The Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatments for Soft, Smooth Skin

ProsHas a fine grit to evenly exfoliate skinContains soothing hydrators to replenish moisture barrierConsShouldn't be used every day—stick to once or twice a weekWhy we love it: Not to be dramatic, but this was the first body scrub we ever fell in love with, and it’s still a shower staple to this day. A combination of physical and chemical exfoliants (hi, pumice buffing beads and glycolic and lactic acids) slough away trapped oil and debris that lead to strawberry skin. The soothing botanicals also ensure skin stays smooth and soft. No irritation here—just even, glowing, happy skin.One Cosmo editor says: "I've been through a few tubes of this in the last five years, and it's a formula I always come back to for sloughing away body bumps. It's a gentle scrub that doesn't irritate my sensitive skin and easily washes away in the shower (so many scrubs can turn my tub into a whole mess)."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITORFeatures at a glanceTypeScrubKey ingredientsPumic buffing beads, glycolic acid, bisabololSize8 and 2 oz.ProsUses hydrating acids (yes, that's a thing) to help offset drynessFormulated with some soothers to mitigate irritationFragrance-freeConsFeels a tiny bit too sticky to use on humid or hot daysHigh-strength acids, so you may need to start slowWhy we love it: This rich lotion isn’t only filled with 10 percent AHAs (a mix of lactic and glycolic acid), but it also uses 5 percent urea—which, if you’re unaware, is one of the best ingredients for keratosis pilaris. Why? Because urea is technically a humectant, meaning it draws water into your skin to keep it hydrated, but it also has mild exfoliating properties. So you’re getting an extra dose of bump-smoothing magic without the drying side effects.One Cosmo editor says: "This is the latest product I’ve added to my KP arsenal, and I’ve been genuinely impressed with how it’s helped smooth my arm bumps and even take the edge off my redness. The lotion also uses centella asiatica (aka cica, an anti-inflammatory herb) to soothe, along with shea butter and squalane to moisturize, and I legit think this combo is one of the main reasons why my skin tolerates the high-strength acids so well without getting itch. Tbh, when I’m feeling lazy, this is the only product I’ll use some weeks for my KP."—CHLOE METZGER, FORMER DEPUTY BEAUTY DIRECTORFeatures at a glanceTypeLotionKey ingredientsLactic acid, glycolic acid, ureaSize6 oz.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsSwipe-and-go formatThe pads work to brighten, smooth out, and hydrateConsThe pads have an interesting smellWhy we love it: While you might not think to use these convenient toner pads below the neck, a quick, thorough swipe on stubborn KP can make a major difference in the bumps and roughness. Each pad is soaked with a mix of kojic acid, turmeric, glycolic acid, and niacinamide that addresses KP from multiple angles, working to exfoliate, brighten, even out, and soften affected areas.One Cosmo editor says: “Sometimes I hate dipping into a gloopy scrub or slathering on a thick cream. These pads are just so easy to use and work fast! I swear I’ve noticed a difference in my KP after just two weeks.”—MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITORFeatures at a glanceTypeExfoliating padsKey ingredientsKojic acid, turmeric, glyocolic acidSize5.41 oz.ProsCombines chemical exfoliators with a slew of hydratorsAddresses more than just KPConsSince it's quite strong, it should only be applied a two to three times a weekWhy we love it: If you struggle with multiple bumpy skin conditions—I’m looking at KP and psoriasis—this potent yet gentle cream can transform your skin back to its baby-smooth glory. Along with a cocktail of exfoliating acids, including glycolic, lactic, and salicylic, this also deeply nourishes and hydrates with niacinamide and a plant oil blend. With consistent use, skin doesn’t just feel softer, it also appears more radiant and plump.One Cosmo editor says: "This one is super-popular among my friend group for smoothing bumps (especially butt bumps), but I found it a bit too strong for my ultra-sensitive and allergic skin. That being said, it's legitimately effective, so I still recommend it as a gold-star option for anyone with not-too-sensitive skin who hasn't had great success with scrubs."—CMFeatures at a glanceTypeCreamy serumKey ingredientsGlycolic acid, lactic acid, niacinamideSize5.07 oz.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsHelps soften KP bumps while hydrating your skinIsn't *too* strong, so most people can use it dailyConsFeels a little sticky and tacky, especially in the heatCan sting (for a second!) if you have cuts or scratchesWhy we love it: We can’t talk about keratosis pilaris without mentioning this O.G. hall-of-fame staple. Amlactin is pretty much the first thing derms mention when I ask “how do I get rid of keratosis pilaris?” and I've had a bottle of it in my bathroom since middle school (I'm serious). The lotion is filled with 12 percent lactic acid that helps dissolve your keratin plugs while also moisturizing your skin.One Cosmo editor says: "It really, truly works, but only if you use it every day (on your body only!) for...the rest of your life. The only downside? Its high percentage of lactic acid makes it kinda sticky, so during humid months, I only slather this one on at night."—CMFeatures at a glanceTypeLotionKey ingredientsLactic acid, glycerinSize7.9 oz.ProsFeels truly lightweight and non-greasyMore potent than traditional lactic-acid creamsConsNot super moisturizing for winter monthsMakes your skin prone to sunburns, so requires daily SPF useWhy we love it: Glycolic and lactic acids are the gold standard for treating KP. Both AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) break down your keratosis pilaris bumps to leave your skin smoother. The only difference? Glycolic acid—like the 10 percent found in this body lotion—is stronger than lactic acid, so it's more effective, but it also tends to be more irritating on sensitive skin. But because this formula also contains shea butter, green tea, and allantoin, it feels super replenishing even for those with super-sensitive skin.One Cosmo editor says: "I've been using this lotion for a full year now—I usually alternate with Amlactin depending on the weather—and I can tolerate it on my arms and legs every single night, as long as I layer it on top of my body moisturizer (which I prefer to do anyway, since it isn't very moisturizing on its own)."—CMAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsVery affordableCan address body acne and ingrown hairs along with KPConsThe grittiness might be a bit too rough for those with extra sensitive skinWhy we love it: Along with addressing KP in the shower, this buffing bar is also great at remedying ingrown hairs. As you run it along your body, you’ll feel an invigorating grit that gently sloughs away dead skin and debris, and quickly clears out pores. While it’s not a fancy-schmancy formula like many of the other products on our list, it gets the job done—at an affordable price, too.One Cosmo editor says: “Soaps usually aren’t my jam, but this has become part of my pre-shaving ritual when my body needs a full refresh. My skin feels baby-soft after every use!”—MHTypeExfoliating barKey ingredients2% physical exfoliant, lipid-rich carrier oils, niacinamideSize5 oz.What is the main cause of keratosis pilaris?“Keratosis pilaris is caused by excess keratin building up in your hair follicles, leading to tiny, hard, red or brown bumps on your skin,” says Dr. Gohara. Annoyingly, no one knows exactly why KP happens in the first place though. "There are theories about keratosis pilaris being a disorder of the hair follicle, being related to the sebaceous glands, or being hormonally driven," says dermatologist Mary Thomas, MD. "But we still don't know enough, so research now needs to be at the cellular level to figure out the exact gene that causes KP," she says.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowHow do I get rid of keratosis pilaris permanently?I know this isn't what you want to hear (and neither do I), but because keratosis pilaris is part of your DNA, you can't cure it or get rid of it permanently. That's not to say you can't manage the bumps and discoloration, though—the most effective at-home KP treatments are a combo of chemical exfoliants to dissolve the roughness and rich moisturizers to soften your skin—but these treatments are only effective as long as you use them. “As soon as you stop, your bumps will come right back,” says Dr. Thomas.How to choose a keratosis pilaris treatmentHow do you figure out which of these products is best for you? It'll be a game of trial and error because every skin type is different. If you're not sure where to start, grab an acid-based lotion and a scrub and test them out for four weeks. Not seeing a difference? Then it’s time to visit your dermatologist.Keep in mind that irritation makes KP worse, so throwing every treatment on in hopes that it solves your problem will actually lead to angrier, more irritated skin. Personally, my KP looks best with 90 percent moisture and 10 percent exfoliation. Here's my own personal treatment plan as of right now, though keep in mind what works for me may not work for you:A thick, rich, moisturizing body cream every single nightAn acid-based lotion on my KP every other nightAn acid-based body scrub once a week in the shower (ONCE! Seriously! Trust me!)Be consistent with the right ingredients.Keratosis pilaris often goes away on its own when teens go through puberty or as adults age into their 20s and 30s. Of course, you're looking at someone who failed both of those metrics, so it's not a guarantee. Luckily, with the right products (hi, chemical exfoliants and moisturizers), you can reduce the look and feel of your keratosis pilaris within a month, as long as you're hella consistent with daily (gentle!) keratosis pilaris treatments.Also, remember that your KP will ebb and flow: It can get rougher in the winter, smoother in the summer, and inflamed with stress and hormones, which is why you need to be consistent with a gentle routine.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowMeet the expertsMona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, CT. Dr. Gohara is an associate clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine and president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and skin of color.Mary Thomas, MD, is a dermatologist at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada, who has authored multiple studies on keratosis pilaris. Dr. Thomas is the head of the membership committee of the Skin of Color Society with a focus on bringing diversity and inclusion into the field of skincare.Why trust Cosmopolitan?Mary Honkus is a contributing beauty editor for Cosmopolitan with more than eight years of experience in the beauty industry. She loves testing new products, including KP treatments. For this story she asked team Cosmo for their favorite formulas and consulted with dermatologists to learn more about keratosis pilaris.Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories.Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months. Mary Honkus is a freelance writer who covers beauty, home, fashion, health, and wellness (just call her a jack of all trades!). She has held staff roles at Real Simple, People, and InStyle, and her bylines can be found in numerous other publications. When she's not testing the latest and greatest products, she can be found chilling on her Hell's Kitchen rooftop, checking out NYC's hottest new restaurants, or recording her podcast Good Trouble NYC. Follow her on Instagram.