Top 10 Lotions For Keratosis Pilaris
Dealing With KP Skin? Here Are The Lotions Reviewers Recommend You Try
Some of the most everyday skin issues you can experience are acne, rosacea, and keratosis pilaris—the latter of which is what we’re here to talk about today. If you’re not familiar with keratosis pilaris (or simply “KP” as the beauty industry calls it), don’t worry, because we’re about to outline what you need to know about this common skin condition.
What is Keratosis Pilaris (KP)?
Keratosis pilaris is a skin condition that affects approximately three million Americans (meaning, you’re in good company if you’ve noticed signs of KP). KP occurs when the skin produces too much of a protein called keratin. This overproduction blocks the openings of hair follicles, causing small bumps to develop in their place. These rough, bumpy patches of skin caused by KP are typically found on the arms, thighs, cheeks, and butt. The good news is they aren’t known to be painful, and most individuals who experience keratosis pilaris will observe the bumps disappear on their own as they get older.
How Can You Treat Keratosis Pilaris?
While there is no “cure” for KP, there are a few things you can do to help minimize the appearance of it. Primarily, you’ll want to hydrate your skin but avoid oil-based moisturizers (which can further clog pores). There are also a few ingredients you do want to seek out if you have KP such as urea, glycolic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, and vitamin A. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up a list of lotions specifically formulated to soothe signs of keratosis pilaris below, and many of them feature these bump-busting ingredients.
How We Found The Best Lotions for Keratosis Pilaris
How can we know we found the best lotions for KP for sure? Here's how: Our Top 10 lists are built with the help of our data-powered ranking algorithm. A tool unique to Rank & Style, our algorithm takes information from social media, best-seller lists, reviews, and other sources into account when determining which products deserve a spot at the top. It's an unbiased approach we're rather proud of because it helps our readers avoid buyer's remorse and trips to the post office to process returns. So, without further adieu, say hello to the 10 best lotions for keratosis pilaris the internet has to offer.
September 22, 2023
Written By:Sierra Rogers
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone Hydrating Cream
Overall Score
4.2
10
AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone Hydrating Cream
4.2
1690 User Reviews
3.2
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
FORMULA FACT: AmLactin's KP Bumps Be Gone Hydrating Cream contains 15% lactic acid. Lactic acid is particularly effective against keratosis pilaris due to its exfoliating super powers. This product is also unscented, non-greasy, and paraben-free.
PROMISING REVIEW: "I've had KP on my upper arms ever since childhood and nothing ever helped. Although it's gotten milder in my adulthood, it has shown up in more places (I.E. on the sides of my neck and hips). After using it twice a day for less than a week, I started seeing a very noticable difference. My skin bumps got completely smoothed down and the redness went away."
DERMAdoctor KP Duty Moisturizing Lotion
Overall Score
4.25
09
DERMAdoctor KP Duty Moisturizing Lotion
4.46
730 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best KP Lotion With 15% Lactic Acid
WHY IT WORKS
This lotion from DERMAdoctor takes bump-busting very seriously. Its formula contains urea, alpha hydroxy acid, and beta hydroxy acid (all of which are known to diminish signs of keratosis pilaris). Plus, it has ceramides to help further condition and nourish rough skin.
MORE DETAILS
Make sure to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 in tandem with this product as AHA increases sensitivity to UVA/UVB rays.
Gold Bond Rough & Bumpy Skin Daily Therapy Cream
Overall Score
4.25
08
Gold Bond Rough & Bumpy Skin Daily Therapy Cream
4.49
14533 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best KP Lotion For Extra Dry Skin
FORMULA FACT
After one week of using this product, 90% of users experienced smoother, softer skin. That should assuage any doubts about its effectiveness, but here's another fact: This lotion contains an exfoliating blend of AHA, BHA, and PHA (polyhydroxy acids) that specifically target KP bumps.
PROMISING REVIEW
"All my life I have had bumpy skin on my arms and legs. This Gold Bond cream is the only product that has helped take the bumps away. It is really quick and effective at reducing the bumps, and my bumps have stayed away for months after using this product. I literally could not live without it!"
Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream
Overall Score
4.25
07
Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream
4.57
1006 User Reviews
3.1
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best KP Body Cream
WHY IT WORKS
Combine chemical exfoliants with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and glycerin and you get Skinfix's Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream. In addition to helping your skin's texture improve, the nutrient-dense seed oils in this lotion help restore visible firmness and soften skin.
MORE DETAILS
Salicylic acid is also included in this lotion's formula, so if you experience acne on your chest or back, this is a good option for you.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Peach & Lily KP Bump Boss Smoothing Body Lotion
Overall Score
4.3
06
Peach & Lily KP Bump Boss Smoothing Body Lotion
4.32
407 User Reviews
2.8
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best KP Lotion For Discoloration
FORMULA FACT
Strawberry skin, be gone. The KP Bump Boss Smoothing Body Lotion doesn't just improve skin texture; it also treats the discoloration that comes with KP too.
MORE DETAILS
Cica (one of the primary ingredients in this lotion) is a form of tiger grass grown in Southeast Asia that's believed to reduce redness and irritation.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Paula's Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA
Overall Score
4.3
05
Paula's Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA
4.37
1000 User Reviews
3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Lightweight KP Lotion
FORMULA FACT
Described as a "leave-on body exfoliant," this lotion is effective against KP bumps and body acne alike. The formula combines salicylic acid, vitamin E, green tea, and chamomile to create a soothing, lightweight cream that diminishes buildup from the first application.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I was experiencing severe dry and flaky skin all over my body. My upper arms looked scaly and my abdomen would flake almost like dandruff. I would slather my body in thick lotion after I showered and still no relief...until this. I purchased this on a whim and used it after my shower with no expectations whatsoever. The next morning I woke up and my skin wasn't flakey and the scaliness on my arms was almost gone. Absolute miracle product. It's pricey but worth it. I only use it about once or twice a week now to maintain the results."
Cruelty Free
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion
Overall Score
4.4
04
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion
4.4
26627 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best KP Lotion For Face And Body
WHY IT WORKS
Another AmLactin product, the Daily Moisturizing Lotion differs from the aforementioned KP Bumps Be Gone cream only in its level of lactic acid (which is 12% instead of 15%). Meaning, it's slightly less exfoliating and may be a better option for daily use.
MORE DETAILS
Putting its KP-fighting powers aside, this is still a great lotion. In fact, it's the 11th best-selling body lotion on Amazon's website.
Eucerin Roughness Relief Body Lotion
Overall Score
4.55
03
Eucerin Roughness Relief Body Lotion
4.58
8541 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Affordable KP Lotion
FORMULA FACT
The primary active ingredient in Eucerin's Roughness Relief Body Lotion is urea. Urea is a nitrogenous byproduct that occurs when there's a metabolic breakdown of protein and is recognized as one of the most effective ingredients against skin conditions like keratosis pilaris and eczema.
PROMISING REVIEW
"This lotion is the only lotion I have found that keeps me really moisturized and my KP controlled. I have been using it for years and if I ever try a new product, I always end up going back to this. There’s no scent and although it’s on the thicker side, it absorbs quickly."
First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing Body Lotion With 10% AHA
Overall Score
4.65
02
First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing Body Lotion With 10% AHA
4.25
1432 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best KP Lotion With AHAs And PHAs
FORMULA FACT
With 10% lactic acid, urea, colloidal oatmeal, and ceramides, the KP Smoothing Body Lotion is equal parts exfoliating and nourishing. However, it's worth mentioning that this lotion does include glycerin (an emollient derived from vegetable oil), and that ingredient can be counterproductive for unclogging pores.
MORE DETAILS
The reviews are mixed for this product. While many users mention that it was effective at reducing their KP bumps and ingrown hairs, there are a few shoppers who say this product fell short.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
CeraVe SA Lotion For Rough & Bumpy Skin
Overall Score
4.8
01
CeraVe SA Lotion For Rough & Bumpy Skin
4.6
22713 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
5
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best KP Lotion Overall
WHY IT WORKS
The internet's best lotion for keratosis pilaris? CeraVe's SA Lotion For Rough & Bumpy Skin. In addition to salicylic acid (the primary active ingredient in this lotion), this product contains hyaluronic acid to help lock in hydration. It also features the essential ceramides CeraVe is known for that support skin's moisture retention.
PROMISING REVIEW
"I bought this for the little bumps on my upper arms, and OMG, the difference it makes in just a short time is astronomical! It literally gets rid of the bumps and my skin feels sooooo smooth! I usually apply it once a day. Only regret is not buying this product sooner."
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