Retinol Body Lotion Is Key to Soft Skin—We Love These 12 Formulas
If you cried at the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, it's time.
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Of every skincare ingredient out there, the one you'll hear me wax poetic about the most is easily retinol (and then probably sunscreen). It's the key to bright, smooth, and even skin without a prescription or expensive in-office treatment. Typically, you've heard about retinol serums for your face, but it's actually just as good for the skin on your body. Whether you have body acne, keratosis pilaris, hyperpigmentation, or sagging skin, retinol body lotions can help.
A retinol body lotion can be applied to your legs, arms, chest, back, and even the back of your hands for skin-smoothing, anti-aging effects. There's just one catch: For results, retinol needs to be used consistently and over time—trying to speed up the process by incorporating higher concentrations or more frequent use will only cause redness, irritation, and really pissed-off skin. That's why I personally tested and reviewed the best retinol body lotions on myself and consulted an expert dermatologist, Mona Gohara, MD—as well as referenced tips from dermatologist Anar Mikailov, MD, and plastic surgeon Finny George, MD—for everything you need to know about retinol body lotions, below:
Our top picks for the best retinol body lotions:
Now, keep reading for the full breakdown of the best retinol body lotions, according to my own testing and product reviewers, along with tips from dermatologists on choosing the best retinol body lotions, how to safely incorporate one into your skincare routine, and what to look for before you buy.
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Pros
- Hydrates skin as it smoothes texture
Cons
- Some reviewers say it pills with certain moisturizers (although, I didn't experience this)
Why we love it: Although a rich cream can help offset the dryness of retinol, sometimes a lightweight serum just feels better on your skin. This one from Shani Daren really packs a lot of smoothing with retinol and vitamin C, but it also helps moisturize a lil with shea butter and panthenol.
One Cosmo editor says: "Although this absorbs quickly into my skin, it hydrates my skin pretty well too. I have been slathering this on my arms to help combat keratosis pilaris, and it has made my skin feel so soft. I love layering it with a thicker body butter in the evening too to really seal everything in."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Granactive retinoid, vitamin C, panthenol, shea butter |
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Pros
- Available at most drugstores for less than $10
- Fairly gentle as far as retinol body lotions go
Cons
- Scented, which some might not like (although we love the fresh fragrance)
Why we love it: It's actually unreal that this retinol body serum is under $10. What's even better is how great the formula is. Retinyl palmitate, a gentle type of retinoid that's combined with emollient-rich palmitic acid, is the hero ingredient to increase cell turnover and firm up skin over time. But there's also smoothing niacinamide and lactic acid, as well as hydrating squalane, turning this into an all-in-one product for basically everything you could possibly need.
One Cosmo editor says: "When I found out my favorite melatonin gummy brand was coming out with a body line, I was skepitcal yet intrigued, then I was so pleased when I instantly became obsessed with the renew body line. The body serum combines bergamot and jasmine for a deep and sedative scent that is perfect after an everything shower, and the serum itself is deeply hydrating and nonstick on the skin (because there's nothing worse than getting in your sheets with oily skin). it feels super silky on my dry arms and legs, and for less than $10, it's my favorite bodycare steal. I use it over my expensive products just to get that gorgeous smell soaked into my skin."—JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Retinyl palmitate, niacinamide, lactic acid, squalane |
| Fragrance free? | No |
Pros
- Seriously smoothes skin with a mixture of retinol, lactic acid, and salicylic acid
- Not too
Cons
- Very potent formula that might be too strong for sensitive skin types
Why we love it: Winner of best body retinol in Cosmo's Holy Grail Beauty Awards, this cream mimics the iconic face retinol from SkinBetter Sciences (which happens to be a major favorite amongst the Cosmo staff). Packed with the brand's AlphaRet (which combines retinol with lactic acid) as well as salicylic acid, the formula is ultra-smoothing to help reduce skin texture.
One Cosmo editor says: “Most retinols make my skin a flaky mess, but this does a great job and smoothing and softening without causing any irritation. And while it’s exfoliating thanks to AHAs, it didn’t seem to dehydrate my skin even though I used it all winter long when I had my heat blasting.” —MADELEINE FRANK REEVES
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Retinol, lactic acid, salicylic acid |
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Pros
- Testers love that the cream is just thick enough without being too heavy
Cons
- Has a high dose of retinol than can be drying, especially on its own
Why we love it: Yes, the price tag is right, but that doesn't mean it lacks in quality. This best-selling Amazon retinol body lotion is it. It's formulated with retinol (of course) for some skin-firming and collagen-boosting power and aloe vera and glycerin, which will soothe and hydrate your skin.
One Cosmo editor says: "It definitely works, but it’s hella drying. So make sure to incorporate it slowly into your skincare routine, and either follow up with a rich moisturizer or apply it over moisturizer to dilute its intensity."—CHLOE METZGER, FORMER DEPUTY BEAUTY DIRECTOR
| Key ingredients | Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen); green tea extract, glycerin, aloe (soothes) |
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Pros
- Not irritating for sensitive skin
- Only need to use a little bit for your entire body
Cons
- Most expensive formula on this list
Why we love it: If you have sensitive skin, a strong retinol body lotion might be too harsh for you. In that case, look for something with bakuchiol, a retinol alternative that's a bit softer on your skin yet still offers similar smoothing powers. This one from Tronque also employs AHAs, salicylic acid, and niacinamide for even more exfoliation (but, ya know, gently).
One Cosmo editor says: "This luxe body exfoliator is one of the only ones I trust on my eczema-prone, overly dry skin. My reactive skin normally can't handle a physical scrub or exfoliant, so I love that Tronque's chemical formula is gentle and firms and hydrates my skin as it exfoliates it over time. Yes, it's definitely a splurge, but if you want your arms and legs to look (and feel) silky smooth all summer, I highly recommend this serum as a nice retinol alternative."—JH
Features at a Glance
| Key ingredients | Bakuchiol, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid |
| Fragrance free? | No |
Pros
- Contains soothing allantoin that decreases redness and irritation
Cons
- Some testers couldn't get their lid to stay closed
Why we love it: Retinol and hydrating usually don't go hand-in-hand. But with this cream, they sure do. Stacked with a combo of gradual release retinol (to reduce irritation), soothing allantoin, and ultra-moisturizing shea butter, this leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and firm.
One Cosmo editor says: "My love for skincare brand Naturium began when I was intro'd to its Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 by a fellow beauty editor. After one use, I was hooked and began to explore the brand's other products. I read the ingredients (and stellar reviews) of this lotion and proceeded to pop it into my cart. The people didn't lie; I love this so much. I apply it every night before bed—oh, and I've hooked everyone I know, considering the price tag doesn't hurt."—CM
| Key ingredients | Retinol, allantoin, shea butter |
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Pros
- Packed with oils and body butters for softer, smoother skin
Cons
- If you're using it every day, you'll run through it quickly
Why we love it: Retinol's ability to trigger collagen and elastin production gradually leads to smoother, firmer skin. But what makes this body treatment so great is the fact that it's also loaded with plant oils and body butters, meaning while it exfoliates your skin, it also softens it.
One Cosmo editor says: "This is my tried-and-true retinol body lotion. I diligently massage this cream over the rough and bumpy areas on my skin (i.e., the backs of my arms and thighs) a few nights a week and always layer up with sunscreen every morning."—BG
| Key ingredients | Retinol, primrose oil, grapeseed oil, glycerin |
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Pros
- A ton of product for a very little price
Cons
- Some testers who ordered on Amazon received the product without a pump
Why we love it: If you take one peek at this retinol's ingredient list, you'll be shocked to find out that it's indeed from a drugstore and is less than $20 (for a whole 13 ounces!!). The jam-packed formula uses our bb retinol alongside niacinamide and a slew of moisturizing ingredients that help mitigate dryness, so it's safe for your body and face. But my favorite part? The addition of palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, or in simpler, ~non-sciency~ terms, a six-amino acid peptide that improves firmness and skin tone. 'Nuff said.
One shopper says: "I had been using a very expensive brand, but thought why not try this? It works! I’ve been using it for about six weeks now and I’ve been seeing great results on my face & neck. These two together cost much less than anything I’ve ever used before. The results were very fast and keep getting better. I’m very pleased. I didn’t really expect it for the price."
| Key ingredients | Retinol, amino acids, niacinamide, sodium PCA, glycerin, jojoba oil |
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Pros
- Reviewers love how fast they noticed improvements in their skin tone and firmness
Cons
- Some testers are not a fan of the smell
Why we love it: This aesthetically pleasing bottle also happens to be a cult-favorite retinol in the beauty community. It's got encapsulated retinol—i.e., time-released retinol that's easier for your skin to absorb—and two of my favorite chemical exfoliants ever, glycolic acid and mandelic acid. The exfoliants come in first to help prep your skin, and then the retinol has its time to shine and absorbs easier.
One shopper says: "I’m obsessed!! You need this in your life. I have hyperpigmentation in between my legs and tend to get ingrown hairs behind my legs. I literally felt a difference overnight. The back of my thighs felt smoother."
| Key ingredients | Retinol, peptides, glycolic acid, mandelic acid |
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- Eco-conscious brand
Cons
- Takes a moment to rub in due to thick texture, reviews say
Why we love it: Dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, says this is her favorite retinol body lotion: "I use it nightly on my arms, legs, chest, butt, abdomen, and thighs to firm, tone, and reduce wrinkles," she says, noting that it doesn't irritate her skin in the slightest. Using encapsulated retinol (which is less intense on your skin), this body lotion is formulated to be used daily, though it's best to incorporate it into your routine slowly to ensure your skin reacts well.
One shopper says: "I absolutely love this lotion—it's retinol, but actually affordable enough that you can use it on your whole body! It leaves your skin super soft and absorbs immediately. I can get dressed when I'm done without that sticky feeling other lotions always leave. My main concern is anti-aging and it is wonderful for that."
| Key ingredients | Retinol, cocoa butter, squalane, vitamin E |
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Pros
- A little product goes a long way
Cons
- Reviews say the packaging makes it difficult to dispense only a small amount
Why we love it: This exfoliating milky body serum is a powerful skincare product for tackling dry patches and exfoliating dead skin for a smooth, baby-soft look and feel. My favorite part about this formula is that it uses encapsulated retinol, which works by slowing down absorption, so it's less intense on your skin. I found that this product works wonderfully on the backs of my arms to address my keratosis pilaris.
One shopper says: "Such a great product. I’ve been using it for a month and noticed a huge difference in texture, breakouts, ingrowns, and dark spots. I’ve got some sensitive 'problematic' skin and this is both effective and non-irritating."
| Key ingredients | Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen); lactic acid, glycolic acid (exfoliates); niacinamide (anti-inflammatory); urea (hydrates) |
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Pros
- Soothes skin with aloe vera
Cons
- Won't be as reparative as other forms of retinol
Why we love it: Made with retinyl palmitate—i.e., the weakest form of retinol that is better at protecting with antioxidant properties rather than repairing—this body treatment is a great option for those with sensitive skin that normally would not be able to tolerate a higher form of retinoid. The formula also includes white willow bark extract, which is a great exfoliator for textured, uneven skin, and one of my favorite hydrators: hyaluronic acid.
One shopper says: "My skin looks so healthy! The redness and 'chicken skin' I get on my thighs has calmed down a lot and my skin has this beautiful sheen to it."
| Key ingredients | Retinyl palmitate, hyaluronic acid, aloe, white willow bark extract |
| Fragrance free? | Yes |
Does retinol body lotion really work?
Yes, retinol body lotions absolutely work. "Retinoids are a class of vitamin A derivatives that help to increase collagen production, decrease collagen breakdown, regulate elastin production, even out skin tone, help acne to resolve, prevent acne from coming, reduce oil and pore size, and regulate hair follicle shedding," says dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD. There's just one catch: It takes time to see results (see: a few weeks to three months), and you must be diligent about using a retinol body lotion consistently. This brings us to:
Can I use retinol on my body every day?
Yes, Dr. Gohara suggests using retinol on your body daily—as long as your skin can handle it, and you’re also not currently pregnant or breastfeeding. Just remember that retinoids can be irritating, so anyone with a pre-existing inflammatory skin condition, like eczema and psoriasis, should either avoid use or use just once or twice a week to start. It's best to work up to daily use gradually, "apply it one night a week for one week, two nights a week for two weeks, three nights a week for three weeks, then every other night from there on out," she says.
How to choose the best cellulite cream:
Evaluate the ingredients
Though retinol is the most proven and backed skincare ingredient for premature aging and its smoothing and firming abilities, you'll want to look at the ingredients combo'd with it in these retinol body lotions to ensure it's right for your skin type. Dr. Gohara suggests looking for moisturizers, such as shea butter or cocoa butter, and barrier repair ingredients, such as squalene. If you want a soothing effect, look for aloe vera.
Know the strength
"Generally, retinol body lotions come in .1 percent formulations," says Dr. Gohara. These formulas should be worked into your skincare routine gradually over time until you're up to an everyday basis. Other retinol alternatives and lower-strength retinol (see: bakuchiol, retinyl palmitate, and plant-based alternatives) can be used and incorporated much quicker and are generally safe for sensitive skin, though, again, those with pre-existing inflammatory skin conditions should use caution.
Meet the experts:
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, President of the Women's Dermatologic Society, and Associate Clinical Professor at Yale. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and skin of color.
- Anar Mikailov, MD, is not only a board-certified dermatologist at the Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in Burlington, MA, but also the founder of KP Away, a skincare line devoted to treating keratosis pilaris. Dr. Mikailov has previously spoken to Cosmo about bakuchiol skincare products.
- Finny George, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon and partner at New York Plastic Surgical Group. He specializes in cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentations, liposuction, and more. Dr. George has previously spoken to Cosmo about cellulite creams.
Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano was an associate editor who writes beauty at Cosmopolitan and has four years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than seven years of experience researching, writing, and editing hair stories.
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.
Chloe Metzger is the deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan, overseeing the editorial content and growth strategy of the hair, makeup, and skin space on digital, while also obsessively writing about the best hair products for every hair type (curly girl here; whattup), and the skincare routines that really, truly work (follow her on Instagram to see behind-the-scenes pics of that magazine life). She brings nearly a decade of writing and editing expertise, and her work has appeared in Allure, Health, Fitness, Marie Claire, StyleCaster, and Parents. She also has an unhealthy adoration for Tom Hanks and would like to please meet him one day, if you could arrange that. Thanks.
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