13 Best Retinol Body Lotions of 2024 for Firmer Skin

While you're probably familiar with the benefits of retinol in your face products, investing in one of the best retinol body lotions is key in addressing uneven tone, sagging skin, and breakouts below the neck. "Retinol works exactly the same on all skin, whether it's on the face or body," says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Canada—however, you'll typically find lower concentrations of retinol in body-care products versus their counterparts. Those with sensitive skin may be hesitant to try any retinol at all, but we've got options for everyone. Plus, Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor in the Twin Cities, offers this sound advice: "When choosing a retinol body lotion, look for formulations with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to counteract the dryness and irritation that retinol can sometimes cause."

Ahead, we listed every retinol body lotion, cream, and serum that board-certified dermatologists (and our very own lot of beauty editors) swear by for skin that needs blemish-, dullness-, and crepe-reducing care.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, $30
• Best Prescription-Strength: Musely The Body Cream, $89
  Best for Mature Skin: Beauty Pie Youthbomb Body 360° Repair Concentrate, $125
• Best for Dry Skin: Versed Press Restart Advanced Retinol Body Butter, $20
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Cocokind Retinol Body Cream, $22
• Best Retinol Alternative: Tronque Everyday Revelation Exfoliating Refining Serum, $145
• Best Lightweight: Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment, $32
• Best Splurge: U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound, $128

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the benefits of retinol body lotions?
• How and when should I use retinol body lotion?
• What other ingredients should I look for in a retinol body lotion?
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum

Why it's worth it: If your skin can handle it, Dr. Yadav recommends an exfoliating body lotion like the Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, which contains a Best of Beauty-winning combination of retinol and glycolic and lactic acids, which are alpha hydroxy acids that help to "reduce fine lines and discoloration as well as remove dead skin cells on the surface," says Dr. Yadav. This allows the retinol to better penetrate the skin for deeper treatment, which is especially helpful if you're trying to combat rough texture or a skin condition like keratosis pilaris.

Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, Louisiana, also gives this value-friendly formula her stamp of approval. "I appreciate the combo of actives—retinol, lactic acid, and urea to gently exfoliate—for just $30," Dr. Turegano says. "I also love how moisturizing it is with goodies like glycerin, squalane, green tea leaf extract, and vitamin E."

Tester feedback: Talia Gutierrez, associate manager of special projects, says this lotion is a must in her body-care routine to tackle blemishes and keratosis pilaris. "The texture is more like a lightweight body lotion that dispenses white, but after slathering a generous dollop onto my palm and rubbing along my arms and chest, the product fully absorbs into my brown skin," she explains. "And since this body serum's formulated with exfoliating ingredients like lactic and glycolic acid, along with retinol, I have no hesitancy applying it twice a day, both morning and night, for smoother, bump-free arms."

Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, retinol | Who it's for: people with body breakouts, strawberry skin, or keratosis pilaris | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Prescription-Strength: Musely The Body Cream

Why it's worth it: One of the star ingredients in Musely's The Body Cream is tretinoin, also known as retinoid acid—the fastest-acting vitamin A derivative, as it doesn't need to go through any conversions. This potent ingredient speeds up cell turnover to address wrinkles, breakouts, and more. If you can't make a trip to the dermatologist (which we recommend regardless!), Musely pairs you with an expert who'll prescribe a custom formula suited to your needs. Other familiar ingredients are vitamin C to brighten sun spots and hyaluronic acid for moisture retention.

Good to know: If the mention of hydroquinone (which isn't in every formula, by the way) freaks you out, it is one of the most effective ingredients when it comes to curbing melanin production. If you have dry and sensitive skin or a deeper skin tone, you might want to stay away—but as always, consult with a board-certified dermatologist. Another tip? Don't use it for more than six months, or stop sooner once your hyperpigmentation fades.

Key ingredients: retinoic acid, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid | Who it's for: people targeting signs of aging below the neck | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: Beauty Pie Youthbomb Body 360° Repair Concentrate

Why it's worth it: Dr. Turegano revealed Beauty Pie's Youthbomb Body 360° Repair Concentrate is her favorite body retinol, so that's high praise. "It has a powerhouse combo of ingredients including 2% granactive retinol, 5% niacinamide, and 6.7% glycolic acid that is very moisturizing and fast-absorbing," she notes. If you didn't know, granactive retinoid is a synthetic retinoic acid that's less irritating and more stable (less likely to break down when exposed to light or air) than traditional retinol. However, like retinol, it stimulates collagen production and curbs the formation of wrinkles.

Key ingredients: 2% granactive retinoid, niacinamide, glycolic acid | Who it's for: people with mature skin, dark stubborn spots, or discoloration | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Dry Skin: Versed Press Restart Advanced Retinol Body Butter

Why it's worth it: Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut, and associate clinical professor at Yale University, recommends Versed Press Restart Advanced Retinol Body Butter, which she uses in her nighttime routine. For a cool $20, you get "a cosmetically elegant whipped cream that has collagen-building properties," says Dr. Gohara. "I put it on all over but particularly on my arms and thighs." It's rich yet fast-absorbing and really ups the skin-conditioning effects, thanks to ample butters, an amino-acid-rich tripeptide, and squalane. As the "Advanced" in the product name suggests, it's the brand's stronger retinol offering (see more below), so take heed. P.S. There are no added fragrances but tucuma and cocoa butters give off a natural, nutty scent.

Good to know: If you're new to retinol, you can opt for the Gentle Retinol Body Lotion, which Dr. Liu approves of. "It includes encapsulated retinol for a slower release, making it gentler, plus cocoa butter and squalane for deep hydration," she explains. Compared to the body butter, it has 30% less retinol, clocking in at 0.1%.

Key ingredients: 0.13% encapsulated retinol, tripeptide, tucuma and cocoa butters, squalane, niacinamide | Who it's for: people with dry skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Cocokind Retinol Body Cream

Why it's worth it: Ringing in at a very respectable $22 is our pick for sensitive skin, Cocokind's Retinol Body Cream. The retinol is a low dose of 0.05% to minimize irritation as your skin gets adjusted and is cushioned by a soothing team of squalane, ceramide NP, and shea butter to strengthen your barrier and lock in moisture for the long haul. As a testament to its sensitive-skin-friendly nature, this retinol cream has earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. FYI: Cocokind has a solid lineup of accepted products, including the Beginner Retinol Gel 0.1% (a great pick for the face).

Good to know: Both the tube and very thin cap are 100% recyclable. After you're through with a tube, cut it open to remove any excess product, wipe or rinse clean, and it's ready for your recycling bin. (Make sure the cap is attached.) Pretty simple, if you ask us!

Key ingredients: 0.05% retinol, squalane, ceramide NP, shea butter | Who it's for: people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol Alternative: Tronque Everyday Revelation Exfoliating Refining Serum

Why it's worth it: Nervous to dive right into retinol and its derivatives? We've got you—or rather, Tronque does. The Everyday Revelation Exfoliating Refining Serum infuses bakuchiol (a gentle, plant-based retinol alternative) with seven natural AHAs and BHA (like bilberry and caviar lime extracts) to accelerate cell turnover, brighten tone, smooth uneven texture, and curb excess oil production. Because it's a body serum, it penetrates and absorbs quickly—leaving behind a smooth, barely-there feel. It's moisturizing enough to use on its own but layers well with a body butter if your skin craves more.

Tester feedback: "It's no secret I'm extremely lazy with my body-care routine—2025 is going to be the year that changes…fingers crossed," commerce editor Sarah Han says. "I'm already making progress because Everyday Revelation doesn't make my skin sticky, which is my biggest gripe with body-care products—I'm trying to dive into my bed ASAP. Though it's stocked with actives, it doesn't irritate my skin at all and the subtle citrusy scent is a nice touch, too. The best part: My legs felt noticeably smoother and softer the next morning."

Key ingredients: | Who it's for: people with rough, textured, or sun-damaged skin; people with KP or ingrown hairs | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Lightweight: Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

Why it's worth it: If you're looking for a dose of lightweight moisture, Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment won't disappoint. Dr. Liu is a fan of this silky formula because "it combines retinol with antioxidants and emollients to target both texture and hydration." Emollients such as shea butter and grapeseed oil can feel heavy but Paula's Choice manages to make this treatment feel virtually weightless. A sticky, greasy finish? Not a chance.

Good to know: Though it doesn't technically contain fragrance, reviewers note a light scent that seems offputting to some.

Key ingredients: 0.1% retinol, shea butter, grapeseed oil | Who it's for: people with dry skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Splurge: U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound

Why it's worth it: U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound won a 2024 Best of Beauty Award in the Splurges category for many reasons. For one, and most importantly, it pairs retinol with all of the acids your skin needs to amp up cell turnover: lactic, salicylic, mandelic, phytic, and glycolic. Oh, you thought that was it? Papain enzymes (extract from papaya fruit) assist with that front, too. Though it shouldn't sting or cause irritation upon application, as with all retinol products, start easy and build up usage. Plus, a boatload of conditioning ingredients including glycerin, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E will surely soothe and soften your skin.

Tester feedback: "I put this on my crusty, dusty feet with some Vaseline, and it works," says senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen. "I like the serum-y texture; it sinks into skin nicely, and it doesn't leave a residue."

Key ingredients: retinol, lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, phytic acid, salicylic acid, biomimetic peptides, papain, bioferments | Who it's for: people with mature, rough, or dull skin| Fragrance-free: yes

Best Budget: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion

Why it's worth it: On a tight budget? Dr. Turegano points to Gold Bond's Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion, which she says is "an underrated, affordable retinol lotion that has a peptide complex to further plump the skin." She's not the only derm who recommends this wallet-friendly formula. Dr. Liu notes it has "nourishing ingredients like shea butter to smooth skin and improve elasticity while being gentle enough for nightly use." While the brand states that this formula can be used on the face, it never hurts to patch-test—especially because the retinol concentration is not disclosed.

Key ingredients: retinol, peptide complex, shea and cocoa butters, niacinamide | Who it's for: people who want a cost-effective option or want a formula that works on the face and body | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Body Acne: Soft Services Software Update Performance Retinol Serum

Why it's worth it: If you want a retinol treatment that's light enough to layer under your favorite hydrating body lotion, you'll love the Soft Services Software Update Performance Retinol Serum just as much as we do. This weightless, fast-absorbing formula treats your skin with a max-strength combination of 0.25% pure retinol, 5% niacinamide, and 3% glycerin for clearer, firmer skin.

Tester feedback: Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein says this serum is a non-negotiable part of her body-care regimen for its blemish- and discoloration-reducing abilities. "I slather this serum all over my body nightly and it's seriously transformed my skin," she says. "After nearly two decades of battling body acne and painful ingrown hairs, I finally have clear shoulders that aren’t spotted with post-acne hyperpigmentation."

Key ingredients: 0.25% pure retinol, 5% niacinamide, 3% glycerin | Who it's for: those seeking a lightweight, layering-friendly treatment | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dark Spots: Nécessaire The Body Retinol

Why it's worth it: Not only is Nécessaire aesthetically pleasing—its chic, minimalist packaging will upgrade any bathroom situation—but the editor-approved The Body Retinol has the chops to earn a permanent, rightful place in your skin-care routine. The formula has one main mission: to reduce signs of aging on the body including the appearance of fine lines, crepiness, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation. Pure encapsulated retinol (0.1%) works alongside other heavy hitters like mandelic and glycolic acid (gentle chemical exfoliators) and vitamin C (a skin-brightening antioxidant) to leave behind undeniably smoother skin.

"Vitamin C not only supports collagen synthesis but also offers antioxidant protection against environmental damage that speeds up aging," Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati, Ohio explained in our roundup of the best body-tightening creams. This lotion also features peptides, "which strengthen the skin’s structure by aiding in collagen repair," she added.

Good to know: The scent can be polarizing due to the high concentrations of actives, but know it wears off in a minute or so.

Key ingredients: 0.1% encapsulated retinol, glycolic acid, vitamin C | Who it's for: people targeting scars, dark spots, and other concerns below the neck | Fragrance-free: no (rosewater-based fragrance)

Best Fragrance-Free: Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion

Why it's worth it: Itching to reap the benefits of retinol products but afraid your sensitive skin may react? Not an issue with the Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion, which is free of potentially aggravating ingredients like fragrance, AHAs, and BHAs. Instead, it features sensitive-skin-friendly ingredients like moisturizing glycerin, calming allantoin, and conditioning shea butter. On top of that, it's made with encapsulated retinol, which slows down absorption and is, therefore, less likely to irritate skin.

Key ingredients: shea butter, allantoin, encapsulated retinol | Who it's for: people who can't typically tolerate too much exfoliation | Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

"Retinol body lotions are gaining popularity for their ability to address skin concerns beyond the face, offering anti-aging, exfoliating, and smoothing benefits," says Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor in the Twin Cities. Quick reminder on retinol: It's a derivative of vitamin A that most notably accelerates cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and improves texture. "As we age, our collagen production naturally deteriorates, which leads to skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles," says Dr. Yadav. "Retinol stimulates skin's fibroblasts, the cells that create collagen, to help create firmer, tauter skin." This can aid in tackling neck and chest creases, which Dr. Yadav says can be notoriously challenging to treat, as well as sagging, crepey skin on areas like the thighs and arms.

In addition to doing away with wrinkles, retinol can also help keep body acne and breakouts at bay by balancing sebum production and promoting faster cell turnover. "Excess oil and dead skin cells can contribute to the formation of acne, but with retinol's ability to slough away dead skin cells and regulate oil production, pores are less likely to become congested," explains Dr. Yadav.

Finally, if you're dealing with discoloration or dark spots, you guessed it—retinol can help. "Retinol is what's known as a tyrosinase inhibitor, tyrosinase being the enzyme in the body that triggers the production of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin color," says Dr. Yadav. "Sun exposure, age, and skin injury (such as a blemish or scar) can cause hyperpigmentation." Retinol can help combat this process by helping to fade existing discoloration, whether it's sun spots on the shoulders or darker patches of skin on areas like the armpits or elbows.

While most retinol body lotions tend to be milder than face treatments (with lower concentrations of retinol), Dr. Yadav still recommends starting slowly, especially if you have sensitive skin. "Retinol can be a little irritating, so I'd suggest applying once a week for a few weeks to start," she says. "Then once you've confirmed your skin can tolerate it, increase your application cadence, following the same method until you've worked your way up to daily application."

Like the retinol you use on your face, retinol in a body lotion can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's best to use it at night. (It's pretty much a given at this point, but it bears repeating that you should also be applying sunscreen on your body during the day to protect your skin against damage—after all, sun damage is what many of us are trying to correct with retinol, says Dr. Yadav.)

Using your retinol-infused facial moisturizer on your body may have crossed your mind, and while we appreciate the desire to be efficient, this may not be the best idea. For one, the retinol moisturizer you use on your face is likely more potent than a retinol lotion formulated for your body, so the facial moisturizer is likely more irritating. Also, facial moisturizers are housed in smaller packaging, which means you'd go through them too quickly if you were to use them for your entire body. Finally, retinol body lotions are often formulated alongside other more moisturizing ingredients, so you'll still be getting the smooth, moisturizing benefits of a traditional body lotion (unlike a facial cream that may not provide ample hydration for the body).

That being said, if you're looking for retinol creams for the face, we recommend the following:

As much as we sing retinol's praises, the ingredient doesn't come without its fair share of side effects, like how it can disrupt the skin barrier and strip it of natural lipids like ceramides. "Ceramides act like the 'grout' between your skin cells' 'bricks' and help prevent moisture from escaping," explains Dr. Yadav. "Using a body lotion with ceramides can inhibit transepidermal moisture loss and keep skin comfortable and balanced." Aside from ceramides, seek out moisturizing plant butters like shea and cocoa, which can help "counteract the dehydrating effects of retinol, helping skin look moisturized, soft, and conditioned," says Dr. Yadav.

• Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor in the Twin Cities
• Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Canada
• Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, Louisiana
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut, and associate clinical professor at Yale University

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best retinol body lotions, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

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