What is keratosis pilaris?

Harmless keratin plugs in hair follicles — the rough bumps on upper arms most people have. A gentle acid exfoliant plus rich moisturiser is exactly the recommended approach.

How long until skin feels smoother?

Give daily use 2–4 weeks — the lactic acid needs repeat passes to clear the plugs, and moisture stops them rebuilding.

Can I use it on my face?

It's designed for body areas like arms and thighs — facial skin wants a face-formulated AHA. And wear SPF on treated areas; AHAs raise sun sensitivity.

E45 Bumpy Skin Smoothing Cream - 100g

Exfoliating lactic-acid cream for bumpy, rough 'chicken skin' — smooths KP-prone upper arms and thighs with E45's intensive moisture. 100g.

Targets bumpy 'chicken skin' texture.
Suitable for KP-prone skin.
Exfoliating lactic acid (AHA).
Intensely moisturises — E45 base.
Clinically tested — 100g tube.

£10.09 GBP inc. VAT

In stock

Safety information 2

AHAs increase sun sensitivity

Use sun protection on treated areas — exfoliating acids make skin burn more easily.

Red, itchy or sore bumps aren't KP

Inflamed, spreading or painful bumps need a pharmacist or GP look rather than a cosmetic cream.

Product overview

About E45 Bumpy Skin Smoothing Cream

For the goosebumps that never go: E45's smoothing cream targets the rough, bumpy “chicken skin” texture on upper arms and thighs — including keratosis pilaris-prone skin — with exfoliating lactic acid (AHA) to dissolve the keratin plugs, wrapped in E45's intensive moisture. Gently exfoliates, intensely moisturises, clinically tested. 100g.

What those bumps actually are

Keratosis pilaris is keratin — the skin's own protein — plugging hair follicles into permanent tiny bumps. It's harmless, wildly common (most people have some), and responds to exactly this combination: a chemical exfoliant to clear the plugs plus rich moisture to stop them re-forming. Scrubbing harder, famously, does nothing.

How to use

Massage into clean, dry bumpy areas daily — consistency beats intensity. Expect smoother texture over 2–4 weeks of routine use. SPF the treated areas in summer; AHAs increase sun sensitivity.

Good to know

KP is a texture, not a disease — treatment is entirely optional and purely cosmetic. If bumps are red, itchy, spreading or sore, that's not KP: have a pharmacist look.