Unlike body acne, the issue has nothing to do with increased oil production or hormones going crazy. "Keratosis pilaris is caused by a buildup of dead cells within your hair follicles," New York City-based dermatologist and Mount Sinai Hospital's Director of Cosmetic and Clinical Research Joshua Zeichner, MD, tells Refinery29. "We cannot completely eliminate it, but we can make it look a lot better; the basic premise of treatment is hydrating the skin and using exfoliating ingredients to remove the dead skin cells." And while treatments range from lotions to scrubs and more, don't hesitate to make an appointment with a trusted board-certified dermatologist if you’re unsure about what options are best for you. That said, if you're ready to try an OTC product, these 11 products will help you get on the right track to smooth, bump-free skin.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
For more can't-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment Peel
If you, like me, are a diehard fan of Dr. Dennis Gross' exfoliating peel pads, you'll love the brand's jumbo-sized version for skin below the neck. Infused with a triple threat of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, each treatment is a formidable adversary against any visible skin imperfections.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Exfoliating Body Treatment Peel, $, available at Sephora
Beekman 1802 Sunshine Body Scrub 7.5% PHA Body Exfoliator
This body scrub's naturally sunny hue is derived from golden beetroot extract, but it's gentle enough for sensitive skin since it's balanced with goat milk derived from Beekman's farm.
Beekman 1802 Sunshine Body Scrub 7.5% PHA Body Exfoliator, $, available at Ulta
iNNBEAUTY Project Bright & Smooth Body Serum
This beautifying body serum is fueled by a veritable who's who of skin-care ingredients: 7% AHA + BHA acid blend in addition to willow bark, niacinamide, kojic and tranexamic acids, and vitamin C to help reduce discoloration and uneven texture.
INNBEAUTY PROJECT Bright & Smooth Body Serum for Dark Spots & Bumps with 7% AHA + BHA, $, available at Sephora
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution
There's no reason that face products can't be used double duty for body concerns, too. This generously sized toner is one of the best MacGyver hacks we've tried for stubborn KP. The concentrated formula is inexpensive but contains a hero ingredient of glycolic acid, a powerful alpha-hydroxy acid that sloughs off follicle-clogging skin cells to get visibly smoother skin almost immediately.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution, $, available at Sephora
Paula's Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA
This shea butter-based body lotion not only hydrates like a champ, but it also helps address any discoloration and texture that comes with KP bumps past and present, thanks to a 10% concentration of AHAs, the highest amount permitted by the FDA in over-the-counter products.
Paula's Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA, $, available at Paula's Choice
Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Soap
An easy way to maintain smooth skin after treating your KP? Swap your bottle of body wash for one with a low concentration of exfoliating acids to keep bumps at bay. (Just make sure to use a body sunscreen regularly as AHAs can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.)
Mario Badescu A.H.A Botanical Body Soap, $, available at Ulta
Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic Renewing Scrub
Skinfix's two-pronged approach to KP consists of this glycolic and lactic acid-infused scrub (for both chemical and physical exfoliation) followed by daily application of a gently exfoliating body cream.
Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub, $, available at Sephora
AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin
This beloved drugstore find is a derm favorite for good reason. It's readily available at most pharmacies and grocery stores, and the lactic acid concentration is just as potent as the pricier stuff.
Amlactin Daily Moisturizing Lotion for Dry Skin, $, available at Amazon
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
An exfoliating body scrub can be transformative for KP, but resist any instinct to go full-on Rambo on your skin: An AHA-infused formula like First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser can be kept to two times a week to avoid irritation.
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA, $, available at Sephora
Kopari KP Body Bumps Be Gone
This botanical body scrub contains green tea to soothe skin, plus chemical and physical exfoliants to buff away bumps.
Kopari KP Body Bumps Be Gone, $, available at Kopari
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Bump-Smoothing Serum
Reviews of this potent exfoliating serum aren't shy about the, ahem, unique scent (which has been described as everything from sour milk to wet dog). However, if you're able to overlook the lack of fragrance, then you'll be rewarded with touchably smooth skin after consistent use.
Farmacy Honeymoon Glow Body 12% AHA/BHA Bump-Smoothing Serum, $, available at Sephora
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Best Products To Treat Body Acne
Is This $14 Anti-Chafe Stick Worth The Hype?
10 Derm-Approved Ways To Prevent Bikini Rash
