Whether you're partial to wax, lasers, epilators, razors, or plucking, hair removal can be a tricky feat. And even when you're past the discomfort (or wincing pain), the battle might not be over quite yet. For many, saying goodbye to peach fuzz and stubble means saying hello to ingrown hairs. We chatted with a couple of experts to find out about the different types of topical treatments to not only get rid of but also prevent these pesky bumps. "To prevent ingrown hairs, I recommend exfoliating three to four times a week," says Orange County-based esthetician and wax specialist Beka Hussong. Exfoliation can also help get rid of the ones that have already popped up, according to Bay Area esthetician Draci Gomez. We conducted hours of research on the best-rated ingrown hair treatments out there, evaluating each formula on type (physical versus chemical exfoliant), active ingredients, application, and effectiveness. We took into consideration different skin types and concerns, as well as how well the formula performs on delicate skin. After considering dozens of formulas and consulting with estheticians, we landed on these favorites. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Best Budget: Best Drugstore: Best Post-Shave: Jack Black Razor Bump & Ingrown Hair Solution at Amazon ($28) Best for Razor Bumps: Best for Bikini: Completely Bare Bikini Bump Blaster Ingrown Hair & Bikini Bump Eliminator (See Price) In This Article Our Picks Where We Stand What to Look For FAQ How We Researched Why Trust Byrdie What We Like Packed with nourishing and calming oils Includes exfoliating cloth mitt Safe for sensitive skin What We Don't Like Needs to be used regularly to be effective We love Fur Ingrown Concentrate because it comes with everything you need to tackle ingrown hairs and prevent future ones. You get a little dropper bottle containing a blend of soothing oils, like castor, grape seed, coconut, lavender, and jojoba, plus a textured cloth mitt. This genius combo allows you to control the pressure as you exfoliate while targeting your irritated skin with gentle yet effective ingredients. Just a heads up, you'll need to use it continuously to get the best, most effective results. If you want an ingrown hair treatment containing natural ingredients that actually works and won't aggravate sensitive skin, you can't go wrong with Fur. Type: Oil with exfoliating mitt | Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, tea tree oil, tamanu oil, chamomile extract | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free:Yes What We Like Contains soothing sea buckthorn oil Can be used on all common areas of concern below the chin Great value What We Don't Like Contains synthetic fragrance You don't have to break the bank to take down ingrown hairs. This topical solution uses salicylic acid (a chemical exfoliant) and sea buckthorn oil to address existing bumps, ingrown hairs, and razor burn while preventing more from forming. One thing to note is that it contains synthetic fragrance, which can be irritating for folks with particularly sensitive skin. Those looking for a wallet-friendly product that addresses existing ingrown hairs and prevents more from forming with similar efficiency to more expensive products will appreciate this topical solution. Type: Chemical exfoliant | Key Ingredients: Acetylsalicylic and salicylic acids, sea buckthorn oil | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free:Yes What We Like Gently exfoliates pH-balanced formula Free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, silicones What We Don't Like Not clean or cruelty-free If there's one drugstore brand you can trust on your journey to smooth skin, it's Gillette. Since the 2001 launch of its Venus line, our legs have been ever-silkier, so it's no surprise this gentle exfoliant is one of the best options for preventing ingrown hairs. We like that it kicks dead skin to the curb and is pH-balanced for your most delicate areas. This gentle yet effective product is ideal for those looking for an affordable option from a tried-and-true brand. That said, if you prefer clean, cruelty-free products, we suggest you look elsewhere. Type: Physical scrub | Key Ingredients: Coconut, olive, and jojoba oils, glycerin | Size: 6 ounces | Cruelty-Free:No What We Like Individually wrapped towels for single use Formulated with a blend of AHAs and BHAs Contains bakuchiol and squalane What We Don't Like Has excess packaging Consider springing for a box of Dr. Gross's Exfoliating Body Treatment if you want to pull out the big, exfoliating guns. Part of the fan-favorite Alpha Beta line, these peel pads call on AHA and BHA exfoliants to improve the look of ingrown hairs and help to prevent future pustules (aka pimples or whiteheads), according to the brand. The abundance of packaging isn't the most eco-friendly, but the single-use packets certainly are convenient. If you're a fan of chemical exfoliants and the convenience of wipes, this splurge-worthy treatment is an excellent choice. Type: Chemical exfoliant | Key Ingredients: Glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, enzymes, bakuchiol, squalane | Size: 8 textured towels | Cruelty-Free:Yes What We Like All-Natural formula Contains skin-brightening turmeric and lavender Physically exfoliates with organic sugar What We Don't Like Inconvenient scoop Anne's Apothecary Turmeric Body Scrub is ideal for treating skin from the shoulders down, though it's gentle enough for your face, too. We also love that it's only made with natural ingredients including shea butter and, of course, turmeric, which brightens skin. It contains organic sugar, which works as a physical exfoliant to slough off dead skin and fend off ingrown hairs. It comes with a wooden scoop which we don't think is the most convenient for in-shower use and storage—you can just use your fingers if you prefer, though. Those on the hunt for an all-over body scrub that sloughs off dead skin to prevent ingrowns will love this all-natural physical exfoliant. Type: Physical scrub | Key Ingredients: Turmeric, lavender, vitamin E, shea butter, organic sugar | Size: 7 ounces | Cruelty-Free:Yes What We Like Contains AHAs and BHAs Packed with soothing ingredients Prevents future ingrown hairs What We Don't Like Strong smell We love this exfoliant as a final step in the shower since it's designed to keep razor burn at bay. After shaving, apply a thin layer of Jack Black Bump Fix with a cotton pad, and continue using it as often as every day to prevent razor burn and bumps. This AHA-BHA combo claims to remove dead skin cells to expose trapped hairs before they have a chance to grow inward. It also mitigates oil to help prevent body acne. The strong smell might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it doesn't contain any potentially irritating synthetic fragrances. This no-nonsense solution can be applied with a cotton pad as needed to soothe irritation, prevent razor burn, and keep bumps at bay. Type: Chemical exfoliant | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactic acid, aloe leaf, chamomile extract, allantoin | Size: 6 ounces | Cruelty-Free:Yes What We Like Uses topical aspirin to soothe and calm skin Large bottle Cruelty-free What We Don't Like Contains alcohol You'll want Tend Skin Solution on your side in the battle against razor bumps. This toner-style product uses topical aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA) to soothe the skin, unclog hair follicles, and calm inflammation. It's especially helpful to reduce redness after waxing or shaving. We especially love that it's cruelty-free and is made in the U.S.. We should note, however, that this product contains alcohol, which could sting if you have cuts, open sores, or pustules. Anyone who frequently deals with razor bumps post-shave will want to keep a bottle of this soothing, pore-unclogging toner in their medicine cabinet. Type: Toner | Key Ingredients: Acetylsalicylic acid | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free:Yes What We Like Contains AHAs and BHAs Vegan and cruelty-free Formulated specifically for the bikini area What We Don't Like Contains citrus fragrance Bikini-line bumps can be notoriously difficult to treat since they're in a sensitive area where the skin is thinner. To tackle bumps down there, try these pre-moistened pads from Completely Bare. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid exfoliate, while, according to the brand, green tea extract and witch hazel help soothe your delicate nether region. The formula does have a refreshing citrus scent, but if your skin is particularly reactive, you might want to look for a fragrance-free option. If you're looking for a user-friendly solution for razor bumps and ingrown hairs on your bikini line and like fresh, citrus scents, these pads are for you. Type: Chemical exfoliant | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, green tea| Size: 50 pads | Cruelty-Free:Yes Exfoliates with natural sugars Packed with nourishing oils Natural, sweet fragrance Leaves behind slight residue A body polish is different from a body scrub— they both exfoliate and smooth skin, but a polish is not a cleanser, so it can be used at the end of your shower time. We love them because they tend to be gentler on the skin than scrubs. This brilliant body polish physically exfoliates with Brazilian cane and coconut palm sugars. Then, it calls on plant-derived oils and a dose of raw honey to moisturize. One thing to note is that the thick, oily formula may leave behind a slight residue, but it should eventually absorb into your skin. Want a full-body polish that not only exfoliates but also nourishes and moisturizes your skin? This naturally derived skin polish has your name on it. Type: Physical scrub | Key Ingredients: Apricot, jojoba, sweet almond oils, honey, coconut, and palm sugars | Size: 1.5–7.6 ounces | Cruelty-Free:Yes What We Like Great value Packed with soothing natural oils Cleanses and moisturizes What We Don't Like Contains essential oils and may irritate sensitive skin Give yourself a good rubdown with this body scrub from Nubian Heritage. Exfoliating sugar addresses ingrown hairs and prevents more from popping up while the natural oils, butters, and extracts, including patchouli oil, and organic shea butter, moisturize the skin. As we mentioned above, scrubs are designed to cleanse as well, so you're getting a lot of bang for your buck with this product. While this product doesn't contain synthetic fragrance, it gets its scent from a blend of essential oils, which can still be irritating for some skin types. Those looking for a plant-derived formula without synthetic fragrance will appreciate this sugar-based exfoliator. Type: Physical scrub | Key Ingredients: Sugar, sunflower oil, olive oil, rosehip seed oil, essential oil blend | Size: 12 ounces | Cruelty-Free:Yes What We Like Soothes with aloe Contains AHAs and BHAs Alcohol-free What We Don't Like May be too strong for sensitive skin Hussong recommends 3BWaxing Acne & Ingrown Pads first and foremost because she created them for her clients. "They are a jar of pads that gently exfoliate the skin and have no alcohol in them, so they aren't drying. They have glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and mandelic acid, which are really good for removing dead skin so ingrown hairs can come out, as well as preventing future ingrowns." Despite there being no alcohol on them, they may still be too strong for people with super sensitive skin (or on more sensitive areas, like the bikini line). If you want an esthetician-approved product that gets rid of existing ingrown hairs and prevents more from cropping up, these pre-moistened pads are just the thing. Type: Chemical exfoliant | Key Ingredients: Glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and mandelic acids, aloe | Size: 50 pads | Cruelty-Free:Yes What We Like Precise, tapered tips Stainless steel prevents rusting Stainless steel What We Don't Like Very sharp; not beginner-friendly Sometimes you just have to go at ingrowns with a pair of tweezers. But you shouldn't just go for any pair. To remove existing ingrown hairs, we reach for Splinter-Tweeze tweezers. The sharp tip is designed to grab those pesky little offenders with precision and pull them out from the root. Just a heads up, the points are pretty pokey and extremely sharp, so you'll want to be careful if you're not used to this type of tool. You'll want these super-pointy tweezers in your arsenal when topical treatments aren't cutting it and you need to physically extract an ingrown hair. Type: Tweezers What We Like Exfoliates with phytic acid salt and BHA Contains aloe vera and coconut liquid crystals to soothe and hydrate skin Cleanses and exfoliates What We Don't Like Might be too intense as a regular cleanser An exfoliating cleanser can help prevent ingrowns, especially when used in conjunction with another treatment like a toning solution. We love this formula because it contains physical and chemical exfoliants including BHA and salt to dissolve and break down buildup that can occur around pore follicles. Though you could use it as your regular cleanser, it might be a little too intense for daily use. This easy-to-use product is great for those who want to reap the benefits of both physical and chemical exfoliation. Type: Physical scrub and chemical exfoliant | Key Ingredients: BHA, pomegranate enzymes, What We Like Exfoliates with biodegradable beads Softens skin with papaya enzymes Can help IPL remove hair more efficiently What We Don't Like Botanical extracts might irritate sensitive skin Formulated by the hair removal device company, nood, to be used in conjunction with their at-home IPL(Intense Pulsed Light tool for hair removal), this cleanser is gentle enough to use every day. Packed with antioxidants and papaya enzymes to both exfoliate and soften skin, plus biodegradable beads to slough off dead skin cells, this treatment helps reduce ingrown hairs and inflammation, preparing skin for hair removal. It's also got antioxidants in it to help brighten and rejuvenate skin. Looking for something you can use every day without drying our your skin? This gentle exfoliating cleanser is your guy. Type: What We Like Targets single pustules Works quickly Effectively clears bumps What We Don't Like High price per patch This clever spot treatment from Fur is essentially a pimple patch but for ingrowns. The fingerprint-sized stickers have little microdarts that deliver active ingredients directly to the inflamed pustule without over-drying or irritating the surrounding skin. Targeted patches like this are all the rage right now, but the microdarted ones work especially well because they can get under the protective skin barrier to treat more directly. They work quickly too—sometimes in as little as six hours. The only thing we don't love is they're a bit expensive for just one patch. These patches allow you to treat one ingrown hair at a time without drying out or potentially irritating the entire area. Type: Our favorite ingrown hair treatment overall is Fur Ingrown Concentrate because it combines oils and a cloth mitt for excellent exfoliation and moisturizing benefits. However, if you can swing the price tag, you really can't go wrong with Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment, especially if you're looking to take your exfoliating game up a notch. FAQ How do you treat an ingrown hair? According to Gomez, the best way to treat ingrown hairs is to exfoliate two to three times a week, as this keeps irritation, dead skin buildup, and pustules at bay. Additionally, she recommends switching to waxing or sugaring instead of shaving. "With these methods, the hairs are pulled from the root and can clear the follicle better than with shaving since it just cuts the hair on top of the skin and doesn't allow a new hair to grow out," she explains. What topical ingredients can help ingrown hair heal? To help existing ingrown hairs heal, you want something powerful enough to be effective but also gentle enough that it won't cause further irritation. Your best bet is plant-derived oils, like jojoba, tea tree, coconut, castor, avocado, lavender, and sea buckthorn. Additionally, ingredients like niacinamide (vitamin B3), witch hazel, aloe vera, green tea extract, acetylsalicylic acid, and colloidal oatmeal can help to soothe the skin. To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best at-home ingrown hair treatments on the market, evaluating them based on exfoliating ingredients, intended body part, and application technique. We also interviewed multiple experts for insight into ingredients and product recommendations, then combed through reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We used this research to select the best products to feature in this article. Attributes we evaluated each ingrown hair treatment on: Theresa Holland has been writing for Byrdie since 2020, where she covers makeup, haircare, wellness, and skincare. As an aficionado of the latter, she's tried many exfoliating treatments and is a big fan of Dr. Dennis Gross and Bliss—and always keeps a pair of Tweezerman tweezers nearby. You can read more stories by Theresa on People, Travel + Leisure, and The Spruce. Who It's For
Who It's For
Best Drugstore
Gillette Venus Skin Smoothing Exfoliant
Who It's For
Best Splurge
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment
Who It's For
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Best Post-Shave
Jack Black Razor Bump & Ingrown Hair Solution
Who It's For
Best for Razor Bumps
Tend Skin Tend Skin Solution
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Best for Bikini
Completely Bare Bikini Bump Blaster Ingrown Hair & Bikini Bump Eliminator
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Best Polish
The London Grant Co. Honey Coco Body Polish
Who It's For
Best Scrub
Nubian Heritage Patchouli & Buriti Shea Butter
Who It's For
Who It's For
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Best Exfoliating Cleanser
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
Who It's For
sunflower seed oil, phytic acid salt | Size: 1.6–4.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free:Yes Who It's For
Who It's For
Where We Stand
What to Consider When Buying an Ingrown Hair Treatment
How We Researched
Why Trust Byrdie
Edited byAlly Hirschlag
Article Sources
Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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Bubna AK. Aspirin in Dermatology: Revisited.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2015;6(6):428-435. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.169731
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Radha MH, et al. Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: A systematic review. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. Published 2014 December 23.
Sobhan M, et al. The Efficacy of Colloidal Oatmeal Cream 1% as Add-on Therapy in the Management of Chronic Irritant Hand Eczema: A Double-Blind Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2020; 13: 241–251. Published 2020 Mar 25. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S246021