KP differs from dark pores (or "strawberry legs"), which represent shaved dark hairs and keratin that turn dark when exposed to oxygen." So, if you run your hands over your skin and don't feel physical bumps, it's most likely not KP.
To add on, Texas-based board-certified dermatologist Heidi Prather, MD, of Westlake Dermatology, says KP occurs due to a dysfunction in the hair follicle. Symptoms of keratosis pilaris include "small bumps resembling 'chicken skin' that can occur on arms, legs, or even your face."
How do you treat keratosis pilaris?
As KP can look similar to acne, the approach to reducing it is similar to that of acne. "Treatment of KP responds best to a combination of exfoliation and hydration," Dr. Prather explains.
Specifically, New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Sperling, MD, says alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) are the way to go. "When treating keratosis pilaris, it is important to look for products with lactic, salicylic, or glycolic acid to help smooth skin," she says. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, adds that KP tends to flare up during the winter months, so having a potent moisturizer to combat dryness on hand is extra key.
Can you permanently get rid of keratosis pilaris?
However, Dr. Kim warns that "KP is very difficult to treat and persists throughout adulthood." While he does say the aforementioned acids — in addition to ammonium lactate, urea, and vitamin A derivatives — can help reduce bumpiness, they will not cure KP.
Should I see a dermatologist for KP?
Keep in mind that products and treatments may work to varying degrees of success for different people. "There are many types of KP that may require a customized approach based on your presentation and symptoms," Dr. Prather says. “See your board-certified dermatologist for evaluation, diagnosis, and a customized treatment plan, including topical therapies and possible in-office laser treatments that can help improve the discoloration and rough texture from KP."
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When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best KP treatments, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
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More skin-care treatments to address all of your concerns:
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- The 14 Best Acne Scar Treatments for Smooth, Even Skin, According to Dermatologists
- 15 Best Creams for Psoriasis Symptoms, According to Dermatologists
- 15 Best Neck Creams to Help Tighten and Lift
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