7 Best Expert-Approved Exfoliators For Ingrown Hair – 2024
Get rid of those irritating ingrown hairs and impurities while nourishing your skin!
Laura Dale is a Hair Expert and licensed Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience. Laura has worked as a Global Education Director for Beauty Brands specializing in haircare and as a Beauty Editor she is passionate about sharing her love of beauty products and hair tools.
Read full bio of Laura Dale
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty
StyleCraze believes in credibility and giving our readers access to authentic and evidence-based content. Our stringent editorial guidelines allow us to only cite from reputed research institutions, academic journals, and medically established studies. If you discover any discrepancy in our content, you may contact us.
Image: Shutterstock
If you are looking for the best exfoliator for ingrown hair, this article is sure to help you. Ingrown hairs are formed when hair follicles get clogged. These often feel bumpy on your skin, might get itchy, and cause inflammation and irritated skin. Also known as razor bumps, these can also form by the remnants of body hair shafts if not shaved well. You might notice these as tiny bumps on your legs or arms after shaving sometimes. Not only do they make your skin feel rough to touch, but also may lead to painful infections. To prevent all this, it’s important to exfoliate your skin regularly with a good physical or chemical exfoliant for ingrown hair. It would not only help smoothen your skin but would also increase cell turnover and prevent further buildup and occurrence of ingrown hair. To help you get started, we have shortlisted the 7 best exfoliators that help remove ingrown hair effectively.
In This Article
7 Best Exfoliators To Eliminate Ingrown Hair Removal In 2024
1. Best Chemical-Free:pureSCRUBS Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub
This pureSCRUBS Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub, highly acclaimed by many positive reviews, exfoliates, cleanses, nourishes, and moisturizes your skin, preventing dead skin build-up and leaving you with healthy, soft and radiant skin. Formulated with Dead Sea salt, the fine grains gently exfoliate, while the blend of nourishing ingredients like jojoba, argan, and sweet almond oils smoothen the skin. This physical scrub is a great exfoliator for painful ingrown hair on legs. Rich in vitamin E and avocado oil, this formula nourishes and cleans your skin, while the aloe vera and shea butter moisturize it to impart a youthful glow. Scented with lemongrass, this scrub leaves you feeling like you have spent a day at the spa. This product includes a bamboo wooden spoon to scoop out the scrub, an exfoliating dual-sided loofah for easy application, physical exfoliator and an oatmeal exfoliating soap. Plus, it doesn’t test on animals, ensuring that your skin care is cruelty-free.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Smells great
- 100% natural
- Free of chemicals
- Repairs skin damage
Cons
- May be a bit oily
"This is a multifunctional product. It cleans my skin of dirt, dead skin cells, and pollutants and nourishes it. My skin feels smooth and looks healthy after using it. It also is devoid of any overwhelming fragrance which is a plus."
Pro Tip2. Best For Bikini Area:Completely Bare Bikini Bump Blaster
Whether you have a bikini bump on your delicate skin or are troubled by persistent ingrown hair, this Completely Bare Bikini Bump Blaster will take care of it all. YouTuber Kendall Alfred, a makeup expert, states, “This literally makes everything super super smooth, no bumps, no redness, so I love this.” This is a good exfoliator for the bikini area, if you have been staying off waxing. Boosted with the power duo of glycolic acid and salicylic acid exfoliator for ingrown hair, the dermatologist tested product penetrates deep into the pores to dislodge the clump of dead skin cells on your skin surface, oil, and dirt, resulting in smooth and healthy skin. It also contains green tea extract that is an anti-aging agent and witch hazel that will tone your skin. Furthermore, it undergoes no animal testing, guaranteeing the cruelty-free nature of your skin care.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan formula
- Dermatologist-tested
- No sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
Cons
- May cause dry skin
Pro Tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With 5,797 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.
3. Best Vegan:GiGi No Bump Body Scrub
Troubled by razor burns and ingrown hair after hair removal? This GiGi No Bump Body Scrub exfoliates to give you clear , smooth, and exfoliated skin. Rich in salicylic acid, it effectively unclogs pores and helps in dead cell removal while also serving as an anti-inflammatory agent. It also contains rice bran wax that is rich in antioxidants and fights harmful free radicals. This formula also contains extracts of chamomile, willow bark, sea buckthorn, and algae. Reviewers on Amazon have noted that the product has a cooling effect on the body.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- 100% vegan
- No synthetic dyes
- No sulfates, parabens, and phthalates
Cons
- The scrub may be a bit slippery.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received 2,571 reviews on Amazon and is a popular choice among shoppers.
pureSCRUBS Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub Best Chemical-Free | Completely Bare Bikini Bump Blaster Best For Bikini Area | GiGi No Bump Body Scrub Best Vegan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | All, Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | All | All |
| Dimensions | 3.5 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches | 3 x 3 x 2.5 inches | 3.6 x 3.6 x 2.2 inches |
| Weight | 1 Pounds | 3.84 Ounces | 9.6 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 9,269 | 5,797 | 2,571 |
| Price | $28.95 | $9.99 | $9.93 |
4. Best Pore-Minimizing Formula:Azani Bump Eraser Body Scrub
The Azani Bump Eraser Body Scrub is a gentle exfoliator infused with 10% AHA, 5% glycolic acid, and 5% lactic acid. It exfoliates dead skin cells, plucks out ingrown hair, and treats hyperpigmentation and rough patches; it also conditions and moisturizes your skin to prevent irritated skin. This exfoliating scrub for ingrown hair is also enriched with walnut and green tea, which inhibit the accumulation of dust and oil, reduce skin redness and swelling, and prevent skin infections. Willow bark extract controls oil production, minimizes the appearance of pores, and combats signs of aging. Apply this exfoliator for body ingrown hair on your damp skin daily, scrub the area with your fingers for three to five minutes, and achieve even-toned, nourished skin within seven days.
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Paraben-free
- Silicone-free
- Nut-free
- Gluten-free
- Alcohol-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Unpleasant fragrance
"This body scrub improves my skin tone and texture. My skin looks clearer and healthier. I love that it minimizes my pores and hydrates the dry patches. I love that it does not turn my skin flaky in the long run. However, it does not wash away easily and requires multiple rinses."
5. Best Oil-Free:Jack Black Bump Fix
Painful ingrown hair keeping you up at night? Say goodbye to the bumpy ride with Jack Black Bump Fix, a product highly praised by many satisfied reviewers. It targets razor bumps and ingrown hair, offering you relief from the worry. With salicylic acid as the most active ingredient in the formula that provides gentle exfoliation, you are in good hands with this product. All while the other ingredients in the formula such as aloe leaf, lactic acid, and organic chamomile oil extract will soothe and impart a calming effect to the inflamed skin. This exfoliator is also a premium astringent for oily and acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Easy to use
- Oil-free solution
- Moisturizes deeply
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 1,387 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
6. Best Dermatologist-Tested:First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads
Troubled with razor burns and ingrown hairs? The First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads are your best bet. Bailey, a skin care enthusiast says on her Instagram post, “I have been LOVING these recently! I use them under my arms and they have been really helping with ingrowns & uneven texture!” These pads are infused with glycolic acid that gently exfoliates and resurfaces the skin, salicylic acid smoothens the skin and improves its appearance, and witch hazel soothes skin inflammation. This exfoliating body treatment also contains aloe vera leaf juice that softens and moisturizes the skin and relieves itchiness, providing clinically proven results. Swipe these pads on your skin after 24 hours of waxing or shaving to prevent ingrown hairs and bumpy skin. Since these pads contain AHAs, use sunscreen while stepping out in the sun to avoid sunburn. Adrianna Green, a personal skin care vlogger, has tried out these pads. She writes, “They did help with the razor burn. I just got a slight rash. Usually happens when I try new products. Once my skin got used to them, they worked really well (i).”
Pros
- Dermatologist tested
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Alcohol-free
- No artificial fragrance
- Mineral oil-free
- Petrolatum-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Recyclable packaging
Cons
- Expensive
"These pads provide a quick solution to my ingrown hair. They are easy to carry which I love. They wipe away dirt and irritants while leaving my skin soft. I love how smooth and glowy my skin looks after using them."
7. Best For Daily Use:Shobha Ingrown Relief Lotion
This Shobha Ingrown Relief Lotion not only gets rid of ingrown hair but also prevents its growth in the future. It removes build-up of dead skin cells from your skin surface while eliminating ingrown hair and reduces the possibility of inward hair growth. This exfoliating lotion for ingrown hair comprises glycolic acid that exfoliates, tea tree oil that repairs skin damage, glycerin that keeps the skin hydrated, and chamomile that soothes your skin. Kim, a personal blogger and makeup artist in NYC loves applying this cream. She says, “I applied the cream religiously daily per the instructions. I stayed bare and smooth in my southern region for weeks with no ingrowns. I would definitely recommend it to you if you get waxes like me (ii).”
Pros
- Hydrates skin
- Great for daily exfoliation
- Nourishing formula
- Safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- May have a heavy fragrance
"This lotion eliminates my ingrown hair and smoothes out my skin. It is a gentle formula without any added chemicals. My skin feels soft and looks radiant after applying this."
Pro TipYou can effectively prevent hair growth in the future with skin-friendly formulations that are meant to work wonders on your skin type. Before purchasing an exfoliator, it is important to keep the following points in mind.
How To Choose The Best Exfoliators For Ingrown Hair Removal
- Skin Type
Your skin type should determine which product you are investing in, and it’s essential to choose expert-recommended and clinically tested options. If you have sensitive skin, make sure the exfoliant is made specifically with skin-soothing natural ingredients including aloe vera and shea butter. Also, those with oily skin should opt for oil-free exfoliators or the skin pores may get clogged and make the ingrown hair problem worse. Dermatology experts suggest that people with dry skin should go for alcohol-free formulas.
- Ingredients
Look for products containing salicylic acid and glycolic acid. They are the most effective ingredients to reduce ingrown hair because they exfoliate well, resulting in cleaner pores and better skin.
Choose exfoliators that are devoid of harmful substances. It should go without saying that if you are looking for daily exfoliation, you should avoid purchasing any products that include sulfates, parabens, phthalates, or artificial substances. They will dry your skin out and cause rashes and itching. If you have sensitive skin, you need to be extra mindful.
Try to opt for products that are alcohol-free, since alcohol can deplete your skin of its natural oils and essential moisture, causing dry skin. However, if you have oily skin, you can get away with a lit bit of alcohol in your product; provided you are not exfoliating daily.
- Formula
Since the purpose of an exfoliant is dead cell removal, it is crucial that the formulation also encourages deep moisturization of the skin, otherwise discomfort may occur. If and when you get an exfoliant, be gentle in its application. Do not scrub the area too hard or pull at your skin.
- Usage
Not all products are suitable for the delicate skin of the bikini area. If you are thinking of getting an effective ingrown hair exfoliator for your private parts, it is important to choose skin-friendly exfoliators that would not cause redness, bumps, or inflammation. Make sure to choose exfoliators that are gentle and offer painless removal.
Now that you are all caught up on the best products in the market, here are a few tips on how to deal with ingrown hair
How To Get Rid Of Ingrown Hair
Here are a few tips if you are stuck in such a situation
- Stop hair removal: Until you have got rid of the ingrown hair, stop shaving, waxing, or plucking hair in that area.
- Remove dead skin: Ingrown hair are nothing but hair trapped inside dead skin cells, oil, and dirt. Hence, gently wash the area and use an exfoliant to remove the build-up. It is cut hair that has grown back into the skin instead of outside the skin.
- Warm compresses: This will help soothe the area that is inflamed with ingrown hair.
- Consult a doctor: If it gets worse, see a doctor. A prescription of retinoids from your doctor will speed up the clearing of dead skin cells. Avoid retinoids if you are pregnant.
However, before it gets too severe, it is important that you include exfoliation in your routine to avoid such a situation. Here are a few things you can keep in mind before buying an exfoliator.
How To Select Exfoliator For Ingrown Hair
Here are a few parameters you can judge them by.
- Active ingredients: Salicylic acid and glycolic acid are the most efficient agents for ingrown hair, especially because they exfoliate well, causing clearer pores and healthy skin.
- Free of toxins: This goes without saying that if you are buying an exfoliator for regular use, it is advisable to stay off products that contain sulfates, parabens, and phthalates.
- Alcohol-free: Alcohol can dry out your skin, robbing it of its natural oils and much-needed moisture. Hence, you may want to pick a formula that is free of alcohol.
- Moisturizing formula: An exfoliator scrubs off dead skin cells, and hence it is important that the formula also enables deep moisturization to the underlying skin or it may cause inflammation or dry skin.
Once you have an exfoliator in your kitty, use it cautiously. You do not want to over do it.
How Often Should I Exfoliate Ingrown Hair
- Ingrown hair often shows up after hair removal, be it shaving, waxing with organic sugar or other products in the market, laser hair removal, or any other modes. It is usually dead skin cells that clog up the pores and force the hair to grow sideways.
- Hence, you will benefit from regular exfoliation. Gentle exfoliation for 10-15 seconds once a week can do wonders for your skin.
- Ingrown hair can also cause a little bump that may look like a pimple and lead to great discomfort. People with curly hair are more susceptible to this since the nature of the hair lends it to grow in a non-linear way. However, anyone can get them, and hence, it is important that you maintain good personal hygiene and a cleansing routine that involves exfoliation.
Licensed cosmetologist and hair expert, Laura Dale
says, “Exfoliating is the best defense against ingrown hairs. Shaving can be irritating and drying to the skin and exfoliators not only nourish the skin but they help keep your hair follicles from being clogged.”
Infographic: Exfoliators For Ingrown Hair Removal: How To Use, What Ingredients To Look For, And Tips
Gentle exfoliators for ingrown hair prevention are formulated with ingredients that encourage the ingrown hair to come near the surface of the skin while reducing inflammation and redness. Picking the best product is important to ensure it works for you.
In the below infographic, we have listed the best ingredients for exfoliators that help with ingrown hair treatment and removal along with some useful tips on how to remove those nasties. Take a look! Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Ingrown hair can cause painful, itchy bumps on the skin. These are formed due to hair follicles or your legs or arms clogging. They make your skin rough and scaly. To prevent this, you need a good exfoliator to exfoliate and soothe your skin gently and prevent the occurrence of ingrown hair, also helping in dark spot reduction. They contain antioxidants and natural ingredients that moisturize the skin and reduce inflammation. The pureSCRUBS Dead Sea Salt Body Scrub repairs skin damage, while the Completely Bare Bikini Bump Blaster works effectively to clear the pores and tone the skin. But if you are looking for something to reduce the appearance of bumpy skin, try the First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads. These natural exfoliators for ingrown hair are easy to use, cruelty-free, and vegan. However, some exfoliates have an overwhelming smell and may not suit sensitive skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does exfoliating surely help remove ingrown hair?
Yes, definitely. An exfoliator will remove the dead skin cells, oil, and dirt build-up, getting rid of the bump you have because of the ingrown hair. It is advisable to exfoliate once a week to avoid ingrown hair. However, if you face serious ingrown hair issues that are painful, it is better to consult a doctor first.
Is exfoliating good for ingrown hair?
Yes. Exfoliating is good for ingrown hair as it reduces dead skin cells and stubborn build-up. It also prevents ingrown hair from curling back or growing sideways.
What causes ingrown hair?
Ingrown hair occurs when the removed hair starts growing back inside the skin. The main causes of ingrown hair include shaving, waxing, or tweezing. It often causes a swollen bump on the skin that can be painful.
How much should I spend on an exfoliator for ingrown hair?
There are several affordable exfoliators available in the market that help reduce the risk of ingrown hair. You can purchase nourishing exfoliators within $30 that smoothen your skin and repair damage.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a skincare aficionado and likes to help her readers choose from the very many skincare products without hassle. She went on a hunt for the best exfoliators for ingrown hair and compiled a list of them with the help of thorough research. She also read many product details to ensure the listed products are safe for use. This list consists of the products that can make your skin smooth and prevent the buildup of ingrown hair further.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
(i) Adrianna Green
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QnZQKYTzDUw
(ii) Makeup By Kim Smith
https://makeupbykim-porter.com/2010/02/review-shobha-ingrown-relief-lotion-3/
Best Tweezers For Ingrown Hair RemovalBest Products For Bikini Razor Bumps
Best Laser Hair Removal MachinesBest Exfoliating Scrubs For LegsBest Vanilla Body Scrubs
Read full bio of Laura Dale
Read full bio of Kirtana Divakar
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Read full bio of Monomita Chakraborty
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our empowering community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with other beauty, lifestyle, and health enthusiasts.