The 11 Best Treatments for Keratosis Pilaris of 2023

Best Overall

CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin

4.9

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Arch like that this formula exfoliates and hydrates, with a combination of salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid. It also contains three different skin-strengthening ceramides for barrier repair. It’s great for those who have KP and have really dry skin, who need both exfoliation as well as deep moisture, says Arch. The same active ingredients are in a heavier, cream variant as well, should you desire a thicker application.

"As someone who doesn’t always take the time to moisturize from the shoulders down post-shower, using this nightly has been a game-changer for my skin," our tester said. "Not only have the dry patches on my legs, elbows, and heels disappeared, but the texture on my back has started to smooth."

Price at time of publish: $41

Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 8 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best With Lactic Acid

Perrigo Ammonium Lactate Lotion

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Exfoliating lotions that contain alpha-hydroxy acids are choice for helping to combat KP, says Arch; this particular formula touts a 12% concentration of lactic acid, one of the gentlest yet most effective AHAs out there. Plus, because it’s fragrance-free, it’s less likely to irritate skin that might already be red or inflamed from KP.

Price at time of publish: $33

Active Ingredients: Lactic acid | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 14 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Drugstore

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

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Lactic acid is a key ingredient in this soothing exfoliating cream. “This lotion is always a favorite,” says Arch. “It’s a gentle exfoliating treatment that’s suitable for all skin types and has an appealing lightweight texture,” she adds, noting that you can use it either once or twice per day.

Dermatologist Nava Greenfield, MD of Schweiger Dermatology Group in Brooklyn, NY, is also a fan, noting that it’s very similar to a prescription cream she often recommends.

Price at time of publish: $16

Active Ingredients: Lactic acid | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 8 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Extra Strength

Glytone KP Kit

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For those with pretty intense KP, Arch suggests using an exfoliating body wash in the shower, followed by applying an exfoliating lotion. She’s a fan of this set, which contains both. “Even my patients who haven’t found relief with other over-the-counter products tend to respond well to this easy-to-use kit,” she says. Along with helping to combat bumps, the high glycolic content in this formula also helps to even out both skin tone and texture, she adds.

Price at time of publish: $69

Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid | Skin Type: Acne-prone, combination, dry, mature, balanced, oily, sensitive | Size: 6.7 ounces (body wash), 8.4 ounces (body lotion) | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Budget

Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion

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“This contains urea, another alpha-hydroxy acid that’s highly effective at breaking up keratin plugs and also helps the top layers of the skin retain moisture,” explains Arch. The addition of creamy shea butter to soften and hydrate dry spots makes this a soothing pick.

Price at time of publish: $12

Active Ingredients: Urea, shea butter | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 16.9 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Rich Formula

Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Cream

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Arch says beta-hydroxy acids, such as salicylic, are highly effective on KP. This rich cream uses AHAs and willow bark extract (a natural alternative to salicylic acid) to do the exfoliating duties. It’s fragrance-free but still has a nice, naturally-derived scent.

Price at time of publish: $48

Active Ingredients: Coconut oil, shea butter, willow bark extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 10 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Scrub

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub 10% AHA

4.9

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If you have KP, proceed with caution when using scrubs. Aggressive physical exfoliation can cause KP to become inflamed and ultimately worsen the condition, warns Arch.

One exception to the rule: this formula. “The gentle physical exfoliators are combined with both glycolic acid and lactic acid for simultaneous chemical exfoliation, and the formula is nourishing to avoid irritation, she says.

"This scrub is intense," our tester noted. "Packed with AHAs and BHAs, I use it twice a week to keep my KP and body acne in check. Nothing makes my skin quite as smooth, but if you have sensitive skin, make sure to use it sparingly."

Price at time of publish: $30

Active Ingredients: Glycolic and lactic acids | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 fluid ounces, 8 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Lightweight Hydration

Oui The People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss

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A combination of soothing lightweight oils, including avocado and rosehip deliver collagen boosting properties, leaving skin with KP glossy. Reviewers note the weightless texture felt great on rough patches on the backs of arms and elbows. Squalane helps to exfoliate in a gentle, and hydrating way, without any irritation.

Price at time of publish: $65

Active Ingredients: Squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.3 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Lotion

DERMAdoctor KP Duty Rough, Dry, Bumpy Skin Moisturizing Lotion

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If you're looking for a body lotion that actually lives up to its claims, this one won't let you down. It contains humectants like urea and ceramides to draw moisture in from the air and hydrate the skin, while a blend of AHAs and BHA gently exfoliate to address stubborn bumps. Just a heads up, using this product daily will make your skin more susceptible to sunburn, so make sure to slather on the SPF too.

Price at time of publish: $40

Active Ingredients: Urea, salicylic acid, AHAs, ceramides | Skin Type: Dry, bumpy, reactive | Size: 8 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best In-Shower

Soft Services Buffing Bar Microcrystal Exfoliant

4.9

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For a product you can use in the shower, look no further than Soft Services. This bright blue bar looks like your average soap, but it's so much more. The exfoliating formula gets to work smoothing bumps while delivering ample moisture to extra-dry skin. You can expect to see noticeable results, but bear in mind this product is not recommended for sensitive or irritated skin.

Price at time of publish: $28

Active Ingredients: Magnesium oxide, alumina, shea butter, aloe vera | Skin Type: Bumpy, dry | Size: 2 ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes