The 8 Best Body Washes For Keratosis Pilaris You Can Use In 2023
These are gentle on your skin and help you with the management of the condition.
Hillary ClarkEsthetician
Expertise: Makeup & Skin Care
Experience: 21 years
Hillary Clark is a third-generation beauty entrepreneur, celebrity makeup artist, and medical esthetician with 21 years of experience. Her stints as the youngest Beauty Director for Nordstrom and West Coast Beauty Editor for Sephora provide... more
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after re... more
Monomita ChakrabortyCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care
Experience: 2 years
Monomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global Unive... more
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Bumps and irritation caused by Keratosis Pilaris are bound to feel uncomfortable and hinder achieving that smooth skin. However, using the best body wash for keratosis pilaris may soothe the irritation. Some of the body washes for keratosis pilaris are dermatologically-tested and medically approved and can deliver smooth and clear skin. Keratosis Pilaris is also known as chicken skin, which occurs due to genetics. The area feels quite rough, and you may notice uneven bumps on the skin. It may appear on body parts like arms and thighs.
It is best to use a mildly-formulated body wash that exfoliates and washes out the dead skin cells. It should also hydrate your skin, as dryness accelerates and propagates this skin condition. Avoid using bar soaps that strip your body of its natural oils and other forms of moisture, and this will only cause more irritation. It is natural to be skeptical about the variety of products, so we have shortlisted a collection of the 9 best expert-recommended body washes for keratosis pilaris. Scroll down and take a look.
In This Article
8 Best Body Washes For Keratosis Pilaris That Deliver Beautiful Skin
1. Best Oil-Free Formula:Touch KP Exfoliating Wash
Image: Touch
Exfoliate your skin gently with this keratosis pilaris body wash that will leave you with smooth and bump-free skin. This scientifically formulated product with 15% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid, targets sources of keratosis pilaris by penetrating deep into your hair follicles and pores, reducing redness and inflammation. With a powerful blend of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and Gotu kola, it moisturizes your skin, stimulates collagen production, and eliminates the buildup of keratin. That’s not all! It also contains vitamin E as its key ingredient, which acts as a powerful antioxidant to protect your skin from environmental triggers. The formula with exfoliating properties is free of harmful chemicals and exfoliates bumps, lending you softer, smoother skin.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Oil-free formula
- Suitable for all skin types
- Even out skin tone
- Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates and dyes
Cons
- The scent may be overwhelming for some.
Quick Tip2. Best Non-Comedogenic:Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash
Image: Glytone
You cannot miss out on this glycolic body wash for keratosis pilaris that exfoliates and moisturizes the skin. It is scientifically formulated with a high percentage of glycolic acid, which melts away dead skin cells, leaving you with smooth and silky skin. It also contains glycerine to help lock in moisture and protect your skin during the harsh winters. Loved by many for its creamy lather, use this moisturizing body wash for keratosis pilaris that give visible results and reveal even-toned, radiant skin with every wash.
Pros
- Rich, creamy lather
- Non- comedogenic
- Improves skin texture
- Reduces inflammation
Cons
- Contains sulfates, parabens and added fragrances
3. Best Hydrating Formula:ReTone Exfoliating Cleanser
Image: Retone
Keratosis pilaris leaving your skin textured and dull? Revive and rejuvenate it with this cleanser from ReTone. It is scientifically formulated with exfoliating ingredients to help you achieve clean and clear skin. It contains 7.5% glycolic acid with apricot seed powder to clear dead skin cells and unclog pores. It has white Egyptian cucumber extracts with calming effects that also detoxify your skin’s surface. It is a must-have exfoliating body wash for keratosis pilaris, as it improves skin’s elasticity and reduces the appearance of stretch marks, wrinkles, blemishes, and scars.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Delivers soft skin
- Hydrating formula
- Suitable for acne-prone skin
- Improves skin texture and elasticity
Cons
- Contains sulfates
4. Best Moisturizing:Misumi Blemish Clear Body Wash
Image: Misumi Skincare
Are you frustrated from dealing with body acne, redness, and scarring? If yes, try this Misumi Blemish Clear Body Wash. It is infused with the goodness of lavender flower oil, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid to offer you the clear skin you’ve always longed for, while reducing bumps and roughness. Lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid together exfoliate, lighten and smoothen uneven skin tone and texture giving visible results. The lavender flower oil prevents acne and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, while the sugarcane, pineapple, and blueberry extracts unclog pores and speed up the healing process of damaged tissue. Trust us, your skin will fall in love with this glycolic and lactic acid body wash for keratosis pilaris!
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Hydrating formula
- Deeply moisturizing
- Improves skin texture
Cons
- May not contain a rich lather
Quick Tip5. Best Cruelty-Free:Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid KP Exfoliating Wash
Image: Botanic Tree
Indulge in the nourishing benefits of this tea tree oil wash for keratosis pilaris. It is enriched with tea tree extracts, willow bark extracts, aloe vera, lavender, ylang-ylang, and thyme to heal your damaged skin. Powered with salicylic acid and glycolic acid, this professional-grade body scrub erases the bumps caused during keratosis pilaris. The tea tree extracts, lavender, ylang-ylang, and thyme nourish your skin to boost elasticity, leaving you with velvety-soft and healthy skin. The willow bark extract rids your skin of acne and offers you an even skin tone. So don’t waste your time on chemical exfoliants and try this natural body wash for keratosis pilaris.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Moisturizing formula
- Suitable for oily, dry, and acne-prone skin
- Free of parabens, sulfates, dyes, and drying alcohols
Cons
- Ingredients may increase sun sensitivity, so this product must always be paired with a suitable sunscreen
6. Best Hypoallergenic:Aseptic MD Clinical Strength Body Wash
Image: Aseptic Md
Dealing with irritated skin due to keratosis pilaris can be exhausting. Try this dermatologist-recommended body wash for relief. The non-irritating formula is enriched with dioxicare, an ingredient that deeply cleans the skin with its antibacterial properties. The dioxicare is extracted from chlorine dioxide that unclogs pores and fights inflammation. It also includes glycerine to soothe dryness and allows the skin to retain moisture to help you achieve velvety-soft skin while restoring the skin’s barrier function.
Pros
- Unscented
- Hypoallergenic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial properties
- Suitable for all skin types
- Sensitive skin-friendly
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- It contains sulfates.
7. Best Acid-Free Formula: Kpaway Skin Polish
Image: Kpaway The Kpaway Skin Polish is a nourishing formula. This dermatologist-tested wash is infused with biodegradable jojoba wax beads which gently seep into the pores, eliminate build-up, sebum, and dead skin cells, and replenish natural moisture. The deeply cleansing formula also contains vitamin E, calendula, and aloe vera that soothe the skin, maintain its natural pH balance, and protect it against free radical damage. The coconut oil and jojoba oil in the formula with calming effects nourish the skin and strengthen its barrier. Additionally, this body wash regenerates your skin’s natural lipid repair and treats keratosis pilaris effectively.
Pros
- Vegan
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for infants
- Gluten-free
- Acid-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Sulfate-free
- Plastic-free
- Nanoparticle-free
Cons
None
8. Best Gentle:Keratone KP Body Wash
Reduce redness and bumps with the Keratone KP Body Wash. It is formulated with 10% glycolic acid that assists in exfoliating your skin and minimizing Keratosis pilaris redness, irritation, and bumps. This gentle cleansing body wash is packed with many natural hydrating ingredients that rejuvenate your skin, making it smoother. In addition, the body wash keeps your skin hydrated and healthy.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Gentle
- Natural ingredients
- Irritation-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
Cons
None
Now that you are caught up with the 8 best body washes for keratosis pilaris, here is a look at how you can go about buying one for yourself.
How To Choose Body Wash For Keratosis Pilaris
Here a few tips you can keep in mind while buying a body wash for keratosis pilaris
Skin type
While dealing with keratosis pilaris, ensure you choose a body wash that suits your skin type and do a patch test to be sure. Formulas with citric acid and lactic acids such as KP Essentials Exfoliating Body Scrub and Ecomax Natural Bamboo Vinegar Shower Gel are great for oily skin type. Those with dry skin can go for body wash made with glycerine and essential oils such as Aseptic MD Clinical Strength Body Wash and Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid KP Exfoliating Wash. You can opt for gentle cleansers with aloe vera for sensitive skin such as Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid KP and Touch KP Exfoliating Wash.
Toxin-free
Since you are already dealing with an irritating skin condition, you must be careful to stay away from body washes that contain parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals that could further damage your skin. Choose clinically-tested and dermatologically-approved products for clinically-proven results. You can go for gentle cleansers such as Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid KP Exfoliating Wash and KP Essentials Exfoliating Body Scrub.
Nourishing formula
Well, it doesn’t hurt to pay attention to the ingredients list of the product and buy one that not only targets your problem areas but also enhances your skin’s feel and glow. Try products formulated with natural and nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, tea tree, Egyptian cucumber extracts, and bamboo vinegar that have proven efficacy. The Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid KP Exfoliating Wash, ReTone Exfoliating Cleanser, and Ecomax Natural Bamboo Vinegar Shower Gel are both great professional-grade options that leave your skin feeling velvety-soft and with a radiant glow.
Now that you know the tips you must keep in mind before buying the best body wash for keratosis pilaris, here’s a look at how you can treat it.
How To Treat Keratosis Pilaris
Here’s a small guide to treat keratosis pilaris.
Step 1: Exfoliate
This skin condition is majorly caused due to the build-up of dead skin cells and keratin on your skin’s surface. Hence, regular exfoliation is the key to deal with this issue. You can either use a bath pouf or a loofah to manually scrub your skin or use a chemical exfoliant after testing on a small patch of skin to unclog your pores and achieve healthy skin.
Step 2: Moisturize
Ensure that you use cocoa butter and shea butter or other organic moisturizing ingredients to regularly hydrate yourself to combat the dryness caused during this condition. Make sure that you opt for non-comedogenic ones so as not to end up clogging your pores.
Step 3: Wear sunscreen
Several chemical exfoliants, with salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and glycolic acid, leave your skin more vulnerable to sun damage. Hence, always wear your sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 after exfoliation.
Step 4: Dress smartly
Pick lighter, softer, and comfier fabric that will not cause chafing or scratching of your skin. You do not want to put yourself in skinny jeans and aggravate your irritation.
Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Keratosis Pilaris Body Wash
Individuals with keratosis pilaris need a body wash that is soothing and moisturizing. While some formulas may contain harsh chemicals that aggravate the condition, other products are packed with compounds that work to eliminate the bumps and patches. Check out the infographic below to discover the key ingredients that you must look for in a body wash to manage keratosis pilaris.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Though there isn’t a permanent cure to this common skin condition, finding and using the best body wash for keratosis pilaris may go a long way in treating your bumpy, textured skin. Many people with keratosis pilaris are also prone to eczema; hence it is wiser to opt for fragrance-free, clinically-tested products with milder ingredients and antioxidant-rich formulas. And if you have keratosis pilaris with a sensitive skin type, then scrubbing your skin with rough pumice stones, pastes, or using any product without a patch test is a big no-no. You want to get rid of the dead skin cells and the keratin build-up, but you also don’t want to end up with rashes in the process. Pick a dermatologist-recommended formula that contains a beta hydroxy acid such as salicylic acid, which delivers visible results. Of course, always talk to your doctor before trying on a new product and pick a doctor-recommended product to avoid an allergic reaction. Try the Touch KP Exfoliating Wash for minimizing pores, reducing redness, and soothing inflammation, or the Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash for smoother and refreshed skin with a creamy lather and deep moisturization. We really hope our post on the 8 best body washes for keratosis pilaris helps you in your journey towards beautiful and glowing skin.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Kirtana Divakar is a skin care enthusiast who suggests reliable products recommended by users on online platforms. She has listed the best body washes for Keratosis Pilaris after performing elaborate research to choose products based on their ingredients list, skin type compatibility, fragrance levels, texture, and cleansing properties. In addition, she has described the best properties of each product along with their pros and cons. Her post also includes a buying guide to help you make the right choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get rid of keratosis pilaris?
Treating keratosis pilaris is a long and enduring process. Clearing your skin takes anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks depending on your treatment plan.
Does your diet affect keratosis pilaris?
No. It is a genetic condition and while nobody exactly knows what the trigger is, it is certainly not caused by your diet.
What are the causes of keratosis pilaris?
Keratosis is a genetic skin condition mainly caused when dead skin cells clog our pores or when keratin forms a scaly plug on the opening of the hair follicle, leaving you with patches of bumpy and rough skin.
What is the fastest way to get rid of keratosis pilaris?
Medicated creams containing urea, lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid, or salicylic acid are the fastest way to eliminate keratosis pilaris.
Is salicylic acid body wash or glycolic acid body wash better for keratosis pilaris?
Glycolic acid strips the dead skin cells from the skin surface, whereas salicylic acid penetrates deep into the skin and targets the keratin that causes keratosis pilaris. Therefore, salicylic acid body wash is better.
Is hyaluronic acid body wash good for KP?
Yes. Hyaluronic acid body wash hydrates dry skin and removes dead skin cells, preventing KP.
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