The proof is in the numbers—retinol skincare has miraculously maintained its popularity in the ever-changing beauty industry, staking its claim on our wallets and beauty cabinets. But did you know you can also use retinol-infused products to supplement and further elevate a bodycare routine? I'm in my mid-20s and have already started spotting a few obvious changes to my skin. The hyperpigmentation around my mouth and eyes comes and goes, but it's the stretch marks and uneven texture on my midsection and legs that really caught my attention.
So to help curb early signs of aging, I began incorporating retinol lotions into my admittedly extensive product lineup. I could spot the differences within a couple weeks of slathering myself with lightweight formulas that restored suppleness, tightness, and smoothness to my skin. Historically speaking, using retinol products to support the health of my complexion has been hit or miss for me, but using retinol lotions on my body has quickly become a must.
In that vein, I reached out to two board-certified dermatologists for a deep dive into retinol and got to the bottom of why the popular ingredient can be so effective in bodycare. With their help, I've identified the 12 best retinol body lotions that have improved my skin from the neck below.
What Is Retinol?
So what is retinol, and why has it earned the reputation of effectively being able to combat signs of aging? If you've been hesitant to add it into your bodycare routine, you're definitely not the only one. Luckily, we have an expert on call who can help break it down for us. According to Iris Rubin, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer of Seen, it is a derivative of vitamin A that's celebrated for its ability to stimulate collagen production and promote cell turnover. "This makes it effective for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and acne. When used correctly, retinol can leave skin smoother, firmer, and more radiant."
Retinol creams and lotion in your routine can increase the overall health of your skin long after the product as been applied. Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care Kseniya Kobets, MD, tells us why. "Using a retinol-containing topical lotion or cream on the body can help strengthen the skin and build collagen over time," says Kobets. However, it's also important to take note of the more negative impacts using retinol may have on your delicate skin, as it can hinder the health of your skin if it's overused or applied incorrectly.
"[Retinol] may cause dryness, redness, and irritation, particularly for sensitive skin types or when combined with harsh ingredients. To minimize side effects, she tells us its essential to begin with a low concentration of retinol before you gradually increase its use in addition to ensuring your skin receives proper hydration and sun protection. In other words, it may be a great option for addressing particular skin concerns (especially kicking signs of aging to the curb) but can also jump-start other problems if you're not careful.
Does Retinol Work for Everyone?
Retinol has also been clinically proven to clear up blemishes, minimize the appearance of stretch marks, and prevent clogged pores. While there's no specific time to begin using the ingredient, it can be especially helpful once the skin starts experiencing a loss of collagen and cell turnover (usually in your 30s). If you have normal skin, retinol can be applied once daily. For those with sensitive skin, its best to reserve retinol for use once or twice a week. Rubin also tells us dry skin types may benefit by pairing retinol with nourishing, hydrating products to maintain the skin barrier.
"Not everyone needs retinol in their bodycare routine. It's most beneficial for individuals with specific concerns like uneven texture, keratosis pilaris (KP), sun damage, or aging skin on the body," Rubin says. Remember: Your body's skin doesn't have the same number of oil glands as your face, and retinol may irritate some areas more than others. "If someone has very sensitive skin, I would avoid using products [that contain] fragrance, and if someone shaves their legs every day, you should avoid using lactic acid containing lotions, since it will cause stinging," adds Kobets.
If you're not sure whether using retinol in your bodycare is right for you, consult a dermatologist who can help tailor its use to your individual needs. In addition to addressing KP, aging skin, and signs of sun damage, Kobets tells us using topical retinol creams or lotions can also help people combat ingrown hairs on legs from saving, as well as building collagen over time. Both Rubin and Kobets agree that most noteworthy results of retinol creams and lotions come from using the product consistently.
How Can I Add Retinol to My Routine?
There are many ways one can start using retinol in their bodycare routine, and Rubin suggests using it with nourishing ingredients that help soothe and hydrate the skin, such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, aloe vera, and glycerin. According to Rubin, niacinamide reduces inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier, making it less prone to irritation, and hyaluronic acid is useful for hydration and tackling the drying effects of retinol. Ceramides maintain your skin's natural barrier and combat moisture loss, while aloe vera and glycerin offer even more soothing benefits.
Ready to discover which expert- and beauty editor approved retinol-infused lotions could work for your specific concerns? Keep scrolling for our selection of the best products on the market backed by glowing reviews from happy customers across several major retailers (plus more of our retinol bodycare favorites from buzzy brands).
The Best Retinol Lotions, Listed
- Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body Face Lotion
- Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion
- True Botanicals Phyto-Retinol Anti-Aging Body Lotion
- Cocokind Retinol Body Cream
- Olay Retinol24 Smoothing Body Lotion
- IS Clinical Body Complex
- Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion
- Replenix Anti-Aging Retinol Smooth Tighten Body Lotion
- Medix 5.5 Retinol + Ferulic Acid Age Rewind
- Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
- Drmtlgy Retinol Body Lotion
- Cosmedix A-Lift Overnight A Body Treatment
Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body Face Lotion
Designed especially for mature skin, this retinol-infused body and face lotion is non-drying and non-irritating thanks to a formula with a nourishing blend of shea butter and cocoa butter. When used daily, the unscented lotion is clinically proven to deliver up to 24 hours of deep hydration in addition to improving the bounce and elasticity of your skin in one week.
Customer Review: "I keep this lotion near me as all times, but especially bedtime. It is amazing to put in after a shower, right before bed, or generally throughout the day. It is extremely hydrating as it is a thick lotion, but it keeps your skin bouncy and radiant all day after wearing it all night."
Product Specs: 7.0-ounce tube
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion
When I'm asked which retinol bodycare product works best for my sensitive skin, this Versed body lotion comes to mind. Its formula has encapsulated retinol that gently renews and smooths skin texture while the addition of moisture-boosting squalane and cocoa butter help alleviate dryness. Psst: This lotion can even help address body breakouts!
Customer Review: "This is a nice fragrance-free lotion that absorbs quickly. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy, it feels moisturized and helps to smooth my skin. I like the consistency of the lotion it’s not too thick or thin. It works gently to smooth skin and improve skin texture without any irritation."
Product Specs: 6.0-ounce tube
True Botanicals Phyto-Retinol Anti-Aging Body Lotion
This hydrating and potent body lotion features Peptilium, a revolutionary ingredient that echoes the benefits of traditional retinol without the sensitizing side effects. It also features plant-based ceramides and lactic acid to target signs of aging, while the addition of sea buckthorn, coriander, and rose hip keeps the skin smooth, firm, and even.
Customer Review: "I love this retinol body lotion. It feels light weight, I use it at night twice a week and I wake up to silky skin. I have noticed that a tough patch of skin on my knee is going away, it’s much softer and the discoloration has lightened. I’m hooked!"
Product Specs: 4.3-ounce bottle with pump
Cocokind Retinol Body Lotion
Looking for something lightweight and non-greasy to add to your bodycare routine? The Cocokind Retinol Body Cream absorbs easily into the skin, leaving it soft and moisturized. A combination of squalane and ceramide NP pumps up the hydration, while the addition of shea butter moisturizes and conditions the skin. It also doesn't leave the skin sticky or greasy.
Customer Review: "This lotion is both nourishing and lightweight. It sinks into the skin well. I cannot use this daily or my skin does get a little sensitive, but every other day works perfectly for me. My skin is incredibly soft and it has helped lighten my PIE/hyperpigmentation. This will be a staple in my routine!"
Product Specs: 8.0-ounce tube
Olay Retinol24 Smoothing Body Lotion
If your your goal is to achieve smooth, tight skin in a matter of days, pick up Olay's Retinol24 Smoothing Body Lotion. It has a unique formula that works by penetrating the skin's surface to lock in moisture for visibly smooth and resilient skin in addition to combating signs of aging. The products absorbs quickly into the skin (meaning no greasy residue) with a soft floral fragrance.
Customer Review: "This lotion is easy to apply, and it soaks into the skin quickly. It has a light floral scent, nothing overpowering, and once applied the lotion is smooth to the touch with no stickiness. My skin definitely feels smoother and softer after using this."
Product Specs: 17.0 ounce bottle with pump
IS Clinical Body Complex
If you didn't know IS Clinical's classic Body Complex uses a formula infused with skin-renewing retinol, now you know! Intensely hydrating and gentle on the skin, the lotion delivers soothing botanicals, essential vitamins, and powerful antioxidants to reinforce the skin barrier against environmental aggressors. Trust me—you'll be able to spot immediate and long-term improvements.
Customer Review: "This has got to be my favorite body lotion ever. It is pretty pricey for what it is, but I love how hydrating it is, how thick it is, and how it makes my skin feel. It's also unscented which is perfect for me. I am sure I will be by this many many times."
Product Specs: 6.0-ounce bottle
Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion
Recently, Naturium has experienced and meteoric rise in popularity on major social media platforms. The Skin Renewing Retinol Body Lotion has been at the helm of the revolution. Not only does it improve the appearance of skin texture and tone, but it also promotes skin renewal thanks to encapsulated stabilized pure retinol complex and soothing allantoin.
Customer Review: "I purchased this recently and it has quickly become my favorite body lotion. It's not too thick, applies nicely and dries down quickly without leaving greasy residue. My skin has literally never been softer or smoother!"
Product Specs: 8.0-ounce tube
Replenix Anti-Aging Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion
If you're placing the focus on improving your skin's texture, give this Replenix body lotion a try. This body treatments refreshes the skin by pairing a unique formula with a powerful delivery system that penetrates deeply into the skin for fast results. It's also a great pick for sensitive and dry skin types because it has calming edelweiss and green tea polyphenols.
Customer Review: "A great lotion that keeps my skin looking and feeling soft and youthful. It doesn't smell and it's easy to apply and very absorbent. It contains retinol which is a huge age defender. It improved my skins elasticity, tone and texture and smooths my rough, dry and flaky skin. A simple product with quality ingredients that does its job."
Product Specs: 6.7-ounce tube
Medix 5.5 Retinol + Ferulic Acid Age Rewind Body Cream
For bouncy skin that "snaps back," consider adding this body cream to your product lineup. Using a retinol-infused formula that also includes powerful antioxidants like green tea, ferulic acid, and more, this dermatologist-tested cream supports elastic skin. It's gentle enough to use daily where your body can benefit from the product's anti-aging properties.
Customer Review: "The lotion has such a light and sweet scent that is so nice! The feel is light and it absorbs relatively quickly. I do think it has a very nice effect on the skin and moisturizes very well. Worth trying if you are searching for a great body lotion that's creamy and rich but light enough not to be sticky."
Product Specs: 15.0-ounce bottle with pump
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Ideal for all skin types, the Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment is a must for rejuvenating and restoring your body's radiance. It uses antioxidants and specialized retinol complex (plus shea butter) to hydrate and firm the skin while also diminishing the appearance of uneven tone and other signs of aging. Simply apply a thin layer all over the body as often as needed to reap its benefits.
Customer Review: "Very smoothing for rough bumpy arms makes my KP disappear with regular use i can't believe the improvement, also works wonders for ingrown hairs i get on my legs from shaving."
Product Specs: 4.0-ounce bottle with pump
Drmtlgy Retinol Body Lotion
I love a product that looks aesthetic while delivering nonstop benefits for my skin, and Drmtlgy's Retinol Body Lotion is one of my favorites. It gives firmer-looking skin while addressing all signs of aging with concentrated retinol and nourishing shea butter. If you've been struggling to fade stretch marks, here's what you've been missing.
Customer Review: "I’ve been using this on my arms, chest and legs for almost a month and really, really like it. My skin is definitely looking better, smoother and less crepey. Definitely on my reorder list!"
Product Specs: 6.0-ounce tube
Cosmedix A-Lift Overnight A Body Treatment
Now that you know retinol products can be used overnight, why not try this effective retinol-based treatment? Cosmedix's A-Lift Overnight A Body Treatment hydrates, brightens, and tightens the skin with a nutrient-rich formula while you sleep. The brand recommends starting by using this one every other night, then working up to nightly application.
Customer Review: "Amazing! I love how my skin feels after using A-lift, and I love the texture of the product as well. It glides on and spreads well so I know a little can go a long way and my skin feels hydrated and stays moisturized for the full next day."
Product Specs: 7.0-ounce tube
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