Allure Editors Pick Lotions for Rough, Bumpy Skin
Allure's guide recommends specific lotions for skin concerns like keratosis pilaris and dryness, featuring dermatologist advice and editor testing.
Allure has compiled a list of the best lotions for treating rough and bumpy skin. The guide, which includes dermatologist insights and editor testing, targets specific conditions like keratosis pilaris (KP), dryness, and body acne.
According to board-certified dermatologist Sumeet Thareja, MD, rough skin can stem from a buildup of keratin around hair follicles, as with KP, or from a compromised moisture barrier. Small bumps can also be blemishes from clogged pores. Identifying the texture is key to choosing the right product.
Our Top Picks for Rough & Bumpy Skin
The publication selected four standout products, each targeting a different primary concern. The list is based on formulations and tester feedback.
| Pick For | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+Max Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream | $22 |
| Best for Keratosis Pilaris | AmLactin Daily Nourish 12% Lactic Acid Lotion | $16 |
| Best for Extra-Dry Skin | Sol de Janeiro Body Badalada Body Treatment | $28 |
| Best for Body Acne | Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA Salicylic Acid | $35 |
Best Overall and for Sensitive Skin
La Roche-Posay's Lipikar AP+Max cream is the top overall choice. It features the brand's Neurobioma technology, designed to help break the cycle of itching and scratching. The formula contains ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, and niacinamide. It is fragrance-free and carries the National Eczema Association seal of approval.
Editor in chief Jessica Cruel called it the "Goldilocks of body lotions." She said, "I find that it is moisturizing enough to quench my dry elbows and knees."
For sensitive skin, the guide highlights Vanicream Moisturizing Cream. Dermatologist Rachel Day, MD, recommends prioritizing barrier support for sensitive skin. The simple, fragrance-free formula uses petrolatum and sorbitol and is free of lanolin and botanical extracts.
Best for KP and Extra-Dry Skin
The best lotion for keratosis pilaris is AmLactin Daily Nourish with 12% lactic acid. Dr. Thareja explains that lactic acid helps loosen excess keratin while acting as a humectant. The 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner is fragrance-free and gentle enough for daily use.
Beauty director Sarah Kinonen said, This is the easiest and gentlest exfoliator I've ever used. I just slather the lightweight cream onto the backs of my arms.
For extra-dry skin, Sol de Janeiro's Body Badalada lotion focuses on intense hydration. It uses Brazilian sugarcane extract, glycerin, and a blend of seven molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. Brazil nut oil and rice bran oil provide emollient benefits. This formula contains added fragrance.
Contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee praised its quick absorption and subtle tropical scent. She noted it felt non-irritating on her eczema-prone skin.
The guide advises shoppers to consider ingredients that repair the skin barrier, like ceramides, or gently exfoliate, like lactic or salicylic acid, depending on their specific skin concern.
