Smooth wrinkles, clear pimples, and even texture with these retinol-infused lotions.
When a few thin crevices have started to settle into your forehead, a stubborn breakout crops up on your cheeks every single month, or your face is dealing a combination of the two, your first course of action is likely a retinol product — and for good reason. The vitamin A derivative helps to regulate skin cell turnover, says Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a dermatologist based in New York City. In doing so, retinol creams may improve skin tone, unclog pores, boost collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, she explains. That means it can also help with texture and crepiness.
This powerful anti-aging ingredient shouldn't be limited to your face products. Thanks to the genius invention of retinol body lotions you can now have glowing, smooth skin everywhere. Before you pick up just any retinol body lotion off the shelf and start slathering it on, get the lowdown on the ones experts love.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion
Why We Like It: It’s got an impressive list of ingredients for such a low price.
It's Worth Noting: It may take a few minutes to fully absorb.
A retinol at an affordable price point is something to notice. Thankfully this formula has efficacy on its side too. Carmen Castilla, M.D., and Ryan Turner, M.D, both board-certified dermatologists in New York City sing this formula’s praises—and they’re not alone. A darling of the skin care world, this lotion is surprisingly wallet-friendly considering its quality. Dr. Castilla loves that it has “additional ingredients to help support the skin barrier, is fragrance-free which is great for sensitive skin types, and has a great combination of retinol with shea butter and allantoin.”
And Dr. Turner adds, “This formulation has an encapsulated retinol, which can lead to decreased irritation and better absorption.” The formula is thick to hydrate skin in an attempt to counteract its drying effects; that may mean it needs a few extra minutes to absorb before you get dressed.
Price at time of publish: $25
Size: 8 oz | Fragrance: No
Best Runner-Up
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Why We Like It: With several hydrators, it’s a dream for dry skin.
It's Worth Noting: The size is small compared to competitors.
This small bottle (just 4 oz.) of retinol body lotion not only packs protective antioxidants but also contains glycerin and other hydration boosters to keep sensitive skin calm. "It combines the retinol with different moisturizing ingredients, so it does potentially provide a soothing effect to the skin and minimize the irritation, but it's also lightweight," says Dr. Garshick.
Price at time of publish: $28
Size: 4 oz | Fragrance: Yes
Best with Hyaluronic Acid
Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion
Why We Like It: It’s chock-full of nourishing ingredients.
It's Worth Noting: The price per ounce is a splurge.
Both Melanie Palm, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California and Dr. Garshick recommend this retinol body lotion, so you know it has to be good. The product contains antioxidants to fend off free radicals, ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, green tea polyphenols to soothe and calm irritated skin, and hyaluronic acid to seal in moisture. The result: brighter, softer, and smoother skin. However, the hefty price tag on a small bottle might be a deterrent to some shoppers.
Price at time of publish: $94
Size: 6.7 oz | Fragrance: No
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Best for Crepiness
Josie Maran Whipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter
Why We Like It: It’s fast-acting and has protective antioxidants.
It's Worth Noting: The scent could be a positive or a negative depending on your preference.
With its ultra-creamy texture and bubblegum pink hue, this retinol body lotion is sure to be a welcome addition to your skin-care routine. The body butter boasts pink algae extract, a plant-based retinol that helps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles; quercetin, an antioxidant to protect you from free-radical damage; and argan oil, which also provides antioxidants, including vitamin E.
The texture of this lotion is like a tub of whipped oil, providing instant hydration as well as long term benefits from the retinol. It’s a favorite of senior commerce editor Shannon Bauer, “I fell in love with the original Whipped Argan Body Butter several years ago and the retinol one is just as good. It feels like a treat to smooth on at night.”
Heads up: If strong fruity smells turn you off, you might want to look elsewhere, as the scent is very noticeable.
Price at time of publish: $46
Size: 8 oz | Fragrance: Yes
Best Anti-Aging
iS Clinical Body Complex
Why We Like It: It’s brimming with antioxidants
It’s Worth Noting: The beta-hydroxy acids might sting sensitive skin.
Made from a blend of white willow bark extract to clear out pores, fruit extracts to exfoliate and smooth skin, hyaluronic acid to moisturize, and aloe to soothe, this retinol body lotion checks off all the boxes of an anti-aging lotion. "It has a combination of antioxidants, so it's especially good for that anti-aging benefit, but it's also still hydrating, so you feel moisturized after using it," says Dr. Garshick. But be aware that the formula also contains beta-hydroxy acids, which can help to smooth away rough spots but might irritate sensitive types.
Price at time of publish: $75
Size: 6 oz | Fragrance: No
Best Splurge
Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment
Why We Like It: It feels like a treat in a bottle.
It's Worth Noting: This lotion has a runnier texture than many on our list.
The most luxurious retinol body lotion of the bunch, this product is crafted with macadamia oil, antioxidants, and moisturizers that all work together to soften and smooth skin, says Dr. Garshick. Plus, the Switzerland-made product smells just like a spa, thanks to the rosewater. Why the high price? The retinol is encapsulated, so it stays more potent and stable on the shelf.
This lotion is more lightweight and a thinner, waterier texture than some on our list. If you have particularly dry skin or prefer a heftier formula, this may not be your pick.
Price at time of publish: $108
Size: 6.8 oz | Fragrance: Yes
Best Under $20
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion
Why We Like It: It offers encapsulated retinol at a low price.
It's Worth Noting: It’s best for dry and balanced skin.
With encapsulated retinol that allows for slower release and less irritation, this formula gets attention for packing a lot of punch into a low-cost bottle.
With cocoa butter and squalane to hydrate, it’s an especially great pick for mature skin or skin types craving more moisture. Yet Dr. Turner insists that it’s “lightweight and easily absorbed so there is no tacky after feel.” However, oily types might find it a bit too much.
Price at time of publish: $18
Size: 6 oz | Fragrance: Yes
Best Bakuchiol Formula
The Organic Pharmacy Advanced Retinoid-Like Body Oil
THE ORGANIC PHARMACY
Why We Like It: It’s gentle yet effective
It's Worth Noting: It contains a retinol alternative, rather than true retinol.
For those looking to stay away from true retinol, this formula is a must. It contains bakuchiol, which, Dr. Castilla explains it is “a retinol alternative that is effective but gentler on skin.”
Retinoids (the umbrella term for over-the-counter and prescription-strength retinol products) are considered unsafe in the setting of pregnancy among dermatologists and ob-gyns, so individuals who are pregnant and breastfeeding will want to keep them out of their routines as well, says Dr. Garshick. "[The recommendation] has been extrapolated from the fact that taking oral forms of a retinoid, like Accutane or isotretinoin, can be associated with birth defects," she explains. "So it sort of is a stretch because we don't know that topical retinoids necessarily cause any harm, but we do say to avoid it."
This lotion, however, could be a safe retinol-alternative. It stands out from other options because of its luxe texture, quick absorption, and hydration via sunflower and jojoba oils.
Price at time of publish: $80
Size: 3.4 oz | Fragrance: No
Bidens Pilosa Is the Retinol Alternative You're About to See Everywhere
Best Drugstore
Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body and Face Lotion
Why We Like It: It offers incredible hydration.
It's Worth Noting: It may be too heavy for those with oily or normal skin.
Because it’s packed with shea and cocoa butters, Dr. Castilla loves this formula for people who need extra hydration but also want the benefits of retinol. She loves that it rubs in easily and is fragrance-free. However, she warns, while it says you can use it for both the face and body, “I would stick to using this formulation from the neck down in acne prone patients as it may be too thick and clog pores.”
Price at time of publish: $12
Size: 7 oz | Fragrance: Yes
Best Exfoliating
Nécessaire The Body Retinol
Why We Like It: It contains AHAs and peptides.
It's Worth Noting: It may cause irritation, and some find the smell off-putting.
Why Dr Turner highlights this cream: “In addition to retinol, this product contains 10% AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) to help improve skin crepiness and exfoliate away dead skin cells,” he says. The downside? It could be irritating to people with finicky skin. It also gets high marks for containing fortifying peptides that can help improve the look of skin over time. But Dr. Turner warns, that while it’s fragrance-free, “Some users have concern about the product's odor which is explained by the company to be similar to other retinol products with a high percentage of actives.”
Price at time of publish: $55
Size: 6.8 oz | Fragrance: No
Best with Ferulic Acid
Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream + Ferulic Acid Anti-Sagging Treatment
Why We Like It: It’s a great value and contains a powerful antioxidant.
It's Worth Noting: Not everyone loves the scent.
Ferulic acid has been getting more and more attention over the years as a powerful antioxidant—and it’s rare to find it in a body product. This retinol-laced formula from Medix offers it alongside other vitamin E and green tea for extra skin-improving action.
Plus, Dr. Castilla points out that you get, “a significantly larger quantity compared to some of the other products. In some cases over double the quantity but still at an affordable price.”
One divisive factor: The sweet scent, which some find overpowering.
Price at time of publish: $16
Size: 15 oz | Fragrance: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
Olay Nighttime Rinse-off Body Conditioner With Retinol
Why We Like It: It’s ultra gentle and nourishing.
It's Worth Noting: Since you rinse it off, the impact is not as noticeable as other formulas.
This formula has a cult following, with fans saying it’s ultra-gentle, leaves skin feeling like silk, and calms with a vitamin B3 complex.
Dr. Castilla points out that “theoretically, applying it to moist skin could help it penetrate more efficiently,” however, she also points out that this is not for people looking for maximum retinol impact, as it’s a hydrator that’s meant to be applied in the shower. With its rinse-off application, “It’s unclear how effective the short contact time with the skin would be,” she says. But that may be a small price to pay for those with reactive skin looking to get in on the retinol game.
Price at time of publish: $7
Size: 6.8 oz | Fragrance: Yes
How We Researched
To narrow the pool down to the best, we interviewed top dermatologists in the field, all of whom have tested 1,000s of products over the years and zeroed in on the ones that give their patients the best, most consistent results. Then we quizzed them on how retinol works, what to look for in a body lotion, and tips on how to use it most effectively.
The experts: Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D. is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in general medical dermatology and cosmetic dermatology and the Chief Resident in Dermatology at Cornell’s New York Presbyterian Hospital. Melanie Palm, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained dermatologic cosmetic surgeon and the founder of Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California. Carmen Castilla, M.D., is a Manhattan-based, board-certified dermatologist specializing in personalized treatment plans in both cosmetic and medical dermatology and serves as voluntary faculty at Mount Sinai Hospital. And Ryan Turner, M.D, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City who practices cosmetic dermatology, general dermatology, surgical dermatology, and laser surgery and is assistant professor at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
How to Properly Apply Retinol Body Lotion
Choosing a proper formula is just the first step to getting the most out of your retinol body lotion.
Before you slather your retinol body lotion all over willy nilly, apply a small amount to the inside of the forearm to make sure your skin can tolerate it — especially if you have sensitive skin, says Dr. Garshick. Once you're ready to use the product for real, gently rub the retinol body lotion onto clean skin, preferably before bed, just as you would with other potent moisturizers, says Dr. Garshick. "Historically, there was concern that if you used a retinol in the morning and it went out into the sun, it would become unstable and lose its efficacy" she explains. "Many of the more modern formulations don't necessarily have that same characteristic, so [applying retinol at night] is now more about protecting the skin because it's more sensitive to the sun."
If you don't want to apply it all over, focus on your areas of concern. For example, if you're using the retinol body lotion for anti-aging purposes, you may want to zero in on areas with the most sun exposure, such as the hands, chest, and neck. But if you want to treat dryness or bumpy skin you might focus on applying retinol body lotion on the arms, thighs, and other rough patches, says Dr. Garshick. "Be careful about [applying] too much near body folds or [your] neck, as these are areas that experience increased sensitivity and irritation from retinol," adds Dr. Palm.
After the retinol body lotion is absorbed, you'll likely want to top it off with your usual moisturizer, or use the "retinol sandwich" application method — particularly if your skin's on the dry side. "I think any benefits you're getting from the retinol lotion from a hydration standpoint are essentially extra," Dr. Garshick explains. "But if you feel like your skin has gotten all the moisture it needs from the retinol body lotion, it's totally OK to skip your regular moisturizer," she adds.
The post-retinol product that can't be skipped, though, is sunscreen, even if you have dark skin. Remember that retinol thins out the top layer of the skin and makes it more sensitive to the sun, upping your risk of getting painful sunburns. That's why Dr. Garshick recommends that anyone who has retinol as a part of their skin-care routine — no matter what time you apply it — slathers on some SPF before heading outdoors. "If you're using a retinol all over your body, everywhere that you're using it should have a good, thick layer of sunscreen, and it should be reapplied every two hours to maintain the [protective] benefit."
What to Know About Retinol Body Lotion
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, a skincare staple that, again, helps regulate skin cell turnover, improve skin tone, unclog pores, boost collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and crepiness. It’s a go-to for dermatologists, who often consider it a virtual must for any skin care routine.
Still, there are a few groups of people who might want to avoid using a retinol body lotion. Again, people who are pregnant and breast-feeding are advised to skip it. But a few others are as well. "Retinols and retinoids thin the stratum corneum of the epidermis — the very top layer of the skin," says Dr. Palm. "This can allow the skin to be a little more sensitive to sunburns." That's why folks who have disorders that cause photosensitivity, such as lupus, and those who have a lot of sun exposure and have a habit of skipping out of SPF (tisk) may want to steer clear of retinol products, says Dr. Palm.
Retinol Concentration
Since the face has the most hair follicle and oil gland units, the skin there often tolerates a higher concentration of active ingredients and heals faster than the skin on the rest of the body, says Dr. Palm. That means the 0.1 percent retinol concentration in a facial product may be too intense for your body and could cause retinoid dermatitis, an itchy, red rash similar to eczema, she explains. Retinol body lotions, on the other hand, will typically have a lower concentration and may also contain different moisturizers or humectants (which draw in moisture), stabilizers, and other ingredients to better support your skin barrier, she says. Unfortunately, not many formulas call out the level of retinol in their formulas, so this may take a bit of trial and error to find a good level for your skin.
Outside of that, the best retinol body lotion for you largely depends on what results you're aiming for and your skin type. If you're interested in anti-aging and protecting the skin against sun damage, look for a retinol body lotion that's formulated with antioxidants, such as vitamin C or ferulic acid, that will help protect against free radical damage, says Dr. Garshick. "If it's someone who has more sensitive skin, a product that has good hydrating and moisturizing benefits, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which are both humectants that pull moisture in, can often be a little easier to tolerate," she adds. In either case, make sure to choose one with a lower concentration (if it's listed) and slowly incorporate it into your routine, says Dr. Garshick.
Other Ingredients to Look For
Among the most name-checked ingredients to combine with retinol? Hyaluronic acid. Dr. Castilla explains, “It can help counteract the drying and irritating effects of retinol.” Also on the list is niacinamide because, she explains, “It can help alleviate irritation and also helps with hyperpigmentation. And, finally, ceramides. Dr. Castilla says, “They help to support the skin barrier,” which can prevent any negative effects of the retinol.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use retinol on your entire body?
Yes, with a caveat. “I do not recommend using retinol directly on your genitals,” says Dr. Castilla. And when applying, she warns, “You have to be more cautious in sensitive areas such as the bikini line and armpits that have thinner skin and are more prone to irritation. However, using retinol in these areas can help with hyperpigmentation.”
Can you use a retinol body lotion every day?
Similar to using a highly concentrated product, slathering on retinol too frequently can cause itchy, rash-like retinoid dermatitis, says Dr. Palm. Simultaneously using anti-aging or exfoliating products, such as those with AHAs and BHAs, can also amp up your skin's sensitivity and cause irritation, she explains. That's why Dr. Palm recommends being cautious with using those products in combination with a retinol body lotion. Try applying the lotion just two times per week at first, then, slowly work your way up to daily application over several weeks, she says.
Do retinol body lotions work?
Yes, retinol has been extensively studied for its effects on the face and luckily, “when applied to the body, retinol still works its acne-fighting, skin-smoothing, pigmentation-erasing magic," says Dr. Palm.
Does retinol body lotion help with crepey skin?
Plus, "body application can help thicken the dermis [the second layer of skin] over time and help improve the appearance of crepey skin, as well as improve the appearance of sun damage," she says. Those who have rough and bumpy patches of skin may also see those areas smoothing after using a retinol product, adds Dr. Garshick.
