Achieving clear skin from head to toe usually requires tackling more than one skin care concern — after all, the skin on your body often acts differently than the skin on your face.
For many, keratosis pilaris — or KP as many experts call it — is one of those issues that crop up on our body, resulting in “chicken skin.” However, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, “keratosis pilaris is also known as rough and bumpy skin" that is often related to a lack of moisture, build-up of keratin on the skin and more.
Luckily, there are ways to both treat and prevent the condition from occurring. Here, we’ve rounded up the top products to keep your skin bump-free and some expert tips to help you navigate your keratosis pilaris journey.
What is keratosis pilaris?
Characterized by fine bumps and dry patches, keratosis pilaris is a common condition that has to do with a lack of moisturization, decreased exfoliation and a buildup of keratin inside the pores. This build-up of keratin — which is a protein that protects skin — blocks the opening of hair follicles, creating tiny bumps. “It’s a dry skin marker that is associated with eczema and atopic dermatitis," adds Hartman.
While a cosmetic concern for many, KP is most often a harmless skin condition that can appear throughout the body (arms, legs and behind) and sometimes the face, too. Keratosis pilaris may worsen in colder climates and on occasion, itch, but can be improved with treatment.
How do you get rid of keratosis pilaris?
If you’re hoping to see progress fairly quickly, you’ll want to search for KP products that perform a few key tasks.
“Exfoliating and moisturizing are essential to controlling KP. Exfoliation removes dead cells from the skin’s surface — these skin cells are plugging the follicle and trapping keratin, which causes the bumps,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose.
She specifically recommends chemical exfoliation (as opposed to physical exfoliation) for KP. “Some options for chemical exfoliation include acid-containing topicals like lotions, cleansers or creams and chemical peels ranging from mild daily peels to stronger in-office monthly or biweekly peels.”
Here are a few more effective ingredients the pros we polled swear by:
- Moisturizers: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, petrolatum, dimethicone, glycerin
Best keratosis pilaris treatments, according to experts and editors
Best for strawberry legs:
“This body cream is very moisturizing and has a lot of great active ingredients. Salicylic acid, lactic acid, citric acid and glycerin do the ‘heavy lifting’ and moisturize and smooth skin,” Dr. Liia Ramachandra, a former pharma executive and skin care expert, says.
Per the brand, this lotion boasts a lightweight formula and also works for a range of other skin care concerns, including stretch marks, razor bumps, dark spots and fine lines.
For lightweight moisture:
This gentle hydrator from Neutrogena is one of Hartman’s favorites. It utilizes hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate the skin for long-term moisture retention. It’s also fragrance-free and non-greasy, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Smoothes and moisturizes:
This bestseller is one of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch’s go-to products for KP and it’s easy to see why. The versatile formula is hypoallergenic and harnesses the power of seven moisturizers and three vitamins to leave skin feeling softer, smoother and less bumpy, according to the brand.
Strong but gentle on the skin:
Ramachandra is also a fan of this treatment for its strong yet gentle ingredient list. “I love it because it has salicylic acid and plant extracts. It has no allergens (such as parabens, fragrance etc.) and it is super lightweight yet exfoliates and softens rough skin,” she tells us.
For face and body:
AmLactin offers a Rapid Relief version of their ever-popular moisturizing body lotion that Mian recommends.
“Amlactin has alpha hydroxy acids that help clear off the top layer of dead skin cells. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are also humectants and help skin hold on to water, making them excellent ingredients in moisturizers,” Mian says.
Best retinol for keratosis pilaris:
A callout from Kiran Mian, a medical and aesthetic dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery, this anti-aging lightweight lotion quickly goes to work to smooth and firm skin, tackle breakouts and moisturize.
“It has retinol, which is encapsulated to prevent irritation as well as squalane and cocoa butter to replenish moisture,” she tells us.
Easiest applicator:
From ingrown hairs to KP, this body stick from The Inkey List seems to target it all in an easy-to-use applicator. "I originally started using it for keratosis pilaris bumps along the backs of my arms and razor burn on my legs and noticed an immediate difference after the first use," raved commerce writer Emma Stessman, who has also used it under her arms, too. "Not only has it helped improve the appearance of razor bumps, but I’ve also noticed less odor when I sweat."
Stessman also didn't find the product drying or irritating on her sensitive skin, "likely thanks to the inclusion of shea butter in the formula," she adds.
Best drug store KP lotion:
CeraVe’s SA renewing formula also comes in a lotion format and Dr. Angela J. Lamb, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, is quite fond of it. “It’s easy to find at most drugstores and contains salicylic acid in a rich, emollient base,” she says.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis also notes that the lotion contains niacinamide, a potent antioxidant.
“It helps calm the irritation and redness which can result from KP itself and from exfoliating. The ceramides in this product strengthen the skin barrier and glycerin draws in moisture and seals it in providing long-lasting hydration,” she says.
Soothes dry skin:
Ramachandra also loves this non-greasy ceramide cream that’s made with a mix of botanical-, earth- and marine-based ingredients.
“It provides the needed moisture and hydration for keratosis pilaris. The cream is cruelty-free, paraben-free, vegan, gluten-free, fragrance-free and non-toxic,” she raves.
Ideal for extremely dry skin:
Formulated with salicylic acid, this CeraVe cream is also recommended by Hartman due to its exfoliating formula. Not only does the salicylic acid buff away dead skin cells, but the ceramides in the formula deeply hydrate the skin for a nourished feeling post-application.
Best exfoliator for keratosis pilaris:
Both physical and chemical exfoliants are used in this body scrub to erase signs of keratosis pilaris — fast. To combat any irritation from all that extra exfoliation, this product also contains bisabolol for a calming effect and vitamin E for hydration.
“It contains two types of alpha hydroxy acids (lactic and glycolic acid) as well as pumice buffing beads, which mechanically remove dead skin cells,” Lolis tells us.
If you really step up your efforts to tackle KP, First Aid Beauty also offers a value set with the scrub and other products to address all areas that impact keratosis pilaris, which you can shop here. "It exfoliates, moisturizes and addresses ingrown hairs,” Lamb tells us.
A beauty award winner:
"Ahead of summer, I was thrilled to try this in an effort to smooth my skin," mentioned partnerships editorial assistant Erica Marrison for our recent Beauty Awards. "I’m a regular body bar user and this one met my high expectations. Additionally, I’m scent sensitive but this scent didn’t bother me at all. It’s very gentle and doesn’t smell artificial."
The brand notes that the scrub is great for buffing away rough skin, treating keratosis pilaris and combatting strawberry skin.
For a professional treatment-feel:
“Keratosis pilaris is very common and it’s not considered harmful, so while treatment is not required, some people wish to treat it,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick says.
Combining the benefits of a chemical peel and microdermabrasion into one product, this formula uses both glycolic acid and lactic acid to deeply penetrate the pores and clear out the skin for a softer feel.
For dry to very dry skin:
Lolis is a fan of this lotion from Isdin. “It contains 10% urea but also contains emollients, which restore hydration for up to 24 hours. This relieves any dryness or itchiness, which is commonly associated with KP,” the expert tells us.
Plus, according to the brand, the fast-absorbing formula is lightweight and won’t leave skin feeling greasy.
Worth the splurge:
“Keratosis pilaris involves skin that is under-hydrated, under moisturized and under exfoliated, so treatment should address all three,” says Hartman. “ Moisturization is achieved with emollients and heavy creams containing ceramides to replenish the skin barrier. Exfoliation is achieved through hydroxy acids like glycolic and salicylic acid.”
This kit by Glytone is a favorite of Hartman’s since it includes a glycolic acid-based body wash and a lotion to tackle all the symptoms of KP at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some skin types are naturally more prone to certain skin conditions, but KP in particular can affect just about anyone.
“Keratosis is a very common skin condition. It has been estimated that almost 50% of people will experience some form of keratosis pilaris in their lifetime,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp says.
Per Murphy-Rose, all skin types can develop KP, but it’s more common if you have dry skin.
“It has been associated with dry skin, eczema and vitamin A deficiency. KP is incredibly common and runs in families,” she tells us.
The condition itself is caused by abnormal shedding of skin cells, according to Murphy-Rose.
“Dead skin cells build up around hair follicles, plugging the follicles and trapping keratin. People with KP have skin cells that adhere longer than normal to the underlying skin cells around the hair follicles. This leads to the plug that traps the whitish keratin below,” she says.
Of course, KP can be triggered at certain times more than others.
“Keratosis pilaris can be exacerbated by dry skin. Common causes of dry skin include long showers, multiple showers, using hot water in a shower or bath, not using a moisturizer after a bath or shower and using soaps that strip skin of oils that normally help to trap moisture in the skin,” Camp explains. “Environmental factors that can worsen KP include cold temperatures and a lack of humidity.”
Garshick adds hormonal changes — such as pregnancy — to the list of potential triggers.
Keratosis pilaris can be pretty stubborn, but with regular treatment twice a day, you can typically expect to see improvement within one month, according to Murphy-Rose.
“While the skin may feel softer and smoother immediately after exfoliation, it may take weeks to months to see consistent improvement,” Garshick adds.
Per Camp, the “chronic condition” has no cure and consistent treatment is necessary.
“In order for treatments to be effective, they need to be used on a regular basis over an extended period of time. While some people with mild cases of KP may notice an improvement after just a few weeks, others may need to continue treatment for a few months before noticing changes,” the pro says.
Now that we’ve gone over what to do to treat KP, let’s take a moment to explain what not to do if you’re hoping to avoid exacerbating the situation. Here’s a quick cheat sheet from the experts:
Mechanical exfoliators (harsh scrubs and loofahs): “These irritate and inflame skin, leading to worsening KP,” Murphy-Rose says.
Anything that’ll dry out your skin: “Keeping showers short, showering only once a day, using gentle cleansers and showering with lukewarm or tepid water are tips to help maintain the skin’s natural oils, which normally function to trap water in the skin,” Camp says.
How we chose
We leaned on the recommendations and expertise of dermatologists and cosmetic chemists to select the best keratosis pilaris treatments. We also tapped into the knowledge of Shop TODAY editors, asking them to share their favorite products for keratosis pilaris they own and love.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. He also serves as Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine. He has previously shared his expertise on body lotions with SPF, vitamin C serums and activated charcoal in skin care.
- Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist in New York and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Cornell. She currently practices at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York.
- Dr. Ranella Hirsch, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Boston. Her specialties include laser surgery and cosmetic dermatology, often lecturing physicians on those topics. She has previously spoken with us about how to repair your skin barrier, how to care for your scalp and retinol serums.
- Dr. Liia Ramachandra, Pharm.D., Ph.D, is a former pharma executive and skin care expert based in Canoga Park, California. She is the CEO and founder of skin care brand Epilynx. She has previously shared her expertise on retinol serums, body oils and thinning hair.
- Dr. Angela J. Lamb, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. She has previously spoken with us about thinning hair, retinol serums and seasonal hair loss.
- Dr. Margarita Lolis, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, practicing at Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists in New York City. She is also fellowship-trained and a Mohs surgeon.
- Dr. Kiran Mian, DO, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York City.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist for MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. She serves patients in Manhattan, New York, and Clifton, New Jersey. She has previously shared her expertise on hydrating skin care, gold in skin care products and The Ordinary products.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. He currently practices at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery which has several locations around New York.
