--- source_url: "https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g61828912/best-ingrown-hair-serums/" title: The 11 Best Ingrown Hair Serums to Soothe Irritation and Bumps mirrored_at: 2026-08-31T03:02:43.703Z host: www.harpersbazaar.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g61828912/best-ingrown-hair-serums/index" --- > **Original source:** https://www.harpersbazaar.com/beauty/skin-care/g61828912/best-ingrown-hair-serums/ Credit: Amazon ### Pros - pH-Balanced This aloe vera, witch hazel, salicylic- and glycolic acid-based serum nicely uses a stainless steel roller ball to give skin an instant cooling sensation as it's applied. Its gentle exfoliation is ideal for just about anywhere—from the face to your bikini line—and happens to be both alcohol- and fragrance-free. **One satisfied customer writes:** "This product goes on smoothly and I love the cooling effect. Definitely recommend!" —_Jenna_ Credit: Amazon ### Pros - Can be used after multiple hair removal methods - Fragrance-free ### Cons - Opaque bottle prevents you from seeing how much product you've used This fast-drying formula is infused with glycolic acid, tea tree oil, and lavender, and can be used daily and immediately after hair removal. Fans of the fragrance-free, non-comedogenic serum say it's great for sensitive skin and reduces the amount of ingrowns they experience post-waxing and shaving. **One satisfied customer writes:** "The ingrown hair serum is a staple item for me. I buy two at a time and when I open the second of the two, I immediately order two more so I’m never without. It’s magic!" —_Kathy S_ Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Credit: Sephora ### Pros - Treats multiple skin concerns, including ingrown hairs, KP, and discoloration - Targets clogged pores - Fragrance-free ### Cons - May not be hydrating enough for dry skin Formulated with a triple threat of AHA, BHA, and PHA acids, Cheat Sheet sloughs off dead skin cells while clearing congested pores for smoother, softer skin. In addition to treating ingrown hair, the multitasking favorite even minimizes the appearance of persistent KP bumps and dark spots. **One satisfied customer writes:** "This has made my skin so soft and zero clogged pores on my body." —_theresabashara_ Credit: amazon ### Pros - Prevents ingrown hairs - Moisturizes ### Cons - Formula may feel sticky at first Both dermatologist- and gynecologist-tested, this gentle exfoliating drugstore pick is a great option to treat ingrown hair around your bikini line and sensitive pubic skin. Its lactic acid formula helps remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores. Used as a daily moisturizer, it can help ward off dryness and prevent itchiness. **One satisfied customer writes:** "This is one of my favorite products. It can be a little sticky after you apply but nothing crazy. It has reduced red bumps and ingrown hairs in the bikini area." —_MegMc_ Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Credit: Sephora ### Pros - Easy-to-apply - Provides cooling sensation ### Cons - Some reviewers say serum isn't as effective as other formulas Roller serums offer an easy, mess-free way to treat and prevent razor burn and ingrown hairs. This one offers a refreshing cooling sensation and makes targeting irritation and blemishes in hard-to-reach areas like under your arms and your bikini line a breeze. All you have to do is _roll_ it on_._ Glycolic acid exfoliates while salicylic acid unclogs pores and zinc reduces the appearance of redness and irritation. But remember, to maintain proper hygiene, you should not share roller skincare products, as they make direct contact with your skin. **One satisfied customer writes:** "This product saved my life! It helps so much. As someone with sensitive skin, this always helps calm down my post-shaving redness. The roller ball is a great feature and makes applying mess free." —_emilyzigo_ Credit: sephora ### Pros - Pleasant scent - Non-greasy - Hydrating ### Cons - Small bottle This multi-use, non-greasy body oil uses eight different natural oils to treat and prevent ingrown hairs, soothe irritation, calm redness, and moisturize. The addition of grapeseed oil even helps to reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks. You can use it on intimate skin and on areas prone to dryness like elbows, knees, and hands. **One satisfied shopper writes:** "This product not only smells amazing, but makes my skin feel so soft afterwards. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel oily. The applicator is a dropper which helps tremendously with the application." —_mmlmml123_ Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Credit: Revolve ### Pros - Easy-to-apply - Multi-use ### Cons - Formula may not be as targeted as other serums Fur's gynecologically-tested spray-on formula evens tone, calms inflamed skin, and provides lightweight hydration, thanks to a blend of willow bark, lactic acid, witch hazel, and aloe. To treat smaller, more precise areas, experts recommend spraying it into your clean hands before applying it to your skin. For larger areas, spritz it directly onto your skin. **One satisfied customer writes:** "Love how quickly my bikini line cleared up after using the serum. It’s gentle for my sensitive skin. I just re-ordered." —_Annie_ Credit: Amazon ### Pros - Multi-use ### Cons - Strong scent With over 38,000 five-star ratings alone, this little blue bottle from Tend Skin is one of the top after-shave solutions sold on Amazon. It's created to complement other hair removal methods like waxing, laser, and electrolysis, as well as on multiple parts of the body. The fast-drying liquid solution can be used before and after hair removal to soften skin and reduce razor bumps. **One satisfied customer writes:** "I’ve had bad ingrowns on my legs for about a year. This has helped immensely. I no longer get ingrown hairs and the ones I did have faded quickly! I just rub some on each leg after I get out of the shower (if I shaved). Completely recommend!!" —_Emmy_ Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Credit: amazon ### Pros - Easy-to-use - Suitable for sensitive skin - Compostable ### Cons - Some reviewers say the pads aren't as effective as other ingrown solutions Keeping your bikini line, underarms, and legs bump-free is a no-brainer with these easy-to-use ingrown hair pads from First Aid Beauty. Like many of their products, these single-use BHA- and AHA-infused pads are suitable to exfoliate even the most sensitive skin, which prevents irritating ingrown hairs from forming. And unlike some products that can be applied immediately after hair removal, these pads are designed for next application. **One satisfied customer writes:** "I have hair texture that leaves me prone to ingrown hairs. I have not had any after using these post-wax. They are working well for me these past two months." —_Maleena_ Credit: Amazon ### Pros - Dermatologist- and gynecologist-tested - Reduces the apperance of dark spots - Travel-friendly ### Cons - Requires multiple applications for best results Infused with soothing and brightening green tea extract and licorice root, this popular essential has a subtle green tint that helps reduce out redness. Plus, its mixture of salicylic acid, azelaic acid, and kaolin clay clears out pores, soaks up excess oil, and leaves skin feeling silky smooth. **One satisfied customer writes:** "Feels amazing, smells fresh. Makes my bikini line feel super soft! Will be buying more when I run out." —_OnJanell Lyons_ Advertisement - Continue Reading Below Credit: ulta ### Pros - Dermatologist- and gynecologist-tested - Dries quickly ### Cons - Must shake formula before use Kiehl's Ingrown Hair and Tone-Correcting Intimate Drops help minimize discoloration where you may remove hair, like under the arms, your bikini line, and the chin. Its fast-acting, quick-drying formula aims to reduce the appearance of ingrown hair after 90 minutes and even skin tone within two weeks using a blend of AHAs, astaxanthin, and jojoba oil. ## Meet the Experts ![best ingrown hair serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/thick-linebreak-blk-1649967966-1-66b674829a6b4.jpeg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top "best ingrown hair serum") - Allyson Brockman-Bitterman, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Millburn, New Jersey. - Tatiana Morales is a field trainer for the European Wax Center based in New Jersey. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ## What's the best way to treat ingrown hairs at home? ![best ingrown hair serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/thick-linebreak-blk-1649967966-1-66b674a84d097.jpeg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top "best ingrown hair serum") According to Brockman-Bitterman, ingrown hairs can be treated at home with warm compresses. If you're concerned about your ingrown, it becomes painful or cystic, or the problem keeps popping up, you'll want to consult with a dermatologist or a healthcare provider. If the ingrown hair persists, Brockman-Bitterman says dermatologists often treat them with intralesional cortisone injections. No matter what, resist the urge to pick at an ingrown hair. "We always tell our guests never to pick their ingrown hairs at home because they run the risk of making it worse by not completely removing the hair," Tatiana Morales, field trainer with European Wax Center, explains. There are also things you can do to prevent ingrown hairs from forming. For example, Brockman-Bitterman suggests shaving after showering when the hair is softer and the follicular opening is dilated and using cleansers with salicylic acid to help exfoliate the area. Morales also suggests regular exfoliation with a product like [EWC Slow Body Polish](https://www.amazon.com/European-Moisturizing-Exfoliating-Smoothing-Sensitive/dp/B08RZBHG26/?tag=harpersbazaar_auto-append-20) to help prevent hairs from getting trapped. She also recommends avoiding products with heavy fragrances to prevent additional irritation. ## Which hair removal method is most likely to cause ingrown hairs? ![best ingrown hair serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/thick-linebreak-blk-1649967966-66b67c24f13e0.jpeg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top "best ingrown hair serum") Morales says shaving is one of the most common ways to form ingrown hairs. But that doesn't mean other hair removal methods won't cause the pesky bumps. As Brockman-Bitterman previously notes, waxing can also contribute to ingrown hairs. According to the [Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17722-ingrown-hair), tweezing is another removal method that may cause the issue. If ingrown hairs continue, Brockman-Bitterman says she recommends laser hair removal. "This method miniaturizes the follicles, making them less likely to become ingrown," Brockman-Bitterman notes. A healthcare expert can help you determine which hair removal method is right for you. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ## Why trust _Harper’s Bazaar_? ![best ingrown hair serum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/thick-linebreak-blk-1649967966-1-66b67613ebf2d.jpeg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top "best ingrown hair serum") For more than 150 years, _Harper’s Bazaar_ has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.