If you’re experiencing areas of little, rough bumps that look more like red goosebumps than zits, you may be dealing with keratosis pilaris, or KP, a skin condition that affects 50-80% of teens and 40% of adults. Keratosis pilaris is a buildup of keratin — a hair protein — in the pores that clogs up and blocks the opening of growing hair follicles. 

These small bumps often look like those on the skin of a plucked chicken, or goosebumps. In teens and adults, the bumps are usually on the upper arms, thighs and buttocks; in children, it’s on the upper arms, thighs and cheeks; and in more severe cases it can spread to the lower legs and forearms. Although it’s medically harmless, keratosis pilaris can still be bothersome for those who have it.

OUR SKINCARE EXPERTS HAVE EVALUATED OVER 100 OF THE TOP KERATOSIS PILARIS PRODUCTS & reviewed thousands of customer reviews

 

Hence today’s article, which is dedicated exactly to that – the best treatments for Keratosis Pilaris in 2022 that money can buy. To end up with this list, we had to test dozens of exfoliation and moisturizing products until we found the most effective, safest, and most high-quality KP treatments for you, that are approved and handpicked by dermatologists.

 

How We Chose the Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatment

Here are a couple of factors we keep in mind when choosing the best acne treatment.

1. Ingredients and Their Quality
Specifically, New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist Shari Sperling, MD, says alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs) are the way to go. “When treating keratosis pilaris, it is important to look for products with lactic, salicylic, or glycolic acid to help smooth skin,” she says. Salicylic acid (very effective exfoliator and pore cleaner), Glycolic acid (the best at exfoliating due to it’s tiny molecules), Lactic acid (to fight bumps and even out skin tone).

2. Body Wash and Moisturizer Combo

New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, adds that KP tends to flare up during the winter months, so having a potent moisturizer to combat dryness on hand is extra key. In addition to a good moisturizer, finding a great body wash to exfoliate and calm the skin is essential in obtaining sustainable and long-lasting results.

3. Real Customer Reviews and Before & After Pictures

We’ve gathered and evaluated over three thousand real customer reviews. This is a no censor, no filter skincare review zone. We say it like it is.

4. Test Results

Yup, our skincare experts test all our top products on teenagers and adults over 13 years who are battling chicken skin or Keratosis Pilaris.

 5. Customer Service and Company Policy

We only recommend companies that we trust operate with integrity, are good to their customers and their environment, and have hassle-free return policies and exceptional customer service.

5 Best Keratosis Pilaris Treatments 2023

#1- Misumi Blemish Clear Body Wash 120 ml (4oz) – Keratosis Pilaris Treatment with AHA, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid ($23.16)

Now starting at $23.16
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Finally a body wash that works great keratosis pilaris! Misumi’s Blemish Clear Body Wash has proven itself extremely effective at restoring your skin’s natural health, effortlessly clearing any acne and KP in the process. There are several factors as to why this body wash is our favorite treatment for keratosis pilaris. First off, it has all the necessary active ingredients that help treat KP: it has lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid – 3-in-1. Those three ingredients are basically the science-approved Holy Trinity when it comes to treating keratosis pilaris, and Misumi have taken care to include all three in one single product! 

That in itself should be recommendation enough, because most other companies go to great lengths to separate each KP-treating ingredient in a special product, and charge you three times more than what is necessary. And good luck to you when you find yourself juggling several slippery bottles in the shower. But this product has it all in one, single, bottle. At the very least, this makes the Misumi Blemish Clear Body Wash the undisputed Best Buy Champion for treating keratosis pilaris right off the bat.

There’s even more good news though. This company is known for being extra diligent and safety-first oriented when it comes to producing their formulas, relying on as many naturally derived, safe, non-allergenic ingredients as possible. This is a powerful formula for treating keratosis pilaris and acne thanks to the trinity of salicylic acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid. But Misumi have also taken care to pamper you with some soothing aroma therapy as well. Here, they have added naturally derived lavender flower oil for that extra oomph, making you feel like royalty in the shower. 

Perhaps it’s not surprising for those in the know. Misumi is a brand that has been a secret favorite of dermatologists and high-end skincare specialists for over 25 years but has only just been made available directly to consumers lasts year. Their Blemish Clear Body Wash formula lives up to the reputation – it’s by far the most effective and pleasant treatment for keratosis pilaris, anywhere on your body. 

Unlike many acne products nowadays that contain harsh chemicals that irritate the skin, all of Misumi’s products are based on natural and healthy ingredients. The Misumi Blemish Clear Body Wash is safe for all skin types and all areas including back, neck, thighs, buttocks, shoulders, arms, and more.

To round it all up. When it comes to the combination of the ingredients, their effectiveness and safety of use, no other body wash treatment for keratosis pilaris can beat this one. Not even close. 

Customer Before and After Picture

 

Best For: Keratosis Pilaris, as well as normal, oily, and acne-prone skin

Pros

  • Contains ALL Keratosis Pilaris fighting ingredients into ONE bottle
  • Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid
  • Quickly reduces KP in a matter of weeks
  • Reduces itchiness, breakouts, redness and swelling
  • Contains Lavender Flower Oil which is great for preventing severe acne scars, controlling oily skin, and calming breakouts
  • Made in the USA in an FDA licensed facility
  • Their chief chemist has been making some of the world’s leading acne products for over 25 years. This is their most effective formula to date.
  • Lots of loyal customers say that Misumi has been the only acne-fighting system that has worked for them. Real reviews with before and after photos prove it.
  • They are so confident you will see fast results that if you haven’t noticed a difference within 3 weeks, they will give you your money back. (Who does this??)
  • Free U.S. Shipping on orders over $75
  • 60 Day Money Back Guarantee

Cons

  • At 120ml (4oz) It’s not the greatest amount of product, but it should last you about a month. Misumi also offer a subscription based plan, offering it at 20% off ($23.16), or you can also purchase the product in 4 interest-free payments of $7.24 every 2 weeks with AfterPay.

Pro tip: Choose a subscription plan (30 or 60 days) and get 20% savings on this body wash! Easy cancellation anytime.

customer reviews FOR MISUMI’s BLEMISH CLEAR BODY WASH

Works on KP (Keratosis Pilaris)

My daughter has keratosis pilaris (small white bumps, that are not quite pimples) on her upper arms that she has had since high school. She finds them very embarrassing even though they are not really super noticeable to anyone else. She has been using Misumi for a little over two weeks on her upper arms and has noticed a 50% reduction in her KP.  

dontcallmepammy

Verified Buyer

My miracle!!

I’m a 23 year old girl that has struggled with bacne since I was in high school, and it’s not a fun problem to have – feeling too insecure to wear backless tops, sometimes even tank tops because of how bad the skin was on my back. I’ve tried special soaps, changing my sheets more often, bathing in the sun, Proactive, Aver Aglow, you name it. NOTHING would clear up my back. Then I found Misumi after a simple google search. I decided to just try it (my best friend’s wedding is coming up soon and I’m wearing a backless dress). I needed to try something, anything. I was very skeptical at first, but they kept sending me emails and offers so I broke down and bought it. It has helped my back SO MUCH in such a short time. Cute packing and it’s gentle creamy formula were just bonuses. My skin on my back feels healthy and has changed so much for the better. Even after just a month and a half of using it I am READY to wear that backless dress. I’m so glad I took a chance on Misumi! And I’m excited to try their other products as well!

Alissa J.

Verified Buyer

Works for my teen AND for myself

My daughter has struggled with KP on her elbows and legs, gave her a lot of trouble and undue embarassment. We tried God knows how many products….. Until this one came along and what can I say, seems to be working! Less itching, less noticeable patches… She seems satified, at ease.

I also got myself a couple of bottles for those pesky back acne as well. I have them on my chest too. Im in my 40s but after my second pregnancy my skin cant’ seem to catch a break. So far so good , it’s only been 3 weeks but the painful and itchy ones are gone. Great brand we’ll be buying again!!

Michelle G.

Verified Buyer


 

#2 – Glytone KP Kit ($68)

Glytone KP Kit on white background

This is yet another body wash that’s competent for treating KP: “I really like the two-step approach in the KP Kit by Glytone that pairs a glycolic acid-based body cleanser and body lotion with vitamin E for extra hydration,” Dr. Prather says. It’s not just exfoliating lotions and scrubs that help smooth the look and feel of keratosis pilaris — body wash can make a difference, too. 

Glytone’s formula comes with a glycolic acid with 8.8 acid free value, which is mild enough for sensitive skin but effective enough for dry, rough, bumpy, or flaky skin on the body. Plus, experts deem this body wash suitable for treating dry/scaly feet too, as well as the rest of the body. In addition, some say that this brightening formula also helps reduce hyperpigmentation.

However, this product is pricey – and contains only one of the three KP-fighting acids. With only glycolic acid to boot, Glytone’s KP Kit can only do so much, and yet it’s priced at $68. Still, bonus points for being very mild! 

Pros:

  • Contains a mild version of glycolic acid
  • Contains vitamin E for more hydration
  • Very soothing for the skin

Cons:

  • Lacks salicylic acid and lactic acid
  • Pricey even at 200ml (6.7 fl oz) 
  • Can be too mild or ineffective for some

 

#3 – Lancer the Method: Body Nourish ($80)

Lancer The Method Body Nourish on white background

Even if you’ve avoided glycolic acid for your face-care regimen or a potential pimple problem, you may not want to rule out a 10% glycolic-acid formula like Lancer’s The Method: Body Nourish cream for KP on your arms or legs. “Glycolic is a great AHA that can be sometimes strong for the face but does well for the body,” says Dr. Bhanusali. Make no mistake here, this is a premium brand offering a premium product.

However, sticking to science and practicality, the truth is that it’s mostly a shiny package. Lancer still chose to omit including salicylic and lactic acid, and this is yet another product relying solely on glycolic acid. Want the other acids? Well, you’ll have to poach them from completely separate products, of course, at a steamy price. 

That being said this is a generous amount of product, coming in at 12 fl. oz, or almost 350 ml. It will probably last you at least you at least two months with every day use, if not more. Compared to more affordable, less packed products however, it still turns out more pricey, but that’s Lancer for you. Beware that this lotion may not have a pleasant odor, and some may find it irritating to their skin.

Pros:

  • Great amount of product
  • A stronger concentration of glycolic acid
  • Package is nice

Cons:

  • Price isn’t so nice
  • Missing salicylic and lactic acid, so this product is not aimed at KP 
  • Not that easy to return products

 

#4 – Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Cream ($48)

Skinfix Resurface AHA Renewing Cream on white background
Skinfix’s Resurface+ AHA Renewing Cream got the high praises of Allure for its fruity blend of naturally derived alpha hydroxy acids which help soften rough skin. A welcome departure from the previous two products, Skinfix have decided to include not one, but two skin-friendly acids into this one: glycolic and lactic. It is still lacking salicylic acid, for what it’s worth, but this cream makes up for it by doubling down on hydrating and emollient ingredients.

Shea butter, jojoba oils and the classic coconut butter will make your skin extra soft, but you’ll need to leave them on for several minutes before they absorb in your skin. So all in all, this is not a bad solution for KP, it just doesn’t contain everything, and you’ll find more affordable – and more well-rounded alternative in the Misumi Blemish Clear Body Wash (our #1). 

Pros:

  • Contains both lactic and glycolic acid
  • A generous amount of product
  • Fruity emollients make for a refreshing, pleasant aroma
  • Good for KP 

Cons:

  • Doesn’t contain salicylic acid (important for keeping bacteria at bay, and you’ll need that with all the scrubbing)
  • Not the priciest, but not affordable either

 

#5 – Oui the People Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Serum ($45)

Oui the People Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Serum on white background

You might know Oui the People for their artsy, single-blade razors. So what even is this thing doing on our list for keratosis pilaris you might ask?! Well it’s not that complicated. While you should never use the Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Serum after shaving (hello, guaranteed irritation), this clear gel comes packed with glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and even PHA. Intended for repairing your skin overnight, this clear gel can also help soothe your KP.  It’s a bit pricier than most at $45, and it’s a gel, so you’ll be using this product very quickly. And it will dry SLOW. And… Just remember to never use it after shaving!

Pros:

  • Has all three KP-fighting acids
  • Has a nice smell
  • Can lighten dark spots

Cons:

  • Gel, liquid consistency (you’ll spend it faster)
  • Very slow to dry, can be sticky
  • Pricey

 

Conclusion

If you’re tired of keratosis pilaris, try one of the top rated products here and let us know what works (or doesn’t) for you. Our recommendation for the time being is the Misumi Blemish Free Body Wash ($23.16). It won our hearts for it’s customer-friendly effective combination of ingredients, safety, and affordability. That being said we’re constantly updating our list to give our readers the most current and best products to test and try for themselves, so check on periodically to see what’s new!