The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick Review: Does It Really Help Ingrown Hairs, KP and Rough Skin?

The Inkey List is one of those brands I always seem to come back to when I want simple skincare that actually does what it says without overcomplicating things.

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick is one of those exfoliating treatments that’s quietly gone viral for helping with ingrown hairs, keratosis pilaris and rough, bumpy skin. But I’ll be honest, when I first saw The Inkey List Body Stick, I didn’t immediately think it was something I needed.

A glycolic acid exfoliating body stick just felt a bit different. I’ve always been more of a scrub or exfoliating mitt kind of person, especially when it comes to body care, so I wasn’t convinced this exfoliating stick would actually do anything more than what I was already using. That said, after another winter of mountain biking, my skin was definitely ready for something new.

My legs were feeling dry, a bit rough to the touch, and those little keratosis pilaris bumps (the classic “chicken skin”) were more noticeable than I’d like. On top of that, I was dealing with the usual ingrown hairs from shaving and friction from riding, especially around the bikini area, which if you know, you know.

It wasn’t just about how my skin looked either, it was how it felt. Not as smooth, not as comfortable, and definitely not as low maintenance as I’d like it to be. So this ended up being less of an impulse beauty buy and more of a “right, let’s actually fix this” moment.

And honestly, it’s one of those products that didn’t feel exciting at first, but has quietly become part of my routine because it actually works.

Quick Take

If you struggle with ingrown hairs, rough skin, keratosis pilaris or that slightly bumpy “strawberry skin”, this glycolic acid exfoliating body stick is one of those products that quietly gets on with the job.

It’s not instant, but after a couple of weeks of consistent use, my skin felt noticeably smoother and softer, especially on my legs and underarms where I tend to get the most texture and razor bumps.

It’s also completely mess-free and takes seconds to use, which is probably why it actually works. It’s the kind of exfoliating stick you don’t skip.

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick packaging for ingrown hairs keratosis pilaris and rough skin

What Is The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick?

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick is a chemical exfoliant designed specifically for the body, but in a format that feels a lot more practical than the usual scrubs or liquid exfoliants.

Instead of something you wash off, this comes in a solid stick format, almost like a deodorant, and you apply it directly onto the skin. It’s designed to exfoliate targeted areas of the body where you tend to get more texture, clogged pores or ingrown hairs, rather than being an all-over body product.

The key ingredient is glycolic acid, an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid), which works by removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. Over time, this helps to unclog pores, smooth rough or bumpy skin and reduce things like keratosis pilaris, body breakouts and razor bumps.

In real terms, it’s the kind of exfoliating treatment you reach for if you’re dealing with:

ingrown hairs (especially after shaving)
keratosis pilaris (those small “chicken skin” bumps)
rough or bumpy skin on legs and arms
body breakouts or clogged pores
dryness and texture that just won’t shift

What I quite like about this exfoliating body stick is that it feels very targeted and low effort. You can use it exactly where you need it, whether that’s your underarms, legs, bikini line or even areas like elbows where dryness builds up.

It’s not trying to replace your whole routine. It’s more of a focused, mess-free exfoliating stick that fits into real life, which is probably why it works so well.

The Ingredients (And Why They Actually Matter)

When it comes to a product like this, the ingredients are really what make or break it, especially if you’re dealing with things like ingrown hairs, keratosis pilaris or just generally rough, bumpy skin.

The standout ingredient here is glycolic acid, which you’ve probably seen everywhere in skincare, and for good reason. It’s one of the most effective chemical exfoliants and sits within the AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) family.

What makes glycolic acid so effective is that it has a very small molecule size, which basically means it can get to work on the surface of the skin more easily than some other exfoliating acids.

In simple terms, it helps to loosen and remove dead skin cells.

And that’s where the magic happens.

Because once you start removing that layer of dead skin, you’re also helping to:

unclog pores
prevent ingrown hairs
smooth out rough texture
reduce those little KP bumps

Which is exactly why glycolic acid is so often recommended for things like strawberry skin and body breakouts.

What I found really interesting with this glycolic acid exfoliating body stick is that it gives you that level of exfoliation without feeling harsh.

I was fully expecting at least a slight tingle, especially using it on areas like underarms and the bikini line, but I didn’t get any irritation at all. No redness, no stinging, nothing that made me want to stop using it.

And I think that comes down to how the formula is balanced.

Alongside the glycolic acid, you’ve got more nourishing ingredients like shea butter, which help to moisturise and support the skin barrier. That’s really important, because without that balance, chemical exfoliants can sometimes leave your skin feeling dry or a bit stripped.

Instead, this feels much more wearable.

You’re getting effective exfoliation, helping to remove dead skin and unclog pores, but at the same time the skin still feels hydrated, softer and more comfortable.

And for me, that balance is what makes it something I can actually use regularly without worrying about irritation.

What Is Chemical Exfoliation?

If you’re new to something like a glycolic acid exfoliating body stick, it helps to understand what exfoliation actually does.

Exfoliation is all about removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin. When these build up, they can lead to rough texture, clogged pores and ingrown hairs.

There are two main types:

physical exfoliation, like scrubs or mitts
chemical exfoliation, using ingredients like glycolic acid or salicylic acid

This stick is a chemical exfoliant, meaning it works by gently breaking down dead skin cells without the need for scrubbing. For me, that makes it feel much more consistent and less harsh, especially in sensitive areas like underarms and the bikini line. Over time, this helps to smooth rough skin, reduce ingrown hairs and improve overall skin texture.

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick wound up showing glycolic acid treatment for KP and ingrown hairs

Texture and Application

This is probably the part that surprised me the most, because I really didn’t know what to expect from an exfoliating stick like this.

The stick itself is quite firm when you first look at it, so I was convinced it might drag on the skin or feel a bit uncomfortable, especially on areas like underarms or the bikini line. But it actually glides onto the skin really easily, almost like using a deodorant stick, which makes it feel instantly familiar and easy to use.

It leaves behind a very thin, lightweight layer that you barely notice once it’s on. There’s no heavy cream feel, no stickiness and nothing that feels like it’s just sitting on top of the skin. It absorbs quickly and just gets on with the job.

One thing I always notice straight away with any skincare product is the scent. I’ve got quite a sensitive nose, so if something smells strong or overly fragranced, I pick it up instantly.

With this glycolic acid exfoliating body stick, there’s basically no noticeable scent at all. It’s very minimal, almost neutral, which I actually prefer, especially for something you’re using on areas like underarms and the bikini line where fragrance can sometimes cause irritation.

I was also expecting at least a slight tingle, as that’s what you often get with glycolic acid or other chemical exfoliants, but I didn’t experience any irritation at all. No redness, no stinging, nothing, even when using it on more sensitive areas.

It’s one of those exfoliating treatments that feels almost too simple at first, but in a good way. You apply it, forget about it, and that’s probably why it works so well, because it’s so easy to keep using consistently.

Where Not To Use It

Even though this glycolic acid exfoliating body stick is gentle, there are a few areas where I’d be a bit more cautious.

I personally avoid using it on:

broken, irritated or freshly damaged skin
immediately after shaving if the skin feels sensitive (although I’ve been fine, it depends on your skin)
very sensitive areas where you already know your skin reacts easily

Because it’s a chemical exfoliant, it’s still actively working on the skin, so it’s always better to build up slowly and see how your skin responds.

I’d also avoid overusing it. More exfoliation doesn’t always mean better results, and overdoing it can lead to dryness or irritation, especially if your skin is already on the dry side like mine.

For me, sticking to targeted areas and keeping it consistent has worked much better than trying to use it everywhere.

Packaging

The stick format is what makes this product stand out, and honestly, why I’ve kept using it.

It’s completely mess-free, which makes it so much easier to fit into your routine. No product on your hands, no extra step in the shower, you just swipe it on and go, which is ideal after a quick shower post-ride or workout.

I also like how targeted it is. Because it works like a deodorant stick, you can apply it exactly where you need it, whether that’s underarms, bikini line or smaller areas like elbows.

It’s also really travel-friendly, no leaks, no mess, just easy to throw in a bag.

The only downside for me is hygiene. When you’re using it across multiple areas like underarms and bikini, it can feel a bit less hygienic, so I did find myself being more mindful with it.

How to Apply

For me, this has been much more about consistency than overdoing it, which I think is where a lot of exfoliating treatments can go wrong.

I’ve been using this glycolic acid exfoliating body stick daily on areas like my underarms and bikini line, where I’m more prone to ingrown hairs and irritation, and then about once a week on my legs to help with rough skin and those little KP bumps.

I always apply it after showering, when my skin is clean, and that’s it. You just swipe it on like a deodorant stick and leave it, no rinsing, no waiting around.

It takes seconds, and I think that’s exactly why it works so well. It makes exfoliation feel effortless, which means you actually stick to it, and that’s when you start to see results.

Where This Fits in My Skincare Routine

This has become part of my post-shower skincare routine, especially after mountain biking.

When you’ve been out riding in cold weather, your skin can feel dry, tight and slightly irritated, and that’s usually when my skin texture is at its worst. Adding this glycolic acid exfoliating body stick in at that point has made a noticeable difference, not just in terms of exfoliation, but in how smooth and comfortable my skin feels overall.

I tend to use it straight after showering, often after shaving as well, and I’ve never had any issues with irritation, which I was slightly worried about at first. No stinging, no redness, nothing that made me feel like I needed to avoid certain areas.

It’s also replaced my need for regular scrubs, which I used to rely on much more. This just feels easier and a lot more consistent, and I think that’s why I’ve seen better results, especially when it comes to ingrown hairs and rough skin.

My Simple Body Skincare Routine

This is roughly how I’ve been using it alongside the rest of my body skincare:

cleanse: I usually start with a normal body wash like Sanex or an M&S coconut one depending on what I’ve got in
exfoliate (in shower): I’ll use something like Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Wash under my arms to help break down deodorant build-up and remove residue
shave: I tend to shave in the shower as part of the same routine
exfoliate (targeted): then I go in with The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick on areas like underarms, bikini line and sometimes legs
moisturise: I’ll finish with a body cream like Bum Bum or Bumbum/Badalada depending on what I’m using at the time (full review here)

When I’m fake tanning, I skip The Inkey List exfoliating stick, as I find they don’t work that well together and it’s better to keep the skin barrier calm before applying tan.

My Skin Type and Why the Formula Matters

My body skin definitely leans on the drier side, especially in winter, and being out mountain biking in all weathers doesn’t exactly help. Cold air, layers and friction all add up, and that’s usually when I notice more rough texture on my legs, along with those little keratosis pilaris (KP) bumps and the occasional ingrown hairs.

Because of that, I know I need exfoliation, but not the harsh kind.

Anything too aggressive, whether that’s a strong scrub or overdoing it with exfoliating treatments, tends to make things worse rather than better. My skin can get irritated quite quickly, especially in more sensitive areas like underarms and the bikini line.

This is where this glycolic acid exfoliating body stick really works for me. It feels like a much more balanced chemical exfoliant. It helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which is key for preventing ingrown hairs and smoothing bumpy skin, but without stripping the skin or damaging the skin barrier.

And I think that balance is what makes it something I can actually use consistently, which is where the real results come from.

My Honest Review: Does The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick Actually Work?

This isn’t the most glamorous beauty product in my routine, and I think that’s exactly why I nearly overlooked it.

But in terms of actual results, it’s one of the most practical things I’ve been using lately.

The biggest difference for me has been ingrown hairs. And I’m just going to say it, because it’s real life, especially if you’re active, the bikini area can be one of the worst places for them. Between shaving, riding, tighter clothing and just general friction, it’s something I’ve always had to manage.

Since using this glycolic acid exfoliating body stick, I’ve definitely noticed fewer ingrown hairs and less irritation in that area. Not completely gone, but enough of a difference that I actually notice it day to day.

The same goes for my legs. I’ve always had those small KP bumps and slightly rough texture, especially after winter riding, and while this hasn’t magically made my skin perfect, it has made it noticeably smoother and softer. And for me, that matters more than anything else.

When you spend a lot of time in shorts, whether that’s for mountain biking or just being active, you notice these things. You notice how your skin looks, but also how it feels. This has made my skin feel more comfortable, less rough and just easier to manage overall.

It’s also one of those products that fits into real life. It doesn’t feel like effort, it doesn’t take time, and because of that, I’ve actually kept using it, which is probably why I’ve seen results in the first place.

And if I’m honest, it’s given me a bit more confidence in my skin. Not in a dramatic way, but in that everyday, I’m not thinking about it as much kind of way. And honestly, when you’re living in shorts and activewear as much as I am, that kind of difference really matters

Value and Price Per Use

At around £15, I actually think The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick sits in a really good place price-wise, especially compared to other exfoliating treatments.

I actually picked mine up from Cult Beauty when it was on sale, which made it feel even more worth trying, especially as it’s one of those products you don’t fully know if you’ll love until you’ve used it for a few weeks.

For me, this is definitely one of those products where how you use it makes a big difference to the value. If you’re using it as a targeted exfoliating treatment on areas like underarms, bikini line or where you tend to get ingrown hairs, it lasts really well and feels worth it.

If you start using it across larger areas of the body more frequently, especially legs, you’ll go through it much quicker, so it can feel a bit less cost-effective.

Personally, I think it works best as a targeted solution rather than an all-over exfoliating product. Used that way, it fits really well into your routine and feels like good value for something that actually helps with ingrown hairs, KP and rough skin.

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick vs Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Wash and CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser

I’ve tried quite a few different ways to exfoliate my body over the years, especially trying to manage ingrown hairs, rough skin and those little KP bumps, so I feel like I’ve got a good idea of what works and what doesn’t.

Before using this glycolic acid exfoliating body stick, I was mostly relying on products like my Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Wash review and CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser review.

Both of those are great in their own way, but they work quite differently compared to an exfoliating stick like this.

The Sol de Janeiro body wash is more of a gentle chemical exfoliant you use in the shower. It’s great for overall skin maintenance and leaves your skin feeling really soft and smooth, but because it’s rinsed off, I find the results are more gradual and less targeted.

The CeraVe SA cleanser, which uses salicylic acid, is really good for smoothing skin and helping with clogged pores and body breakouts. It’s one I’ve reached for a lot when my skin feels a bit congested or uneven, and it does a great job at that.

But both of those are more “whole body” products.

What makes The Inkey List’s glycolic acid exfoliating body stick different is that it’s targeted. You’re applying it directly onto areas where you actually need it, whether that’s underarms, bikini line or specific patches of rough or bumpy skin.

Because it’s a leave-on chemical exfoliant, rather than something you wash off, I’ve found it works better for things like ingrown hairs and more stubborn texture. It feels more focused, and for me, more effective in those problem areas.

I still like using body washes and cleansers as part of my routine, but this has definitely taken over when it comes to targeted exfoliation.

Pros and Cons

Pros

really easy to use — the stick format makes exfoliation feel quick and mess-free
helps reduce ingrown hairs and razor bumps, especially in areas like the bikini line and underarms
noticeably smooths rough skin and keratosis pilaris (KP) over time
gentle for a glycolic acid exfoliating treatment — no stinging or irritation for me
fits easily into a routine, which makes consistent exfoliation much more realistic
travel-friendly and doesn’t leak, unlike liquid exfoliants

Cons

can run out fairly quickly if you use it on larger areas like legs regularly
stick format can feel a bit less hygienic when used across multiple areas
not the most “luxurious” beauty product, it’s more practical than pampering

Which Skin Types Is It Best For?

I think this glycolic acid exfoliating body stick works best if you’ve got a specific skin concern you’re trying to improve, rather than just using it for the sake of it.

It’s particularly good for:

rough or bumpy skin on areas like legs and arms
keratosis pilaris (KP) or “chicken skin”
ingrown hairs and razor bumps, especially underarms and bikini line
body breakouts or clogged pores
dry skin that still needs regular exfoliation

It’s also a really good option if you’ve got an active lifestyle and want something simple, targeted and easy to keep using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick tingle or sting?

This was something I was a bit concerned about before using it, as glycolic acid can sometimes cause a slight tingle. But with this exfoliating body stick, I didn’t experience any stinging or irritation at all, even on more sensitive areas like underarms and the bikini line. It feels surprisingly gentle for a chemical exfoliant.

Does glycolic acid help with ingrown hairs?

Yes, and this is probably where I’ve noticed the biggest difference.

Glycolic acid works by removing dead skin cells and helping to unclog pores, which is key for preventing ingrown hairs. Since using this glycolic acid exfoliating body stick consistently, I’ve definitely noticed fewer ingrown hairs, especially in areas prone to friction like the bikini line.

Can you use The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick on the bikini line?

Yes, I’ve been using it on the bikini area without any issues.

I was slightly cautious at first, especially after shaving, but I didn’t experience any irritation or redness. If anything, it’s helped reduce razor bumps and ingrown hairs in that area, which has made a noticeable difference.

Can you use The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick on underarms?

Yes, and this is actually one of my favourite ways to use it.

I’ve been using it regularly on my underarms and found it really helps keep the skin smoother and reduce any rough texture or bumps. It also doesn’t interfere with deodorant, which I was slightly worried about at first.

Can you use The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick on your face?

No, I personally wouldn’t recommend using this on your face.

Even though glycolic acid is commonly used in facial skincare, this product is designed for the body, where the skin is thicker and less sensitive. The stick format also makes it harder to control how much product you’re applying, which could lead to irritation.

If you’re looking to use glycolic acid on your face, I’d stick to products specifically formulated for facial skincare instead.

Does glycolic acid help with keratosis pilaris (KP)?

Glycolic acid is one of the ingredients often recommended for keratosis pilaris.

Because it helps to exfoliate and remove dead skin build-up, it can smooth the small bumps associated with KP over time. I’ve found this exfoliating stick has helped make my skin feel smoother and less textured, especially on my legs.

Does glycolic acid help with strawberry skin?

Yes, glycolic acid can help improve the look of strawberry skin.

By removing dead skin cells and helping to unclog pores, it reduces the appearance of those small dark dots and bumpy texture, especially on the legs. I’ve definitely noticed my skin looks smoother and more even with regular use.

Can you use glycolic acid exfoliating body stick after shaving?

In my experience, yes.

I’ve been using this straight after shaving and haven’t had any irritation at all. If anything, it’s helped reduce ingrown hairs and razor bumps, especially in areas like the bikini line and underarms.

How often should you use a glycolic acid exfoliating body stick?

For me, it’s been all about consistency rather than overdoing it.

I use it daily on targeted areas like underarms and bikini line where I’m more prone to ingrown hairs, and around once a week on larger areas like my legs. That seems to be enough to keep my skin smooth without overdoing it.

Can you use The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick before fake tan?

Yes, and it actually works really well as part of your prep routine.

Because glycolic acid helps to remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin, it creates a more even base for fake tan, especially if you struggle with rough patches, KP or dry areas on your legs.

I like to use it in the days leading up to tanning rather than right before applying fake tan. That way your skin is smooth, but not freshly exfoliated, which can sometimes affect how the tan develops.

Can you use The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick with deodorant?

Yes, and this was something I was slightly unsure about at first.

I’ve been using it regularly on my underarms and haven’t had any issues layering it with deodorant. It doesn’t interfere or cause irritation, and if anything, it helps keep the skin feeling smoother and fresher.

How long does it take to see results from The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Body Stick?

For me, it wasn’t instant, but I started noticing a difference after a couple of weeks of consistent use.

My skin felt smoother first, and then over time I noticed fewer ingrown hairs and less of that rough, bumpy texture, especially on my legs.

Can you use The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick every day?

It depends on the area.

I use it daily on more targeted areas like underarms and the bikini line without any issues, but for larger areas like my legs, I stick to once a week to avoid over-exfoliating.

For me, it’s more about consistency than using it as often as possible.

Final Thoughts

This is one of those products that doesn’t look particularly exciting at first, but ends up being something you actually rely on.

For me, The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick has made a noticeable difference to my skin. It’s helped smooth rough areas, reduce ingrown hairs and improve that slightly bumpy texture I tend to get on my legs, especially after months of riding and being out in all weathers.

It’s also just really easy to use, which I think is half the reason it works. It fits into real life, whether that’s a quick shower after mountain biking or just your everyday routine, and because of that, it’s something I’ve actually stuck with.

It’s not a luxury beauty product, and it’s not trying to be. But if you’re dealing with things like KP, ingrown hairs or rough skin, it’s one of those simple, effective products that does exactly what you need it to. And for me, that’s what makes it worth keeping in my routine.

If you’ve tried this, I’d love to know how you got on with it, especially if you’re dealing with KP or ingrown hairs like me.

Author

Laura Martin
Founder of MissLJBeauty.com | Award-Winning Beauty, Skincare & Lifestyle Blogger, Mountain Bike Athlete and Scottish Influencer Award Nominee

MissLJBeauty