When it comes to treating mature skin, moisturizing is essential; keeping your skin hydrated is oftentimes key to maintaining elasticity and stimulating collagen production. While we often prioritize facial moisturizers in our skin care routines, it's also imperative to invest in a quality lotion so the rest of your body isn't neglected.
"Mature skin is susceptible to dryness as a result of hormonal changes and reduced sebum production," explains Dr. Brendan Camp, a double board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey.
He suggests looking for lotions that help skin retain moisture while improving the skin barrier function. In other words, continued hydration is key as we age.
Furthermore, “lotions are a lightweight, topical skin care product that typically consist of water and other hydrating ingredients to hydrate, soften and protect the skin,” shares Dr. Kunal Malik, a New York City-based board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. "They are less viscous than creams and are spreadable and quick absorbing."
Along with Camp and Malik, we spoke with other board-certified dermatologists to find the best lotions for mature skin. We also included a Shop TODAY favorite and rounded out the list with top-rated drugstore brands as well.
What to look for in a lotion for mature skin
According to Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona, "intense hydration is key for mature skin to help it look more radiant and plumper, reducing the appearance of fine lines."
"Look for lotions with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, squalane, jojoba oil, shea butter and lipids," Jeffy suggests.
In addition to the above ingredients, Camp also recommends lotions with retinol and niacinamide. "Retinol is an ingredient traditionally found in face serums but has been appearing in body lotions because of its potential to encourage collagen production and help firm skin," he says.
Dr. Katie Mann, an aesthetic nurse practitioner and the founder of Curated Medical in Scottsdale, Arizona, says it is important to incorporate ingredients for exfoliation and anti-aging benefits as well, including (again) retinol as well as lactic acid. "These will help keep the skin smooth and more even in tone and texture," she explains.
The best lotions for mature skin, according to experts and tested by editors
Affordable expert pick: La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body Lotion
- Very moisturizing
- Great for dry skin
- Absorbs quickly
- Mixed reviews on smell
Size: 13.52 oz. | Key ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin and niacinamide
Jeffy is a big fan of this hydrating lotion from La Roche-Posay. "I love this drug store product with shea butter and glycerin for intense hydration that is also fragrance free and can be used body wide," she explains. This lightweight lotion is safe for sensitive skin and has been "dermatologist, pediatrician and allergy tested," according to the brand.
Editor favorite: O'Keeffe's Working Hands Hand and Body Lotion
- Not greasy
- Fragrance-free
- Intensive moisturizing
- Can dry out hands
Size: 12.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin
"Listen, I know O’Keeffe’s doesn’t make the sexiest or trendiest products, but there’s a reason why they’ve lasted the test of time," shares senior editor Jess Bender. "Out of the dozens of hand / body creams I’ve used in my adult life, this is probably one of three that have actually delivered on its promise of long-term hydration across the board (even in problem areas like the knees and elbows)," she continues.
"While most swear by their jar products, the pump format is ultimately less messy and more convenient for my WFH setup," explains Bender.
Infused with peptides: Necessaire The Body Lotion
- Softens skin
- Hydrating
- Pump may be hard to use
Size: 6.8 oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, vitamins A, C and E
"Formulated with peptides to encourage collagen production, niacinamide to soothe skin and oils rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, this fragrance-free body lotion moisturizes, firms and strengthens skin," says Camp.
Say goodbye to dry skin: Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
- Firms skin
- Softens skin
- Some users say pump broke
Size: 4.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Shea butter, vitamin C, retinol and glycerin
Camp loves this skin-softening body lotion from Paula's Choice which is great for normal, dry, oily or combination skin. "Retinol is included in this body treatment, along with antioxidants like vitamin C and moisturizing ingredients like evening primrose oil and grapeseed oil to improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and eliminate dry skin," he explains.
Splurge option: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 242
- Good for dry skin
- Not greasy
- Very moisturizing
- Expensive
Size: 1.6 oz. | Key ingredients: Essential lipids, vitamin E
Jeffy recommendations this SkinCeuticals lotion for her patients with the driest skin. "It hydrates and restores the skin barrier with antioxidant support for aging skin," she explains. This moisturizing lotion is enriched with vitamin E and is paraben- and dye-free.
"This is rich and excellent for mature skin as it contains the optimal ratio of ceramides, cholesterol and fatty acids," adds Malik.
More affordable lotions for mature skin to shop
Most budget-friendly: Jergens Skin Firming Body Lotion
- Feels good on skin
- Hydrating
- Skin can feel sticky
Size: 16.8 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin E and collagen
Suffer from extra dry skin? Infused with collagen and elastin, this hydrating lotion helps sooth and moisturize dry skin to improve overall tone and brightness, says the brand. Satisfied customers speak to the quality, softness and longevity of this skin care product.
Cost-effective classic: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Firming Body Lotion
- Softens skin
- Tightens skin
- Not sticky
- Smell can be strong
Size: 13.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Cocoa butter, vitamin E, collagen
Sometimes it is best to stick with what you know! This Palmer's cocoa butter formula is a classic for a reason. This tightening lotion is enriched with collagen and vitamin E to help maintain elasticity. Amazon reviewers love this lotion for its smoothness and one customer even said, "it works wonders."
Formulated with jojoba oil: Gold Bond Age Renew Strength & Resilience Lotion
- Very moisturizing
- Softens skin
- No greasy residue
- Mixed reviews on the smell
Size: 13.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, jojoba oil, squalane
Formulated with glycerin, jojoba oil and squalane, this body firming lotion from Gold Bond is ideal for mature skin. With its pump bottle, this moisturizing lotion is easy to use and also hypoallergenic. With over 11,000 five-star ratings, it's no wonder so many users say it is highly effective.
Lightweight and hydrating: CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion
- Good for dry skin
- Very hydrating
- Softens skin
- May be too light
Size: 12.0 oz. | Key ingredients: Hyaluronic, ceramides
If you have normal to dry skin, look no further than this lightweight lotion from CeraVe. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, this moisturizing lotion is designed to provide 24 hours of hydration and restore the skin's natural barrier, according to the brand. Need further convincing? This affordable lotion has an impressive 100,000+ five-star ratings on Amazon.
How we chose the best lotions for mature skin
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best lotions for mature skin by enlisting the recommendations of board-certified dermatologists. We also included a tried-and-true editor pick as well as top-rated products that won't break the bank.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and New Jersey.
- Dr. Brooke Jeffy is a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona and founder of youth skin care brand, BTWN.
- Dr. Katie Mann, DNP, FNP-C, is an aesthetic nurse practitioner and the founder of Curated Medical in Scottsdale, Arizona.
- Dr. Kunal Malik, MD, is a New York City-based board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and assistant professor at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
- Kristin Gunn is a licensed medical esthetician and the owner of Halcyon Skin Care and Beaux Medspa in Austin, Texas.
