Those clusters of rough, small bumps, typically on your upper arms, thighs, buttocks, or cheeks, are sometimes referred to as “strawberry skin” or “chicken skin,” cutesy names for a decidedly annoying skin condition that calls for the best keratosis pilaris treatments. KP “occurs when dead skin cells clog hair follicles, often due to a buildup of keratin, a protein that protects the skin,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in NYC. While there’s no magical pill or cream that can completely eliminate it, the good news is keratosis pilaris “is often manageable with gentle exfoliation and moisturizers containing ingredients like urea or lactic acid,” says Dr. Rambhia.
Ahead, we consult with several dermatologists to learn more about the skin care products that can help you build an effective regimen to treat this common condition. We took their product suggestions, and over the course of a few weeks, tested some of these highly rated products on our own bumps to see if they helped make them less visible. Our top pick is First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, thanks to its ability to gently and effectively erase our bumps after a handful of uses. But if you’re looking for creams, lotions, or pads to help you treat this condition, we gathered some great options too. Now, you have no excuse to hide your skin this summer.
The best keratosis pilaris treatment products, at a glance
- Best Overall: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub With 10% AHA, $30
- Best Retinol Lotion: Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment, $32
- Best Moisturizing Lotion: AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone Cream, $20
- Best Lightweight Lotion: La Roche-Posay Lipikar, Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion, $23
- Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Exfoliating Rough and Bumpy Cream, $15
- Best for Mature Skin: SkinFix Resurface + AHA/BHA Renewing Body Cream, $48
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Beekman 1802 Sunshine Scrub - PHA Body Exfoliator, $27
- Best for Acne Prone Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Peel Pads, $60
How we tested the best keratosis pilaris treatments
We tested keratosis pilaris products by how they felt during application, and how well they smoothed out bumps and flare-ups on our arms and legs. We opted for ones that contained chemical exfoliants such as AHAs (lactic and glycolic acid), physical exfoliants, and soothing ingredients such as ceramides and glycerin to protect and moisturize our skin barriers at the same time. We also opted for ones that were strong enough to treat those rough bumps, but sensitive enough that they didn’t irritate our skin in the process. We paid close attention to formulas that were lightweight and smoothed our skin instantly after application, and different types of products such as moisturizers, exfoliators, and soaps to allow for other options. The best treatments were gentle but worked, and gave us clearer skin in a short amount of time with consistent use.
Best Overall: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub With 10% AHA
This one ranked best overall for its elite combination of chemical and physical exfoliants (pumice puffing beads) that leave the skin exceptionally smooth and bright. The chemical exfoliants (glycolic and lactic acids) help to minimize uneven texture associated with the condition, and bisabolol helps to soothe the skin. Since it’s fragrance-free, it’s ideal for those with sensitive skin. Expect the rough bumps and “strawberry skin” to slowly disappear with consistent usage. It’s no wonder why it’s gained cult-like status.
“This body scrub is a total lifesaver when it comes to renewing my sometimes bumpy upper arms and acne-prone shoulders. With the help of both glycolic and lactic acids, this scrub works overtime to erase dead skin and oil buildup whenever my skin needs a pick-me-up,” says Glamour contributor Talia Gutierrez.
Best Retinol Lotion: Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
This treatment contains pure retinol to encourage cell turnover by removing dead skin buildup, while also helping to improve the appearance of bumps on the arms and legs. The added shea butter helps to hydrate and soften the skin, leaving it looking smooth upon waking. Glamour tester Regina Hickerson especially loves this lotion because she says when she slathers it on, she can actually feel it working. “I love the consistency of this product! It doesn’t have a smell, which is great because it doesn’t interfere with my perfumes. Wherever I apply, it feels so soft and hydrated. It has a little texture to it without being too oily. Once it’s absorbed, you can definitely slightly feel your skin tightening and becoming more firm and less bumpy. There’s no tingling, which is a good sign for sensitive skin. It definitely works, but daily use and consistency is key for great results from what I can tell.”
Best Moisturizing Lotion: AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone Cream
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Strawberry skin is no match for AmLactin’s cream. A brand known for its powerful yet nonirritating products (not to mention, extremely affordable), expect to see any KP-related bumps gone with consistent use. Don’t worry if you feel a little sting after the initial application—that just means it’s working. This product goes on thick, and while it may take some massaging for it to disappear, it offers more moisturizing benefits than other KP creams on the market.
Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine is a big fan of AmLactin and loves how this formulation treats her bumps. “I’m happy to report that AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone is just as effective [as its Daily Nourish 12% lotion] in its smoothing capabilities. I focused the application of this thick cream on the chicken-skin-y parts of my arms and legs, a bumpiness that I’ve had for years. This cream is so effective that I felt a difference in these bumps after just one application. The product is very thick, almost toothpaste-like in consistency, and it takes a bit of rubbing in the skin for it to absorb. And you can feel the lactic acid tingling as it works to exfoliate. Bonus: The cream also softened the roughness on the backs of my ankles. A caveat: Be sure to spot-test this on your skin, as it made the back of one of my arms a little ouchy. But it’s worth it, as the traditionally rough areas on my legs and arms are now touchably soft.”
Best Lightweight Lotion: La Roche-Posay Lipikar, Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion
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This top dermatologist-recommended brand is known for their efficacious products for all skin types, even the most sensitive, so it’s no surprise that this moisturizer targets affected areas in the smoothest of ways. The product’s hero ingredient, urea, works overtime to treat keratosis pilaris and is the definition of a multihyphenate: It’s both an emollient to help soften the skin and a humectant to help hydrate and target general skin dryness; and it also gets rid of dead-skin buildup. Unlike other creams, this one glides on with a lightweight feel that absorbs quickly.
“My skin—and especially my legs—are so sensitive that growing up I had to often slather them in Vaseline to stop them from itching or hurting after I shaved. It worked, but who wants to feel like an oil slick? Or have to wear sweatpants in the summer for fear of getting Vaseline all over everything else? I’ve found lots of lotions over the years that help, but am happy to add a new one to the list: La Roche-Posay’s Roughness Smoothing Lotion. I’m a huge fan of the brand overall, and the ease of the pump here, plus a formula that soothes and calms my dry, sensitive skin without it being greasy, is such a win-win,” says Glamour senior West Coast editor Jessica Radloff.
Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Exfoliating Rough and Bumpy Cream
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A go-to brand for those with hypersensitive skin, not to mention a dermatologist-favorite, Cetaphil’s cream helps with KP-related bumps without irritating the skin or disrupting the skin’s barrier. “I’ve never really used a product like this to address the bumpy skin on my upper arms and shoulders, but after using Cetaphil’s exfoliating rough and bumpy cream, I have noticed that my skin really does feel softer and more hydrated. The bumpiness is barely noticeable after only a few applications. I even noticed the difference while in the shower almost 24 hours since the last time I used it. Overall, I have been really pleased with the product and would definitely keep using it,” says Glamour contributor William Langdon.
Best for Mature Skin: SkinFix Resurface + AHA/BHA Renewing Body Cream
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Many KP creams take a while to absorb and sting highly sensitive skin, but this one glides on smoothly and, though it takes just a little extra effort to help it absorb, the results speak for themselves. Just beware of one small caveat, as our tester Twine points out. “Right off the bat, I’m giving a heads-up: This product has a strong scent (to me, it smells a little like rubber), and I saw a lot of reviews and comment threads discussing this at length. This may deter some people. However, this treatment does work,” she says. “I suggest putting this lotion on targeted areas—I put mine on my elbows, ankles, and bumpy sections of my thighs and arms. While it doesn’t make my skin as soft as other products, it does exfoliate and make fine lines look smoother. The day after my first application, I was able to gently rub off the rough skin off my ankles to reveal a smooth surface, and a few of my bumps were shedding off. Just hang on through the scent, and you may be pleased with this treatment,” says Twine.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Beekman 1802 Sunshine Scrub - PHA Body Exfoliator
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This product’s unique combination of goat-milk prebiotic and milk postbiotic, PHAs, golden-beet-root extract, and pumice (which works as a physical exfoliant) helps to slough away skin, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and of course, the bumps associated with KP—all while nourishing the skin’s microbiome to help fortify against sensitivity. What’s not to like about this scrub?
“I deal with dry, dull bumps on my legs, so a good exfoliator is much needed to keep them looking and feeling smooth. I recently tested this body exfoliator and saw an immediate improvement—my skin was a lot softer and more plush. I loved it because it’s both physical and chemical (with PHAs and pumice beads), but doesn’t strip the skin or feel overly harsh. Instead, it dissolves nicely while still doing the job, a total must-try,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best for Acne Prone Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Peel Pads
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These towelettes not only improve the overall appearance of the skin, but they help to visibly reduce bumps, improve ingrown hairs, and reduce the appearance of body acne. Powered by a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), bakuchiol to exfoliate, and squalene and aloe to soothe the skin’s moisture barrier, expect glowier and firmer looking skin even after one use.
“I must confess,” says Glamour contributor Taryn Brooke, “that I’ve been using these peel pads from Dr. Dennis Gross for years. I always go back to them once the warmer months hit, and I really need to care more about the backs of my legs, butt, and upper arms. I don’t like messy products, and the fact that these are in towelette form makes them easy to use and exfoliate hard-to-reach places on my body. I use them twice a week as part of my skin care routine, and I notice that any ingrown hair follicles from shaving or chafing from working out all but disappear. User tip: The towelette can dry out easily, so be sure to get to all the areas on the body that are an issue and don’t linger too long on one area. You can always go back to it.”
Best Dual Exfoliant: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
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This dual exfoliator is super gentle but packs a huge punch. It does more than just physically slough away skin cells with fine volcanic pumice beads—it also contains a winning combination of AHAs and BHAs that targets discoloration and leaves the skin supersmooth and with a nice, glossy sheen.
Glamour’s Kilkeary has been a fan of this scrub for years because it’s gentle enough to not overly exfoliate or harm the skin, but potent enough to actually see a difference. “Whenever my skin is looking dull or flat, I always reach for this gentle scrub to get rid of dead skin cells. I’ve never felt dried out or stripped when using this; rather, it really helps my skin retain moisture post-shower. I always finish with a moisturizing cream to lock it all in, but I never felt that dreaded skin tightness that sometimes happens post-exfoliation with this pick. My favorite part is also how luxurious the scents are, and that it comes in a fragrance-free option that’s perfect for days when your skin might be feeling extra sensitive.”
Best Soap for KP: Soft Services Buffing Bar Exfoliating Body Bar for KP and Ingrown Hair
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Exfoliants can sometimes get messy when you’re showering, but this bar takes care of that problem. The exfoliating treatment contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin and shea butter, and though it won’t replace a regular soap bar, it truly smooths and evens out the texture on areas of the skin that need some extra TLC.
“I don’t exfoliate regularly in the shower, though I do hate dealing with the dead skin that builds up from lotion and grime. My skin is quite sensitive, so that’s why I generally avoid harsh exfoliants. Still, I was curious to try this body bar, which is essentially a bar of soap with mineral microcrystals in its formula,” says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. “I used it on wet skin, and at first, it was quite gentle and slippery, but then it quickly turned rough like sandpaper. I can’t say the feeling is entirely pleasant, but if you’re someone who likes the sensation of scrubbing, it definitely fulfills that. The bar doesn’t have a strong scent (in fact, almost none at all), which I appreciated. After using it, my skin did feel smoother and not too dry, perhaps thanks to its hydrating shea butter.”
Best Face Wash: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Cleanser
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Though keratosis pilaris is more likely to occur on the body, it can also appear on the face. “It [can present as] tiny rough bumps typically on the cheeks that are very uniform in their appearance. It can also be mistaken for acne,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. The rough bumps that appear on the face may be flesh-colored, red, or slightly pink, and may feel sandpaper-y. “In some cases, keratosis pilaris on the face may be accompanied by mild redness or uneven texture, especially in individuals with a history of eczema or sensitive skin,” says Dr. Rambhia.
This cleanser is especially great for those that have the condition on their cheeks, because it moisturizes and exfoliates at the same time. It contains both AHAs and BHAs to help improve the appearance of skin texture to rejuvenate the skin. “For an added bonus, it’s great to add a topical retinoid once or twice a week at night,” says Anthony Rossi, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr Rossi Derm MD.
“Though I don’t have the condition on my face, I use SkinMedica’s AHA/BHA Cleanser one to two times a week, instead of my normal cleanser, and when my skin feels a little clogged from all the SPF I’ve been wearing lately. I love that it’s both a chemical and a physical exfoliant, and it leaves my skin bright and clear. I will say, though, any small acne spots I get at certain times of the month clear up after using this product. I’ll also take it in the shower with me at times to use on my chest and upper back—two places on my body that need some more love and unclogging. Overall, the cleanser is a great addition to my skin care routine,” says Brooke.
Frequently asked questions
What causes keratosis pilaris?
The exact cause of keratosis pilaris is not known, says Dr. Castilla. However, Dr. Rambhia says that “keratosis pilaris is largely genetic and tends to run in families. It’s caused by an inherited tendency for the skin to produce excess keratin, which can clog hair follicles and lead to the characteristic rough bumps.” The condition tends to be common in children and adolescents, but it can persist into adulthood, “especially in those with a history of atopic dermatitis or dry skin,” adds Dr. Rambhia.
What is the fastest way to get rid of keratosis pilaris?
Not only is consistency key in helping to control the symptoms of the condition, but Dr. Rossi says that simultaneously moisturizing and exfoliating is the magic recipe to keep those annoying bumps at bay. “It may seem counterintuitive, but it helps to protect the skin barrier and exfoliate out the rough acne-like bumps caused by the accumulation of keratin, which cause the red bumps we see.” Though you can use a physical exfoliant, which Dr. Castilla says can be irritating to the skin on its own, a dual exfoliant, which contains chemical exfoliants such as AHAs or BHAs, is ideal in helping to get the job done. After exfoliating, follow up with daily application of a rich, fragrance-free moisturizer. Look for ingredients that “moisturize and repair the skin barrier, such as ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid,” says Dr. Castilla.
Switching up your daily habits can also help to speed up the process. “Keep showers short and opt for lukewarm water to avoid stripping the skin of moisture. After bathing, gently pat the skin dry and apply moisturizer immediately to lock in hydration,” says Dr. Rambhia. She also recommends wearing breathable fabrics and avoiding tight clothing, as it creates friction and can cause irritation and flare-ups of the condition.
Should you exfoliate daily to get rid of keratosis pilaris?
Though dermatologists say you need to both exfoliate and moisturize areas of the body where flare-ups occur, Dr. Rambhia says that exfoliating treatments should generally be used two to three times per week, depending upon your skin’s tolerance. Many keratosis pilaris products contain common exfoliants such as glycolic acid, ammonium lactate, urea (which does double duty as an exfoliator and a moisturizer), and salicylic acid. Dr. Castilla says that chemical exfoliation, combined with mechanical exfoliators, can be irritating, so to minimize the risk, start slowly and increase frequency as tolerated. Also, she adds, incorporate “ingredients to moisturize and repair the skin barrier, such as ceramides, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid.”
Meet the experts
- Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in NYC
- Anthony Rossi, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and founder of Dr. Rossi Derm MD
