The 13 Best Retinol Body Lotions Of 2023

Dec 07, 2023

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Retinol isn't just for your face.

Anyone who's given anti-aging moisturizers and eye creams a second thought has probably heard of retinol. "Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that also stimulates skin cell turnover and exfoliates to slough off dead skin cells, dirt, and oil from the pores," says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. "Retinol also has anti-aging properties by stimulating collagen synthesis."

Meet Our Experts: Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist in Miami, Michele Green, MD, cosmetic dermatologist in New York City

But the hardworking ingredient isn't just for your face."Your skin will look tighter and smoother after using retinol, which also helps to produce more collagen," says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. "Along with clearing up body acne, it can also lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and treat hyper-pigmentation." With regular usage, you'll notice sun spots beginning to fade, crepey skin smoothing, and even cellulite diminishing.

To help you choose the best retinol body lotions, we heeded guidance from our medical experts, plus polled our beauty department and scoured top retailers for the most highly-rated products out there.

In addition to a pro-retinol that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this quick-acting body butter is infused with argan oil and shea butter, both rich sources of fatty acids, antioxidants, and nourishing vitamin E. The whipped texture makes it easy to apply and spread, so you can more easily target large areas of your body like legs and arms.

This newcomer wins praise for its 0.1% pure encapsulated retinol formula—a technology that allows the ingredient to penetrate even deeper into the skin. The result is less crepey skin and fewer lines, spots, scars, marks, and bumps.

Safe for all skin types, this gentle retinol body lotion is non-comedogenic and fragrance-free. It's also lightweight and fast-absorbing for improved texture and tone, stat. And if your skin skews dry, you'll appreciate the added benefit of hydrating hyaluronic acid.

A bioavailable retinoid, vitamin B3, and AHAs combine to create a body lotion that expertly resurfaces skin, making it look both brighter and smoother with consistent use. The vegan formula also contains a dual-action moisturizing complex, soothing oils, and nourishing butter to leave skin supple and plump.

This lightweight lotion contains an impressive 0.3% retinol that encourages cell turnover, leading to smoother and brighter skin. It also contains shea butter to hydrate and soften, as well as antioxidants to help nourish skin and protect the skin from additional oxidative damage.

Nearly 50,000 Amazon reviewers rave about this firming cream, giving it five stars. In addition to the retinol, the rich product is infused with aloe vera, chamomile, glycerin, and green tea to firm up skin and reduce the appearance of sun damaged skin, wrinkles, fine lines and crepey skin. Reviewers call it "a miracle cream" and say it really works—especially for skin complaints like cellulite.

Powered by encapsulated retinol, this hardworking serum is potent-yet-gentle so even more sensitive individuals can reap its benefits. Reviewers say the milky, lightweight product works wonders—especially on rough and dry patches, as well as bumps and scales. It even helps eliminate any flakiness associated with dry skin, too.

If your skin doesn't take well to retinoid, this product is a great alternative. It's made with retinyl palmitate, which is a less intense form of retinol. To help ensure you still get enviable results, the formula is also packed with white willow bark extract, an ingredient that's known to be a great exfoliator for textured and uneven skin.

A splurge, no doubt, but this retinol cream wins praise because it's powered by encapsulated retinol, plus contains a powerful punch of botanicals for smoother, firmer skin. It also boasts saccharide isomerate—a type of water magnet—and edelweiss extract to soften and moisturize.

Another bestseller on Amazon, this body lotion boasts nearly 21,500 five-star reviews. The retinol-based formula also contains supporting ingredients, like ferulic acid, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight signs of aging, as well as shea butter, vitamin E and green tea to moisturize, nourish, and soothe skin.

This clinical-strength retinol cream comes in a large 16-ounce jar with a convenient pump for easy dispensing. The formula itself is easy to apply—and a little goes a long way. Use it on your entire body—face included—for more youthful and elastic skin.

The retinyl palmitate in this popular body cream is gentler than your average retinoid, making it more suitable for people with sensitive skin. Still, it gets the job done, yielding impressively brighter and tighter skin. It's all because the lightweight, non-greasy formula contains hardworking agents like jojoba seed extract, turmeric extract, and a shea butter blend.

If your skin really can't tolerate retinol, this smoothing lotion is a good alternative to pure retinol body lotions. That's because it contains a natural retinol alternative complex powered by chicory root oligosaccharides and tara tree that works in a similar fashion to boost collagen production and smooth skin. It also contains emollients, like including coconut, shea butter, and grapeseed oil, for hydration benefits.

When you first introduce a retinol body lotion, you should limit applications to once or twice per week, according to Dr. Chacon. "Retinol might initially be drying, especially if you have sensitive skin, so it's a good idea to allow your skin some time to acclimatize to the change in your routine," she says.

Retinol products—whether for the face or body—should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, says Dr. Chacon. What's more, anyone with extremely sensitive or dry skin should consult their skincare professional. If used improperly, retinol body lotion can exacerbate dryness.

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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