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Buying guide · Picks updated November 6, 2026

Best Exfoliants for Keratosis Pilaris (2026)

Our top pick for exfoliants for keratosis pilaris in 2026 is Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel: fragrance-free, with lactic acid, with salicylic acid. These 8 picks pass every rule for this need, out of 32 exfoliants whose full ingredient lists we decoded. Picks updated November 6, 2026.

The catch: a product can suit keratosis pilaris by its ingredient list and still not suit your skin, so patch test first and see a doctor if a flare doesn't settle.

Read the ingredient list, not just the front label, since ingredients are listed from the highest amount to the lowest. Every pick here was chosen by reading its full list, and each one contains at least one of urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid or glycolic acid. A doctor or dermatologist can confirm keratosis pilaris and offer stronger options.

Edited by Bez · Our full method

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel

Best overall

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Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel

  • Fragrance-free
  • No essential oils
  • No labelled fragrance allergens
  • No drying alcohol
  • Sulfate-free
  • Silicone-free

Key ingredients: Salicylic acid (BHA) · Glycolic acid (AHA) · Lactic acid (AHA) · Mandelic acid

Check today's price on AmazonFull ingredient list

Our picks, ranked by their ingredient lists

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Compare every pick

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ProductIngredientsFragranceEssential oilsLabelled fragrance allergensDrying alcoholSulfatesSiliconesKey ingredientsBuy
1Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant PeelBest overall13Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid, Lactic acidAmazon
2Naturium KP Body Scrub & MaskMost key ingredients28Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, GlycerinAmazon
3Naturium Multi-Bright Advanced Serum34Glycerin, Glycolic acid, Lactic acidAmazon
4Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense23Glycerin, Salicylic acid, Lactic acidAmazon
5Anua Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel23Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, Salicylic acidAmazon
6COSRX Two in One Poreless Power Liquid18Hyaluronic acid, Salicylic acid, PanthenolAmazon
7Isana Korean Skincare Effective Pimple Patches14Salicylic acid, Centella asiatica, MadecassosideAmazon
8Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant15Glycolic acid, Panthenol, Aloe veraAmazon

What every pick leaves out

Every pick is fragrance-free, so none has added scent listed as Parfum, Fragrance or Aroma. That matters because fragrance is the most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, and sensitive or eczema-prone skin usually does better without it. "Unscented" can still hide a masking fragrance, so only the full ingredient list proves a product is fragrance-free.

  • Fragrance-free

How to choose

Which ingredients should you look for in exfoliants for keratosis pilaris?

Look for at least one of these: urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Urea softens rough, thick or flaky skin. Lactic acid is a gentler, hydrating exfoliant. Salicylic acid (BHA) clears inside pores. Glycolic acid (AHA) suits dullness and texture. Ingredients are listed from highest amount to lowest, so one near the top makes up more of the formula.

Why should you choose fragrance-free products?

Check the list for Parfum, Fragrance or Aroma. Fragrance is the most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy. Sensitive, eczema-prone and rosacea-prone skin usually does better without it. Be careful with "unscented." That label can still contain a masking fragrance that hides the smell of other ingredients. Only the full ingredient list proves a product is fragrance-free.

How should you start using an exfoliant?

Patch test anything new. Apply a little to a small area, such as inside the elbow, for several days before using it all over. Chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic and lactic acid, loosen dead skin, so start slowly and use sunscreen. A doctor or dermatologist can confirm keratosis pilaris and offer stronger options.

Frequently asked questions

Which are the best exfoliants for keratosis pilaris in 2026?

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel is our top pick in 2026: fragrance-free, with lactic acid, with salicylic acid. The runners-up are Naturium KP Body Scrub & Mask, Naturium Multi-Bright Advanced Serum and Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense. Every pick is chosen by code from its full ingredient list.

Do exfoliants for keratosis pilaris need certain ingredients?

Yes. Look for at least one of four ingredients: urea, lactic acid, salicylic acid or glycolic acid. Urea hydrates and softens rough, thick or flaky skin. Lactic acid is a gentler, hydrating exfoliant. Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble exfoliant that clears inside pores.

What is a chemical exfoliant?

A chemical exfoliant uses acids to loosen dead skin. The AHAs are acids such as glycolic and lactic acid, and the BHA is salicylic acid. Start slowly with any of them, and use sunscreen.

Does fragrance matter in an exfoliant for keratosis pilaris?

Often, yes. Fragrance is the most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy. Sensitive, eczema-prone and rosacea-prone skin usually does better without it. Added scent appears on the list as Parfum, Fragrance or Aroma, so check there.

How can I tell if an exfoliant is fragrance-free?

Only the full ingredient list proves that a product is fragrance-free. Fragrance-free means no added fragrance. 'Unscented' can still contain a masking fragrance that hides the smell of other ingredients. Read the INCI, the standard ingredient list on the label, and check for Parfum, Fragrance or Aroma.

Do I need to patch test a new exfoliant?

Yes. Apply a little to a small area, such as inside the elbow, for several days before using it all over. Patch test anything new, and start slowly with chemical exfoliants.