12 Best Tightening Body Lotions for Long-Term Firming

Let’s start with a little self-love: Your skin is beautiful as it is—with every line, stretch mark, and wrinkle. That said, the best tightening body lotion can help if you’re looking to get the look of firmer, smoother, and more even-textured skin.

While no topical product can permanently (or literally) “tighten” skin, many are formulated with ingredients that support collagen production over time. “I recommend retinol, peptides, and hyaluronic acid as key ingredients for addressing superficial skin laxity, as they each play a unique role in supporting skin structure,” says Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati, OH. (No wonder retinol body lotions are having a moment.) With that in mind, here are the best tightening body lotions packed with firming ingredients to help you look and feel your best.

Top Picks:

• Best Overall Body Tightening Cream: SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body, $165
• Best for Dry Skin: Osea Anti-aging Body Balm, $54
• Best for Mature Skin: Alastin Skincare TransFORM Body Treatment Skin Firming Lotion, $216
• Best Retinol: Nécessaire The Body Retinol, $55
• Best Retinol Alternative: Nativa Spa by O Boticário Lilac Smoothing Body Lotion, $29
• Best with Hyaluronic Acid: Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Body Therapy, $55
• Best with Peptides: StriVectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream, $59

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the most effective body skin tightening treatment?
• Is there a cream that actually tightens loose skin?
• Meet The Experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall Body Tightening Cream: SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body

Why we love it: When we asked dermatologists to share what they consider the best tightening body lotion, SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body was the unanimous favorite—and for good reason. Its name says it all, but the formula goes even further. “This medical-grade product is backed by clinical studies showing its effectiveness in improving the appearance of crepey skin,” says Saami Khalifian, MD, board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, CA, who credits the blend of caffeine and botanical extracts for its efficacy. “It works on multiple cellular pathways to enhance skin firmness and tone.” After 12 weeks of continued use, you’ll notice smoother, more contoured skin with diminished crepiness and improved texture.

Editor's tip: Green microalgae and shiitake mushrooms team up to support your skin’s natural building blocks, like collagen and elastin, helping to keep it firm and elastic.

Key ingredients: shiitake mushroom extract, green microalgae, caffeine | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm

Why we love it: Come for the warm, uplifting blend of jasmine, rose geranium, and a hint of basil—stay for skin that feels firmer, softer, and glowy. Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm pairs the quick-absorbing hydration of a lotion with the skin-revitalizing power of a serum. “I like how this balm utilizes alaria esculenta seaweed to improve the appearance of skin elasticity and firms the look of skin,” says Kellie Reed, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, TX, previously told Allure. It’s helpful to note that since the coconut oil in the formula may thicken in cooler temps or become more liquid in warmer ones, give it a quick stir to keep the texture just right.

Editor's tip: The rich texture creates a dewy glow when applied to dry skin, but leaves a more matte finish when smoothed onto damp skin right after a shower.

Key ingredients: alaria seaweed, coconut oil, safflower seed oil | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: Alastin Skincare TransFORM Body Treatment Skin Firming Lotion

Why we love it: True to its name, Alastin Skincare TransFORM Body Treatment Skin Firming Lotion is all about giving your skin a transformation. “With TriHex technology, this product uses a proprietary peptide blend to help clear away old, damaged collagen and encourage the growth of new, healthy collagen for smoother, more youthful-looking skin,” says Dr. Khalifian. “It deeply hydrates, leaving your skin feeling super soft and refreshed, with just a hint of a light, fresh scentIt deeply hydrates, leaving your skin feeling super soft and refreshed, with just a hint of a light, fresh scent.” If you’re dealing with crepey or saggy skin from mature age, postpartum, or weight loss, you could see firmer, more toned skin in as little as eight weeks, according to data from the brand.

Editor's tip: “Consistency is key, and pairing these creams with a comprehensive skincare routine—including daily sun protection—will help maintain skin elasticity and overall skin health over time,” says Dr. Foad.

Key ingredients: TriHex technology, hyaluronic acid, dill extract | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol: Nécessaire The Body Retinol

Why we love it: Nécessaire The Body Retinol takes center stage with its powerhouse blend of ingredients. Featuring 0.1% retinol, AHAs, peptides, vitamin C, and glycerin, this multi-tasking formula hydrates, smooths, and enhances skin firmness while targeting crepiness—all without leaving behind any sticky residue. “Vitamin C not only supports collagen synthesis but also offers antioxidant protection against environmental damage that speeds up aging,” says Dr. Foad. This lotion also features peptides, “which strengthen the skin’s structure by aiding in collagen repair,” she says.

Editor's tip: Since it’s packed with active ingredients, it’s best to use it at night, starting once a week and gradually working up to every other night.

Key ingredients: retinol (0.1%), AHA blend (glycolic acid, mandelic acid), vitamin C, peptides, niacinamide, rosewater | Fragrance-free: no

Best Retinol Alternative: Nativa Spa by O Boticário Lilac Smoothing Body Lotion

Why we love it: When it comes to skin-smoothing ingredients, this dermatologist-approved lotion is a self-care must-have. While the lilac name hints at its soothing powers, it’s the formula that really shines. Powered by quinoa oil and a plant-based retinol alternative, “it supports skin renewal for a smoother, firmer appearance over time,” says Dr. Foad. “The creamy yet lightweight texture absorbs quickly, while the bio-retinol offers a gentle firming effect—perfect for improving texture and tone without harsh ingredients.” Deeply moisturizing, it helps combat dryness and restores elasticity and firmness for healthier, more supple skin.

Editor's tip: “Using gentle, upward strokes while applying the product can improve absorption and circulation, enhancing the results,” says Dr. Foad.

Key ingredients: quinoa oil, bio retinol | Fragrance-free: no

Best with Hyaluronic Acid: Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Body Therapy

Why we love it: Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Body Therapy pulls out all the stops when it comes to hyaluronic acid: With four different forms and two natural building blocks of HA, it works overtime to smooth, firm, and visibly reduce crepiness. “As we age, our skin’s ability to retain moisture diminishes, leading to dehydration,” explains Dr. Khalifian. “It’s a powerful hydrator, capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water and helping to replenish and lock in moisture for healthier, plumper skin.” Also packed with amino acids, antioxidants, and vitamins from brown algae extract, this particular helps promote the appearance of collagen-rich, healthy-looking skin. The lightweight, non-greasy formula also helps protect your skin’s moisture barrier, leaving it looking tighter and more even-toned.

Editor's tip: Like a hyaluronic-acid serum for your body, it may not be moisturizing enough for winter months, so you can layer it with a thicker cream.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, DMAE, brown algae extract | Fragrance-free: yes

Best with Peptides: StriVectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream

Why we love it: Designed with the belief that smooth, firm skin shouldn’t stop at the neck, Strivectin's Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream provides instant hydration while addressing crepiness and sagging over time. Its formula combines antioxidant-rich jojoba seed extract, anti-inflammatory turmeric root extract, and a nourishing blend of shea, murumuru, and capuaçu butters to deeply moisturize and visibly enhance skin’s texture and tone with consistent use.

Editor's tip: If your skin feels flaky or dull, pair it with the StriVectin Crepe Control Exfoliating Body Scrub during your shower routine for an extra boost. “To maximize the benefits of firming and tightening creams, I recommend applying them to clean, exfoliated skin,” Dr. Foad says. “Exfoliating clears away dead skin cells, so your active ingredients can sink in deeper and do their job even better.”

Key ingredients: bisabolol, shea butter, polysaccharide moisture complex | Fragrance-free: no

Best Firming: Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment

Why we love it: Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment does exactly what you’d expect from the name—it’s packed with pure retinol in botanical microspheres that sink deep into the layers of your skin. Translation? When used consistently, retinol can help transform loose or sagging skin into a tighter, smoother, and more rejuvenated appearance. “Retinols are a scientifically proven product that increases cellular turnover,” says Dr. Khalifian. But this body treatment doesn’t stop there: Edelweiss extract brings antioxidant power and soothing benefits to the mix, while sodium hyaluronate floods your skin with hydration, leaving it soft, silky, and supple.

Editor's tip: If you’re pregnant or nursing, it’s best to skip retinol products for now.

Key ingredients: retinol, edelweiss extract, sodium hyaluronate | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Sagging: Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-aging Body Cream

Why we love it: We’ve always believed that aging isn’t a battle to fight—but that doesn’t mean we don’t want to look in the mirror and feel amazing about what we see. Enter Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Body Cream: a luxurious formula infused with pure glacier water, elderberry blossom extract, and white almond extract to deeply hydrate and plump the skin, leaving it velvety smooth. This nutrient-packed blend of oils helps bring back your skin’s bounce and firmness while calming any sensitivity or irritation—so your skin feels soothed and comforted.

Editor's tip: Focus on areas where the skin naturally loses elasticity over time. “The thickness of your skin varies across your body, and thinner areas are more likely to benefit from firming creams. Regions like the neck, upper arms, abdomen, and above the knees are particularly responsive to topical treatments to improve firmness,” says Dr. Khalifian.

Key ingredients: shea butter, glacier water, elderberry blossom, white almond extracts | Fragrance-free: no

Best Splurge: Augustinus Bader The Body Cream

Why we love it: When it comes to the cult-favorite Augustinus Bader Face Cream, Allure contributor Brennan Kilbane put it best: “I love putting it on my face, and my face loves when I put it on.” Naturally, the obsession extends to Augustinus Bader's The Body Cream. This rich, luxurious formula is infused with Bader’s patented TFC8 complex, amino acids, and vitamins to deeply hydrate and help improve the look of cellulite, stretch marks, and sagging skin. Loaded with nourishing shea butter, this rich, creamy formula sinks in like a second skin—only softer and smoother.

Editor's tip: “Applying these creams as part of a nighttime routine is ideal, as the skin naturally repairs itself during sleep,” says Dr. Foad.

Key ingredients: bisabolol, shea butter, polysaccharide moisture complex | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel Cream

Why we love it: If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to boost skin firmness, Nivea Skin Firming & Toning Gel Cream has you covered. Packed with skin-loving ingredients like CoQ10, l-carnitine, and lotus extract, this lightweight gel cream helps tighten and tone areas that need extra love. CoQ10 acts as an antioxidant while l-carnitine supports fat metabolism for a more sculpted look. The cooling gel texture absorbs quickly, so your skin feels refreshed, hydrated, and never greasy. With regular use, it can help smooth out crepiness and leave your skin looking firmer—all without breaking the bank.

Editor's tip: Q10 is a coenzyme naturally present in your skin, working to energize your cells and help maintain a firm, smooth, and refreshed appearance.

Key ingredients: Q10, l-carnitine, lotus extract | Fragrance-free: no

Best Scent: Korres Elasti-Smooth Body Butter Guava

Why we love it: Korres has long been our go-to for transforming dry, rough skin, thanks to their Greek-inspired formulas rooted in herbal remedies. Their Elasti-Smooth Body Butter in Guava is no exception: It’s a rich, indulgent cream that deeply hydrates, boosting skin elasticity for a firmer, healthier, and more youthful look. We found that a little of this sweet almond oil- and shea butter-based formula goes a long way, and the soft, tropical guava scent is perfectly balanced—refreshing but never overpowering.

Editor's tip: Massage any excess lotion onto the backs of your hands for an extra dose of hydration.

Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, squalane, shea butter | Fragrance-free: no

Frequently asked questions

When it comes to achieving firmer, more elastic skin, the right ingredients in body-care products can make a noticeable difference over time. According to Dr. Foad, retinol plays a leading role: “Retinol, a form of vitamin A, helps to stimulate collagen production and increase skin cell turnover,” she says. “Over time, this can reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture, encouraging smoother, firmer says.

And we can’t forget about peptides, which are short chains of amino acids. “Peptides work to strengthen your skin’s barrier while boosting collagen and elastin—the combo responsible for keeping your skin firm and bouncy,” she says. And then there’s hyaluronic acid, which Dr. Foad calls essential for hydration: “Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, providing a plumping effect and supporting hydration. While it doesn't directly stimulate collagen, it plays a key role in maintaining skin smoothness and elasticity.”

Even the best body-firming cream can’t fully “tighten” loose skin like surgical procedures or in-office treatments, but some can visibly improve its appearance. By enhancing hydration, boosting collagen production, and promoting elasticity, the right products can help skin look smoother and more supple.

However, “sagging skin and deep wrinkles stem from dysfunction below the skin’s surface, and topical products can only penetrate so far,” says Dr. Khalifian. “For true skin-tightening results, treatments that go beyond the dermal-epidermal junction—such as lasers, injectables, microneedling, or surgery—remain the gold standard.”

• Saami Khalifian, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics in San Diego, CA
• Mona Foad, MD, MHS FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, OH

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 tightening 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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More skin-smoothing body care products we adore:

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• These Are the Best Stretch Mark Creams, According to an Expecting Mama
• The Best Self-Tanners for a Natural-Looking Glow

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