The best ingrown hair treatments prevent and soothe those pesky, inflamed bumps that pop up after shaving—because ingrowns are, quite literally, a pain. But what exactly are they? The clue is in the name. “Ingrown hairs are hairs that grow underneath the skin and cause the appearance of pimple-like bumps,” explains New York–based double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, MD. Even those with perfect shaving technique, factors like hair thickness and texture can still make you prone to ingrowns.
Vogue’s Favorite Ingrown Hair Treatments
Turns out, no matter what hair removal method you favor—or even if you prefer to go au naturel—the latest crop of exfoliating body serums and lotions can help hair grow back cleanly and comfortably, minimizing irritation and bumps. Below, dermatologists and estheticians share everything you need to know about ingrown hairs, along with 11 of the best treatments to prevent and soothe them.
In This Story
Best Exfoliating Pads: First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads
- Why We Love It: Exfoliating pads are convenient if you like to swipe on your treatment rather than apply a serum or lotion. Not to mention, they come pre-dosed with just the right amount of product—meaning you don’t have to worry about using too much or too little. Of the options available, these little pre-soaked cotton rounds pack a punch. “The combination of BHA and AHA helps to remove dead skin cells, preventing clogged pores and the formation of ingrown hairs.” board-certified dermatopathologist Dr. Gretchen Frieling tells Vogue.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, aloe, witch hazel, camellia sinensis leaf extract, licorice root extract, bisabolol
- Type: Exfoliating pads
- Size: 28 pads per tub
Best Roll-On: Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic
- Why We Love It: Need a quick fix, gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin? Look no further than Topical’s roller ball tonic stick. “This formula combines salicylic acid, willow bark extract, an and glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the skin—a combination that prevents clogged pores,” says Dr. Frieling. “Plus, the addition of niacinamide, zinc PCA, green tea extract, and centella asiatica help to calm inflamation and support skin healing.” With one product, you can prevent future ingrown and treat the current ones ailing you—just roll it onto your bikini line or underarms. When Vogue’s senior beauty writer Kiana Murden consistently apply this two to three times per week to her bikini line and armpits, she says “it’s pretty much guaranteed I will not get any ingrowns.”
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, glycolic acid, zinc PCA, green tea extract
- Type: Roller ball stick
- Size: 50 ml / 1.7 fl. oz.
Best Lotion: U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound
- Why We Love It: This multi-purpose body care pick does it all. Here, moisturizing agents like shea butter, peptides, and bioferments pair with an AHA blend and papain to promote skin cell turnover, smooth skin texture, and reduce wrinkles—keeping the skin soft and ingrown-free. Plus, it’s not at all sticky, so as you go about your day, you’ll likely forget you’re wearing it. Points that make it obvious why even makeup legend Bobbi Brown is a fan.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, phytic acid, bioferments, biomimetic peeling peptide, papain, shea butter
- Type: Body lotion
- Size: 200 ml / 6.7 oz.
Best Stick: The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
- Why We Love It: For an affordable yet high-powered pick, The Inkey List’s glycolic acid stick is a no-brainer. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Noah Gratch considers this a a user-friendly pick—both in price, and format. “Glycolic acid exfoliates effectively, and the stick format makes application easy and precise,” he continues. The texture of this body stick is more like a deodorant than a liquid—swipe it on the day after shaving to keep bumps at bay. As a bonus, it even doubles as a solution for cracked, dry heels.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, shea butter
- Type: Stick (think: like a deodorant)
- Size: 1.5 oz
Best Patch: Fur Ingrown Microdart Patches
- Why We Love It: “In most cases, ingrown hairs will clear up without treatment,” celebrity esthetician Kristin Gunn tells Vogue. “That being said, just about any product used for acne would work on an ingrown hair.” So using a sort of pimple patch for your ingrowns makes a lot of sense. Enter: Fur’s Ingrown Microdart Patches. These tiny dots deliver a blend of salicylic acid, cica, and licorice root straight to the site to reduce inflammation and smooth bumps in just six hours.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, cica, licorice root, hyaluronic acid, trehalose
- Type: Microdart patch (think: pimple patches)
- Size: 12 patches per box
Best Bar Soap: Soft Services Buffing Bar Microcrystal Exfoliant
- Why We Love It: Forget fancy potions and creams—sometimes, a good old bar soap is all you need—especially one packed with physical exfoliants. In the quest to smoother, softer skin, the Soft Services Buffing Bar is the way to go. Crafted from superfine sanding crystals enriched with shea butter, aloe leaf juice, and spirulina extract, this delivers gentle physical exfoliation to relieve keratosis pilaris, ingrown hairs, and rough skin textures. Dr. Frieling notes that with consistent use, significant improvements in skin smoothness and texture are possible—all without stripping or drying out your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Key Ingredients: Shea butter, aloe leaf juice, jojoba esters, spirulina maxima extract
- Type: Soap bar
- Size: 3.75 oz. (net weight) per bar
Best Drugstore: Megababe Après Shave Ingrown Hair & Razor Bump Roll-On
- Why We Love It: Another roll-on option thats oh-so easy to use, Dr. Frieling notes this pick is dermatologist- and gynecologist-approved. BHAs and apple fruit extract are the stars of the show here—ensuring that hair grows back into a smooth surface free of dead skin cells, but that razor bumps do not appear. Plus, the roll-on applicator makes it easy to apply on the go and to throw in your toiletry bag.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycerin, apple fruit extract, witch hazel
- Type: Roller ball
- Size: 1.9 oz. / 56 mL
Best Body Wash: Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash
- Why We Love It: An exfoliating body wash is Camp’s favorite way to prevent ingrown hairs. He notes that this formula by Kosas is formulated without microbeads, synthetic fragrance, silicones, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates—making it another pick that’s ideal for sensitive skin types. In the absence of of physical exfoliants, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi previously explained this body wash relies on natural enzymes from fruit, plus a blend of AHAs like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids. Not to worry, this maintains the skin’s natural oils and soothes irritation via allantoin and glycerin.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, tropical fruit enzymes, allantoin
- Type: Body wash
- Size: 9 oz. / 275 mL
Best Serum: Tata Harper Resurfacing Body Serum
- Why We Love It: For those in search of a treatment that reads more lotion than serum, Tata Harper’s formula is the way to go. Despite the name, this is a milky elixir led by plant-based actives like vitamins C and A, plus a host of botanical oils and extracts to provide instant relief to dry, rough patches. But that’s not all; board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman adds that it’s also a great fit for body acne and ingrowns. “This serum’s formula contains AHA/BHA, which can be very helpful for congestion-prone skin. Plus, it’s lightweight and absorbs easily,” says Spearman. Though a word of caution to those with sensitive skin—this one might be a bit too intensive.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, plant-derived vitamin A, AHA superfruits, orange peptides, hyaluronic acid, calendula flower extract, olive oil, grapefruit oil, rosemary leaf extract
- Type: Serum
- Size: 4.1 oz. / 125 mL
Best Hydrating: Oui the People Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Exfoliant Serum
- Why We Love It: Few brands cater to the body quite like Oui the People. From its hero stainless steel razor to gleaming body gloss, there are many formulas to add to your body-care routine, but its Cheat Sheet serum is a standout among the bunch. “This serum uses glycolic and lactic acid to gently exfoliate, helping prevent hairs from becoming trapped under the skin,” says Dr. Gratch. “As a dermatologist, I often recommend chemical exfoliants like this for patients who struggle with recurring razor bumps, since they’re more effective and less irritating than harsh scrubs.” Plus, Atlantic sea kelp, proline, and botanical oils help boost collagen production and ensure that the skin is moisturized after each use.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, Atlantic sea kelp, proline, witch hazel water, lemon, orange, and tangerine peel oil
- Type: Serum
- Size: 100 mL
Best Toner: Tend Skin Razor Bump
- Why We Love It: This one’s an oldie but a goodie—launched in 1985, to be exact. Tend Skin has been a go-to solution to prevent razor bumps in the pursuit of a clean shaven face; so who says it can’t be used everywhere else? “This well-known treatment relies on salicylic acid and alcohol to calm bumps and exfoliate clogged pores,” says Dr. Gratch. “It’s effective for many patients but can be drying, so I suggest always pairing it with a hydrating lotion.”
- Key Ingredients: Isopropyl alcohol, aspirin, glycerin, salicylic acid
- Type: Toner
- Size: 8 fl oz
What causes ingrown hairs?
“Our skin is in a constant cycle of pushing dead skin cells upward to slough off, and that can clog pores if the skin is not exfoliated,” Gunn explains. “The dead skin will block the pathway for hair to grow outward, which can lead to ingrown hairs.” Dr. Camp notes that if the hair is unable to pierce the skin as it regrows, it will curl under the skin, which can cause a foreign body reaction. “This leads to redness, swelling, and the appearance of bumps on the skin.”
Is there a way of preventing ingrown hairs?
The best way to prevent ingrown hairs is to use razors with fewer blades and change them frequently. According to Gunn, dull razor blades can cause skin irritation and razor burn, and are also more likely to cause ingrowns. Dr. Camp also emphasizes that fewer blades may not give you the closest shave, allowing some hair to remain above the surface to reduce the formation of ingrown hairs. Pro tip: Be sure to shave in the direction of the hair growth with a foam or gel to reduce friction along the skin. Otherwise, the next best tip is to exfoliate often to slough away dead skin cells that can cover the opening of the hair follicle.
What is the most effective treatment for ingrown hairs?
Gunn notes that ingrown hairs will clear up without treatment; however, if you’re experiencing a really stubborn, painful one you’d like to alleviate sooner rather than later, you can speed up the healing process with acne-treating salves. “Soak the area in warm water or apply a warm towel for a few minutes,” she says. Then, apply an exfoliant (think: keratolytic agents like urea, lactic acid or salicylic acid, says Dr. Camp), which will melt away any dead skin on the surface and allow the new skin to breathe. Follow with an unscented moisturizer to help heal dry skin. “If you do happen to see the hair break through, this is good news and means you’re almost in the clear! Grab some clean tweezers and gently pull it out.”
Dr. Camp cautions against digging ingrown hairs out, as that can lead to scarring and discoloration. “If symptoms of inflammation or infection are present, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or the appearance of pustules, a topical or oral antibacterial prescription may be needed.”
Do ingrown hair serums actually work?
Yes, ingrown hair serums do actually work. Per Dr. Camp, these can be used to release foreign bodies and ingrown hair from beneath the skin’s surface. “The inclusion of anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hydrating ingredients treat irritated skin and facilitate the expulsion of pus and ingrown hairs,” he says.
What to Look for in an Ingrown Hair Treatment
When it comes to preventing ingrown hairs, the right exfoliation is everything. Choosing the right formula often comes down to where you’re treating—smaller, sensitive areas call for precise solutions, while larger zones benefit from broader-coverage serums. Below, the experts break down what to consider:
- Type of Exfoliant: Though body scrubs can remove dead skin cells via physical exfoliation, Gunn is more partial to a chemical treatment. “Our skin has enough to deal with without adding in harsh microbeads, apricot shells, and other things that go into a manual exfoliator,” she says. “The chemical exfoliants essentially melt away the dead skin cells and impurities that are causing ingrown hairs. Much easier, with little to no irritation.”
- Ingredients: Alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids (otherwise known as AHAs and BHAs) are best to prevent ingrown hairs because they gently and effectively exfoliate the skin. Specifically, “keratolytic agents found in moisturizers, like urea, lactic acid, or salicylic acid, can help facilitate the release of trapped ingrown hairs,” according to Dr. Camp.
- Treatment Area: How you tackle an ingrown might depend on the area where it’s growing. For example, applying a roll-on serum might make application to the armpits easier, whereas larger body parts like the stomach or legs can be treated with a body serum.
How to Remove Ingrown Hairs
Properly removing ingrown hairs requires patience. “Try to leave it alone until it comes to a ‘head,’” instructs Gunn. “When you see the little hair poking out, or it has a whitehead like a pimple, it’s party time! Grab some clean tweezers, and try to pull the hair straight up and out. They will usually heal quickly after this!”
What can happen if an ingrown hair isn’t properly treated?
Ingrown hairs are not to be ignored—when it comes to treatment, the key is acting quickly to prevent irritation, discoloration, or infection. “If left untreated, an ingrown hair can lead to persistent inflammation, pain, or even infection. Over time, it may also leave behind hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Gratch, adding that if you notice recurring ingrowns or spreading redness, it’s definitely time to consult a dermatologist.
Can you pop an ingrown hair like a pimple?
The experts respond with a resounding no—don’t even think about it. “Trying to pop or dig out an ingrown hair can worsen irritation, pushing the hair deeper or even causing infection,” says Dr. Gratch.
Beyond professional ingrown hair treatments and the guidance of a trusted dermatologist, Frieling recommends another safe solution. “Another safe alternative to popping ingrown hairs is to apply a warm compress to soften skin and reduce swelling,” she says, noting that this also helps the hair naturally work its way out.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology. He sees patients at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery in New York.
- Dr. Gretchen Frieling, MD, is a Harvard-trained, triple board-certified dermatopathologist with practices in Boston and Cape Cod, with over 18 years of experience in medicine, dermatopathology, and aesthetics.
- Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in treatments for acne, eczema, hyperhidrosis, rosacea, psoriasis, and skin cancer.
- Kristin Gunn is a celebrity esthetician and owner of Halcyon Skin Care and Beaux Medspa.
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California.
- Dr. Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, who specializes in melanoma and skin-cancer care.
