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 30 exfoliants whose full ingredient lists we decoded. Picks updated November 6, 2026.
The catch: 1 of these 8 picks contain essential oils. If you avoid essential oils, go for #1, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 and #8.
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
Best overall
AffiliatePaula'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: Hyaluronic acid · Salicylic acid (BHA) · Glycolic acid (AHA) · Lactic acid (AHA) · Mandelic acid
Our picks, ranked by their ingredient lists
1Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
exfoliant · 30 ml · 13 ingredients
£43.00Amazon UK
- Fragrance-free
- With lactic acid
- With salicylic acid
- With glycolic acid
2Medik8
Pore Cleanse Gel Intense
exfoliant · 150 ml · 23 ingredients
£22.50Amazon UK
- Fragrance-free
- With lactic acid
- With salicylic acid
3Naturium
Multi-Bright Advanced Serum
exfoliant · 30 ml · 34 ingredients
£26.00Amazon UK
- Fragrance-free
- With lactic acid
- With glycolic acid
4Anua
Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel
exfoliant · 120 ml · 23 ingredients
- Fragrance-free
- With salicylic acid
5Paula's Choice
Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant
exfoliant · 100 ml · 15 ingredients
£66.22Amazon UK
- Fragrance-free
- With glycolic acid
6The Ordinary
Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
exfoliant · 30 ml · 15 ingredients
£7.04−20%Amazon UK
- Fragrance-free
- With lactic acid
7COSRX
Two in One Poreless Power Liquid
exfoliant · 100 ml · 18 ingredients
£13.38Amazon UK
- Fragrance-free
- With salicylic acid
8Medik8
Sleep Glycolic
exfoliant · 30 ml · 17 ingredients
£39.00Amazon UK
- Fragrance-free
- With glycolic acid
Amazon UK prices as of 6 November 2026, 06:19 GMT; Amazon sets the final price at checkout.
Compare every pick
Affiliate| Product | Ingredients | Fragrance | Essential oils | Labelled fragrance allergens | Drying alcohol | Sulfates | Silicones | Key ingredients | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant PeelBest overall | 13 | Hyaluronic acid, Salicylic acid, Glycolic acid | Amazon | ||||||
| 2Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense | 23 | Glycerin, Salicylic acid, Lactic acid | Amazon | ||||||
| 3Naturium Multi-Bright Advanced SerumMost key ingredients | 34 | Glycerin, Glycolic acid, Lactic acid | Amazon | ||||||
| 4Anua Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel | 23 | Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, Salicylic acid | Amazon | ||||||
| 5Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant | 15 | Hyaluronic acid, Glycolic acid, Panthenol | Amazon | ||||||
| 6The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% | 15 | Hyaluronic acid, Glycerin, Lactic acid | Amazon | ||||||
| 7COSRX Two in One Poreless Power Liquid | 18 | Hyaluronic acid, Salicylic acid, Panthenol | Amazon | ||||||
| 8Medik8 Sleep Glycolic | 17 | Glycerin, Glycolic acid | Amazon |
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 Medik8 Pore Cleanse Gel Intense, Naturium Multi-Bright Advanced Serum and Anua Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel. 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.