Best exfoliator for ingrown hairs on legs

Whether you're currently dealing with ingrowns or are generally prone to post-shaving irritation — have no fear. Here, we rounded up our favorite ways to prevent and treat ingrown hairs.

Channing Smith / Allure

Ingrown hairs, we've all heard of them and hate when we get them, but what even is an ingrown hair? While we associate it as a hair that just refuses to peak through, we checked in with New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, for an expert definition of these pesky, sometimes painful blemishes. "Ingrown hairs are hairs that do not grow past the surface of the skin, but instead get trapped and actually grow within the skin itself," he says. Dr. Zeichner adds that ingrown hairs can lead to red, angry bumps and are commonly developed after hair-removal processes like shaving or waxing. 

How do you prevent ingrown hairs?

To prevent ingrown hairs, Dr. Zeichner says to consider using exfoliating cleansers to remove dead cells from the surface of the skin. "Doing this before hair removal will lower the risk of the hairs becoming trapped," he explains.

How do you treat ingrown hairs?

Chemical exfoliators like glycolic or salicylic acid are very useful in treating ingrown hairs as well. "These exfoliators dissolve connections between cells on the surface of the skin to prevent hairs from becoming trapped," says Dr. Zeichner. 

We recommend keeping an eye out for products that contain these two acids to help minimize inflammation and redness in the affected area. Luckily for you, we narrowed down all of the ingrown hair treatments on the market and came up with a list of the seven very best options to keep your skin smooth and bump-free.

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• Billie Body Buffer Bar

  Billie's Body Buffer Bar is a great way of preventing ingrown hairs before they dare to sprout. This bar of soap is made with a blend of castor oil and jojoba esters that won't clog your pores (or the drain) while it prepares skin for hair removal. It's even spiked with shea butter and aloe vera, so skin stays hydrated and moisturized even after exfoliating.

• Oui the People Resurfacing Body Serum + Cream Body Polish

  There are multiple ways to apply the Oui the People Resurfacing Body Serum + Cream Body Polish like using it overnight or as an ingrown spot treatment to unclog the area. Both are spiked with various alpha hydroxy (glycolic),  beta hydroxy acids (salicylic), and polyhydroxy acids to resurface and rejuvenate your skin. Either way you choose to use the duo, whether together or separate, will smooth all your rough skin away.

• Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic

  The convenience and ease of use of the Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic are what made us fall in love with it. This lightweight serum features salicylic acid to penetrate and clear clogged pores, zinc PCA to minimize irritation, and glycolic acid to even out texture — all in a cooling rollerball applicator, so you can really target specific areas.

• European Wax Center Treat Ingrown Hair Serum

  If anyone knows anything about ingrown hairs, it's the European Wax Center. Apply its Ingrown Hair Serum to freshly shaved or waxed areas twice a day and let the glycolic acid-based formula help prevent those pesky blemishes from forming in the first place.

• Fur Ingrown Eliminator Serum

  Fur's Ingrown Eliminator Serum contains a cocktail of willow bark extract, a natural form of salicylic acid to penetrate pores, lactic acid to brighten uneven skin tones, and witch hazel to tighten pores. Plus, there's aloe in it too, so skin is hydrated and doesn't feel dry or irritated.

• Flamingo Ingrown Spot Treatment

  The precise applicator on Flamingo's Ingrown Spot Treatment makes it the ideal spot treatment. Made with willow bark, lactic acid, and five different fruit acids (including sugarcane and orange), this treatment works to free those trapped hairs and reduce redness.

• Bliss Bump Attendant Ingrown Hair Pads

  Dr. Zeichner loves the Bliss Bump Attendant Ingrown Hair Pads because they are easy to use after hair removal. "These are great for clearing up any blemishes and preventing ingrown hairs — just use a pad after shaving or waxing and you'll be helping your cause with ease," he says. Not to mention, the formula contains salicylic and glycolic acids, which keep the area free of ingrowns and bumps.

Angela Trakoshis is a senior commerce writer for Allure. When she's not covering all things product-related, the Queens native is an avid taco lover and proud beauty-hoarder.