9 Best Lotions For Keratosis Pilaris To Make Your Skin Soft & Smooth

Smoothen the texture of your skin like never before with the most suitable skincare essentials.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ahmad Fayyaz Chaudhry, MBBS, RMP
Written by Shiboli Chakraborti, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Edited by Krati Darak, MBA, Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Medha Deb, Integrated MA  • 

Keratosis pilaris, also called chicken skin, is a skin condition that is characterized by small, rough bumps on arms, thighs, and sometimes on the face. It occurs as a result of the keratin buildup around the hair follicles. This is why you need to land your hands on the best lotion for keratosis pilaris available in the market. We have made a list of the 9 best lotions for this skin condition to control the issue and make your skin soft and smooth.

Products
Check Price
Best Non-Sticky:touch kp Exfoliating Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best Fragrance-Free:GLYTONE Exfoliating Body Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best Dermatologically-Tested:DRMTLGY Exfoliating Body Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best For Kids:KP AWAY Keratosis Pilaris Emollient
Price on Amazon
Best Quick Absorbing:UREA LABS 10% Urea Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Non-Greasy:Dermlogic Exfoliating Body Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best For Sensitive Skin:Curamarx KP essentials Exfoliating Cream
Price on Amazon
Best Gentle Formula:BEAUTY FACIAL EXTREME Exfoliating Body Lotion
Price on Amazon
Best Long-Lasting:NEOSTRATA Lotion Plus
Price on Amazon

9 Best Lotions For Keratosis Pilaris

1. Best Non-Sticky:touch kp Exfoliating Lotion

4.1

The touch kp Exfoliating Lotion exfoliates and moisturizes the skin to keep it smooth and clear. This clinically-proven lotion contains salicylic and glycolic acids, which reduce dryness, redness, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation while improving the skin texture by penetrating the follicles and pores. They also maintain normal pH levels, increase cell turnover, and boost collagen production to keep acne and dryness at bay. The moisturizing agents like glycine soja oil and coconut oil leave the skin soft and silky. The anti-inflammatory aloe vera soothes the skin. The product’s remarkable performance in smoothing the skin has garnered positive reviews from several testers online.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal

Pros
  • Non-sticky
  • Cruelty-free
  • Alcohol-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Dye-free
  • Suitable for all skin types

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell

protip_icon Quick Tip
Sun exposure can worsen the condition, so it’s important to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when going outdoors.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has garnered over 697 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.

2. Best Fragrance-Free:GLYTONE Exfoliating Body Lotion

4.3
Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion Image: Glytone

This dual-action exfoliating body lotion hydrates and exfoliates keratosis-prone skin. It contains glycolic acid and caffeine that remove dead skin cells to smoothen and polish rough and bumpy skin. This dermatologist-tested glycolic acid lotion works by increasing collagen production and cell turnover while reversing basal cell atypia to moisturize and treat the skin. It also heals cracked heels, dry elbows, and discoloration to renew the skin. Several reviewers have heaped praise on the product for its excellent results after testing it.

Product Dimensions: 2.1 x 2.1 x 4 inches | Weight: 8 Ounces

Pros
  • Fragrance-free
  • Suitable for dry to normal skin
  • Suitable for daily use
  • Dermatologically-tested
  • Non-irritating

Cons

  • Expensive
  • May sting

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

Almost 483 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.

3. Best Dermatologically-Tested:DRMTLGY Exfoliating Body Lotion

4
DRMTLGY Exfoliating Body Lotion Image: Drmtlgy

The DRMTLGY Exfoliating Body Lotion contains 12% lactic acid that treats dry, rough, bumpy skin and other conditions like keratosis and folliculitis. These lactic acid lotions improve skin texture and are safe for use on areas like the hands, arms, legs, and feet. This dermatologically tested lotion rehydrates dry patches and infuses moisture back into the skin to relieve redness and flakiness.

Unit Count : 6.9 Ounce

Pros
  • Dermatologically tested
  • Cruelty-free
  • Gluten-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell
  • May cause a burning sensation.
touch kp Exfoliating Lotion
Best Non-Sticky
GLYTONE Exfoliating Body Lotion
Best Fragrance-Free
DRMTLGY Exfoliating Body Lotion
Best Dermatologically-Tested
Skin Type Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry, Normal--
Dimensions- 2.1 x 2.1 x 4 inches-
Weight- 8 Ounces-
Unit Count-- 6.9 Ounce
Rating
Reviews697483267
Price$29.95$48$21.95

4. Best For Kids:KP AWAY Keratosis Pilaris Emollient

4.1
KP AWAY Keratosis Pilaris Emollient Image: Kp Away

The KP AWAY Keratosis Pilaris Emollient intensely hydrates the skin and restores its natural lipid barrier. It contains the pH-balancing coconut oil that moisturizes, softens, and relaxes the skin to reduce redness and bumps. The redness-reducing ultra-keratin restores the skin, while the exfoliating agents eliminate dead skin cells. The plant-based fatty acids enhance skin texture by penetrating deep to repair the molecular structure.

Product Dimensions: 4 x 4 x 4 inches | Weight: 1 Pounds

Pros
  • Suitable for newborns and kids
  • Non-greasy
  • Vegan
  • Cruelty-free
  • Nut-free
  • Gluten-free
  • BPA-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • Ideal for combination to dry skin

Cons

  • Expensive
  • May irritate the skin.

5. Best Quick Absorbing:UREA LABS 10% Urea Cream

The UREA LABS 10% Urea Cream thoroughly hydrates dry and keratosis pilaris-prone skin. The triple-action formula contains lavender oil and salicylic acid to offer intensive care and healing to rough, dry, and aging skin. It promotes healthy skin by making it soft, smooth, and non-flaky. Urea promotes moisture levels and quick healing. It offers mild exfoliation to remove dead skin while soothing, conditioning, and calming the skin.

Product Dimensions: 2.76 x 2.76 x 2.56 inches | Weight: 3.99 Ounces

Pros
  • Non-greasy
  • Absorbed quickly
  • Money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Unpleasant smell

6. Best Non-Greasy:Dermlogic Exfoliating Body Lotion

4.1
Dermlogic Exfoliating Body Lotion Image: Dermlogic

The Dermlogic Exfoliating Body Lotion protects dry skin from chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, etc., by activating cellular regeneration. It helps treat conditions like keratosis pilaris by reducing dryness, redness, acne, and bumps. This eczema-friendly lotion softens the skin and eliminates dryness, flakiness, and stubborn calluses by eliminating accumulated buildup around the skin’s follicles or pores.

Number of Items: 1

Pros
  • Non-greasy
  • Absorbed quickly
  • Easy to use
  • Gentle
  • Suitable for acne-prone and dry skin types

Cons

  • Strong smell

protip_icon Quick Tip
Avoid products that contain dyes or other potentially harsh ingredients that can irritate the skin.

7. Best For Sensitive Skin:Curamarx KP essentials Exfoliating Cream

3.6
Curamarx KP essentials Exfoliating Cream Image: Curamarx

The KP essentials Exfoliating Cream helps treat keratosis pilaris on sensitive skin by eliminating roughness and redness. The healing ingredients like jojoba oil, aloe vera, AHA, and almond oil unclog pores and prevent keratin buildup. The blend of lactic and glycolic acids gently removes dead skin cells to renew and resurface your skin. These ingredients also prevent irritation by clearing and smoothening the skin.

Skin Type: Sensitive

Pros
  • Non-irritating
  • Suitable for sensitive skin
  • Fragrance-free
  • Cruelty-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • May cause redness.

8. Best Gentle Formula:BEAUTY FACIAL EXTREME Exfoliating Body Lotion

The BEAUTY FACIAL EXTREME Exfoliating Body Lotion has 12% lactic acid and fruit acids with rich emollients to smoothen and heal rough and dry skin. This exfoliating lotion activates cell regeneration and prevents dryness on body parts like the hands, elbows, and knees. Its gentle formula softens calluses, prevents chicken skin, and treats redness, acne, and bumps effectively. The exfoliating properties eliminate dead skin cells and keratin buildup from the skin’s surface.

Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 1.7 x 1.7 inches | Weight: 3.84 Ounces

Pros
  • Suitable for dry and acne-prone skin
  • Gentle
  • Pleasant smell
  • Absorbed quickly

Cons

  • Stings a little

9. Best Long-Lasting:NEOSTRATA Lotion Plus

4.5
NEOSTRATA Lotion Plus Image: Neostrata
Now 8% Off

The NEOSTRATA Lotion Plus is an extra-strengthening, multipurpose skin lotion designed to enhance the skin tone and overall texture. It contains 15% glycolic acid that brightens the skin and prevents photoaging that causes wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. This skin-brightening lotion reduces keratosis pilaris and hyperkeratosis while keeping the skin smooth and encouraging cell regeneration. It reduces rough bumps around the pores or follicles and deeply moisturizes the skin.

Product Dimensions: 2.25 x 2.25 x 7.56 inches | Weight: 9.17 Ounces.

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Non-greasy
  • Long-lasting
  • Absorbed quickly
  • Oil-free
  • Fragrance-free
  • Sulfate-free
  • Paraben-free

Cons

  • Not for sensitive skin.

Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In A Lotion For Keratosis Pilaris

Lotions for keratosis pilaris typically contain potent ingredients that help exfoliate the dry skin cells, soften the skin, and smooth out its texture. Hence, it is important that you check for a few ingredients on the labels to ensure the lotion soothes your skin instead of aggravating the condition further. Check out the infographic below to learn about these ingredients and their benefits.

Key Ingredients To Look For In A Lotion For Keratosis Pilaris (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

If there’s an excess of keratin around hair follicles, a rare condition called keratosis pilaris develops on arms, thighs, and on the face as well. However, some lotions can help prevent this condition while reducing dryness, redness, hyperpigmentation, and inflammation. For those looking for a non-sticky and non-drying formula, try the touch kp Exfoliating Lotion. The GLYTONE Exfoliating Body Lotion contains hyaluronic acid and is safe for use on sensitive skin. The DRMTLGY Exfoliating Body Lotion is a lactic acid-based exfoliator that relieves redness and flakiness. These lotions also maintain the pH levels, increase the overall cell turnover, and promote collagen production. Dr. Ahmad Fayyaz Chaudhry suggests, “Gently pat the skin dry with a towel. Then, take a small amount of lotion in your hands and massage it into the skin in circular motions. Be sure to pay attention to any areas that are particularly dry or irritated. Once the lotion has been absorbed, you can dress and go about your day.” Before purchasing a product, go through reviews and product descriptions carefully and avoid lotions that might irritate your skin or cause a burning sensation.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach. She understands the skin’s needs and has expertise in recommending products accordingly. She has curated the list of best lotions for keratosis pilaris after extensive research and reading many online reviews on trusted platforms. These lotions address keratosis pilaris and leave a moisturizing effect on the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I put lotion on my keratosis pilaris?

Yes, lotions made specifically for keratosis pilaris will help to hydrate the skin and be helpful for the condition. Always do a patch test to confirm you do not have any allergies before using the lotion.

Does lotion make keratosis pilaris worse?

No, dryness worsens keratosis pilaris, and lotions will help in hydrating, soothing, and retaining moisture..

How long does it take to treat keratosis pilaris?

It can take up to 4-6 weeks to show improvement if you follow a proper treatment.

How do you keep keratosis pilaris under control?

Take shorter showers (15 minutes or less).
Using lukewarm water instead of hot water in showers
Bathe with a light exfoliating soap or body wash.
Use of moisturizers twice daily.

Should you moisturize keratosis pilaris?

Yes, moisturizer relieves itching and dryness caused by keratosis pilaris and is highly beneficial.


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