Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
These Are The 9 Best Products On Amazon To Treat Strawberry Skin
Bye bye, KP!
Of all the unique ways we talk about skin conditions, from crow's feet to pimples to ingrown hairs, I don't think anything comes off more immediately repellant than what we call “strawberry skin” or, for added horror, “chicken skin.” Technically known as keratosis pilaris, “Strawberry skin” is characterized by red spots that appear on the legs, upper arms, cheeks, and abdomen, resembling, you guessed it, the skin of a strawberry.
According to Dallas-based dermatologist Elizabeth Houshmand, over 50 percent of the population has keratosis pilaris or KP. “It's a frustrating condition where keratin protein builds up around hair follicles and results in bumpy and rough patches of skin,” she says, which is where the not-so-nice nicknames like “chicken skin” and “strawberry skin” come from.
Our top picks for the best products to treat KP in 2023
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
“The reason for the buildup of keratin is unknown, but often occurs alongside other skin conditions such as dermatitis and eczema,” Houshmand adds.
So, how do we get rid of KP? “Gentle exfoliation can be helpful along with moisturizing the skin,” says Houshmand. Just don't go too harsh or else you risk making it worse. To make the search easier, we looked through thousands of fantastic Amazon reviews to find the best products to treat KP so you can get your smoothest, most hydrated skin with two-day shipping.
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Pros
- 10% AHA
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Only needed 1-2 times a week
Cons
- May make you more sensitive to the sun
- Some don't like the smell
With glycolic and lactic acid, this scrub acts as both a physical and chemical exfoliator to make KP a thing of the past.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I've had KP on the backs of my thighs my entire life and just figured it'd be something I'd be stuck with forever. Recently, it's migrating to the tops of my thighs, which has been more noticeable and something that I've been a little more self-conscious about. Y'all, this stuff is amazing. I'm so sold. I've been using for probably about three weeks (and fairly inconsistently too, since I'm kind of bad about remembering to exfoliate) and my thighs are so SMOOTH. Which is a total first for me—my thighs have NEVER been smooth, ever. Always very bumpy and angry. Wholeheartedly recommend this for anyone else who thought their KP was just something they'd have to live with forever!!!”
Bliss Texture Takedown Skin Smoothing Lotion
Bliss Texture Takedown Skin Smoothing Lotion
Pros
- 10 percent AHA, squalane and shea butter
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Exfoliates and hydrates simultaneously
Cons
- May make you more sensitive to the sun
- Must be used daily
Who said you can't exfoliate and hydrate at the same time? This super-thick shea body butter does it all; 10 percent AHA wipes away any signs of KP while squalane and shea butter keep the skin supple and glowing.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Bought KP butter. It’s super high quality. Thick, moisturizing, great for dry skin. My son has eczema on his hands and it cleared it up fast. I want several tubes around the house and in my purse for easy access. The smell on the KP butter one is different, but not at all unpleasant.”
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
Pros
- Three fragrance options
- Great lather
Cons
- Pricey
This super sudsy in-shower treatment comes in three different scents (bergamot, eucalyptus, and fragrance-free) for a super luxurious shower treatment. It's packed with AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to rejuvenate the skin.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator has a great list of exfoliating properties. The pumice and charcoal provide a nice soft physical exfoliation without scratching or being too rough on the skin. The chemical exfoliates are very mild and are not so harsh as to damage or irritate the skin.”
Tend Skin Solution
Pros
- Helps fight ingrowns and razor burn, too
- Super lightweight
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- May leave behind scent
Known for working wonders on ingrown hairs, this water-like liquid helps clogged follicles clear up in no time.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have a sensitive skin and thick hair, and keratosis pilaris on top of that. My thighs and underarms used to look like a battlefield after shaving (I have to shave, since I'm trying at home IPL), that is, until I discovered this product. I've tried glycolic acid, medicinal ointments, fur oil, you name it. Nothing. Then I started using this product and it didn't seem to make a difference, but since I've decided to give 2 weeks to every product before discarding it, I've waited and I AM SO GLAD I DID. I use it 3x, instead of 2, on a clean dry skin. I has improved my condition so much! It does dry the skin, but people, there has to me something. Just moisturize heavily and you will be fine.”
Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment
Pros
- 2% BHA, salicylic acid, vitamin E, and chamomile
- Soothes while exfoliating
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May be drying
This lightweight lotion has salicylic acid to undo any clogged pores, while also containing soothing ingredients like chamomile and green tea to reduce redness and discomfort.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I just tried this cream for the first time, and my arms are almost completely smooth after one use! My keratosis pilaris has been getting worse lately, but my usual exfoliation treatment wasn't helping as much as it used to. My arms are smooth for the first time in years and now I can stop wasting money on treatments that don't work. Very happy customer!!”
Eucerin Dry Skin Intensive 10% Urea Treatment Lotion
Eucerin Dry Skin Intensive 10% Urea Treatment Lotion
Pros
- 10% Urea
- 48 hour hydration
- Affordable
Cons
- Leaves greasy residue
Exfoliation is key to keeping KP at bay, but don't skip moisturizer. After showering, use this rich cream that contains soothing urea to protect and gently reduce any clogged skin.
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have tried hundreds of body lotions and none ever compared to this one. I am 58-years-old and have used body lotions (upon my mother's advice) since I was 15 years old. When I was young, most lotions did fine. As I aged, fewer and fewer were helpful. After age 50, I started trying expensive luxury creams and dermatologist endorsed brands, but none were working more than 6 hours a day—even with the regular exfoliating I do. I have no idea why I decided to try Eucerin (with 10% urea); I am so glad I did. It makes my skin feel moisturized and bouncy over 24 hours. Scaly and crepey skin is gone. I don't know how many years this will help my aging skin, but I have never found any other lotion or cream that comes close.”
REN Clean Skincare AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum
REN Clean Skincare AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum
Pros
- Tropical scent
- 10% lactic acid, xylitol, and shea butter
Cons
- Can be difficult to layer with other products
- Pricey
Not only is this exfoliating body serum soften the skin and unclog follicles on the body, but it will also give you a glowing complexion from the neck down.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Wow, this product delivered! I have extremely dry skin, eczema, and to boot I am pregnant. I use AHAs on my face regularly and they do wonders for cleaning out my pores and chemically exfoliating so my skin can properly operate. I have never used them on my body before this but I'm so glad I did. I am finally not ashy and dry, even after lotion. I highly recommend this used after you shower and under your lotion. This product saved my skin and is making pregnancy more bearable.”
EVERCLEARNOW Microdermabrasion Keratosis Pilaris & Acne Exfoliating Deep Cleansing Scrub Soap
EVERCLEARNOW Microdermabrasion Keratosis Pilaris & Acne Exfoliating Deep Cleansing Scrub Soap
Pros
- Great citrus scent
- Sodium palmate and magniusm oxide exfoliants
- Also fights body acne
Cons
- Some found too abrasive
This in-shower treatment has super-fine pieces of sodium palmate and magnesium oxide to gently treat ingrown hairs, keratosis pilaris, scarring, and acne. It smells like citrus so the experience is pleasant, too.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Body acne and scars and more...This stuff has made it all disappear and is smoothing out my skin. brightening it up and healing it, too. Wish I had this my whole life! Buy it!”
GLYTONE Exfoliating Body Wash
Pros
- Twice a week treatment
- 8.8% glycolic acid
Cons
- Pricey
In the shower, rub down with this body wash that contains glycolic acid for smooth, even-textured skin.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Moisturizers do nothing for wrinkle removing. You have to exfoliate to have smooth, wrinkle free skin. If you have a tattoo, exfoliating will stop you from having to brighten it up again, since it is dead skin cells that dull and erase a tattoo. I love this stuff. I works, doesn't have a smell that offends and lathers up really well. It also keeps my skin so that I can keep an eye on skin cancer growths or changes. I use it on my face and body and have been using it since it first came out (mid nineties). It works.”
Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
As ELLE’s beauty editor, Margaux wants to try it all and do it all…and she does. She's not afraid to chop, slather, dye, swipe, inject, and more—and if it's worth your time and money, she’ll rave about it here.
Watch Next
Are Dip Powder Nails Better Than Gel Manicures?
6 Rejuvenating Air Purifiers for Your Home
Is It Time to Rethink Antidepressants?
The Correct Order to Apply Your Skin Care
