Our top over-the-counter picks, from exfoliators to moisturizers
When keratin—a protein in the skin—builds up within the hair follicle, it can cause small, rough bumps to appear on your arms, thighs, butt, or face called keratosis pilaris (KP). Over-the-counter creams can help to exfoliate and calm inflammation due to KP, according to board-certified dermatologist, Emily Arch, MD.
The causes of keratosis pilaris are mostly genetic, and there is no cure.1 However, Arch notes that treatments can help manage symptoms especially when practiced daily. She says to look for creams that exfoliate and smooth out the texture of the skin with a blend of acids; two common ones are lactic and glycolic. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, soothing shea butter and anti-inflammatory niacinamide are ingredients to look for to help reduce KP-associated inflammation.
To find the most effective over-the-counter KP treatments available, we tested out a handful of top-rated products, from skin-smoothing exfoliators to ultra-soothing moisturizers. Our testers used these products for weeks at a time, noting how well the product smoothed out bumps, calmed redness and irritation, and left skin supple and hydrated. After consulting with a board-certified dermatologist, our team then combined these results along with our own research and expert-recommended picks to compile this list of gentle, hydrating formulas containing keratolytic ingredients (more on this below).
Ahead, find the best lotions for keratosis pilaris for the limbs, hips, and face.
Best Overall: CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin
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.2 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.”
Best With Lactic Acid: Perrigo Ammonium Lactate Lotionc
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.3 Plus, because it’s fragrance-free, it’s less likely to irritate skin that might already be red or inflamed from KP.
Best Drugstore: AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
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.
Best Extra Strength: Glytone KP Kit
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.
Best Budget: Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion
“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.
Best Rich Formula: Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Cream
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.
Best Scrub: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub 10% AHA
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.”
Best Lightweight Hydration: Oui The People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss
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
Best Lotion: DERMAdoctor KP Duty Rough, Dry, Bumpy Skin Moisturizing Lotion
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,5 while a blend of AHAs and BHA gently exfoliate to address stubborn bumps.6 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.
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.
Best Exfoliating: Fur KP Body Scrub
Exfoliation is the key to smoothing bumps and rough patches caused by keratosis pilaris. Containing physical and chemical exfoliants, this in-shower scrub pulls out all the stops to resurface your skin while replenishing lost moisture. The consistency is pretty thick, making it a little hard to slather it over your body, but other than that, we have no complaints.
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is CeraVe’s SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin a clinically proven drugstore pick that combines salicylic and hyaluronic acid to exfoliate and hydrate the skin. Another drugstore favorite is Eucerin’s Roughness Relief Lotion, which contains urea, an alpha-hydroxy acid that’s highly effective at breaking up keratin plugs.
How We Tested & Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
What to Look For When Buying Treatments for Keratosis Pilaris
Keratolytic Ingredients
When it comes to an effective treatment for keratosis pilaris, Greenfield says to look for formulas that contain keratolytic ingredients, which help break apart the keratin buildup on skin cells and allow for exfoliation to take place.
“Ingredients like glycolic acid, ammonium lactate, and lactic acid provide this benefit while also restoring the optimal pH of the skin for healthy functioning,” she says. Urea and retinoids are also common keratolytic ingredients used in KP treatments. Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion is a great option containing urea, and Perrigo Ammonium Lactate Lotion is a go-to with lactic acid.
Non-Comedogenic, Oil-Free, and Fragrance-Free Formulas
Look for formulas that are both oil-free and non-comedogenic. This way, you can rest easy knowing your treatment won’t end up causing more clogged hair follicles or pores—or worse, bring acne and blemishes into the mix. Also, look for fragrance-free formulas like Skinfix Resurface AHA Renewing Cream, as fragrance can further irritate rough and bumpy skin.
Hydrating Formulas
Dry skin can further exacerbate KP, so opt for formulas that’ll hydrate the skin in addition to treating it. Look for lightweight, humectant moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane which bind moisture to the skin without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy residue.7 Oui the People Hydrating Body Gloss is one of our favorite lightweight hydrators for the body.
FAQ
What causes keratosis pilaris?
Greenfield explains that keratosis pilaris is a condition where dead skin—particularly keratin, builds up around hair follicles instead of being naturally exfoliated away. “This causes small, rough bumps to appear around the hair follicles,” she says. It’s not entirely clear why this buildup of keratin occurs, but it’s thought to be associated with genetic diseases or skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Dry skin also tends to intensify the symptoms of keratosis pilaris.
Is keratosis pilaris easy to treat?
Unfortunately, Greenfield says that keratosis pilaris is actually quite difficult to treat. “There are many products that will improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris if used consistently twice daily for a few months at a time, but this is oftentimes difficult for someone to do,” she says. “The results may also not be a complete resolution of the symptoms, but rather just an improvement.”
Does keratosis pilaris itch?
Greenfield says that keratosis pilaris may be itchy for some, but for the most part, people only find it to be “cosmetically annoying.”
