We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.
Ingrown hairs can be irritating, frustrating, and even painful. When new hairs grow back, especially after a close shave or waxing, they can sometimes get caught under the skin or under a layer of dead skin cells. This can result in painful bumps and redness that can be hard to treat. Utilizing exfoliants is a great way to treat, soothe, and prevent ingrown hairs. Regularly applying an exfoliant, whether it utilizes chemical or natural ingredients, to the areas where you frequently develop ingrown hairs can clear away that troublesome layer of dead skin and prevent new ingrown hairs from forming. One of the best ways to manage ingrown hairs is to choose an effective exfoliant that includes ingredients, like green tea and oat, that can soothe irritation and minimize razor bumps. To find out which ingrown hair treatments work the best and are kindest on your skin, we talked with experts and dermatologists. Then we created this list of products that you can start using right away to cool down your skin and get rid of those irritating bumps. Our Top Picks Best Ingrown Hair Treatments: Best for Sensitive Skin: Best for Face: Best for Body: Best for Pubic Area: Best Preventative Treatment: Best for Razor Bumps: Bliss Ingrown Hair & Razor Bump Eliminating Solution at Amazon ($10) Best Post-Shave Treatment: Best Scrub: In This Article Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Health Pros Designed for body, face, and genital areas Cruelty-free Easy application Cons May dry out skin and sting upon application We picked the Tend Skin Solution as our top pick for treating ingrown hairs because it’s formulated to be used all over the body, including the face and sensitive genital areas. The product contains isopropyl alcohol and it can also be used ahead of shaving as a facial cleanser too. It can be applied after any method of hair removal, including irritation from waxing. It is recommended that you use it on dry skin and it can be easily applied with a cotton ball once or twice a day as needed. After only a few uses, you should see a reduction in post-shaving redness and razor bumps. Price at time of publication: $25 Key Specs: Pros Alcohol-free Designed for sensitive skin and sensitive areas Can brighten the skin and lighten dark spots Cons Best to use one day after shaving May require multiple pads The First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads utilize witch hazel and aloe to soothe and soften your skin, along with glycolic acid to chemically lift dead skin cells. This formula is non-irritating due to the lack of alcohol and artificial fragrances that could dry out skin. Each container holds 28 individual pads that are pretreated to help prevent ingrown hairs and are ready for use right out of the package. These pads can be used daily or as needed, however, depending on the size of the impacted area, you may need to use more than one pad to fully cover the area experiencing ingrown hairs. These pads also shouldn’t be used right after shaving, so it’s recommended that you apply the treatment the day after you shave. Price at time of publication: $20 Key Specs: The 8 Best Tea Tree Oils to Treat Everything From Acne to Infections Pros Easy to apply gel Exfoliates skin without needing to scrub Cons Can irritate sensitive skin Using a blend of glycolic, salicylic, and phytic acids, the Anthony Ingrown Hair Treatment for Men is a gel treatment that exfoliates and lifts dead skin cells without needing to use an abrasive scrub. Simply apply a small amount of the gel to the affected area in the morning and evening to help prevent and treat ingrown hairs. The instructions also recommended applying a moisturizer after use too, because the ingredients can dry out your skin over time. The treatment contains lavender and willowherb which help soothe your skin and give the gel a very pleasant scent.This may not be the best option for people with sensitive skin types as it can cause some irritation, and it shouldn’t be used before prolonged exposure to direct sunlight without also applying some sunscreen. Price at time of publication: $34 Key Specs: 10 Best Oils for Dry Skin Pros Easy roll on applicator Anti-aging properties Cruelty-free Cons May sting after application Can cause skin sensitivity to direct sunlight What makes this particular treatment one of our favorites for the body is how easy it is to apply—no need for cotton balls or scrubs. The Razor Bump Stopper Solution comes in a bottle with a built-in roll on applicator so you can easily reach any part of your body that frequently has ingrown hairs. Designed for all genders, this ingrown hair treatment can help brighten dark spots and calm irritated skin and razor bumps that can develop after shaving or waxing. This formula uses glycolic acid to exfoliate the affected area and vitamin E to repair the skin that may have been damaged from a close shave. Price at time of publication: $20 Key Specs: Pros Designed specifically for the pubic area Vegan Dermatologist tested Cons May be too abrasive for some Manscaped offers a Crop Exfoliator cleansing gel that uses both glycolic acid and volcanic rock as a chemical and physical exfoliant to lift dead skin cells and prepare the area for a close shave. This treatment also includes witch hazel, papaya, and aloe leaf extract to help calm the skin down and reduce the risk of developing razor bumps and redness. You apply this product after being in your shower for a few minutes, but before shaving. Massage it gently into the groin area and then rinse off. While this gel is marketed towards men, all genders would benefit from applying this product before shaving to prevent pesky in-grown hairs. The gel is also unscented so despite it being targeted at men, women could also enjoy the benefits of applying this product before shaving. Price at time of publication: $13 Key Specs: Pros Can improve skin discoloration PH balanced Designed for preventative daily use Cons Could promote in-grown hair growth on some skin textures The scent may not appeal to some Not only does this bottle have a very sleek and attractive design, but it has also been dermatologist tested to show its effectiveness in preventing ingrown hairs. The European Wax Center Ingrown Hair Serum is an alcohol-free formula that utilizes glycolic acid as its primary exfoliant which can help clear away dead skin cells and keep your skin as clean as possible through regular daily use. It can be applied all over the body to any area that typically develops ingrown hairs, including the pubic area. To help cool down any irritation or redness, this serum includes several popular calming ingredients like vitamin E, chamomile, and lavender. This serum is on the more expensive side,and while it’s rare, some people have reported slightly worsening ingrown hair conditions after using it. Price at time of publication: $32 Key Specs: Pros Reduces irritation and appearance of razor bumps PETA certified Cons Not intended for use on face The Bliss Ingrown Hair & Razor Bump Eliminating Solution can be applied daily using a cotton pad to any area where you frequently develop razor bumps. The solution mixes both salicylic and glycolic acids with extracts from green tea and oat to create a blend that can exfoliate and soothe irritated skin. Another added perk is that it is also cruelty-free and PETA certified. It is worth noting that you should wait about 12 hours (24 hours after waxing) before applying the product though. This is also a product that can increase skin sensitivity in direct sunlight as well. Price at time of publication: $20 Key Specs: Pros Works best as an aftershave Great for facial hair Light, pleasant scent Cons Thin, liquidy texture May cause a stinging post-shave While ingrown hairs can develop in places all over the body, one of the most common trouble spots, especially for people who shave their facial areas, are ingrown hairs on the face. Ingrown hairs can commonly develop after shaving facial hair and an effective treatment needs to be able to exfoliate dead skin cells as well as reduce razor bumps and redness. The Bevel Essentials Post Shave Bump Control ingrown hair treatment comes in a handy 4-ounce bottle that travels well and is formulated specifically for ingrown facial hairs. Similar to many other products on this list, it includes glycolic acid as an exfoliant, as well as witch hazel to soothe your skin after shaving. The product is a bit more runny than we expected but it can still be applied with a cotton pad. We recommend that you use it as an aftershave and it shouldn’t be worn outside in direct sunlight without sunscreen. Price at time of publication: $13 Key Specs: Pros Reduces redness and irritation Includes finger mitt for easier application Cons Higher pricepoint Mixing tea tree, coconut, and tamanu oils, the Fur Ingrown Concentrate can calm redness and is gentle enough on the skin that you can apply it anywhere on your body—especially on more sensitive areas. It only requires a few drops to the affected area as needed or you can help exfoliate the area with the included finger mitt. The antimicrobial qualities of the oils can help cleanse the area and prevent further ingrown hairs from developing. Additionally, where similar treatments can dry out your skin, ingredients in this treatment like coconut oil can retain moisture and soften stubborn ingrown hairs. Price at time of publication: $32 Key Specs: Pros Uses sugar crystals as a natural exfoliant Can be used on the scalp Has a lingering floral scent Cons Abrasive on sensitive skin Can potentially dry out your scalp if used too often or without a good conditioner The OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub is a floral-scented scrub that uses sugar crystals to clear away dry, dead skin cells and coconut oil to hydrate the area. It can be used in the shower (just before adding conditioner) or applied to damp skin right after getting out of the shower. It is recommended to apply a quarter-size amount to the impacted area and rub it into the skin in a circular motion. While you should use this product as needed, be aware that overuse (without a moisturizing conditioner) can dry out the scalp. Price at time of publication: $40 Key Specs: Pros Hydrates the skin Contains vitamin E Smooth application Cons Scent fades quickly Several ingrown hair treatments contain ingredients that can dry your skin out and shouldn’t be worn in direct sunlight. This sweetly scented Truly Beauty Glazed Donut shave oil is quite the opposite with hydrating properties. It uses vitamin E to rejuvenate your skin and is even advertised as a treatment that can be applied poolside under the hot summer sun. This after-shave oil contains coconut to treat and soothe the skin and features scent notes of grape, lavender, and passion fruit too. Not to mention it’s also vegan and cruelty-free. After shaving, it’s best to apply the oil with the included dropper and rub into clean, dry skin to start the hydration process. While we picked this as a great treatment for your legs, it can be used all over the body to help prevent ingrown hairs. Price at time of publication: $33 Key Specs: Pros Includes two different exfoliant brushes Flexible and soft bristles Cons Doesn’t include any soaps or formulated treatments Can cause pain and pulls at the skin If you aren’t a fan of chemical solutions, a scrub brush is an effective and typically less expensive method of ingrown hair removal. Using a brush is also less likely to irritate the skin. Our favorite natural way to remove ingrown hairs is to use the Dylonic Exfoliating Brush and Precision Tweezers. This three-pack includes two silicone brushes and one stainless steel pair of tweezers to help fight ingrown hairs. The brushes have an ergonomic, easy-to-hold grip and can be used on different hair textures ranging from fine and thin to thick, coarse, and curly. The fine bristles are great for wet and dry exfoliation so you can get rid of razor bumps and ingrown hairs as quickly as possible. The larger brush comes attached to an ergonomic handle with larger cleansing bristles and the smaller brush is a flexible facial scrubber with tiny bristles for a gentler and less abrasive feel. Be aware that it’s best to use this product with a body wash, or else it may cause pain and/or pull at the skin. Price at time of publication: $16 Key Specs: To create our list of the best ingrown hair treatments, we interviewed two dermatologists to learn more about what to look for in a successful ingrown hair treatment plan. We talked with: We also wanted to include a wide variety of products at different price points so you can find an ingrown hair treatment that works for you, regardless of budget. Lastly, we researched the effectiveness of each product before including it on our list. When searching for an effective ingrown hair treatment, the ingredients and how they interact with that part of the body are two of the most important considerations. Some ingredients can be much harsher on the skin than others so it’s important to consider how your skin reacts to those ingredients, especially in sensitive areas like the pubic area and underarms. Targeted treatments like the Manscaped Crop Exfoliator are specifically designed to work on the pubic area with minimal irritation. The form of treatment will likely rely on your personal preference. Do you prefer a cream that you can rub in or a more liquid option that you can quickly apply with a cotton swab? There are several different treatment forms on this list to help you choose the one that fits best for your needs. If you are looking for an option that is easy to apply, one of the quick options is either the Razor Bump Stopper Solution with its handy roll-on applicator attached to the bottle or this set of First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads that come with pre-treated cotton pads that are ready to use right out of the container. The key ingredients in an ingrown hair treatment typically serve one of two purposes—either as an exfoliant or an agent that soothes or nourishes irritated or damaged skin. There are two types of exfoliants that you can use to treat ingrown hairs. A physical exfoliant can literally scrub the area to lift dead skin cells, like the volcanic rocks found in the Manscaped Crop Exfoliator. A chemical exfoliant, like glycolic acid, is found in a majority of treatments on this list and can remove dead skin cells without any scrubbing. Dr. Chacon notes that you lower the chances of hair growing into the skin by using lotions and products that contain glycolic acid. Other key ingredients are meant to reduce the severity of razor bumps, redness, and irritation that can show up after a close shave. One of the more effective blends of soothing key ingredients is in the Bliss Ingrown Hair & Razor Bump Eliminating Solution which combines oat and green tea extract. Some treatments also contain coarse ingredients that work as a physical exfoliant, like the sugar crystals in the OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub, which work great for removing the top layer of dead skin cells but might be too abrasive for sensitive areas like the inner thighs and underarms. If you are treating a sensitive part of the body, consider a product that utilizes a chemical exfoliant. It’s also very important to read the manufacturer’s recommendation about dosage and frequency of use. Treatments with less aggressive ingredients can be used multiple times a day, while others should only be used once per day and in some cases after a 12 to 24-hour waiting period after shaving. One of the biggest things to note before choosing your ingrown hair treatment is to verify that it can be worn outside in direct sunlight. Many of these treatments that contain glycolic acid can make your skin more susceptible to sunburns and could cause sun damage if not used properly and worn with sunscreen. How do you prevent ingrown hair? Ingrown hairs can develop when growing hairs get trapped under the skin or under a layer of dead skin cells. Dr. Chacon recommends using exfoliating cleansers to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface and reduce the chances of developing ingrown hairs. “The use of chemical exfoliators like glycolic or salicylic acid to treat ingrown hairs is very beneficial,” says Chacon. “To avoid hairs becoming caught, these exfoliators break down cell connections on the skin's surface.” Ingrown hairs can be difficult to prevent entirely, but taking regular steps to keep the affected area clean and free of dead skin cells will noticeably lower the frequency of ingrown hairs. How do you treat ingrown hairs? Treating ingrown hairs involves cleaning the area, exfoliating the skin, and applying a topical oil, serum, or gel that can calm redness and irritation and ultimately prevent new ingrown hairs from forming. Look for a product that can exfoliate your skin, either physically through a coarse scrubbing gel or through a chemical exfoliant like glycolic acid. Dr. Chaudhry also recommends some easy at-home treatments like applying warm compresses to soothe any inflamed skin and help free the trapped hairs or using over-the-counter (OTC) hydrocortisone creams that can reduce the inflammation that could lead to additional ingrown hairs. Chaudhry reminded us that there are many at-home ingrown hair treatments available to you, so it’s important to make sure you avoid using scrubs that are overly abrasive or harsh or tools that can damage your skin. What do dermatologists recommend for ingrown hairs? There are several ways to approach ingrown hair treatments and managing the different causes is a great way to prevent further occurrences. Dr. Chacon recommends avoiding excessive shaving, waxing, and tweezing when possible and washing the area with warm water and a cleanser before shaving. If possible, softening the hairs ahead of time with a lotion or lubricating gel can make the hairs easier to shave and reduce the chances of them growing back in underneath your skin. What should you do if an ingrown hair won’t go away? If OTC treatments aren’t helping reduce the frequency of ingrown hairs, it may be time to meet with a dermatologist or expert familiar with treating difficult cases of ingrown hairs. If left untreated, it can cause pain and even develop into an infection. Dr. Chaudhy recommends that if an ingrown hair doesn’t go away, you should avoid picking or squeezing at the area because it can cause an infection and make the situation even worse. If you aren’t seeing improvements with at-home treatments after a few weeks, you should discontinue those treatments and consult with a professional. Steven Rowe is a freelancer writer and editor who enjoys doing deep dives into health-related topics before he even starts drafting an article. He has written extensively about health and wellness and how to find the perfect product match based on someone’s budget, health concerns, and overall needs. Having recently battled a few pesky ingrown hairs himself, this list helped him better choose an at-home treatment in his price range. The 7 Best Ceramide Moisturizers, According to Dermatologists:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/the-best-ingrown-hair-treatments-and-prevention-products-tout-08a2f5d68afc4e25b4caee2b8a4b2b01.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (1)")
Best Ingrown Hair Treatments
Tend Skin Tend Skin Solution
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tend-skin-tend-skin-solution-dfd7929165ec4438bfc65a9a1895e62e.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (2)")
Form: Liquid solution | Key Ingredients: Isopropyl alcohol, propylene glycol | Size: 4 ounces | Instructions: Use a small amount after shaving or waxing Best for Sensitive Skin
First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/first-aid-beauty-ingrown-hair-pads-e55fbef754894ea4a7522a6629c7881d.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (3)")
Form: Treated Pads | Key Ingredients: Glycolic and salicylic acid, Witch Hazel | Size: 28 pads | Instructions: Use pads 12 to 24 hours after shavingBest for Face
Anthony Ingrown Hair Treatment
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/anthony-ingrown-hair-treatment-81336ca5091a484ab69b62e9ca4b61cc.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (4)")
Form: Gel | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lavender, willowherb | Size: 3 ounces | Instructions: Use twice per day
Form: Liquid | Key Ingredients: Glycolic and salicylic acid, vitamin E, camphor | Size: 3 ounces | Instructions: Use daily after shaving
Form: Gel | Key Ingredients: Witch hazel, willow bark extract, glycolic and lactic acid, papaya | Size: 3.5 ounces | Instructions: Apply small amount as needed before shavingBest Preventative Treatment
European Wax Center Ingrown Hair Serum
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/european-wax-center-ingrown-hair-serum-2cb7d294030341728cff1cd84f3d3227.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (7)")
Form: Serum | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, tea tree oil, lavender il | Size: 1.7 ounces | Instructions: Apply daily to help prevent ingrown hairsBest for Razor Bumps
Bliss Ingrown Hair & Razor Bump Eliminating Solution
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bliss-ingrown-hair--razor-bump-eliminating-solution-f2e8de63fc1d465ba76e9d222e9f4088.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (8)")
Form: Liquid solution | Key Ingredients: Salicylic and glycolic acids, oat, and green tea extract | Size: 4 ounces | Instructions: Use daily 12 hours after shavingBest Post-Shave Treatment
Bevel Essentials Post Shave Bump Control
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/bevel-essentials-post-shave-bump-control-11fd8427ac414e8d995f12f0dc8d1c37.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (9)")
Form: Liquid solution | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, witch hazel, green tea extract | Size: 4 ounces | Instructions: Apply as needed or after shaving
Form: Oil | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, tea tree oil, chamomile extract | Size: 0.5 ounces | Instructions: Apply a few drops daily
Form: Cream scrub | Key Ingredients: Sugar, glycerin, coconut oil | Size: 8.8 ounces | Instructions: Apply a quarter size amount as needed in or after you showerBest for Legs
Truly Beauty Glazed Donut After Shave Oil
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/truly-beauty-glazed-donut-after-shave-oil-de2d8d10608e4737a62e29d6a5d6f282.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (12)")
Form: Oil | Key Ingredients: Coconut, vitamin E | Size: 3.1 ounces | Instructions: Apply a few drops as needed after shaving
Form: Brush | Key Ingredients: Silicon | Size: Not listed | Instructions: Use on wet or dry skin in circular motions How We Selected the Best Ingrown Hair Treatments
What to Look for in an Ingrown Hair Treatment
Area of the Body
Form
Key Ingredients
Application and Dosage
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Trust Verywell Health
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/estetist-razor-bump-stopper-solution-bddd8bfceaa84cb39b9aa63c74df9120.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (5)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/manscaped-crop-exfoliator-b3b0c21f2b624c1b982e7e6701f06f5e.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (6)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fur-ingrown-concentrate-e9b002178173401ba955f22667089dbf.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (10)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/ouai-scalp--body-scrub-7c2e319f7e6e44ed88d7c0fd97000aee.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (11)")
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/dylonic-exfoliating-brush-kit-8db3bd98e7ba47d88f9051c61b9a9d01.jpg "Ingrown Hairs Getting Under Your Skin? Here are the 13 Best Treatments (13)")
