The 15 Best Retinol Body Lotions To Smooth Your Skin – 2024
Retinol is not just for the face— experience youthfulness again with these magical lotions.
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Philippine Medical Association, Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, and International Society of Dermatology.
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Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.
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Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Experience: 8 yearsArshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.
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Retinol, a vitamin A derivative, is usually incorporated in anti-aging formulations to improve collagen and elastin production to keep the skin younger. The best Retinol body lotions help combat aging signs like sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. These aging signs can appear on any part of the body. So, you must not restrict the usage of retinol formulations only to the face. Hence, try body lotions that are formulated with retinol to keep your skin smooth, healthy, and with no signs of aging. Check out our expert-recommended list of the best body lotions. Keep scrolling
In This Article
Top 15 Retinol Body Lotions Of 2024
1. Best Anti-Aging: Medix Retinol + Ferulic Acid Anti-Sagging Treatment
This moisturizer has a pH of 5.5 and claims to promote smooth and healthy skin by enabling sun damage repair and improving your skin barrier function. It can be used on the face and as an all-over body treatment. It contains chamomile, black tea, and aloe vera extracts. This 100% vegan product provides visible results and imparts a radiant complexion. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, adds, “Ferulic acid in the formula serves as an antioxidant by fighting free radicals on the skin. These free radicals produce aging effects on the skin like fine lines and darkening of the skin.” In this YouTube video, you will find a detailed review of the Medix Retinol + Ferulic Acid Anti-Sagging Treatment.
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- PEG-free
- No animal-derived ingredients
- Dye-free
- Talc-free
- Mineral oil-free
- The fragrance may be an issue for sensitive noses.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 12,227 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
2. Best For Soothing Irritation:Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream
This clinically-tested anti-aging cream can also be used as a body lotion. So, you can use it both on your face and neck. It contains a decent concentration of hyaluronic acid that keeps your skin plump and hydrated. Apart from retinol, it also contains aloe vera and chamomile extracts that have proven efficacy. It prevents skin sagging and wrinkles and helps you achieve smoother skin.
- Paraben-free
- Not tested on animals
- Soothes irritation
- Improves skin elasticity
- The pump might not work properly.
Quick TipIf you’re new to using retinol on your skin, ease into it gradually. Use it once a week at first to see how your skin reacts, then slowly increase the frequency of use.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 8,079 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
3. Best Dermatologist-Tested:NatureWell Retinol Advanced Moisture Cream
This dermatologist-recommended comforting moisturizer can be used on both the face and the body body for soft skin. It is developed with micro-encapsulated retinol that ensures maximum efficacy. It helps to boost skin firmness, promote skin cell turnover and elasticity, and improves your skin tone and texture. Click on this video to view the reviewer’s experience with this product.
- Clinically tested
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- No animal testing
- Contains mineral oil
- Contains synthetic fragrance
"This retinol body lotion makes the skin look visibly firmer and smoother. It is lightweight, has a nice fragrance, and absorbs quickly into the skin. It's suitable for regular nighttime use before bed."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 11,630 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
Medix Retinol + Ferulic Acid Anti-Sagging Treatment Best Anti-Aging | Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream Best For Soothing Irritation | NatureWell Retinol Advanced Moisture Cream Best Dermatologist-Tested | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 2.8 x 2.2 x 7.2 inches | 3.5 x 3.5 x 5 inches | 3.25 x 3.25 x 3.62 inches |
| Weight | 15.04 Ounces | 1.05 Pounds | 1 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 12,227 | 8,079 | 11,630 |
| Price | $15.62 | $15.99 | $13.3 |
4. Best Sun Protection:pH Factor 5.5 Retinol+ Ferulic Acid Anti-Wrinkle Cream
This moisturizing cream combines retinol, a powerful anti-aging ingredient, and ferulic acid, an antioxidant. It claims to improve skin hydration levels by 88% and is excellent for both the face and the body. The nourishing professional-grade formula contains aloe vera, black tea, and chamomile extract that minimize sun damage, provide moisturizing benefits, and improve overall skin appearance, leaving you with soft, radiant skin.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- PEG-free
- Sulfate-free
- Formaldehyde-free
- Dye-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Pump often doesn’t work.
- The fragrance might irritate sensitive noses.
5. Best Non-Greasy:Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment
This is an anti-aging body treatment that claims to reduce uneven skin tone, hydrate the skin, and keep it replenished to feel smoother and younger. This lightweight retinol body lotion can be applied to the entire body and used for spot treatment to get visible results. This product offers smoothing effects and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Non-greasy
- Paraben-free
- Not tested on animals
- Fragrance-free
- Quantity is not enough for the price.
- Users may find the fragrance unpleasant.
6. Best For Improving Skin Tone:Rosen Apothecary Anti-Aging Retinol Body Lotion
This retinol body lotion has an ultra-moisturizing argan oil base that helps keep the skin hydrated and soft. It contains retinol and caffeine that improve uneven skin tone and dark spots, keep it firm, and make it feel rejuvenated. The nourishing botanicals in this firming body lotion help brighten the skin, leaving you with radiant and smooth skin.
- Phthalate-free
- No GMOs
- Silicone-free
- Cruelty-free
- Contains mineral oil
- Contains parabens
Did You Know?Retinol body lotion can not only improve skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation, but it can also treat keratosis pilaris and ingrown hair.
7. Best Lightweight:Hemp Body Retinol Anti-Aging Body Lotion
This moisturizing lotion with antioxidant properties contains hemp oil and retinol. Both these active ingredients work together to support the elasticity of your skin and uneven texture and keep it firm and smooth. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, adds, “Hemp seed oil acts on the skin barrier and locks in moisture in the skin. It can reduce inflammation and soothe dry flaking skin. It is also high in antioxidants like vitamin A, C, and E.” The product also claims to protect your skin from environmental oxidants and keep it healthy. It also contains hyaluronic acid, collagen amino acids, green tea, lemon, apple, and pomegranate extracts.
- Paraben-free
- Dye-free
- Lightweight
- Contains mineral oil
8. Best Hydrating:Puritan’s Pride Retinol Body Lotion
The retinol body lotion by Puritan contains 100,000 IU of vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) per ounce. It contains coconut oil and vitamin E that keeps the skin moisturized, hydrated, and soft to touch. It is a must-have in your skin care routine and can be used on the face and the body for soft and supple skin.
- Paraben-free
- Not tested on animals
- Contains mineral oil
Quick TipOnly apply retinol body lotion to clean, dry skin. Although damp skin absorbs products better, retinol should not be allowed to penetrate too deeply into the skin because it can cause irritation.
9. Best Hypoallergenic:Arganatural Tightening Retinol Body Lotion
This body lotion comes in a combo pack that also contains Arganatural Anti-aging Retinol Shower Gel. The body lotion contains retinol, caffeine, and hyaluronic acid that claim to address various skin concerns like fine lines and wrinkles, make your skin firm and toned, and keep it hydrated. It is suitable for all skin types.
- Pleasant fragrance
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy texture
- Contains mineral oil
- Contains parabens
10. Best Clinically Proven:Replenix All-trans-Retinol Smoothing Body Lotion
This deeply nourishing body treatment is developed with the latest stem cell technology and contains an antioxidant complex that reduces skin sagging, provides dry skin relief, helps even out bumpy skin, keeps it smooth, and protects it from harmful free radicals. It contains hyaluronic acid that keeps the skin plump and reduces signs of aging, thus improving skin texture as well. This video will offer you a deeper insight into the benefits of the Replenix All-trans-Retinol Smoothing Body Lotion. Check it out to find the reviewer’s experience with this product.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Expensive
"This lotion is quite nourishing. It helps in softening rough and dry patches. It brightens the skin and improves the texture. It has a thick consistency and offers lasting hydration."
Pro TipRetinol can cause the skin to become slightly dry. So, use body oil to lock moisture into the skin, especially if you have naturally dry skin.
11. Best Organic:Skincare Cosmetics Retinol Anti-Aging Body Lotion
This body lotion is an all-in-one lotion that offers moisturization, exfoliation, and nourishment to your skin to make it look luminous and youthful. This clinically-proven retinol body lotion contains ingredients like green tea extracts and vitamins A, C, and E that aid in wrinkle reduction and skin cell renewal. It keeps the skin nourished, moisturized, and soft. It is suitable for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin types.
- Clinically proven
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance might irritate sensitive noses.
"This body lotion smoothes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on my skin. It moisturizes the skin and eliminates dry patches. My skin feels soft and looks radiant with the regular use of this lotion. It also has a mild fragrance, which I find refreshing."
12. Best Mineral Oil-Free:Bloom Retinol+Green Tea Anti-Wrinkle Cream
The key ingredient of this body lotion is mineral oil. That means this is not non-comedogenic. Hence, if you have acne-prone skin, avoid this product. It contains retinol and green tea extracts that help with body acne and reduce age spots, discoloration, wrinkles, and fine lines. It also contains chamomile that has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used as a face cream and a body moisturizer.
- Paraben-free
- Not tested on animals
- Contains botanical extracts
- Contains mineral oil
13. Best Clinically Proven Formula:Cosmedix A-Lift Overnight Vitamin A Body Treatment
This product contains two types of vitamin A – retinol and retinal – which help to gently exfoliate the skin and make it firm and smooth gradually. This is an overnight hydrating lotion for complete skin rejuvenation. This clinically-proven formula contains a blend of antioxidants, caffeine, safflower seed oil, and bakuchiol that rejuvenate the skin. This product is only for the body and not the face.
- Clinically proven
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Mineral oil-free
None
14. Best For All Hair Types:E. Burnham Retinol Body Lotion
This retinol body lotion is formulated with vitamins A, C, D, and E, along with aloe vera and other botanical extracts. This product helps soothe your skin and keep it soft and nourished. It is suitable for all skin types, especially dry and aging skin, as it provides the necessary moisture boost to give you plump and firm skin.
- Contains natural extracts
- Pleasant fragrance
- Contains parabens
- Contains Imidazolidinyl Urea
- Contains artificial fragrance and color
- Contains mineral oil
15. Best Nourishing:BEUNiQ Anti-Aging Retinol Body Lotion
This body lotion contains coconut oil and shea butter – two of the most skin-nourishing ingredients that help keep your skin soft and hydrated. Along with retinol, these ingredients keep your skin firm and moisturized and improve the skin layer and overall appearance. It also contains collagen amino acids that keep your skin healthy and promote a youthful appearance.
- Contains natural ingredients
- Contains parabens
- Contains PEG
If you are wondering how these retinol body lotions can help maintain the youthful glow and address specific skin issues, scroll down.
How Can A Retinol Body Lotion Take Care Of Your Skin?
Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A and is available in different forms. Usually, retinoids are stronger, and you need a doctor’s prescription to use them. However, body lotions and skin care products use mild versions of retinoids, like retinol and its derivatives. It helps your skin in the following ways (1):
- Reduces transepidermal water loss (prevents dryness and helps with flaky skin)
- Stimulates collagen production
- Reduces UV-induced skin damage (like spots, pigmentation, etc.)
- Improves fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduces photoaging
Retinoids and their derivatives are considered one of the best anti-aging agents. But before you pick a retinol body lotion, you need to consider a few factors.
What To Look For Before Picking A Retinol Body Lotion?
It is quite obvious that you have to pick a product that says, “Contains Retinol.”
However, the product may also contain different forms of retinol. Some are mild, less irritating, and take longer to show results, and some are high strength and give faster results.
Look for the following names in the ingredients list:
Weaker Type (slow results)
- Retinyl Acetate
- Retinyl Palmitate
- Retinyl Propionate
Stronger Type
(for fast results)
- Tretinoin
- Isotretinoin
Also, check for products that have at least 0.1% of retinol. Remember, you need to use the product for at least 3-6 months before you expect any visible results. You also need to ensure that you are using the product the right way to avoid the risk of skin irritation.
How To Apply A Retinol Body Lotion
Retinol products should be applied at night because:
- UV rays can break down the retinoids.
- Your skin absorbs products better and repairs itself when you are asleep.
Also, if you are using retinol products, make sure you are using sunscreen during the daytime. Retinoids make your skin sensitive to sun damage, so using sunscreen for UV protection is non-negotiable. Also, it is advised to do a small patch test on your wrist or elbows before using a retinol body lotion regularly.
Infographic: A Skin Care Junkie’s Guide To Retinol Products
Take a look at the following infographic before choosing any Retinol product or Retinol-based lotions. It will help you understand what retinols are and the multiple benefits of using retinol derivatives and products. Get plump, youthful skin with the help of the right retinol products for your skin type. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Body lotions are a great way to keep your skin hydrated and pampered. But generic lotions can’t combat the aging signs. So aging skin needs specially formulated lotions to stay hydrated and combat aging signs. Retinol is one such magical ingredient that combats fine lines, wrinkles, and other aging signs. For instance, the Medix Retinol + Ferulic Acid Anti-Sagging Treatment has a 5.5 pH and helps repair and restore skin damage, and the Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream targets wrinkles to keep the skin plump, while the NatureWell Retinol Advanced Moisture Cream promotes smoother and hydrated skin. So invest in the best dermatologist-recommended retinol body lotions to minimize the aging signs and keep the skin young and healthy. And refrain from the lotions formulated with paraben as they might be harmful to the skin.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. She recommends using these retinol body lotions to improve collagen and elastin production and reduce the early signs of aging. She conducted extensive research into these products and went through all their reviews on multiple forums. She selected these products based on their ingredients and the absence of harsh elements like parabens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of retinol is considered safe?
Use a product that has a minimum of 0.1% retinol. Usually, all OTC skin care products have mild retinol, which is well tolerated. For a stronger dosage, you need to have a doctor’s prescription.
What is the highest percentage of retinol?
The highest percentage of retinol that you will get without any prescription is 2.0%.
What shouldn’t you mix or use with retinol?
Never combine AHA and BHAs with retinol. Using both can make your skin excessively dry and cause redness and irritation.
How often should you apply retinol body lotion?
To understand how your skin reacts to retinol, apply the body lotion twice a week at first. If the results are positive, you can start using retinol body lotions regularly. However, it will be wise to contact your dermatologist before adding retinol to your skin care regime.
Is retinol good for crepey skin?
Yes. In fact, retinol helps reduce the crepey appearance of your skin. Retinol restores skin elasticity and boosts collagen production to offer a smoother look to your skin.
Does retinol reduce cellulite?
Yes, retinol can reduce the appearance of cellulite in four weeks. If you use it for a longer period of time, you might find more improvement in your skin, including better elasticity and a youthful glow.
References
Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.
- Mukherjee, Siddharth et al. “Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety.” Clinical interventions in aging 1,4 (2006): 327-48.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699641/
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