The author received complimentary items to test for the purposes of this story.
If there’s one skin-related problem I’ve lamented the most throughout my life, it’s my chronic keratosis pliaris (better known as KP). KP is a common condition caused by an over-production of keratin, resulting in rough, dry skin covered in bumps that are often red or pigmented, depending on skin tone. For the past few years, I’ve exalted the well-known KP Bump Eraser body scrub by First Aid Beauty as one of the main and most effective products in my KP arsenal. Very recently, however, I had the opportunity to try a different body scrub that’s a little more affordable and has a slightly different formula to help keep my KP at bay.
The Dermadoctor KP Duty scrub, a humble gem hidden at Amazon, fights KP with the help of both physical and chemical exfoliation.
Like the better-known Bump Eraser, this scrub features a 10% concentration of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic and lactic, two well-studied ingredients that can remove built-up dead skin cells, soften skin and brighten complexion.
But, unlike First Aid Beauty’s scrub, this formula also contains additional chemical exfoliants from the polyhydroxy acid (PHA) family. These hydrate and offer antioxidant benefits that can protect the skin and gently exfoliate. Additionally, there is beta hydroxy acid (BHA) in the form of willow bark, an anti-inflammatory that’s typically found in acne-targeted skin care and can help reduce ingrown hairs, which I love in a body scrub.
Another major difference between the KP Duty Scrub and the First Aid Beauty Bump Eraser is texture.
The First Aid Beauty Bump Eraser is more of a gritty paste with ultra-fine pumice stone exfoliants that function as a microdermabrasion treatment. I appreciate this kind of texture the most because it’s abrasive enough to exfoliate my KP without feeling like it’s rubbing my skin raw. Meanwhile, the Dermadoctor KP Duty Scrub feels like a creamy paste featuring larger granules made from hydrated silica for a performance. It feels a little less aggressive yet significantly more moisturizing than the former. Initially, I wasn’t sure that the KP Duty Scrub texture would be high-powered enough to fight my aggressive bumps. However, once I finished my shower, I did notice a noticeable softness and added hydration to my skin that I don’t necessarily experience with the Bump Eraser.
This could be attributed to the Duty Scrub’s soothing blend of triglycerides and botanical and seed oils rich in linoleic acid to help restore a compromised skin barrier and hydrate the skin.
I also discovered a trick to getting the most exfoliating action out of Dermadoctor’s scrub.
In the past, I’ve always just applied scrubs to wet skin in the shower, but I find Dermadoctor’s KP Scrub best to use on barely damp skin, applied only with my hands rather than an exfoliating mitt or washcloth. Otherwise, the product dissolves a bit too quickly for me to really massage it over my entire body.
This product hasn’t completely replaced the First Aid Beauty Scrub. Instead, it’s earned a permanent place in my routine because it offers something different to the Bump Eraser. Based on my experience with the Dermadoctor scrub, alternating between these two and letting them complement each other has helped improve my skin texture better than using just one product alone.
Similar to some Amazon reviewers who have found KP salvation in this scrub, I think this is an especially great option for tackling cracked and callused heels, eliminating shaving bumps and preventing ingrown hairs.
Some Dermadoctor KP Duty Scrub fans have attributed a complete transformation of their skin to this product and called it “the best and frankly, the only worthwhile thing I’ve tried” in their effort to find effective KP solutions.
Check out more convincing reviews below or head to Dermdoctor’s official Amazon page to grab a scrub for yourself (or the brand’s moisturizing body lotion which I also tried and do highly recommend).
Promising Amazon reviews:
“I never write reviews for anything and hesitated to buy the product for a long time, since it is relatively expensive compared to other KP solutions. That said, this is the best and frankly the only worthwhile thing I’ve tried. I have used Amlactin, Eucerin, Gold Bond, etc. in addition to a scrubbing towel. I even took high dose fish oil for a year, yet KP remained all over my upper and lower legs and the backs of my arms. After using this only twice, the difference was unbelievable. Now that I’ve been using it for the past month, my KP is completely healed. I still have some scarring from all the times I picked at it, but no more bumps and my skin feels silky soft. If you have KP please give this a try. I will never be without it, only wish I hadn’t waited so long to purchase.” — K
“Best KP product ever. I have a terrible habit of picking at my skin, and popping KP pimples. My arms are covered with scars, and I needed something that would make my bumps go away, and help soften the look of my scars. I can honestly say that this product has transformed my skin. I use across my whole body (except my face) and it leaves me feeling SO unbelievably soft. My KP is down SO much, and my urge to pick has gone way down because there’s nothing to pick in the first place. Pimples that do form go away really quickly. I have been along sleeve shirt wearer all year long because of embarrassment by the bumps on my arms. No more! I am wearing many more sleeveless items, and feeling so much more confident. Works great on my thighs and bum as well. It’s so embarrassing to get those KP bumps on my backside, and now my skin back there is so wonderfully even. . I only use it about once a week, and I use it on a Sunday when I know I will be in the office and out of the sun for the next 5 days. I can’t recommend this product enough.” — Katherine
“I’ve struggled with really red, really bumpy KP for years, I’ve tried several products. This truly works and I’m so happy! I can’t even believe the difference after only 2-3 weeks of use!! I was skeptical so I didn’t take before and after pics but I wish I had!! Not only are my arms 10x smoother but the red has diminished significantly and only the worst spots still show. While it’s not completely gone, it is a SEVERE IMPROVEMENT. I will update the post in a few weeks if the KP completely disappears. Cheers!” — TB
“The only product that works for my KP. I have tried lots of different products to help my KP and this is the only one that actually works. I removes the redness after using it once and then when you follow it up with their lotion it is a total game changer. It is a bit pricy but mine lasts for more than a year because you don’t need that much for your entire body.” — Karen