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On a list of endlessly irritating skin conditions, keratosis pilaris (KP)—those small, chicken skin-like bumps that often plague the backs of your arms—would clearly earn a top spot. And though it can feel rough and slightly dehydrated to the touch, this chronic skin condition requires a different treatment approach than the one you'd use to remedy dry skin. "KP is caused by a build-up of excess keratin in the skin," explains Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City.
And if you're dealing with it, take heart in knowing that KP is pretty common: About 40 percent of adults develop KP on their legs, arms, and bum, according to Cleveland Clinic. Women's figure skating champion Amber Glenn even revealed to us that she deals with KP. The good news is that there are many treatment products readily available—you just need to know what to look for.
Best keratosis pilaris treatments
It's also important to know what to avoid. When you find a rough patch of skin or bumps, your first instinct may be to reach for a body scrub or shift to using loofahs and dry brushes. In reality, using these kinds of physical exfoliators can make matters worse by causing irritation and inflammation. So, what are dermatologist-approved solutions? Here are some shopping pointers when you're scanning your drugstore aisle:
What to consider
Before grabbing just any KP treatment, dermatologists want you to keep a few things to keep in mind.
Key ingredients
Finding a product with the right ingredients will ensure you're giving your skin the TLC it needs. Urea, salicylic acid, ammonium lactate, and glycolic acid are all green flags, according to Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. He explains that these ingredients are considered keratolytics, which break apart dead skin cells and keratin plugs so they can be gently exfoliated away from the skin's surface.
Skin type
You should have a good idea of your skin type, which can also help you in your decision process. Still, Dr. Camp calls out that dry skin may be more susceptible to the side effects of some KP-fighting ingredients. "Removing too much oil and dead skin cells can put skin at risk for dryness and irritation," says Dr. Camp. In this case, try looking for products with a rich texture and extra moisturizing ingredients so that your naturally drier skin doesn't lose out.
Product type
Whether you should get a cleanser, a cream, a lotions, or something else altogether depends on the severity of your KP. For a more aggressive approach, you may opt for a cleanser and moisturizer or serum. For a milder case, your may just choose a cleanser, which Dr. Camp says doesn't allow for as much contact and absorption of active ingredients as do creams and lotions.
How we chose
Women’s Health editors, including beauty assistant Sabrina Talbert and senior beauty editor Danielle Jackson consulted four board-certified dermatologists with expertise in chronic skin conditions to get their recommendations for the best treatments for keratosis pilaris. Then, the entire Women’s Health team put their picks to the test to narrow down the top KP treatments for a variety of needs and concerns.
Now, keep scrolling for the best treatments for keratosis pilaris.
Best Overall
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin
Pros
Fragrance-free is ideal for sensitive skin- It has a lightweight feel but still moisturizes well
Cons
- The construction of the pump allows for product to leak occasionally
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.
WH beauty assistant Sabrina Talbert says despite trying thicker formulas and creams she initially thought would work best on her drier skin, this lotion still took the top spot. "The moisture I got from this lotion was long-lasting and definitely exceeded my expectations," she says. "The formula is thin and absorbs easily, which left my skin feeling lighter, and actually much softer, than some of the creams I tried."
Talbert adds that her only complaint with this well-priced option is that the some product may leak out of the side of the pump if you're not careful.
Read more: The Best Moisturizers For Dry Skin
| Key ingredients | Lactic Acid |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Dry skin |
| Product type | Lotion |
Best For Dry Skin
CeraVe SA Cream For Rough & Bumpy Skin
Pros
- Thick, moisturizing formula is ideal for very dry skin or wintertime
- Excellent value—you get a lot of product for the money
Cons
- The smell is a bit off-putting for some
"The beauty of this cream is that you can find it in nearly any drugstore you'll run into," 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. Creams (which tend to be more oil-based) keep your skin hydrated longer than lotions (which are more water-based), making this perfect for those with extra-dry skin.
As someone who struggles with dryness, Talbert says is a big fan of the formula. "I thought it was going to take a while for the cream to melt into my skin because of how thick it looks, but this absorbed super fast, so I didn't have to wait for a long time before getting dressed," she says. "I've been using this for several weeks, but considering how far a little bit of product goes, I know I won't need to worry about restocking anytime soon."
| Key ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Lactic Acid Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Dry |
| Product type | Cream |
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Pros
- Tested on the most sensitive of skin to be gentle
- Provides up to two days of moisture retention
Cons
- Our tester noticed some pilling of the formula if she used too much
Say goodbye to pesky KP with this lotion that exfoliates and hydrates to resurface dull, rough skin. Despite the fact that this product contains a heft dose of 20% urea to gently dissolve built up keratin, it was also clinically tested to be mild on skin and completely hypoallergenic. That may be due to equally generous concentration of moisturizing glycerin in the formula, which provides up to 48 hours of moisture.
Unsurprisingly, this product was a big hit with WH assistant social media editor Isabel McMahon. "I’ve been using this lotion for bumpy skin for a few days now, and I’m pleasantly surprised by how moisturizing it is," she says. "It absorbs quickly, has no scent, and leaves my skin feeling noticeably softer."
McMahon's one complaint was that she noticed pilling after about an hour, so make sure to apply just enough to get an even coat on skin without going overboard. Either way, she still thinks it's a great budget buy.
| Key ingredients | Urea, Glycerin |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All, Sensitive |
| Product type | Lotion |
Best Budget Pick
Gold Bond Rough & Bumpy Daily Skin Therapy Cream
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Contains seven different moisturizing ingredients
- You get a good amount of product for the price
Cons
- May seem greasy to some
This well-priced pick is packed with high-performing ingredients, including seven (yes, seven) moisturizers, including shea butter, petrolatum, and cocoa seed butter, and three different exfoliating acids (alpha-, beta-, and poly-hydroxy acids), making it effective but perfect for even the driest skin.
Testers really appreciate that they get eight ounces of product for just $11. While thick creams are great for dry skin, some of our users agree that it takes time to rub the product in, and if not done right, can lead to pilling. That said, not over-applying the cream can reduce the likeliness of it happening.
| Key ingredients | Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Gluconolactone, Urea |
|---|---|
| Skin type | Dry |
| Product type | Cream |
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Best For Very Severe KP
Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Glycolic Acid Overnight Peel
Now 35% Off
Pros
- Can be applied before bedtime, so no waiting for it to seep in
- Suited for very severe bumps and texture
Cons
- Requires more time to see results
Neutrogena is well-known brand, so it's no surprise that the Hydro Boost+ Glycolic Acid Overnight Peel is worth the hype. This overnight peel is convenient way to gently exfoliate, refine pores, and visibly soften, smooth, and brighten dull skin while you sleep. Board-certified dermatologist Faranak Kamangar, MD agrees that this peel is a gold-standard product that's safe, effective, and reliable, with a generous dose of active ingredients that can effectively tackle severe cases of KP
The best part, according to Dr. Kamangar, is that the hyaluronic acid- and glycolic acid-based formula is gentle enough to be worn overnight without having to worry about irritation. At the same time, some feel that it takes too long to notice any improvements, especially for an intensive treatment like a peel.
| Key ingredients | Hyaluronic Acid, Glycolic Acid |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
| Product type | Peel |
Fastest Working
Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs
Now 30% Off
Pros
- Lightweight on the skin and completely grease-free
- Can be used to target body acne as well as KP
Cons
- Retinol may be too strong for some skin types
This milky body serum is one of Dr. Yadav’s go-to recommendations for a reason: it targets bumps, scales, dullness, flakiness, and texture all in one! “This gentle serum is a resurfacing powerhouse, with AHAs, BHA, and retinol, to promote skin renewal and softness,” she explains. It also absorbs rapidly and doesn't leave a sticky residue on the skin.
Because serums penetrate the skin on a deeper level, our testers say they felt improvements in their KP in just one week. Note: this does contain retinol, which might be too strong or irritating for some. If you're unsure if retinol is right for you, speak with your dermatologist first.
| Key ingredients | Retinol, Urea, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid |
|---|---|
| Skin type | All |
| Product type | Serum |
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Meet Our Experts
- Geeta Yadav, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology.
- Thomas Griffin, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and department chair of the Laser and Aesthetics Surgery Center at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting.
- Faranak Kamangar, MD is a board-certified dermatologist, psoriasis specialist, and founder of PSO Telehealth.
- Dendy Engelman, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City.
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist.
What causes keratosis pilaris?
“Keratosis pilaris, which can be referred to as ‘chicken skin’ or in some cases, ‘strawberry legs,’ is a condition caused by keratin buildup—a protein that helps form hair, nails, and skin—in the hair follicle,” says Dr. Yadav. “This creates tiny bumps, one at the site of each hair follicle, and gives a rough, sandpaper-like texture to the skin.”
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What does keratosis pilaris look like?
While KP is harmless, it typically appears as small, rough bumps on the skin that may be red, white, or skin-colored, says Dr. Kamangar. “The bumps are often described as feeling like sandpaper and may be accompanied by mild itching or irritation,” she explains. Depending on your skin tone, KP can also appear brown or purple, adds Dr. Yadav.
KP can present on your face, but it’s most often on the back of the upper arms, thighs, and butt, says Dr. Griffin. “Folks who have dry skin, asthma, and eczema tend to have it more frequently, but it is not contagious and is not at all due to poor hygiene,” he explains. “It’s just the way many people's skin is built.”
Is it OK to squeeze keratosis pilaris bumps?
Like most bumps that pop up on your body, this is another that you absolutely shouldn't pop. “Squeezing or picking at these lesions causes worsening effects like redness and the potential for scarring as well," board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, tells WH. Instead, invest in one of the treatments mentioned above—and use it faithfully or as often as needed for best results!
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Andi Breitowich
Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based writer and graduate student at Northwestern Medill. She’s a mass consumer of social media and cares about women’s rights, holistic wellness, and non-stigmatizing reproductive care. As a former collegiate pole vaulter, she has a love for all things fitness and is currently obsessed with Peloton Tread workouts and hot yoga.
Sabrina Talbert
Editorial Assistant
Sabrina is an editorial assistant for Women’s Health. When she’s not writing, you can find her running, training in mixed martial arts, or reading.
Reviewed byDanielle Jackson
Senior Beauty Editor
Danielle is the senior beauty editor at Women's Health. Her apartment is currently littered with beauty products, but when she's not testing them all out, you can find her watching facial ASMR videos on YouTube, binge-watching The Golden Girls on Hulu, and reading rom-coms.
