Ingrown hairs can resolve on their own as they grow out, but they “may become inflamed or infected if left untreated,” says Jessie Cheung, MD, board-certified dermatologist. One of the most effective ways to treat and remove ingrown hairs is by using gels, oils, pads, and brushes, which “work to soften and exfoliate the skin chemically or mechanically,” says Dr. Cheung, noting that many of these options are available over the counter.
When looking for an ingrown hair treatment, it’s important to pick a product that has ingredients that prevent ingrown hairs, such as isopropyl alcohol, acetylsalicylic acid, and glycerin. We researched dozens of ingrown hair treatments and evaluated their ingredients, ease of use, area of usage, and affordability.
Below, you’ll find the best ingrown hair treatments on the market.
Price at time of publish: $26
What’s more, the formula is free of parabens, phthalates, genetically modified substances, and triclosan, making it gentle enough to apply to your bikini line and face. If you experience irritation, stop the product and consult with your dermatologist.
Price at time of publish: $34
While oils can act as a moisturizer, the wrong kind of oils can clog pores, especially if you have oily skin. Luckily, tea tree oil is noncomedogenic, which means that it won’t clog pores.
Price at time of publish: $32
Price at time of publish: $38
Price at time of publish: $20
Price at time of publish: $20
Price at time of publish: $13
Once we narrowed down our options, we compared each treatment’s benefits to its price tag. While some choices on our list may be more expensive, we wanted to give a wide range of options that would fit all needs and budgets. Based on all of these factors, we compiled this list of the best OTC ingrown hair treatments.
What to Look for in an Ingrown Hair Treatment
Ingredients
When looking for an ingrown hair treatment, Dr. Cheung recommends one with soothing botanicals, such as oils, or natural antiseptics like witch hazel, thyme, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus, to relieve inflammation.
You can also look for tretinoin and hydroquinone, which are known for preventing hyperpigmentation and can be commonly found in over-the-counter creams. But dermatologists say that some of the most effective ingredients to look for in products for your ingrown hair include salicylic acid, retinoids, and alcohol.
Salicylic Acid: This is key to look for in ingrown hair treatments, especially over-the-counter ones. “Salicylic acid will chemically exfoliate the top layer of dead skin to prevent hairs from getting trapped underneath and prepare the surface for a smoother shave,” Dr. Cheung says.
“Products with salicylic acid can help smooth the skin to help the skin turnover,” adds Dr. Kaminska. “We get new skin cells every two weeks approximately, and so, when you use something like salicylic acid, it helps those cells on the surface shed faster, helps the skin to stay clear, and prevents those ingrown hairs from forming.”
This ingredient is included in a lot of ingrown hair products, but those with sensitive skin should be wary of its effects. If the product you’re using is irritating your skin, stop using the treatment and contact your dermatologist.
Retinoids: This is another ingredient to look out for when selecting an ingrown hair treatment. Similar to salicylic acid, retinoids “speed up cell turnover to unclog pores while also decreasing inflammation,” which is common when hair curves back into the skin, Dr. Cheung explains. Because retinoids can cause sun sensitivity, it’s best to err on the side of caution and use retinoid-based products sparingly when spending excessive amounts of time in the sun.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a key ingredient in in-grown hair treatments. Like antibiotics, alcohol can eliminate bacteria and reduce your risk of post-shave infections. It can also be used to “disinfect your needle or tweezer used for plucking the ingrown hair,” adds Dr. Cheung.
Area of Usage
Ingrown hairs can grow anywhere on your body and should be treated differently depending on where they’re located. Some exfoliating treatments may cause irritation on your bikini area that it wouldn’t cause on another part of the body. Think of where the treatment will be applied and select a treatment based on the sensitivity of that area. “Your face and bikini area will be more sensitive than the arms and legs, which have thicker skin, so be gentle with harsh exfoliants,” Dr. Cheung says.
Form
Ingrown hair treatments are not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not fit everyone. That’s why it’s important to understand the different options. The most commonly used treatments are:
Oils: Can prevent ingrown hairs and heal the affected areaGel: Smooths skin and prevents rednessPads: Gently exfoliate and resurface the skin, leaving skin soft and smoothBrushes: Have bristles that slough off dead skin cells, smoothing the skin and keeping it bump-free between hair removal sessions
Why Trust Verywell Health
Kayla Hui is a public health journalist and writer who focuses on the social determinants of health and the impact it has on disadvantaged communities. In 2020, she won a Pulitzer Center Fellowship and Slants Foundation Award for her reporting on the mental health of Chinese immigrant truck drivers. Her reporting on the impacts of coastal flooding on the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe can be found on Toward Freedom.
Stop shaving or waxing for a period of time to allow the hairs to grow longer. Use a lubricating gel or cream for 5 to 10 minutes so that the hair is soft prior to shaving. Use a single edge razor (not double or triple blades) to shave in the direction of hair growth. Avoid stretching the skin prior to shaving.
In addition to serums and creams, Dr. Kaminska says another effective way to prevent ingrown hairs when shaving is to use sensitive shaving foam “because it softens the hair—and when the hair is softer, it’s less likely to pierce the skin.”
