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.”

The 8 Best Treatments for Keratosis Pilaris of 2023

CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin — Byrdie / Jessica Juliao

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.

Byrdie Researched & Approved

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.

The causes of keratosis pilaris are mostly genetic, and there is no cure. 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. Our team then combined these results along with our own research and dermatologist recommended picks to compile this list.

Ahead, find the best lotions for keratosis pilaris for limbs, hips, and face.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best With Lactic Acid:

Perrigo Ammonium Lactate Lotion at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Drugstore:

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Extra Strength:

Glytone KP Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Rich Formula:

Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Cream at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Scrub:

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Lightweight Hydration:

Oui The People Hydrating Body Gloss at Ouithepeople.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
How We Researched & Tested
Why Trust Byrdie?

4.9

Amazon

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CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin Review

What We Like

Exfoliates
Moisturizes
Available at most major drugstores

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens

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. 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.

Price at time of publish: $41

What Our Testers Say

"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. Not only have the dry patches on my legs, elbows, and heels disappeared, but the texture on my back has started to smooth." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester

Amazon

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What We Like

No fragrance
Effective acid based formula

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens

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. Plus, because it’s fragrance-free, it’s less likely to irritate skin that might already be red or inflamed from KP.

Price at time of publish: $33

Walmart

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AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion Review

What We Like

No parabens
Not greasy
Exfoliates

What We Don't Like

May sting sensitive skin

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.

Price at time of publish: $16

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

3-step routine
Exfoliates
Moisturizes

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens and sulfates

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.

Price at time of publish: $69

Courtesy of Amazon

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What We Like

Inexpensive
No fragrance
Moisturizes

What We Don't Like

Doesn't contain glycolic acid

“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.

Price at time of publish: $12

Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream

Courtesy of QVC

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What We Like

Exfoliates
Moisturizes

What We Don't Like

Pricey

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.

Price at time of publish: $48

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Firstaidbeauty.com

What We Like

Exfoliates
Mini size available
Easy to use

What We Don't Like

Should be used in moderation

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.

Price at time of publish: $30

What Our Editors Say

"This scrub is intense. 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." — Kathryn Vandervalk, Editorial & Strategy Director

Oui The People

View On Ouithepeople.com

What We Like

Easily absorbs within seconds
Hydrates and calms inflamed skin
Weightless feel

What We Don't Like

Slight fragrance

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.

Price at time of publish: $65

Final Verdict

Meet the Expert

Emily Arch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology + Aesthetics in Chicago. She specializes in general and medical dermatology with an emphasis on inflammatory skin conditions.
Nava Greenfield, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Brooklyn, NY. She’s been published in many medical journals and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, Women’s Dermatologic Society, and the American Medical Association.

What to Look For

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.

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 since 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 and glycerin, which bind moisture to the skin without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy residue.

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.”

How We Researched & Tested

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.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. For this roundup, she considered dozens of lotions, evaluating each on its ability to exfoliate and hydrate skin affected with keratosis pilaris. We tested out a handful of top-rated products, noting how well the product smoothed out bumps, calmed redness and irritation, and left skin supple and hydrated. Our team then combined these results along with our own research and dermatologist recommended picks to compile this list.

21 Best Face Exfoliators to Use Now for Soft, Glowing Skin

Updated by Jill Di Donato

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

Agharbi FZ. Kératose pilaire [Keratosis pilaris]. Pan Afr Med J. 2019;33:274. doi:10.11604/pamj.2019.33.274.16158
Tokudome Y. Improvement of the Skin Barrier Function with Physiologically Active Substances. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2019;139(12):1549-1551. doi:10.1248/yakushi.19-00181-1
Kootiratrakarn T, Kampirapap K, Chunhasewee C. Epidermal permeability barrier in the treatment of keratosis pilaris. Dermatol Res Pract. 2015;2015:205012. doi:10.1155/2015/205012
Huang ZR, Lin YK, Fang JY. Biological and pharmacological activities of squalene and related compounds: potential uses in cosmetic dermatology. Molecules. 2009;14(1):540-554. Published 2009 Jan 23. doi:10.3390/molecules14010540
Milani M, Sparavigna A. The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2017;10:311-315. doi:10.2147/CCID.S144180

Best Overall

CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin

Best With Lactic Acid

Perrigo Ammonium Lactate Lotion

Best Drugstore

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

Best Extra Strength

Glytone KP Kit

Best Budget

Eucerin Roughness Relief Lotion

Best Rich Formula

Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Cream

Best Scrub

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

Best Lightweight Hydration

Oui The People Featherweight Hydrating Body Gloss

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