My skincare routine is one of the best parts of my morning. I love slathering creams, serums, essences, and SPFs all over my body, and have enjoyed watching my skin glow, as though from the inside, in the process. But while facial skincare gets a ton of attention, skincare for the rest of the body is often forgotten about or neglected, and many people go about their days and nights without using a quality body lotion. Lotions help skin stay hydrated and glowing, no matter the weather, and are made with ingredients as diverse as your face creams, from Vitamin C to retinol. And recently, I've been hooked on the latter.
"Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that is available over the counter in a variety of formulations, including serums, creams, eye creams, and more," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi. In particular, she explains, "retinol is used for its anti-acne and anti-aging effects." Most consumers are aware of these applications on the face, employing retinol for issues like acne, hyperpigmentation or scarring, keratosis pilaris, and sagging skin. But not everyone avails of retinol on the areas below the neck.
".Similar to using retinol on the face to help regulate skin cell turnover, prevent clogged pores, and improve overall texture and tone of the skin, retinols can be used on the body with similar benefits," says Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology. "It helps to boost collagen production, may help with blemishes and discoloration, can be used for rough and bumpy skin, and may also help with stretch marks."
Incorporating a retinol body cream into my personal care routine has mitigated my back acne, calmed the keratosis pilaris on my arms, and even lessened the appearance of old scars. Thus, I've teamed up with dermatologists to uncover the best retinol body creams on the market, along with tips on how to use them.
The Benefits of Retinol
Board-certified dermatologist and Oathology founder Dr. Divya Shokeen extols the virtues of a premium body retinol, explaining that it can help with skin renewal, even texture and skin tone, acne reduction, and collagen stimulation.
"Retinol encourages cell turnover, helping cells to promote the emergence of new skin," she says. "This helps in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular use can lead to smoother skin, reducing rough patches and improving overall skin texture. It can help to fade dark spots and hyperpigmentation, leading to a more even skin tone. By promoting cell turnover, it can also help prevent the clogging of pores, potentially reducing the occurrence of body acne. Retinol has also been shown to stimulate collagen production, which can improve skin elasticity and firmness." Dr. Brendan Camp of MDCS Dermatology adds that retinol is also great for tightening crepiness and loose skin.
But how, scientifically speaking, is retinol able to alleviate so many skincare woes? Dr. Penzi explains, "In skin, retinol is converted to retinoic acid that binds retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X receptors (RXRs). This then leads to a cascade of gene-regulatory processes within the skin cells that alter their function and behavior." More simply put, "it works to increase cell turnover, promote new collagen synthesis, and keep dirt and sebum out of pores, which all contributes to smoother, firmer, and tighter skin texture. It also decreases oil production and disperses melanin pigment, which helps target those pesky dark spots that never seem to fade."
For that reason, Dr. Garshick says, "A retinol body lotion can be especially effective for areas like the arms, hands, chest, legs, and abdomen to reduce potential for crepiness of the skin." As aforementioned, I also love applying retinol on my back, especially after working out or wearing tight clothing, which can induce sweat, clog pores, and result in body acne.
Applying Retinol
How Often to Apply
Of course, you can tailor your retinol choice to suit your specific needs, targeting issues such as scarring, keratosis pilaris, acne, or aging. However, when choosing one retinol body lotion over another, you should also keep concentration, and therefore potency, in mind.
"Start with a lower concentration of retinol and use it every other night," Dr. Penzi suggests. "Gradually increase the frequency as your skin tolerates it. This helps your skin adjust to the retinol and reduces the risk of irritation." Dr. Garshick adds that while all skin types can benefit from retinol, those with dry or sensitive skin may want to ease into it especially slowly "to minimize any potential dryness or irritation." If using retinol induces flaking, redness, pain, they may want to avoid it altogether.
Where to Apply
"Retinol body lotion can be beneficial for any part of the body but is particularly effective on areas that show signs of aging or damage, such as the arms, legs, and décolletage," says Dr. Shokeen. "It’s also helpful on areas with rough skin texture or keratosis pilaris, such as the legs."
Dr. Camp adds, "The chest, shoulders, and back, which are areas, which have a higher concentration of sebaceous glands and are more prone to sun exposure and sun damage, may benefit most from the retinol body lotions. This is because retinol may help treat and prevent acne by limiting the formation of clogged pores and lessening the appearance of sunspots. Retinol body lotions can also be used on the hands, which are an often overlooked area on which to use anti-aging treatments."
What to Avoid
Because retinol increases the rate of cell turnover, you should avoid using it in tandem with acids like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and azelaic acid, as well as with acne-fighting ingredients like benozyl peroxide. Rather, if you're looking for a retinol lotion that specifically targets acne, find one that incorporates anti-acne ingredients for you, in delicate combinations and dosages approved by scientists and dermatologists. You can find a few of those options below.
You should also avoid using retinol at the same time as a Vitamin C formula. Whereas Vitamin C thrives during the day, retinol is best used at night—a rule of thumb that Dr. Penzi agrees with. "I recommend applying at nighttime, as retinol can make your skin sensitive to sunlight, and using it during the day may increase the risk of sunburn," she says. Dr. Camp adds that you may want to avoid retinol altogether if you know you'll be spending all day in the sun (i.e., if you work outdoors)
Once you're ready to apply, Dr. Penzi advises, "Always start with clean, dry skin. Apply a thin layer evenly to the body areas you want to target." In particular, she says, "Larger body surface areas with more obvious signs of sun damage are the best places to apply retinol. This includes your chest and decolletage, back, arms, and legs. Be careful with thinner skin areas like your neck, axilla, and groin, as these areas are more sensitive and prone to irritation."
Dr. Garshick adds that using retinol is a marathon, not a sprint, saying, "While some retinol body lotions may be formulated for daily use, if just starting out, it may be best to use it just two to three times per week, especially if you have sensitive skin."
You should also avoid using different, non-retinol lotions on patches of skin that are already fragile, such as freshly shaved legs. Dr. Penzi, Dr. Garshick, Dr. Camp, and Dr. Shokeen all say users should avoid using retinol directly after shaving, because razors create micro-abrasions on the skin and compromise the skin barrier, resulting in a temporarily hyper-sensitive environment. I, for one, apply my retinol body lotion at night, because I only shave in the mornings.
In a similar vein, Dr. Shokeen and Dr. Camp say that people with rosacea, eczema, or especially dry skin should avoid retinol or should speak with a doctor before use, as they may irritate already sensitive skin. Finally, Dr. Shokeen says that pregnant or nursing women should stay away from retinol, explaining, "The effects of retinol on fetal development are not well-documented."
The Best Retinol Body Lotions
- Best Firming Retinol Body Lotion: Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream
- Best Lightweight Retinol Body Lotion: Nécessaire The Body Retinol - Repair Serum With 0.1% Pure Retinol, 10% AHA + 5 Peptides
- Best Retinol Body Lotion for Acne: Paula's Choice Resist Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
- Best Retinol Body Lotion for Hyperpigmentation: Mutha Body Butter
- Best Retinol Body Lotion Overall: Naturium Retinol Body Lotion
This affordable option is perfect for sharing with your partner or family, with its unisex packaging and fragrance-free formula. It’s also beloved by customers, who write that they saw a visible difference after using this formula and that it absorbed into their skin quickly without any oily or sticky feel. The tub, which weighs in at an impressive 16 ounces, lasts for ages, particularly since a little goes a long way. Plus, the cream contains ingredients like chamomile, aloe vera, and green tea extract, which soothe existing irritation and prevent further dryness or inflammation.
Pros: affordable; large container; contains skin-calming ingredients; free of parabens and fragrance
Cons: none found
This is another product I swear by. Lightweight and easy to apply (thanks to its handy pump packaging), it’s ideal not only for anti-aging, but also for evening skin tone, alleviating body acne, and lessening the appearance of scars. It’s also been vetted by dermatologist, resulting in a clean, hypoallergenic formula that works on all skin types and promises not to cause irritation. Finally, in addition to its anti-aging ingredients like AHA, retinol, and peptides, this formula features ultra-hydrating glycerin so that you don’t end up dried out. Dr. Camp loves it, too, explaining, "Made with 0.1 percent retinol, alpha-hydroxy acids, and peptides, this bodylotion helps target crepiness, lines and wrinkles."
Pros: Vegan; clean; expert-approved; editor-approved; clinically tested
Cons: some users dislike the smell
If you suffer from hyperpigmentation, uneven texture, or body acne, treat yourself to this lotion from Paula’s Choice, which contains both BHA and salicylic acid. Dr. Penzi also stands by it, explaining, “This product contains a moderate concentration of both antioxidants and retinol. It is great to improve the texture and tone of the skin.” Reviewers agree, writing that with consistent use, this lightweight treatment lessens the appearance of hyperpigmentation and scarring (particularly from shaving) and relieves acne on the back and butt.
Pros: good for acne; expert-approved; good for hyperpigmentation and scarring; lightweight
Cons: some users dislike the smell
This might just be my favorite lotion of all time. I love melting this body butter in my palms and spreading it on the driest parts of my skin. A little goes a long way with this lotion, and when it settles, it has a luxurious oil-like consistency that immediately alleviates any itching or aggressive dryness. Over time, it even helps fade scars! Plus, because it’s vitamin A-infused formula is balanced out with ingredients like shea butter, mango seed butter, and avocado oil, I can spread it on my just-shaved legs without a hint of burning or discomfort.
Pros: editor-approved; clinically tested; long-lasting hydration; good for scarring and hyperpigmentation; pregnancy-safe
Cons: rich formula takes some time to absorb on skin
Naturium’s retinol body lotion has received rave review after rave review, with a litany of customers swearing that the cream improved every condition from acne to crepey skin to hyperpigmentation. Users also say that the formula isn’t too thick, and doesn’t leave their skin feeling oily or sticky. On the flip side, it also doesn’t dry skin out, even after consistent, frequent use, and features a fragrance-free formulation to avoid irritating sensitive skin.
Pros: vegan; cruelty-free; affordable; clean; free of parabens, gluten, and fragrance
Cons: none found
Also Recommended
"This body lotion uses a YB-GLY-Retinol Complex to help firm the skin and improve elasticity," says Dr. Garshick. "It is formulated with granactive retinoid and exfoliating acids to brighten the skin but is also supported by soothing oils and moisturizing butters to minimize irritation."
Pros: expert-approved; brightening; non-irritating; improves skin elasticity
Cons: need to sign up for a Beauty Pie membership to get the reduced price ($44 vs $74)
Dr. Shokeen loves this formula and recommends it because it is "known for its fast-absorbing and non-greasy formula. It provides hydration and retinol benefits, suitable for overnight use to reveal smoother skin." She adds, "I have personally used this one!"
Pros: Expert-approved; hydrating; suitable for sensitive skin; contains SPF
Cons: Formula too thick for some users
I love Kopari Beauty for their lightweight sunscreens, so I was over the moon to discover that the brand also carries a retinol body lotion. "The retinol in this product is encapsulated, meaning that it is gradually released for improved tolerability and stability," says Dr. Camp. Reviewers especially love the impact it has on loose, crepey skin.
Pros: Expert-approved; lightweight; great for beginners to retinol
Cons: Not available at major retailers
When you need an affordable option that still gets the job done, Dr. Penzi says to consider this option from Gold Bond, which is gentle enough to be used on both the body and face. “This product contains a powerful Retinol and Peptide Complex that exfoliates to support the skin's renewal process,” she attests. “It also is nourishing and hydrating, which helps to avoid any potential irritation.” Free of fragrances and dyes, it’s also perfect for anyone with sensitive skin.
Pros: expert-approved; affordable; works on body and face; free of fragrance, dyes, phthalates, and parabens
Cons: some users find the formula too rich
Dr. Garshick also stands by this affordable option from Versed. She explains, "Using an encapsulated retinol, this lotion works to improve texture and reduce dullness the skin. It also incorporates cocoa butter and squalane to help lock moisture in."
Pros: expert-approved; affordable; brightening; moisturizing; cruelty-free
Cons: some users find it goes on streaky
For many (myself included), Skinceuticals is the holy grail of skincare, with high-potency products that quickly deliver noticeable results. This retexturing treatment is no different, with a blend of hydroxyethyl urea, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that exfoliates and increase cell turnover while simultaneously keeping skin hydrated. The result is a smooth, healthy glow and noticeably even skin tone. The brand recommends massaging it over your whole body just after bathing, and says it's particularly effective and smoothing out dry spots like elbows, feet, and knees.
Pros: free of fragrance and parabens; clean; visible results
Cons: small container
This is another option from Paula's Choice that I use regularly. It's especially effective on scar tissue and cellulite, and it comes in a convenient pump that makes applying just the right amount easy. Dr. Camp stands by it, too, explaining, "Formulated with retinol, as well as moisturizing ingredients like grape seed oil, evening primrose oil, and shea butter and antioxidants like vitamin C, this lightweight body lotion helps reduce the appearance of uneven skin tone and improve the texture and firmness of skin."
Pros: Editor-approved; expert-approved; moisturizing; convenient packaging
Cons: Small container
"With Granactive retinoid and niacinamide, this is an excellent non-greasy formula that gives the most benefits of retinol without the added irritation," says Dr. Shokeen.
Pros: Expert-approved; pore-minimizing (because of niacinamide); lightweight; non-greasy
Cons: Small bottle
Dr. Barbara Sturm is yet another tried and true, fan-favorite brand that’s more than earned its glowing reputation. It took Dr. Sturm around four years to develop this innovative formula, which is made with sensitive skin in mind. It includes extracts of elderberry blossom and white almond, which firm skin, along with essential oils, which moisturize skin and restore elasticity. It also contains Purslane, an herb that enhances the cream’s anti-aging effects while reducing irritation. On an even more luxurious note, the cream is infused with pure glacier water.
Pros: good for sensitive skin; large container
Cons: strong scent
If you’re in search of prescription-strength skincare solutions but are currently in between dermatologists, you’re in luck: Musely was founded to deliver customers prescription-strength results without actually having to visit a doctor (though you absolutely should, for everything from acne to anti-aging to routine skin cancer checks). Developed by board-certified dermatologists, their body cream has been lauded by people of all ages for its ability to banish body acne, keratosis pilaris, wrinkles, and scars. Because it’s so potent, the brand recommends that you mix it it with a non-retinol, fragrance-free moisturizer when you’re getting started.
Pros: created by dermatologists; works for acne, scarring, and keratosis pilaris
Cons: may be too potent for beginners
According to customers, this body butter from Josie Maran feels smooth and rich to the touch, yet it doesn’t make skin feel greasy or sticky upon application. While the container it comes in is small, a little goes a long way, and users with keratosis pilaris report fast, noticeable results after consistent use. The clean, sweet-smelling formula also contains 100 percent pure argan oil, which conditions skin and prevents the potent retinol from causing dryness, redness, or peeling.
Pros: clean; cruelty-free
Cons: small container
If you fear that retinol is too strong or irritating for you, or if you've tried retinol and can't cope with the side effects, consider this option from fan favorite brand Sol de Janeiro. It contains cacay oil and plant collagen, which mimic the firming effects of retinol without any of the peeling or sun sensitivity. Plus, like all Sol de Janeiro products, it has a fragrance that reviewers love.
Pros: Retinol alternative; gentle on skin; firming; hydrating
Cons: Scent may not be for everyone
This retinol body lotion from Glow Recipe specifically targets uneven skin tone and texture, so it's great for mitigating issues like hyperpigmentation, scarring, and keratosis pilaris. While its retinol speeds up cell regeneration, ingredients like watermelon seed butter and hyaluronic acid ensure that skin looks and feels hydrated.
Pros: Hydrating; clean; award-winning
Cons: Sweet scent may be polarizing
Skincare brand Topicals is known for the effective active ingredients they include in their products. This lightweight body serum is a great example of this ethos, with its formula of AHA, glycolic acid, and retinol. It's great for wear on its own, or layered under a thicker, non-retinol lotion for extra hydration.
Pros: Lightweight; hydrating
Cons: Some users say that the packaging is challenging to manage (a lot of formula comes out at once)
Why not add a bit of luxury to your daily skincare routine? This body lotion has a rich formula that both soothes and resurfaces, and its gentle scent makes it an even more indulgent sensory experience. Its especially recommended for those with sun damage and dry skin as a restorative overnight treatment.
Pros: Soothing; hydrating; gentle scent
Cons: Expensive
Meet the Experts
Dr. Lauren Penzi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York state. A graduate of Loyola University Maryland and New York Medical College, she specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, and the Women’s Dermatologic Society.
Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD is a leading board-certified dermatologist serving patients throughout Manhattan, New York at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, as well as an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell - New York Presbyterian Medical Center. Dr. Garshick provides a wide variety of cosmetic and medical procedures and services including treatments for acne, eczema, hyperhidrosis, moles, psoriasis, rosacea, signs of aging, skin cancer, skin tags, vitiligo, and wrinkles.
She completed her undergraduate education at Emory University and attended medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine, where she graduated with Research Honors and Alpha Omega Alpha. As a medical student, Dr. Garshick was awarded the prestigious Doris Duke Clinical Research Fellowship at Harvard Medical School, during which she performed dermatology clinical trials and research at Massachusetts General Hospital. She was also awarded the American Medical Women’s Association Glasgow-Rubin Academic Achievement Award for graduating in the top of her class and the William Dameshek Award for Research Excellence. Dr. Garshick’s post-graduate training in dermatology began with an internship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She completed her dermatology residency at Cornell’s New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she served as Chief Resident in Dermatology.
Dr. Divya Shokeen is a board-certified dermatologist. She has published a number of peer-reviewed articles on dermatology and dermatologic surgery, and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), and Women’s Dermatology Society (WDS). She is currently based in Southern California.
Brendan Camp, MD, is double board-certified in dermatology and dermatopathology and sees patients at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. Patients have been coming to him for his expertise managing medical conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, warts, psoriasis, moles, and skin cancer, as well as cosmetic concerns and treatments with Botox, fillers, lasers, and other skin rejuvenation devices.
Dr. Camp graduated with honors from Cornell University, earning a degree in biochemistry. As a medical student at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, he participated in a one-year epidemiology fellowship at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, where he participated in viral outbreak investigations. He completed his internship in internal medicine at the University of Chicago and later completed additional residency training in dermatology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He also completed a fellowship in dermatopathology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in 2012.
He has previously served as an assistant professor of dermatology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and worked in private practice just outside Washington DC in Northern Virginia.
Dr. Camp is the author of several scientific articles that have been published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Journal of Cutaneous Pathology, and the Journal of Clinical Oncology. He has also presented at meetings of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society of Dermatopathology, and the Society for Investigative Dermatology.
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