The 13 Best Lotions for Keratosis Pilaris to Smooth Strawberry Legs and Chicken Skin

 

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If you’ve noticed coarse, bumpy skin on the backs of your arms, legs, or butt, you might have a condition called keratosis pilaris (KP). It’s caused by a buildup of keratin within the hair follicle, creating tiny plugs that result in a rough texture, uneven skin tone, and inflammation.

There’s no known cure for KP, but regularly slathering your skin with targeted lotions can help reduce symptoms. These are often over-the-counter creams primarily formulated to help exfoliate the skin by breaking down the bonds securing dead cells to the skin surface and sloughing them off to reveal the fresh skin underneath. Some of the most effective lotions contain alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic, beta-hydroxy acid (salicylic), and polyhydroxy acids. Adding extra hydration is also key to mitigating KP, so we like formulas with humectants and emollients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and shea butter.

We tested 19 top-rated products to find the most effective over-the-counter KP treatments. We used these products for six weeks, assessing their consistency, absorption, and efficacy to determine how well they smoothed bumps, calmed redness and irritation, and left skin supple and hydrated. With guidance from board-certified dermatologists Dr. Nava Greenfield, M.D., and Dr. Ariel Ostad, M.D., we narrowed it down to these truly effective formulas.

Our Top Picks

BEST OVERALL:

Gold Bond Skin Cream at Amazon $12

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BEST CONSISTENCY:

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion at Amazon $16

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BEST EXFOLIATING:

AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone Hydrating Cream at Amazon $20

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BEST ABSORPTION:

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion at Amazon $30

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BEST FOR ITCHINESS:

Eczema Honey Oatmeal Body Lotion at Amazon $28

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BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN:

First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing Body Lotion at Amazon $48

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BEST FOR EVERYDAY:

SALE

 Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion at Amazon $48 $36

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BEST FOR BUMPS:

Kopari KP Body Bumps Be Gone Smoothing Body Lotion With 3% AHA at Amazon $24

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BEST FOR REDNESS:

SALE

 Mario Badescu A.H.A Body Lotion at Amazon $19 $15

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BEST FOR DRY SKIN:

Paula's Choice Resist Body Lotion 10% AHA at Amazon $32

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Best Overall

Gold Bond Skin Cream

PHOTO: Amazon

$12 at Amazon$13 at Target$20$12 at Walmart

What We Like

• Dermatologist and clinically tested

• Hypoallergenic

• Fast results

• Exfoliates with AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs

What to Consider

• Doesn’t prevent new bumps from forming

Key Ingredients: AHA, BHA, PHA | Skin Type: Dry, rough, sensitive | Size: 8 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We were very impressed with the quality and efficacy of this product, especially considering its affordable price. It has a lightweight, creamy texture (not unlike an oil-free moisturizer) that feels soothing on the skin and absorbed quickly. The product claims to improve skin texture in one hour and actually did. After just one use our skin was softer and smoother thanks to a blend of alpha, beta, and polyhydroxy acids, which at no point caused irritation or sensitivity. And a little went a long way—we expect this tub to last for ages!

We wish this product came in a pump rather than a jar as we didn’t love dipping our fingers into it to apply. We also noticed that it didn’t prevent new texture issues—however, the lotion prevented our KP bumps from getting as rough and inflamed as they usually would. The results and the formula were comparable to those of luxury brands we've tried.

Sarah, tester: “The texture of this product is lovely! It's lightweight and barely noticeable. It feels creamy but sinks in immediately, which I love. It feels soothing when applied and spreads incredibly easily.”

Best Consistency

AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

PHOTO: Amazon

$16$14 at Amazon$15 at Target$20 at Ulta

What We Like

• Available at most major drugstores

• Available in multiple sizes

• Not greasy

• Exfoliates with ammonium lactate

What to Consider

• Has a medicinal smell that lingers

Key Ingredients: Ammonium lactate, glycerin | Skin Type: Rough, dry | Size: 7.9 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This lightweight, fluid formula spreads easily and absorbs rapidly, infusing skin with nourishing moisture courtesy of glycerin. The exfoliating ammonium lactate in the formula left our skin noticeably softer after the first use, even when we used it sparingly. (A quarter-sized amount allowed for liberal coverage of our entire arm.) It practically melts into the skin without any greasy residue, which makes it a pleasure to use. Even if we skipped a night or two of application, the formula was so effective that our keratosis pilaris didn’t get any worse; when testing other formulas, we needed to apply daily without fail to maintain smoother skin.

While the formula is fragrance-free, it still has an odor that lingers long after application, which deterred us from applying it in the morning. When we did slick it on during the day, we didn’t apply it to our entire body but rather focused on our KP-prone areas. Despite the smell, though, we’re still fans of the product and would continue to use it—the high concentration of ammonium lactate (comparable to 12% lactic acid) provided some of the most satisfying results of the products we tried.

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Claire, tester: “I'm really content with the absorption of this product. It seemed to melt into my skin in just a couple minutes and left it feeling noticeably softer.”

Best Exfoliating

AmLactin KP Bumps Be Gone Hydrating Cream

PHOTO: Amazon

$20 at Amazon$22 at Target

What We Like

• Exfoliates with 15% lactic acid

• Improved redness

• Rich formula
  

What to Consider

• Takes a long time to absorb

• Medicinal scent that lasts hours after application

Key Ingredients: Ammonium lactate, potassium lactate, and sodium lactate | Skin Type: Rough, dry | Size: 3 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you want a serious dose of exfoliation, look no further than this heavy-duty formula, also from Amlactin. It contains a blend of lactic acid salts that equate to a concentration of 15% lactic acid. Despite its potency, however, we found that it didn’t sensitize our skin, even when using it every day. The texture is very rich and feels soothing on the skin. After the testing period, we noticed a significant improvement in the redness and texture of our skin. While you shouldn’t expect results overnight (consistency is key), you will see a difference from using it regularly.

Like most Amlactin products, this formula has a very strong scent that lasts for hours after application. Its thick texture also means you’ll have to spend some time massaging it in to get it to fully absorb. For this reason, we’d suggest using it at night—but considering the price and the results, we think these minor inconveniences are worth it.

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Taylor, tester: “I noticed a decrease in redness and smoothness of bumps, which might not come across in the photos. The product did have a very unpleasant smell, but was still hydrating for my skin.”

Best Absorption

Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion

PHOTO: Sephora

$30 at Amazon$30 at Ulta

What We Like

• Exfoliates with alpha-hydroxy acids

• Moisturizes with squalane

• Brightens uneven skin tone

• Fragrance-free

What to Consider

• Can transfer to clothes

Key Ingredients: Alpha-hydroxy acid blend, marula oil, squalane | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, irritated | Size: 8 fl. oz. | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This Drunk Elephant formula is very fluid, which makes for extremely smooth application and rapid absorption—perfect for people who face sensory issues when dealing with thick, stiff lotions. It didn’t leave our skin greasy or sticky at all, which was a pleasant surprise considering how many moisturizing ingredients are in the formula (including a bevy of plant oils, butters, and squalane). It also didn’t smell overly medicinal like many other lotions designed to treat keratosis pilaris.

Though we used this formula consistently because of how hydrated it left our skin, we did find that the mix of alpha-hydroxy acids was gentler than we anticipated. We had to apply the lotion daily to ensure our skin stayed smooth—if we skipped a day or two, we noticed a difference. That said, we still loved the formula and plan on keeping it in our routine due to how soft and moisturized it left our skin.

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Jennifer, tester: “I was pleased with the results. As long as I used it the right way, it worked. I would say I saw results after a week. It was nice to keep my skin hydrated because I am not good at that.”

Best for Itchiness

Eczema Honey Oatmeal Body Lotion

PHOTO: Amazon

$28$24 at Amazon$24 at Target$24 at Ulta

What We Like

• Soothes irritated skin with colloidal oatmeal

• Lightweight

• Cooling sensation

• Accepted by the National Eczema Association

What to Consider

• Doesn’t exfoliate

Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, honey, cocoa butter | Skin Type: Irritated, dry, eczema prone | Size: 16 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It’s common for those with keratosis pilaris to have red, easily irritated skin in the affected areas, which is why we really enjoyed this formula. It has a fluid texture that glides across the skin to instantly deliver a cooling sensation that relieves itchiness and calms irritation on contact. The lotion’s colloidal oatmeal soothes dryness, while honey (the star ingredient) functions as a natural humectant to pull hydration into parched skin. Though the formula features shea and cocoa butter, it never left our skin feeling greasy or sticky, which is what kept us coming back for more.

The product is lightweight, so if you’re looking for something that will keep your skin feeling hydrated for a full 24 hours this may not do it for you, but it’s that lightweight quality that makes this formula a pleasure to use. It’s also worth noting that it doesn’t contain chemical exfoliants like other lotions for KP, making it a great option for everyday use.

Pearl, tester: “I really loved this lotion and think it did soothe my irritated skin and helped with dryness. There was no lingering scent so that was great, and my skin felt really hydrated. The product is really easy to smooth out on the skin and my skin felt like it could breathe.”

Best for Sensitive Skin

First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing Body Lotion

PHOTO: Amazon

$48 at Amazon$28 at Sephora$28 at Ulta

What We Like

• Gentle but effective

• Clean ingredients

• Dermatologist-tested
  

• Exfoliates with lactic acid and urea

What to Consider

• Left the skin feeling sticky

Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, urea, colloidal oatmeal | Skin Type: Dry, rough, sensitive | Size: 6 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Managing keratosis pilaris and sensitive skin can be something of a catch-22—the most effective formulas tend to feature chemical exfoliants, but these ingredients can irritate reactive skin. Not so with this formula from First Aid Beauty, which contains a 10% concentration of gentle lactic acid as well as urea to resurface rough skin, plus colloidal oatmeal and ceramides to help soften and nourish. At no point did we feel any tingling, burning, or irritation while testing this lotion.

It’s on the richer side with a slightly grainy texture; it spread and absorbed easily so long as we took care to massage it in. Because it absorbed well, it didn’t transfer to hands and clothes and left the skin much smoother with regular use. We will note that it did leave behind a medicinal smell that we didn’t love, but the hardworking ingredients don’t always have the best scent. It also left a bit of a tacky feel to the skin even after absorbing, so we ended up saving it for our evening routine.

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Karah, tester: “I was pleased with the results in terms of smoothing bumps. I think I started to notice a difference in my skin's texture after about a week of use.”

Best for Everyday

Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion

PHOTO: Glytone

$48$36 at Amazon$48 at Dermstore$48 at Ecosmetics.com

What We Like

• Fragrance-free

• A little goes a long way

• Exfoliates with glycolic acid

• Improves redness

What to Consider

• Contains petrolatum

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, allantoin | Skin Type: Rough, dry, sensitive, mature | Size: 8.4 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This product checked so many boxes for us for a daily treatment. Just a nickel-sized dollop on each part of our body affected by KP sloughed away rough texture with a whopping 17.5% concentration of glycolic acid (which didn’t irritate sensitive skin). Meanwhile, allantoin delivered nourishing moisture that lasted all day. It had a soothing, cooling sensation on contact; we noticed a definite improvement in our redness, too. Though it has a richer texture, it absorbed easily and didn’t leave us feeling sticky.

You might notice that your hands feel the slightest bit greasy after applying, which is likely due to the inclusion of petrolatum in the formula. A quick rinse of our fingertips did the trick, though. Not everyone likes mineral oil-based ingredients in their skincare products, but we could tell that it was a valuable addition to this lotion. It helped lock in lasting moisture so we never had to reapply this product throughout the day to keep our skin soft and hydrated.

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Abby, tester: “This didn’t completely take away the KP, but the redness and bumps did seem to go down. I did like how soft it made my skin feel after use.”

Best for Bumps

Kopari KP Body Bumps Be Gone Smoothing Body Lotion With 3% AHA

PHOTO: Kopari

$24 at Amazon

What We Like

• Exfoliates with glycolic and lactic acid

• Hydrates and moisturizes with shea butter

• Protects against free radical damage

• Absorbs in 30 seconds

What to Consider

• Caused a tingling sensation

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, shea butter | Skin Type: Dry, rough | Size: 5.3 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

To get rid of bumps without causing unnecessary irritation, you’ll want to use a formula like this one from Kopari that contains a blend of chemical exfoliants. It tackled our rough texture using a cocktail of glycolic and lactic acid, improving the look of bumps while also fading redness. The most noticeable results kicked in at the two-week mark, which we found pretty impressive. The lightweight lotion spread easily and absorbed in just 30 seconds so we were able to get dressed right after applying with no issues or transfer to our clothes.

The formula had a slightly chunky texture, which was not the best. We also chose to only apply it to the areas of our body affected by keratosis pilaris as the key ingredients occasionally made our skin tingle. Regardless, its ease of use and the results made this one a winner in our books.

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Victoria, tester: “The lotion absorbs very well into the skin. It took a maximum of 30 seconds to feel like it was fully absorbed, which was great as you don't get that sticky lotion feeling when getting dressed. Once it was on there was truly no transfer to my clothing, hands, etc.”

Best for Redness

Mario Badescu A.H.A Body Lotion

PHOTO: Mario Badescu

$19$15 at AmazonView on Mariobadescu.com

What We Like

• Lightweight

• Not greasy

• Anti-inflammatory properties

• Absorbs quickly

What to Consider

• Took three weeks to see results

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, niacinamide, squalane | Skin Type: Dry, rough, red, sensitive | Size: 6 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This formula was so mild that we weren’t convinced it was working—usually, we feel some kind of burning or tingling from active ingredients in lotions for KP. However, we were pleased to find that it dramatically improved the persistent redness in our skin as well as the bumpy texture. That’s likely due to the inclusion of niacinamide, a potent anti-inflammatory, as well as exfoliating glycolic acid. The product was shockingly lightweight and fast to absorb—a very small amount spreading easily (we were able to cover an entire thigh with just a nickel’s worth of lotion).

The only frustrating aspect was that the instructions explicitly said that it shouldn’t be applied directly after showering or while the skin is still damp due to water potentially neutralizing the glycolic acid. This made application a little inconvenient—we often forgot to put it on as we typically smooth on body lotion after bathing. But this formula made a difference when we stuck to consistent use.

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Sabrina, tester: “So my KP isn't gone, but this did make a noticeable difference. There are fewer red spots for sure and fewer bumps overall. The progress has been gradual and steady.”

Best for Dry Skin

Paula's Choice Resist Body Lotion 10% AHA

PHOTO: Amazon

$32 at Amazon$32 at Dermstore$26 at Paulaschoice.com

What We Like

• Exfoliates with glycolic acid

• Moisturizes with shea butter

• Provides free radical protection

• Absorbs quickly

What to Consider

• Slight tingle when applying to irritated skin

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, shea butter, vitamin C | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, red, rough | Size: 7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Immediately after applying this formula, we noticed that the buttery texture made our skin feel like silk, even on dry areas—and that sensation only improved over time. The combination of 10% glycolic acid and shea butter worked wonders on rough and red skin from the very first day.  It even helped clear up breakouts—perfect if you also want a product to treat back acne.

The formula absorbed so quickly that we never had to wait to get dressed or wash our hands after using it. We also never needed to reapply as the moisturizing effects lasted the entire day. Despite how rapidly the product worked, it never irritated our skin. The only time we could feel any kind of tingling was when our keratosis pilaris was especially inflamed or raw, but it didn’t really bother us.

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Lauren, tester: “I would say after 20 seconds I felt this absorb and start to work! The product goes on like silk butter and doesn't give a sticky feeling on hands or skin.”

Best Lightweight

Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment

PHOTO: Amazon

$32 at Amazon$32 at Sephora$32 at Dermstore

What We Like

• Featherweight gel-cream

• Absorbs quickly

• Exfoliates with salicylic acid
  

• Cooling sensation

What to Consider

• Didn’t improve redness

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, vitamin E, chamomile | Skin Type: Oily, rough, sensitive, blemish-prone | Size: 7 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you hate heavy lotions or are prone to breakouts, this formula from Paula’s Choice is a must-try. It truly lived up to its name, with a featherlight gel-cream consistency that quickly disappeared into the skin as it delivered a cooling and soothing sensation and a dose of hydration courtesy of vitamin E. We never experienced any sticky texture or transfer to our clothing, nor did it irritate our skin or have a noticeable fragrance.

After testing, we could feel how the salicylic acid improved coarse, rough skin texture—it’s one of the most effective formulas we’ve tried. In reviewing our before and afters, we couldn’t see a real difference in the appearance of our skin though, especially the redness. But it felt significantly better. We think that, with continued use, it’ll help heal our skin even more.

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Mia, tester: “It melts right into the skin after about a minute or so and leaves behind a cooling sensation, almost. It was truly weightless after that, and I didn't feel anything on my skin after using it.”

Best Moisturizing

Peach & Lily KP Bump Boss Smoothing Body Lotion

PHOTO: Peach & Lily

$41 at AmazonView on Peachandlily.com

What We Like

• Improves rough texture and redness

• Absorbs quickly

• Fragrance-free
  

• A little goes a long way

What to Consider

• Takes a long time to see results

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, centella asiatica, urea | Skin Type: Dry, bumpy, rough, sensitive, mature, blemish-prone | Size: 6 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Urea is a powerhouse when it comes to treating keratosis pilaris because it simultaneously exfoliates and nourishes the skin, making it especially ideal for those who need an extra dose of moisture. This Peach & Lily formula kept our skin smooth and super moisturized without ever making it feel sticky or weighed down. We only needed a dime-sized amount to fully cover each arm.

Glycolic and lactic acid and skin-calming centella asiatica (aka cica) helped soften our rough texture, fade away redness, and even flatten out and brighten our usually pronounced hair follicles. Keep in mind that you’ll have to spend some time massaging this formula into your skin as it has a white cast upon application. You’ll also need to use it consistently—it took us about six weeks to see results.

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Laura, tester: “The lotion absorbs really well for a KP lotion. These are usually thick and hard to rub in but this was very light and didn't take too long to no longer see white film/streaks on the skin.”

Best Soothing

Skinfix Resurface+ KP + Psoriasis Smoothing Body Treatment

PHOTO: Skinfix

$50 at SephoraView on Skinfix.comView on Myshopify.com

What We Like

• Supports skin barrier with blend of emollients

• Fragrance-free

• Exfoliates

• Developed with dermatologists

What to Consider

• Takes time to see visible results

Key Ingredients: AHAs, BHA, urea | Skin Type: Dry, rough, sensitive, psoriatic | Size: 5.07 oz | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This lotion from Skinfix noticeably reduced the sensitivity of some of our most irritated patches of keratosis pilaris and was extremely satisfying to use. The creamy consistency felt indulgent but not heavy, spreading easily across large areas of skin and absorbing quickly to saturate with comforting moisture from urea (with zero residue). Our skin was instantly nourished and softer due to a blend of chemical exfoliants, humectants, and emollients, which helped resurface the skin while staving off dryness. It was so gentle (and such an enjoyable texture) that we used it across our entire body.

There was a mildly medicinal smell upon application but it didn’t linger. We could feel a difference after testing it for two weeks (our skin was far less bumpy and textured). We expect this lotion will continue to improve the look of our skin as we continue to use it; we’ll keep using it for the non-greasy moisturizing properties alone.

Michal, tester: “In terms of texture, my skin feels smoother and has less bumpiness. My skin feels less sensitive where I have KP.”

What to Look for in Lotions for Keratosis Pilaris

• Keratolytic Ingredients: KP is characterized by blocked follicles: “The follicles produce a sticky keratin that plugs your pores, leading to small bumps,” explains Dr. Ostad. Keratolytic ingredients, like glycolic acid, ammonium lactate, and lactic acid, help break down these plugs to promote smoother, clearer skin. Urea does double duty: “The exfoliating properties help buff away dead skin cells and unclog the pores, but it also helps moisturize the skin,” Dr. Ostad continues.
• Hypoallergenic and Fragrance-Free Formulas: Since KP tends to clog pores you may be reluctant to incorporate oils into your body care routine which could trigger more bumps and blemishes. However, Dr. Ostad says KP is drying and needs the moisture that oils can provide. Keratolytic ingredients will minimize the risk of breakouts, but may also irritate the skin, so consider hypoallergenic formulas, which are designed for sensitive skin and less likely to block pores. Fragrance-free formulas are also ideal as fragrance can sensitize the skin.
• Hydrating and Moisturizing Formulas: Dry skin can further exacerbate KP, so opt for formulas that will hydrate dry skin while treating it. Lightweight, humectant ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, bind water to the skin without clogging pores or leaving residue behind. Also consider emollients, which help strengthen the skin barrier to trap water within the skin, promoting lasting nourishment. Some examples of emollients include squalane and plant oils.

FAQ

• What causes keratosis pilaris?

  Dr. 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.

• Can you cure keratosis pilaris?

  If you’ve been managing KP for years you know that even with rigorous application of exfoliating and hydrating formulas, it doesn’t really clear up. Keeping up with your moisturizing routine won’t erase your KP, but it will help minimize it, as well as prevent rough texture and uneven tone from getting worse.

• Is keratosis pilaris easy to treat?

  Unfortunately, Dr. Greenfield says that keratosis pilaris is actually quite difficult to treat—products can help so long as you use them twice daily, but that can get inconvenient. “The results may also not be a complete resolution of the symptoms, but rather just an improvement,” she adds.

Meet Our Experts

To get additional insights into choosing the right lotions for keratosis pilaris, we tapped the following experts:

• Dr. Nava Greenfield, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist from Brooklyn, New York.
• Dr. Ariel Ostad, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist from New York, New York.