13 Best Treatments for Keratosis Pilaris, According to Dermatologists
Manage bumpy and dry skin with these top creams, lotions and scrubs.
Expert consulted: Mona Gohara, M.D
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You know how your skin can get all goosebumpy when you watch a Jordan Peele movie, or you go out in the first chill of autumn wearing a short-sleeved tee? Well, for some people, those bumps are a constant presence, and they have nothing to do with being spooked or cold. Keratosis pilaris, or KP, is a harmless but annoying condition in which the skin on your arms, thighs, face or butt can feel scaly, dry and bumpy.
"Often referred to as chicken skin, KP does indeed have that pebbly, slightly gritty texture to touch,” explains Mona A. Gohara, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. Dr. Gohara explains that KP is mostly due to genetics — thanks, Mom and Dad! But you're in good company: "KP affects 40 to 80% of the general population at some time in their life, and it affects all races and ages," says Stephen Matlock, MD, a dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners in Joplin, MO.
The condition crops up often among adolescents, with up to 80% experiencing the skin bumps — many simply outgrow it by the time they become adults. While the bumps don’t hurt or itch, and they don't require any treatment, they can definitely be annoying when you want your skin to look its smoothest in shorts or a tank top. The best way to treat KP is with topical creams designed to break down the keratin spikes, says Dr. Gohara, who recommends products that include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as lactic acid, glycolic acid or urea. "Depending on your budget, there are dozens of over-the-counter creams and medicated creams that work well," says Dr. Matlock.
Best Overall Body Lotion to Treat Keratosis Pilaris
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
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Best Body Cream for Keratosis Pilaris on Amazon
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream with Pump Dispenser
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While it's always best to check with your dermatologist before treating any skin conditions, here are 12 products that the experts we spoke to — and online reviewers with KP — say really work.
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion
Pros
- Exfoliates and moisturizes
- Blends in easily, no sticky residue
Cons
- Some users don't like the smell
Both docs are big fans of this powerful and affordable lotion, which is fragrance-free and contains 12% lactic acid. "This is one of the most well-known and reliable OTC body creams to help treat KP," says dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD, of Skin Science Dermatology in Toronto.
Pros
- Affordable
- Users love how well it moisturizes
Cons
- Some users don't like the smell
- Can be thick
Another well-reviewed option for smoothing bumps, this lotion contains 12% ammonium lactate, a type of AHA used for rough, scaly skin. "I’ve been using an expensive skin scrub made for KP that helped a little but compared to this product that is less than a third of the cost it did very little. My skin is happy and moisturized. The itchy big bumps are almost gone, and the price is excellent," one Amazon reviewer wrote.
Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream with Pump Dispenser
Pros
- Easy-to-use pump bottle
- Endorsed by the National Eczema Association.
- Affordable
Cons
- Can be hard to find
"Every patient with KP should be using a good cream at least once daily to help retain moisture and soften the bumps," says Dr Matlock. He recommends Vanicream, a thick, fragrance-free cream. On Amazon, it has over 25,000 5-star reviews, with customers saying that it's particularly good for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Alcohol Free
Cons
- Some users don't like the smell
When we spoke to Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City, for another KP story, he recommended this exfoliating toner, which can be used daily without irritating the skin. "The blend of six different hydroxy acids work together to give an incredible exfoliating benefit," Dr. Zeichner says.
CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin
Pros
- Gentle on skin
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some users describe it as "sticky" or "greasy"
CeraVe is a favorite of magazine editors and derms, and this formulation contains ceramides, salicylic acid and vitamin D to exfoliate and moisturize the bumps away.
Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment
Pros
- Great online reviews
Cons
- On the pricier side
- Some users don't like the smell
This body lotion, formulated with salicylic acid, vitamin E and chamomile and green tea extracts, has rave reviews on Amazon, with customers claiming it makes bumps less noticeable within days. "I struggle with KP/chicken skin on my upper arms/legs and this product is the truth! I wouldn't consider it the best for moisturizing or it's scent, but it definitely works magic as an add-on to your skin care routine. I just apply this to where my KP is after I shower and see results within a few days," one Amazon reviewer wrote.
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Pros
- Contains both glycolic and lactic acids
Cons
- Can irritate skin if rubbed in too vigorously
This body scrub, created specifically to treat KP, contains both glycolic and lactic acids. Body scrubs like this are great to slough off dead skin — just be careful not to be too harsh when you rub it in, the experts advise.
Reversa Skin Smoothing Body Lotion
Pros
- Time-release formula
Cons
- On the pricier side
Reversa's skin-smoothing lotion uses a specially patented formula to release glycolic acid, a powerful AHA, over a longer period of time to protect the skin. "I think this lotion can be quite effective," says Dr. Yadav.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion
Pros
- Users love how well it moisturizes
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
This body lotion, in adorable packaging with a cute mascot, packs a powerful punch of smoothing ingredients, with 10% AHAs. It offers the best of both worlds since it exfoliates, but because of the oils in it, it's also super moisturizing. Plus, reviewers love its smooth, cool feel on skin.
SEBAMED Extreme Dry Skin Repair Advance Therapy Lotion
Pros
- Rave reviews for its effectiveness
Cons
- Can be thick and hard to rub in
"Though they can be harder to find, urea-based formulas can be quite effective," says Dr. Yadav. Urea helps skin stay soft by trapping moisture from the environment and bringing it into the skin. This German-made brand with 10% urea gets top reviews on Amazon.
GLYTONE KP Kit
Pros
- High levels of glycolic acid to banish KP
Cons
- Some users say it "burns" or "stings" the first few times
Dr. Gohara recommends this duo, which includes an exfoliating body wash to slough off dead skin cells and a soothing body lotion, both with glycolic acid. "The glycolic acid breaks down the keratin spikes that cause the bumps," she explains. It even comes with a shower pouf.
Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream
Pros
- Formulated for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some users don't like the smell
- On the pricier side
Dr. Matlock reports that many of his patients are fans of this cream. The vegan formulation includes 5% natural AHA to smooth out bumpy skin. "AMAZING! I’ve been using this for a few years now, and it’s been life changing!! The only thing that works on my KP and keeps my skin smooth all winter," a Sephora reviewer said.
Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
Pros
- Affordable
- Lathers well
Cons
- Some users don't like the smell
If you prefer to wash with a bar soap, Dr. Matlock recommends this moisturizing cleansing bar from Cetaphil, which is as gentle on your skin as it is on your budget. It is tested for sensitive skin and claims to remove bacteria and germs without clogging pores, making it a good bet for those with KP. On Amazon, it has over 10,000 5-star reviews.
How we chose the best treatments for KP
We consulted a panel of dermatologists who gave specific recommendations based on their expertise. Treatments that weren't explicitly recommended had specific ingredients that those doctors suggested. Others had high online ratings from people with KP.
What exactly is keratosis pilaris?
Those little bumps of yours are caused by the buildup of the protein keratin, which plugs up the hair follicles, creating the little spikes of skin — it tends to be worse in people with dry skin. “Keratosis pilaris is commonly seen in people who have eczema or other conditions that make their skin prone to dryness," says Dr. Yadav. "The skin can feel rough or scaly in the affected areas, and the bumps are usually skin-colored." She adds that the condition can get worse in the winter, since cold weather and low humidity dry out the skin. "Anything that can irritate or dry the skin has the potential to worsen KP," adds Dr. Matlock. "This includes things like harsh, drying soaps, fragrances, detergents, aggressive exfoliation, and hot water—including hot showers."
Is salicylic acid or lactic acid better for keratosis pilaris?
Salicylic acid, lactic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) are all ingredients in keratolytics, also known as chemical exfoliators—these are used to remove the buildup of dead skin. All three can be effective in softening up the keratin plugs that cause the bumps on your skin. "Make sure you're not too harsh or forceful on your skin when you use these," says Dr. Yadav.
How do I get rid of keratosis pilaris permanently?
Keeping up a regular routine of cleansing, exfoliating and moisturizing with products specifically designed to tread KP is your best bet, but it won't happen overnight. "Remember this is a genetic condition! Although we can do things to make it look better, it is in your DNA, so don't get frustrated," says Dr. Gohara. "Generally, this naturally gets better and less noticeable with time." If you are really concerned with your KP, talk to your dermatologist, who may suggest retinoids, topical steroids or anti-inflammatories, or even laser treatments.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
As senior editor in the Hearst Health Newsroom, Marisa Cohen spends her days doing deep dives into health and wellness topics, covering every topic from head to toe (literally). She has spent more than 20 years interviewing top experts in their fields, reading through medical journals, and navigating information from reliable online sources to bring trustworthy advice to readers. In addition to writing for Good Housekeeping and Prevention, she has previously contributed health features to Self, Real Simple, Fitness, Health, WebMD, and Fit Pregnancy, among other magazines and websites.
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