The 13 Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatments, According To Dermatologists

There’s a reason this daily moisturizing lotion was a top choice for every dermatologist we spoke with—it works! “This drugstore pick is a classic product for treating KP and it uses a high concentration of lactic acid—a gentle chemical exfoliant—to slough away dead skin and reduce the appearance of rough texture,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and deeply moisturizes the skin in a non-greasy type of way.

Rave review: "I have tried many lotions for KP and this is by far the best. Has almost totally cleared my skin—wish I had found this 10 years ago."

“I love the mix of ingredients in this product because it uses a blend of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide, and urea to help smooth, clarify, and brighten,” says Dr. Yadav. "Plus glycerin, allantoin, and postbiotics to support a healthy skin barrier and lock moisture into the skin." In other words, you really get a bang for your buck.

Rave review:"The most AMAZING healing lotion for my KP! I have always struggled with KP (so the little bumps on my arms) and have tried to find a solution...This works well and doesn’t smell harsh!"

If you’re in a pinch, you can run into any drugstore to find this body lotion for rough and bumpy skin, says board-certified dermatologist Thomas Griffin, MD. It uses salicylic acid, lactic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide to help reduce dryness and irritation, and offers 24-hour hydration to keep your skin cool, calm, and comfortable, he adds.

Rave review: "This is one of the creams I must use for a skin condition I have, and it works beautifully! Have used it for some time and it is the best!"

Say goodbye to pesky KP with this gel body treatment that simultaneously exfoliates and hydrates to resurface dull, rough skin. “Despite how potent this formula is, it has a high concentration of a retexturizing hydroxyethyl urea/aminosulfonic acid compound and four percent niacinamide, and has a very comfortable, lightweight gel texture that absorbs easily,” says Dr. Yadav.

Rave review: "This is the only product I found so far that works for my keratosis [pilaris] on legs and arms! Highly recommend!"

Seven moisturizers in one product is tough to beat, and this Gold Bond skin therapy is perfect for even the driest skin. It also contains salicylic and lactic acid to gently exfoliate, without causing redness or irritation.

Rave review: "I used this product for over a year. I stopped using it for a bit and the bumps were back. Now it’s a beauty product staple!!"

This overnight peel is a multi-action treatment to gently exfoliate, refine pores, and visibly soften, smooth, and brighten dull skin. On top of that, board-certified dermatologist Faranak Kamangar, MD says this peel is a gold-standard product that's safe, effective, and reliable.

Rave review: "I regularly wake up with small pimples on my face but once I started using this before bed, it’s almost completely stopped. Absolutely recommend."

“In addition to AHAs (exfoliants that help break down the bonds between skin cells and break apart dirt and debris within pores) like glycolic and lactic acid, this scrub features two forms of gentle exfoliants known as PHAs that help hydrate skin as they resurface, plus willow bark, a form of BHA that can help unclog the hair follicle,” says Dr. Yadav.

It also uses natural silica to physically exfoliate, rather than harsh shell or seed fragments, for a comprehensive scrub that helps smooth, soften, and clarify the skin, she adds.

Rave review: "My skin feels so silky and smooth. My KP has improved so much it’s almost naked to the eye."

“This is an exfoliating scrub that contains glycolic and lactic acid to help break down the plugs caused by KP,” says Dr. Griffin. It also contains colloidal oatmeal and ceramides to moisturize and calm the skin while delivering natural exfoliation to refine texture, he explains. Another perk? It’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free which is great for sensitive skin.

Rave review: "I suffer from KP and this has really helped. Didn't even know they made such a product. Happy I found this and will be using it often for flare-ups."

An exfoliating body wash, body lotion, and pouf all in one? Sounds good to us! Dr. Griffin swears by this kit since it uses glycolic acid to exfoliate dead skin for a smoother, softer complexion, without causing irritation.

Rave review: "Highly recommend. My skin feels soft. It works well on my sensitive skin without irritation."

Retinoids are a great option to soften and exfoliate the skin, and Dr. Kamangar says this is a go-to for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Not to mention, this retinoid is non-irritating, anti-aging, and uber-hydrating to help you achieve clear, smooth, and soft skin.

Rave review: "This is the only retinoid product I have used that does not leave my skin red and irritated. I use it nightly in combination with the cleanser and moisturizer. Love the way my skin is looking!!"

Ready to erase your KP bumps for good? Try this body scrub with eco-friendly jojoba beads to physically exfoliate and pineapple and papaya enzymes to deliver natural AHAs. The treatment prevents ingrown hairs, removes excess sebum, lightens dark spots, and prevents inflammation.

Rave review: "I have [KP] on the bottom of my derrière and I get bumps on my lady bits when my hair starts to grow back after waxing. I used this and it all went away fast actually. Excellent product I would definitely purchase again."