KP - sometimes called "chicken skin" or "strawberry skin" - is a very common skin condition where excess keratin builds up inside hair follicles, forming tiny rough bumps. It most commonly appears on the upper arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks.

It's harmless, but it can be frustrating to live with - I know from personal experience. It affects up to 40% of adults and is even more common in children and teenagers.

Learn more: Understanding Keratosis Pilaris

KP is a chronic condition - something you manage rather than cure. Your skin naturally produces keratin, and in KP-prone skin, it builds up faster than it sheds. Dry weather, hormonal changes, and genetics all play a role.

The good news is that with a consistent routine, most people can keep their KP well managed.

Learn more: Treating Keratosis Pilaris

It can improve with age - some people find their KP becomes less noticeable over time, particularly after their twenties. But for many of us, it persists into adulthood. Rather than waiting it out, a simple routine with the right actives can make a meaningful difference now.

No. While the upper arms are the most common area, KP can appear on thighs, back,  buttocks, cheeks (especially in children), and occasionally on the torso. Our products can be used on any of these areas on the body.

For facial KP or more delicate areas, I'd recommend starting with the Barrier Repair Plus Cream to repair and hydrate the skin first, and only introducing the Smoothing Cream with a very small amount twice a week once your skin has adjusted.

This is our most common question, and results vary based on the severity of your KP, how consistently you apply the product, and your skin's own renewal cycle (roughly 4–6 weeks in younger skin, and up to 6–8 weeks as we get older).

Here's what our customers typically experience:

• First 1–2 weeks: Skin starts to feel softer and smoother to the touch. Some notice a difference within days.
• Weeks 2–4: Visible improvement in texture and bump reduction.
• Weeks 6–8: More significant results in redness, overall texture, and appearance.

Consistency makes the biggest difference - you can read how customers have experienced this in their reviews.

For the science behind the timeline: How Long Does KP Skincare Actually Take to Work?

Triple-action approach. Most exfoliating products rely on a single active. Our Smoothing Cream combines three — salicylic acid (penetrates inside the follicle), lactic acid (exfoliates the surface and attracts moisture), and urea (draws water in and helps the other actives absorb). Each works at a different depth.

Formulated at the right pH. Exfoliating acids only work within a specific pH range. Our formula is optimised at pH 3.5–4.0 to ensure the actives are effective while being gentle on skin.

Exfoliation that also hydrates. Packed with skin-identical lipids like vegetable squalane and jojoba esters, so it won't leave your skin stripped or dry. For dedicated barrier support, pair it with our Barrier Repair Plus Cream.

I hear this a lot - and I've been there myself. Most products focus on one thing - exfoliating the bumps. But KP isn't just a surface problem. The keratin buildup, the dry skin underneath, the weakened barrier - they're all connected. 

That's how I approached BeyondKP - effective skincare that targets the root of KP, not just the bumps on the surface, and fits seamlessly into your everyday routine.

It may not work for everyone but I'd encourage you to read what our customers say, particularly the ones who list everything they tried before finding us.

If your skin is broken, reactive, or eczema-prone, I'd recommend starting with our Barrier Repair Plus Cream first to calm and repair your skin barrier.

Once it's settled, introduce the Smoothing Cream gradually, like once or twice a week and increase as your skin tolerates. Some customers continue using the Barrier Repair Plus Cream as their morning cream alongside the Smoothing Cream in the evening.

If you experience persistent irritation, get in touch - I'm happy to help.

The Smoothing Cream is recommended for ages 12 and over. It contains salicylic acid, which can absorb more readily through children's thinner, more delicate skin.

For children under 12, our Barrier Repair Plus Cream is a gentle, fragrance-free alternative that helps repair the skin barrier and soften rough bumps. In mild KP, that may be enough without the need for exfoliating ingredients.

For teens 12+, introduce the Smoothing Cream with small amounts two to three times a week and build up gradually.

If you're unsure what's right for your child, get in touch - I'm happy to help.

Our Smoothing Cream contains salicylic acid, so I'd recommend checking with your doctor or midwife before using it during pregnancy. For breastfeeding, contact me directly and I can walk you through how to use it safely.

Our Barrier Repair Plus Cream, Renew Body Scrub and Konjac Sponge contains no exfoliating acids and can be used throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It can. When you start using active exfoliants, your skin may turn over cells faster than usual, temporarily bringing congestion to the surface. This typically settles within a couple of weeks.

If you experience persistent redness, itching, or irritation - especially in areas you don't usually break out - that's different from purging. Contact me and I can help you work out what's happening.

Apply onto rough, bumpy skin on the body - ideally after a shower when your skin is slightly damp. The cream has a thick, balm-like consistency, so a little goes a long way, a pea-sized amount is generally enough to cover one upper arm.

Start with once a day and increase to twice a day if your skin responds well. If you're new to chemical exfoliants or have sensitive skin, start with two to three times a week and build up gradually.

Ongoing maintenance: Once your skin has improved, most customers find one to two applications per week is enough to keep the bumps under control. 

Apply to damp skin in the shower and massage gently in circular motions, then rinse off. Use 2–3 times a week before applying the Smoothing Cream - it helps lift dead skin so the actives in the cream can absorb more effectively.

Apply once or twice daily to dry, sensitive or compromised skin - it can be used on the body and face. It works well as your morning cream alongside the Smoothing Cream in the evening,

Soak the sponge in clean water before use - it will expand into a soft, bouncy, jelly-like texture. Use it in the shower to massage wet skin in gentle circular motions. It can be used on its own for a gentle daily cleanse, or together with the Renew Body Scrub for extra exfoliation.

For most people, no. The Smoothing Cream contains nourishing lipids including vegetable squalane and jojoba esters that help seal moisture into your skin.

Once you're in maintenance mode and only applying the Smoothing Cream once or twice a week, our Barrier Repair Plus Cream is the ideal companion for the days in between. It deeply hydrates, soothes irritation, and strengthens your skin barrier.

Our three products are designed to work together - each one plays a different role:

Renew Body Scrub - prepares your skin. Use 2–3 times a week in the shower to gently lift dead skin and clear the way for the actives in the Smoothing Cream.

Triple Action Smoothing Cream - the core of your routine. Apply after your shower to exfoliate inside the follicle, break down keratin buildup, and smooth the bumps.

Barrier Repair Plus Cream - protects and repairs. Use on the days between Smoothing Cream applications, or as your daily moisturiser during maintenance. It strengthens your skin barrier and keeps your skin hydrated so the results last.

Not sure where to start? Our KP Reset Kit includes all three.

The Smoothing Cream already contains three exfoliating actives, so additional strong exfoliants can lead to over-exfoliation and irritation.

If you want additional physical exfoliation, a gentle option like our Renew Body Scrub or a konjac sponge once or twice a week works well. If your skin is red, stinging, or peeling - scale back and let your barrier recover with the Barrier Repair Plus Cream.

Yes. The Smoothing Cream contains lactic acid, which can make your skin more sensitive to UV exposure. I recommend applying SPF 30+ to treated areas before going outdoors.

Stop using the product and contact me. As a pharmacist, I can help you work out what's happened - whether that's adjusting your routine, switching to a gentler product in our range, or referring you to a doctor.

Three exfoliants, each working differently:

Salicylic Acid (BHA) — oil-soluble, penetrates inside the follicle to break down the keratin plugs that cause bumps.

Lactic Acid (AHA) — gently exfoliates the surface and attracts moisture into the skin.

Urea — draws water into the skin, softens keratin buildup, and helps the other actives absorb more effectively.

Supported by vegetable squalane, jojoba esters, niacinamide, and aloe vera for barrier repair and hydration.

Full INCI list on the product page. For a deeper dive: Which Exfoliant Is Best for KP?

pH 3.5 - 4.0. This matters because exfoliating acids are only effective within a specific pH range - if it's too high, the actives won't work regardless of the concentration on the label.

Yes - we don't add any artificial fragrance to the Smoothing Cream. It does have a distinct scent from the urea, which some customers notice when first applying. This is completely normal and fades quickly once the cream absorbs into your skin.

Yes. None of our products contain corticosteroids. Our approach is based on gentle chemical exfoliation and barrier repair.

Yes to both. Our entire product range is vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Even our squalane is sourced from olives rather than sharks, which is important to us.

All our skincare products are made in Australia. We're a 100% Australian owned and operated company, based in Melbourne.

Australian orders: $4.95 flat rate, or FREE when you spend $49 or more. Express shipping is available for $9.95.

International orders: $15 AUD flat rate to NZ, USA, Canada, UK, Europe, and Asia.

All orders are dispatched from our Melbourne warehouse within one business day.

Australian delivery: Typically 2–7 business days via standard post, or 1–4 business days with express shipping.

International delivery: 8–28 business days depending on your destination.

Yes. When your order ships, we'll send you an email with tracking details. You can also log in to your account to check your order status.

As long as your order hasn't shipped yet, we can update your address. Email us at hello@beyondkp.com.au with your order number and the new address and we'll sort it out.

Yes - BeyondKP products are available at selected pharmacies throughout Australia. You can find your nearest stockist on our pharmacy finder page.

Yes, we ship worldwide from Melbourne. International shipping is a flat $15 AUD on all orders.

Please note that customers are responsible for any customs or import duties (including VAT and processing fees) imposed by your country. If your country isn't listed at checkout, get in touch and we'll help you out.

If you're not happy with your purchase, we offer a refund on unopened, unused items returned within 30 days of delivery. Return shipping is the customer's responsibility, and we recommend using a tracked service.

If you've started using BeyondKP and you're not seeing the results you expected, I’d really encourage you to reach out - contact me before giving up.

As a pharmacist, I can review your routine, suggest adjustments, and help you get the most out of the product. Sometimes it's a matter of frequency, application technique, or pairing the Smoothing Cream with the Barrier Repair Plus Cream for better results.

To organise a return, email us at hello@beyondkp.com.au with your order number, the items you'd like to return, and the reason.