Ingrown hairs are a pain in the neck—and other sensitive places. And if you’ve ever found one along your bikini line, usually where the seam of your underwear or bathing suit hits, you know firsthand how bothersome it can be. Thankfully, many of the best ingrown hair serums make it simple to combat the issue.
Shop the Best Ingrown Hair Serums
- Best for Bikini LineBushbalm Roller Rescue Ingrown Hair SerumRead more
- Best for Daily UseEuropean Wax Center Ingrown Hair SerumRead more
- Best for MultitaskingOui the People Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Exfoliant SerumRead more
Experts explain that ingrown hair typically forms when hair that’s been previously removed grows back toward its root and becomes trapped under the skin, often manifesting as itchy, uncomfortable bumps. “Commonly, we see ingrown hairs from extremely close shaves because the shorter hairs get trapped easier,” Allyson Brockman-Bitterman, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group, tells Bazaar. But you can’t put all the blame on your razor—waxing can lead to pesky ingrowns, too. “Waxing is traumatic to the hair follicle,” she adds. “This can lead to hair growing in at an angle, making it more difficult to pierce the skin.”
To help narrow your search for the best ingrown hair serum, we consulted with skincare professionals and reviewed several ingredient lists and customer reviews to compile this list of skin-smoothing, bump-fighting formulas. Keep scrolling for expert-approved top picks from European Wax Center, Kiehl’s Since 1851, Oui to the People, and more.
Best for Bikini Line
Bushbalm Roller Rescue Ingrown Hair Serum
$19 at Amazon$19 at Bushbalm$19 at Ulta BeautyCredit: Amazon
Pros
- pH-Balanced
Cons
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
Best for Daily Use
European Wax Center Ingrown Hair Serum
$32 at AmazonCredit: 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
Best for Multitasking
Oui the People Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Exfoliant Serum
$45 at Sephora$45 at AmazonCredit: 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
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Best Drugstore
Gillette Venus Intimate Grooming Daily Soothing Serum
Now 10% Off
$9 at Amazon$14 at Walmart$14 at Ulta BeautyCredit: 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
Best Roller Serum
Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic
$26 at SephoraCredit: 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
Best for Hydration
Luna Daily The Everywhere Oil
$36 at Sephora$70 at AmazonCredit: 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
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Best Spray-On Serum
Fur Ingrown Eliminator Serum
$36 at Revolve$36 at Amazon$36 at NordstromCredit: 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
Best on Amazon
Tend Skin Solution
$19 at AmazonCredit: 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
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Best Ingrown Hair Pads
First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads with BHA & AHA
$20 at Amazon$20 at First Aid Beauty$20 at NordstromCredit: 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
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Best Spot Treatment
SweetSpot Labs Bikini & Body Bump Eraser
$17 at Amazon$17 at Ulta BeautyCredit: 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
Best for Discoloration
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ingrown Hair and Tone-Correcting Intimate Drops
$45 at Ulta Beauty$39 at Kiehl’s Since 1851Credit: 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
- 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.
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What’s the best way to treat ingrown hairs at home?
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 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?
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, 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.
