Dermatologists and skin experts have long lauded retinol as the gold standard when it comes to antiaging, and the best retinol body lotions allow you to reap the benefits of the ingredient all over your body. “Just like on the face, retinol on the body can help with body acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation,” says Dennis Gross, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of skin care line Dr. Dennis Gross. If you want to transform your body care routine by firming and softening mature skin as well as evening out uneven texture, our list of best retinol lotions has been vetted by expert dermatologists or personally tested by us.

Best Overall: Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion

Whereas some lotions are too thick and others are too runny, this rich formulation from Naturium strikes the optimal balance, offering buttery hydration that seamlessly sinks into skin. Out of all the retinol body lotions Glamour contributor Mary Honkus tested, this one stood out for its texture, results, and the vibrant packaging. “I have dry skin and typically gravitate toward body oils, but this retinol-infused option instantly melted into my skin, leaving me feeling soft, supple, and incredibly smooth, even with daily evening use,” she says. An encapsulated slow-releasing retinol complex paired with soothing allantoin prevents common retinol side effects like redness and irritation, so all you experience are the nurturing, skin-renewing benefits.

Pros: Extremely gentle; softens and firms skin

Cons: With a lower dose of retinol, it can take longer to experience the firming and smoothing effects.

Key ingredients: Encapsulated pure retinol complex, allantoin

Scented: No

Best Budget: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body Lotion

Few drugstore brands have attempted to create a body retinol cream—probably because this derm-recommended formula from Gold Bond sets the gold standard. Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Shafer Clinic in NYC, touts it as one of the most effective affordable options on the market for visibly tightening skin. “I also love that it contains hydrating and nourishing ingredients, including peptides, shea, and cocoa butter,” she says, which give it its thick, creamy consistency and aid in warding off irritation regularly caused by retinol.

Pros: Super affordable; proven to firm skin in just one week; hydrates skin for 24 hours

Cons: It’s very thick, so it can take some time to fully sink into skin.

Key ingredients: Retinol, peptide complex

Scented: No

Best Splurge: Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment

The act of applying body lotion to dry skin is transformed from a mundane task into an indulgent ritual with this luxe retinol body treatment. Another one of Dr. Engelman’s favorites, the gentle yet potent formula melts into skin and leaves behind a lightweight veil of hydration. “I love that it’s infused with retinol and powerful botanicals to smooth, firm, and soften skin,” she says. The retinol is encapsulated in botanical microspheres for gradual release, mitigating redness and irritation while also infusing skin with the calming antioxidant properties of edelweiss.

Pros: Gentle enough to use morning and night (with SPF!); instantly sinks into skin

Cons: Although technically unscented, this does have a slight floral aroma.

Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, saccharide isomerate, edelweiss extract

Scented: No

Best for Dark Spots: Versed Press Restart Retinol Body Lotion

Body retinol creams tend to be one of the pricier body products, often running over $40. If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of TRNR Skin recommends this budget-friendly pick. “This lotion combines retinol with cocoa butter, squalane, and vitamin E—which I like because these ingredients are powerful moisturizers and will work to counteract the drying effects of retinol while enhancing skin’s luminosity,” he explains. “The formula is also surprisingly lightweight despite the potency of the moisturizing ingredients.” This is also a favorite of Glamour commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who appreciates a lightweight formula when layering other products.

Pros: Rich and thick yet nongreasy; multitasking formula tightens, brightens, and smoothes skin; gentle enough to use on décolletage.

Cons: Overuse can cause dryness (start by using twice a week and work up to more frequent application).

Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, cocoa butter, squalane

Scented: No

Best for Crepey Skin: Necessaire The Body Retinol

Made with a powerful blend of pure 0.1% retinol, mandelic and glycolic acids, and peptides, this effective body serum treats and prevents wrinkles, crepiness, discoloration, scars, and bumps while simultaneously improving skin elasticity. “This feels incredibly creamy for a serum, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave behind a greasy film like some body products do,” says Honkus. “Plus, despite its high potency, I don’t feel the need to follow up with an extra hydrating lotion, even though I have dry skin.” As with all retinol products, consistency is key, but because of the fast-acting formula, a major difference can be seen in as little as three weeks.

Pros: Fast-acting; addresses multiple concerns

Cons: Though unscented, it has a weird popcorn-like smell due to the high amount of actives.

Key ingredients: Pure encapsulated retinol, mandelic acid, glycolic acid, peptides

Scented: No

Best for Bumpy Skin: Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

The stronger the retinol, the more likely for the retinol uglies (a short span of increased irritation and breakouts) to occur. While this treatment features a midstrength 0.1% retinol concentration, both Georgina Ferzli, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, and Dr. Turner say that the myriad of moisturizing ingredients offset the retinol’s potency. “This formula combines humectants, panthenol, and glycerin with emollients like shea butter and evening primrose oil to leave skin hydrated and nourished,” says Dr. Turner. Dr. Ferzli adds that, along with a mix of antioxidants, these hydrators “allow your skin to reap the benefits of retinol without dryness and irritation.”

Pros: Highly moisturizing; lightweight

Cons: While unscented, the natural scent is a bit off-putting.

Key ingredients: Retinol, grapeseed oil, shea butter, vitamin C

Scented: No

Best Exfoliating: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum

If you struggle with rough bumpy skin or keratosis pilaris, Dr. Turner says that this multitasking lotion could be the remedy you’ve been looking for to finally achieve a buttery smooth complexion. “This formula is ideal for someone who wants a serious dose of exfoliation—it uses retinol, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and urea to accelerate cellular turnover to leave skin looking smoother, firmer, brighter, and more even,” he explains. “Urea in particular is a nice addition—along with being keratolytic, it improves skin barrier function to keep skin moisturized.”

Pros: Clears out clogged pores with a blend of AHAs; evens out skin texture; visibly brightens

Cons: Not suited for those with very dry skin

Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, urea, lactic acid, glycolic acid

Scented: No

Best Retinol Body Butter: Josie Maran Whipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter

Retinol is infamously drying, so those with seriously parched skin may stray away from retinol-infused body lotions out of fear of exacerbating the issue. But you won’t have to worry about that with this rich body butter. Whether you struggle with dry skin or are new to the active, this addresses aging skin concerns while drenching skin in a flood of hydration. The key is a unique blend of pro-retinol derived from pink algae (a natural alternative rich in vitamin A) and Josie Maran’s signature thirst-quenching argan oil. “This may be the most luxurious body butter I’ve ever used,” Honkus says. “Many thick lotions can leave a greasy film behind, yet that’s not the case with this one. My skin drinks this up and immediately looks dewier and plumper after each use.”

Pros: Intensely hydrates; suitable for all skin types; rich but not heavy

Cons: Might not be potent enough for seasoned body retinol users

Key Ingredients: Pro-retinol, argan oil

Scented: Yes (vanilla bean), but it also comes in an unscented version.

Best Retinol Alternative: Iota Supermatcha Body Lotion+

Sometimes retinol can be too strong—even in low dosages—for those with sensitive skin. Plus, people who are pregnant or nursing shouldn’t be using the ingredient either. In those cases, Dr. Engelman suggests this all-natural body lotion that’s crafted with a gentle yet potent plant-based retinol alternative as well as 16 vitamins and minerals, and a slew of plants including matcha, rambutan, and snow mushroom. “I love this because it improves skin texture and skin tone and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the body,” she says. As a bonus, it boosts skin elasticity to hinder stretch marks from developing.

Pros: Vegan formula; tightens skin; leaves skin silky-smooth

Cons: It’s a bit runny, which some people might not like.

Key ingredients: Plant-based retinol alternative, matcha, rambutan, snow mushroom, caffeine

Scented: No

Best Soothing: Fig.1 Retinol Renewal Body Serum

“This body retinol reminds me a lot of the retinol serums I’ve used on my face,” Honkus says. “It has a thin gel-cream texture that quickly absorbs and leaves a refreshed radiance in its wake.” Similar to facial serums, this is meant to be used in tandem with a lotion or oil of your choice to create a nourishing sandwich. Rather than being packed with immensely hydrating ingredients like some of the other options on this list, Fig.1’s formula features encapsulated retinol and a range of antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, as well as niacinamide to calm and balance the skin. Honkus assures that it doesn’t leave skin dry and flaky when used alone, but layering a lotion on top enhances moisture retention and makes skin extra glowy, and those results only get better with consistent application.

Pros: Extremely lightweight; includes niacinamide to calm and soothe skin

Cons: While not mandatory, it’s suggested to layer a regular lotion on top for the best results.

Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, niacinamide, vitamins C and E

Scented: No

Best Lightweight: IS Clinical Body Complex

A single product that can simultaneously hydrate and exfoliate is hard to come by, but IS Clinical managed to develop a lavish formula that beautifully does both. A combination of retinol, vitamins, and natural extracts—like aloe leaf and white willow bark—induce the cellular regeneration process, helping skin shed old cells, kick-start collagen production, and make way for smoother, softer, brighter skin. Honkus also appreciates the addition of hyaluronic acid for extra hydration and adds that displaying the statuesque bottle in her shower makes her feel “oh so fancy.”

Pros: Suitable for all skin types; gently smooths and brightens skin

Cons: The bottle is small considering the price.

Key ingredients: Aloe leaf extract, retinol, hyaluronic acid, white willow bark

Scented: No

Best Tightening: Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion

Dermatologists developed this lotion not only to firm and brighten the appearance of skin, but also to reduce the look of cellulite too. And according to Dr. Ferzli, it’s a no-frills pick that provides a healthy dose of retinol and antioxidants along with an intensely moisturizing base. Although, she says, it’s a better pick for those who are accustomed to using body retinol cream. “I like this for someone whose skin is a bit more retinol-tolerant because it does contain a good amount of retinol,” she says.

Pros: Developed by dermatologists; addresses cellulite and crepiness

Cons: Expensive for a relatively small bottle, not suitable for retinol newbies

Key ingredients: All-trans-retinol, edelweiss, green tea polyphenols

Scented: No

Best for Sensitive Skin: Kopari Ultra Renewal Retinol Body Cream

Because retinol breaks down easily in sunlight, the packaging on many retinol products has a medicinal vibe (think aluminum tubes and plain dark packaging). Kopari is here to change that with its inviting bubblegum pink tube. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that the formula inside is extremely efficacious. Beyond encapsulated retinol, which releases over time for gentler effects, this also contains softening acai, pomegranate extract, and aminobutyric acid, a compound that stimulates the skin’s ability to produce hyaluronic acid and collagen.

Pros: Gentle enough for sensitive skin; addresses a variety of concerns including dark spots, fine lines, and crepey skin

Cons: The pump top can get jammed and is a little messy to use.

Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, pomegranate extract, aminobutyric acid, acai

Scented: No

Is retinol okay to use on your body?

Yes, retinol is okay to use on your body. In fact, Dr. Engelman says retinol functions the exact same way on the body as it does on the face, while also working to address some common body concerns, like keratosis pilaris. “Retinol body lotion can be a great option for smoothing and evening the texture of the skin,” she says.

When should I use retinol body lotion?

Much like as you do for your face, Dr. Ferzli recommends applying retinol body lotions only at night, because it breaks down in sunlight and can cause increased skin sensitivity. That said, some formulations are gentle enough to use during the day; just be sure to follow up with a sunscreen.

“You should use a retinol body lotion when you start to notice the skin on your body showing signs of aging, such as fine lines on the chest, or rougher skin on the legs,” Dr. Ferzli advises, adding that it can be used all year round. “While some people think it’s better to use only in winter [because of decreased daylight hours], the winter months are actually very dry, and therefore it might be hard to use your retinol nightly in the wintertime. I advise starting in the spring, when the humidity increases, and sticking with it through summer and fall, so that by the following winter, your skin is acclimated to the retinol and you won’t need to skip too many nights.”

How to use retinol body lotion

With the exception of the neck and décolletage (Dr. Gross recommends using a retinol product formulated for the face on these areas), body skin is thicker than the skin on your face, so you can start incorporating a retinol body lotion two to three nights a week. “If your skin can tolerate it, increase the frequency of application until you’ve worked your way up to nightly application,” says Dr. Turner.

Remember that consistency is key here. “Our skin needs regular dosing of retinol in order to incorporate its positive changes,” Dr. Ferzli says. Keep in mind, though, that retinol is notorious for causing irritation, dryness, and redness, so you’ll want to gradually introduce it into your skin care routine, urges Dr. Turner. Because of this, he says it’s important to build a tolerance, and “look for formulas that include emollients like shea butter, squalane, and ceramides, which will help support the skin barrier and prevent water loss.”

Who shouldn’t use retinol body lotion?

Along with those who are pregnant and breastfeeding, Dr. Engelman says that “individuals with extremely sensitive skin or a history of eczema or psoriasis-prone skin should avoid using retinol body lotions or speak to their doctor before use as it may cause irritation, itching, and scaling.”

Other than that, Dr. Turner also suggests avoiding applying retinol body lotions to specific areas, mainly around the sensitive bikini line. “Though it can provide somewhat of an exfoliating effect, retinol can be very sensitizing and drying to the skin,” he says. “It’s especially important to avoid retinol use if you wax rather than shave, as the ingredient can lead to serious skin injury during a waxing appointment.”