It seems that every time I wax or shave my bikini area, I wind up with ingrown hairs, razor bumps, or irritated skin. After researching the best bikini line exfoliators, and chatting with dermatologists to find out what serums, oils, or pads you should use for your bikini line, I’ve finally found the very best ones. Our top choice is First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads because they’re dermatologist-approved, easy to use, and made ingrown hairs a distant memory. But, we also found sensitive skin-friendly tonics, rollerballs to zap ingrown hairs at their inception, and more—all tested by Glamour editors and backed by derms.
Our top bikini exfoliators
- Best Overall: First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads, $20
- Best Chemical Exfoliant: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $37
- Best for Discoloration: Kiehl’s Tend Skin Solution, $39
- Best for Razor Bumps: Peach Slices Smoothing Solution Ingrown Hair Treatment, $18
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Topicals High Roller Ingrown Tonic, $26
Best Overall: First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads
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First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads
Amazon
Ulta
Sephora
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Gently exfoliates without scrubbing | Pricey |
| Soothes with witch hazel | Might be too strong for sensitive skin types |
| Easy to use |
Two dermatologists that we spoke with listed these single-use pads as a top bikini exfoliator because they’re easy to use and gentle enough for sensitive skin. Each wipe contains glycolic acid (an AHA) and salicylic acid (a BHA). These ingredients slough away dead skin cells without any sort of scrubbing, which can cut up the bikini line, while witch hazel soothes. “The acids help to prevent razor bumps and reduce subsequent blemishing,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Deva in Beverly Hills, recommends using the wipes no more than one to two times per week.
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says:
“I’ve been a huge fan of these pads for a few years now. With one swipe, you can almost immediately feel them working, and after the formula dries down, my skin almost immediately looks less red. After continued use, I’ve noticed less bumps and irritation. My skin looks a lot smoother post-shave, and I actually can’t remember the last time I had an ingrown hair.” —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Fast Facts:
- Type: Chemical exfoliator
- Form: Single-use pads
- Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid
- How to use: A day after shaving or waxing, swipe a pad over clean, dry skin along the bikini line, underarms, or legs. If the product is too drying, rinse it off after 10 minutes and layer it with a moisturizer. Limit your sun exposure, and apply SPF following product use for at least a week.
Best Hardworking Chemical Exfoliant: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
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Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Clears clogged pores | May be too drying for sensitive skin |
| Soothes redness | |
| Leaves you with smooth skin |
We awarded this Paula’s Choice pick a Glamour Beauty Award because it smooths and clears rough facial skin without disrupting the skin barrier. But did you know it’s great for the bikini line too? “It contains salicylic acid at a concentration of 2%, which is excellent for preventing razor bumps,” says Rachel Westbay, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City. “This low of a concentration rarely causes irritation or dryness in a cleanser but can often be more drying if left on the skin in a cream. Thankfully, this liquid exfoliant mitigates this by way of green tea, an antioxidant that soothes and minimizes irritation.” The company also makes a leave-on lotion version of the toner, which Dr. Chang recommends for a more gentle alternative.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“This toner has done wonders for the skin on my face, so I was very curious about how it would fare on my bikini line. Spoiler alert: It does just as well! The 2% salicylic acid helps shrink bumps and soften the area, while green tea and chamomile gently soothe and reduce redness. It’s a great fix if you have a big bump or ingrown hair you want to flatten quickly before you pop on a swimsuit.” —A.M.K.
Fast Facts:
- Type: Chemical exfoliator
- Form: Liquid toner
- Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, green tea, chamomile
- How to use: Pat a small amount of the toner onto a cotton ball or pad. Swipe onto clean skin all over or as a spot treatment. Apply in tandem with a moisturizer and follow with sunscreen.
Best for Persistent Ingrown Hair: Fur Ingrown Eliminator Serum Rollerball
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Fur Ingrown Eliminator Serum Rollerball
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Soothes skin with aloe | Takes a minute to dry down |
| Helps eliminate bumps and prevent ingrown hairs |
This rollerball is not only one of the easiest bikini exfoliators to use on this list, it’s also the most effective for stubborn ingrowns. The formula has a blend of AHAs and BHAs, as well as witch hazel to tighten pores in the area and rid skin of excess sebum and oil that can create uncomfortable bumps. The rollerball size—which is about the length of a quarter—is useful for targeted application in harder-to-reach areas.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“This rollerball is one of my favorite products to take with me when I’m traveling. It’s tiny, easy to use, and perfect to apply when I’m in a pinch and need something to instantly calm razor bumps on my bikini area. Its compact size makes it flexible to use, and my skin never fails to look clearer and calmer after sliding it on.” —A.M.K.
Fast Facts:
- Type: Chemical exfoliator
- Form: Rollerball
- Key ingredients: AHAs, BHAs, witch hazel, aloe
- How to use: Roll the serum onto the bikini line one to two times.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Topicals High Roller Ingrown Tonic
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Topicals High Roller Ingrown Tonic
Sephora
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Targets dark spots and acne | Pricey |
| Reduces discoloration | May leak |
Similar to deodorant, this lightweight, nonsticky topical serum glides onto skin through its rollerball—there’s no need to touch the formula at all. “It’s simple to apply and contains multiple AHAs and BHAs (salicylic acid, gylcolic acid, willow bark) that exfoliate the skin,” says Dr. Shainhouse. Meanwhile, niacinamide, centella, and allantoin bring down swelling and inflammation from body-hair removal, so it’s great for extremely sensitive skin.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I find myself going back to this hair tonic the minute I step out of the shower. It’s handheld and easy to use, and is so gentle, even if I have a little nick or cut. The serum itself is extremely lightweight—it feels like you’re barely applying anything at all, and it dries down extremely quickly so there’s no wait time between application and putting clothes on. My bikini line area is more even-toned than ever before with this one, too, as it targets discoloration with ease.” —A.M.K.
Fast Facts:
- Type: Chemical exfoliator
- Form: Topical roll-on serum
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, green tea
- How to use: Roll onto clean, dry skin that’s been waxed or shaved; use two to three times per week, and allow it to fully dry. Follow with sunscreen.
Best for Dark Spots: Eadem Smooth Slate Ingrown Relief Serum
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Eadem Smooth Slate Ingrown Relief Serum
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Helps reduce dark spots and acne | Takes some time to notice a difference |
| Helps slow hair growth | |
| Great for sensitive skin |
If you’re on the hunt for a soothing serum for irritated skin, this pick feels like a regular deodorant but acts like an exfoliator. You can use it on the bikini line, legs, and underarms to help correct razor bumps, redness, and discoloration, thanks to its potent blend of azelaic, mandelic, and lactic acids. The cica and allantoin help calm redness and irritation, leaving skin feeling moisturized and smooth post-shave. It’s powerful but the blend of glycerin and aloe vera also help hydrate the skin barrier and avoid inflammation.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I was extremely impressed with this stick when I first used it, since it’s nothing like a lot of the other exfoliators on this list because of its deodorant-like application. The formula itself is smooth to the touch, instantly absorbs, and makes skin feel and look more even-textured and -toned. It can help reduce acne, too, if you tend to break out along your bikini line or other areas.” —A.M.K.
Fast Facts:
- Type: Chemical exfoliator
- Form: Stick
- Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid
- How to use: Swipe onto clean skin post shaving or waxing.
Best for Razor Bumps: Peach Slices Smoothing Solution Ingrown Hair Treatment
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Peach Slices Smoothing Solution Ingrown Hair Treatment
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Easy to maneuver | Pricey for the small size |
| Doesn’t sting or burn |
If you deal with stubborn razor bumps post-shaving, we recommend this smoothing solution. It has a blend of BHA, AHA, and PHA to slough off dead skin, cica to hydrate, and niacinamide to correct dark, uneven skin tone. The licorice helps brighten and even out discoloration and dark spots which tend to crop up in this area. It’s one of the more hydrating exfoliators on the list because it leaves behind a layer of thick moisture from cica and perilla plant extracts. The small rollerball makes it easy to apply and travel with, too.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I was thoroughly impressed after using this ingrown treatment for about a week after every time I shaved. The small rollerball makes it a breeze to apply, and the formula itself isn’t sticky or goopy. It’s quite lightweight, sinks in easily, and I noticed a huge difference in my razor bumps after around three uses. My bikini line looks and feels a lot smoother and even-textured.” —A.M.K
Fast Facts:
- Type: Chemical exfoliator
- Form: Rollerball
- Key ingredients: BHA, AHA, PHA, cica, niacinamide
- How to use: After shaving or waxing, roll on to clean dry skin.
Best for Discoloration: Kiehl’s Tend Skin Solution
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Kiehl’s Tend Skin Solution
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Travel size bottle | You have to really shake it before application to get best results |
| Formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly |
This bikini exfoliant from Kiehl’s combines chemical exfoliants and potent hydrators to address discoloration in the bikini area. It’s infused with three different types of AHAs: glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and lactic acid which together, gently slough off dull and dead skin on the bikini line. To help revive dullness, the formula features astaxanthin, a potent algae-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from oxidative damage. Mix that with jojoba oil for deep hydration, and you have an effective serum for combating bumps and dark spots.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I trust Kiehl’s with making some of the best dark spot correctors I’ve tried, so I was pumped to try this new formula they specifically made for the bikini area. You first shake the bottle to blend it up until it turns a light orange hue, then apply a few drops. It might sting a little at first if you have any small nicks or sensitive areas, but that quickly dissipates to a gentle veil of moisture. It’s extremely lightweight and non-greasy and dries quickly. After using this over a week, I’m already noticing a difference in my bikini line—it feels a lot softer and smoother. I’m excited to continue use and see how well it corrects and eliminates dark spots, too.” —A.M.K.
Fast Facts:
- Type: Chemical exfoliator
- Form: Serum
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid, astaxanthin, jojoba oil
- How to use: Shake the formula before using it and apply 1-2 drops on the area
Best for Dry, Dull Skin: Gillette Venus Daily Soothing Serum
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Gillette Venus Daily Soothing Serum
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Super gentle | Not the strongest exfoliant |
| Reduces itchiness | |
| Under $10 |
Gillette’s intimate-grooming serum contains lactic acid, an AHA that very gently exfoliates and reduces ingrown hair. The skin barrier is then moisturized and protected by jojoba oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and glycerin, says Dr. Shainhouse. This formula is best for calming itching from dry skin along the bikini line. Though it’s perhaps not as effective as some of the stronger chemical exfoliants, it’s an easy-to-apply, less-than-$10 option you can grab from the drugstore.
Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs says:
“This is a birçok, light serum, and it’s not too sticky. I like that it doesn’t have a fragrance, since I tend to be really sensitive in that area, and it feels hydrating. I did find that to get the best results (i.e., no ingrowns), I had to layer it on top of a more potent exfoliant, like the Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.” —Malia Griggs, Glamour commerce editor
Fast Facts:
- Type: Chemical exfoliator
- Form: Moisturizing serum
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, jojoba oil, coconut oil, glycerin
- How to use: Apply a pump on your skin after and between shaves.
The bikini exfoliators we tried but didn’t include
- If you’re looking for a travel-friendly ingrown treatment, we tried the Billie Ultimate Skin Solution. This AHA formula that contains salicylic acid to help prevent and minimize bumps and ingrowns. It doesn’t leave any weird residue behind, and it contains aloe vera to help combat redness and keep the area hydrated. The spray bottle makes it easy to apply all over covering any nooks and crannies. While we like it generally, we removed it from the list because it leaves behind a sticky residue.
- Another bikini line exfoliator we tried was the Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator. While the AHA, BHA, and volcanic pumice can powerfully reduce ingrown hairs and uneven texture, it also contains niacinamide to help even out skin tone and soothe. We love this exfoliator for body, but it didn’t standout for our bikini line, so we ultimately cut it from our final list.
Frequently asked questions
What are ingrown hairs and razor bumps?
“An ingrown hair occurs when a hair curls or grows sideways back into the skin instead of rising normally from the follicle to the surface,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New Jersey. Razor bumps, on the other hand, can technically be anything from ingrowns to folliculitis, which is the inflammation of your hair follicles. They look like little red pimples and are often quite itchy and painful.
How to prevent ingrown hair and razor bumps
In a nutshell: Exfoliate regularly. Here’s a more in-depth explainer.
- Exfoliate before and after shaving or waxing in order to eliminate the build-up of dead skin cells that can trap hairs.
- How to shave: Soak your bikini area in warm water, then use a sharp, clean razor and shaving cream to shave in short strokes in the direction that your hair is growing. Rinse with cool water to close the pores, and apply an alcohol-free moisturizer or aftershave balm.
- Avoid picking or squeezing your ingrowns—you risk scarring and blemishing.
- Apply a thin layer of hydrocortisone 1% cream as an aftershave to prevent inflammation.
What type of exfoliators are best for your bikini area?
Proper exfoliation is a must for keeping your bikini line (and anywhere you remove hair) smooth and preventing pesky ingrown hairs, razor bumps, plugged-up pores, acne, and inflammation. You may be tempted to use any exfoliator you already have on hand (like a pumice stone, say, or a big-beaded face scrub), but dermatologists advise treading carefully because your skin down there is supersensitive. “When exfoliating the bikini area, it’s crucial that you choose gentle products to avoid irritation,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. It’s also important to go for products that will address specific concerns, says Lexi Bodem, waxer, sugarist, and esthetician in residence at Fur, which makes intimate-grooming products. “Go for a product with active ingredients if you need it to treat ingrowns. If you just need some exfoliation, opt for something simple like an exfoliating mitt to prevent overdoing it with your skin,” she says.
How to exfoliate your bikini line
“Start by exfoliating 24 to 48 hours before shaving the bikini area,” says Dr. Rambhia. “Exfoliating a day or two prior helps remove dead skin cells and free trapped hairs, creating a smoother surface for shaving while allowing your skin time to recover from the exfoliation process. Post-shave, wash the bikini line with warm water, apply the exfoliant gently in circular motions, and finish with a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer to calm and repair the skin. You should pause exfoliating if there are any signs of redness, itching, burning, or irritation. “My number one tip when it comes to exfoliating the bikini line is to be gentle and not overdo it. The pubic area is sensitive, so avoid harsh scrubs and excess pressure that can irritate or damage the skin,” says Dr. Rambhia.
How to start a routine for a dark bikini line
Darkening in the bikini area is very common and often caused by friction, inflammation from hair removal, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, according to Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology. “The first step is minimizing irritation by avoiding aggressive shaving, tight clothing, and harsh products. Then, look for serums and exfoliants with brightening ingredients like niacinamide, azelaic acid, or lactic acid, which help even tone while being gentle on sensitive skin,” she says. It’s also important to consistently moisturize the area, as healthy skin helps heal pigmentation more effectively.
How often should you exfoliate your bikini line?
“For most people, exfoliating two to three times per week is sufficient. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to irritation, evvel or twice weekly may be enough,” says Dr. Bowles. She adds that exfoliating more often can disrupt the skin barrier and lead to redness, darkening, or increased ingrowns. “Always hisse attention to how your skin responds.Tingling or mild smoothing is okay, but stinging or burning is not. Consistency matters more than frequency,” she says.
Should you exfoliate your bikini line after shaving? What about waxing?
According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, you should wait at least 24 hours after shaving to exfoliate to avoid irritation. “Gentle exfoliation a day or two post-shave can help prevent ingrowns,” she says. As far as waxing goes, she recommends exfoliating 24 to 48 hours before waxing can help loosen dead skin cells and lift trapped hairs, making the waxing process more effective and less likely to cause bumps. “That said, it is important to avoid harsh exfoliants and avoid waxing if the skin is red or irritated, as waxing can worsen irritation,” says Dr. Garshick.
Other tips to avoid razor bumps and ingrown hairs on the bikini line
Dr. Nazarian shares a few more tips for exfoliating and shaving the bikini line, including relying on sharp, clean razor blades and being careful with the direction in which you shave. “Make mühlet you’re using a new, clean blade, as dull blades can tug on the hair and irritate sensitive skin quickly.” We love the Billie Razor for this because you can easily swap out razor heads and get a subscription so you regularly receive new ones. “Next, although shaving against the direction of hair growth gives a closer shave, it can create more irritation and make sensitive skin flare up. To avoid tugging on the hair, make the razor follow the direction of hair growth while trying to minimize the number of strokes,” says Dr. Nazarian.
And finally, hydration is key. “Always make mühlet you are hydrating regularly if you are exfoliating regularly. If you exfoliate but don’t include hydrating in your routine, you run the risk of drying out your skin,” says Bodem.
How we tested
We tested bikini line exfoliators by incorporating them into our respective shaving and waxing routines on the regular. We looked for exfoliating ingredients like AHAs and BHAs (alpha and beta hydroxy acids) plus soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. We also tested various formats—rollerballs, sticks, and scrubs —evaluating for ease of application. The best ones gently exfoliated our bikini lines without any redness or irritation, and left our skin calm and refreshed post-hair-removal.
Meet the experts
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City
- Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Deva in Beverly Hills
- Rachel Westbay, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York City
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Union Derm in New Jersey
- Rachel Nazarian, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in NYC
- Lexi Bodem, waxer, sugarist, and esthetician in residence at grooming-tool company Fur
- Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in NYC
- Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology
