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13 best retinol body lotions to tighten and smooth your skin
Some call it retinol, others call it magic
I’ll give it to ya straight: retinol is the most effective skincare product – right behind sunscreen – for bright, smooth, and even skin. And though you typically hear about retinoids – the term used for all vitamin-A derivatives, including retinol – in the form of a face moisturiser or face serum, retinol is actually a hero ingredient for your body as well.
Retinol body lotions are the MVP choice for anything from chest acne and keratosis pilaris to hyperpigmentation, dullness, and discolouration. In a nutshell, you should be adding one to your skincare routine RN.
Best retinol body lotions, at a glance
A retinol body lotion can be applied to your legs, arms, chest, back and even the back of your hands for skin-smoothing, anti-ageing 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, Dr. Mona Gohara, – as well as referenced tips from dermatologist Dr. Anar Mikailov, and plastic surgeon Dr. Finny George, – for everything you need to know about retinol body lotions.
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 sk incare routine, and what to look for before you buy.
Naturium Retinol Body Lotion
Pros
- It has a silky and nourishing texture that absorbs quickly
- It's fragrance-free and dermatologist tested
- It helps to improve texture and KP
Cons
- Results are gradual
I read the ingredients (and stellar reviews) of this lotion and proceeded to pop it into my cart. The people didn’t lie; the gradual release of retinol (that decreases irritation!), super-duper soothing allantoin, and ultra-moisturising shea butter leave my skin feeling soft, smooth, and firm. I apply it every night before bed – oh, and I’ve hooked everyone I know, considering the price tag doesn’t hurt.
Key Specifications
| Key ingredients | Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen); allantoin (soothes); shea butter (moisturizes) |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free |
Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream
Pros
- The texture is very rich and nourishing, without being greasy
- It has a sweet, floral aroma of dragonfruit, lychee, jasmine, hibiscus, vanilla, and musk
Cons
- It is a little spenny for a tub
If you fancy testing the waters with retinol, tip your toe in with the Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Elasti-Cream. Not only will you smell incredible – it has a floral, vibrant scent that’s like summer in a bottle – but it contains a natural retinoid alternative, cacay oil, which has been clinically proven to boost collagen production, therefore promoting tighter and plumper skin. It also contains hydrating squalane so your skin will be as juicy as it is smooth.
Key Specifications
| Key Ingredients | Cacay Oil (known as a natural, retinol alternative to smooth and plump the skin); squalane (to deliver instant hydration). |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | A vibrant scent of jasmine, pink dragonfruit, lychee and vanilla, taking you to the shores of Copacabana Beach. |
Pros
- It has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly
- It exfoliates and smooths bumps while providing barrier support
- It's an affordable alternative
Cons
- It has an unappealing smell (slightly soapy) which some may find off putting
- Though this is a great alternative to retinol, it takes longer, consistent use to see results
If you’ve reached the end of this edit and are thinking, actually, maybe I’d like something a little gentler than retinol, the Byoma Smoothing Body Serum is a great alternative.
To start with, the texture of the serum is silky and hydrating – feeling much lighter than a cream – and is formulated with succinic acid to smooth bumps and texture while lipids ensure your barrier stays conditioned and moisturised. A.k.a., you’re less likely to experience any dry sensations that you may with retinol. Stay loyal to it and you’ll achieve smooth, polished skin – and your bank balance will be rather happy, too!
Key Specifications:
| Key Ingredients | Succinic acid (to smooth bumps and texture), antioxidant-rich blue tansy (to reduce redness) and a barrier lipid complex (to nourish and lock in moisture). |
|---|---|
| Fragrance: | Fragranced |
Kopari Ultra Renewal Retinol Body Cream
Pros
- It contains gentle, encapsulated retinol so it's suitable for all skin types
- It's gentle enough to use daily
Cons
- The concentration of retinol is low so it takes time to see results
If you’re new to retinol, have sensitive skin, or use other actives and don't want to irritate the heck out of your skin, you should consider a lotion with encapsulated retinol.
This form of vitamin A ~gradually~ releases retinol, which in turn works to slow down absorption levels and reduce irritation. Kopari's body cream combines that with heavy hitters like antioxidants, vitamin E, and hydrating glycerin.
Key Specifications
| Key ingredients | Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen); vitamin E (protects with antioxidants); glycerin (hydrates and soothes) |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free |
Medix 5.5 Retinol + Ferulic Acid Cream
Pros
- It works well on crepey skin to tighten and lift
- It's a budget-friendly optioin
- It contains shea butter, glycerin, and aloe vera to hydrate
Cons
- It may cause dryness
Another bestselling Amazon beauty product is this retinol body lotion. Other than the superstar ingredient retinol, this formula also includes ferulic acid – which, if you didn't know, is a super powerful antioxidant that acts as a shield for your skin against premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and irritation.
So when you combine ferulic acid with retinol, you know you have a super effective anti-ageing moisturiser.
Key Specifications
| Key Ingredients | Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen); ferulic acid (protects) |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Chamomile, sweet and fresh with a hint of herbal-ness |
The Inkey List 1% Bakuchiol Face Moisturiser
Pros
- It contains a gentle, retinol alternative so it's suitable for those with sensitive skin
- It is a lightweight and silky formula
- It's affordable
Cons
- It doesn't have an enticing aroma or playful packagaing
Bakuchiol – aka a natural retinol or retinol alternative – is “considered a ‘phytoretinol,’ or a plant-based ingredient with similar functions and benefits of retinol, but is still gentle enough for very sensitive skin,” dermatologist Anar Mikailov has told Cosmo.
Though it can be pretty safe to use on most skin types every night without working up to it, those with rosacea, psoriasis, eczema, or other skin conditions and irritation should absolutely still take it slow.
Because this bakuchiol moisturiser is typically made for the face, it comes in a smaller product size so I typically reserve it for smaller areas like my chest and the backs of my hands.
Key Specifications
| Key ingredients | Bakuchiol (smooths and boosts collagen); squalane (moisturizes) |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free |
Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Hydrating, Anti-aging Cream
Pros
- It's dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free
- Excellent value for money
- It contains retinol to smooth and aloe vera and glycerin to hydrate
Cons
- The percentage of retinol is very small so it will take consistent use to see results
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.
Though, there’s a quick catch. It’s a v intense formula. “It definitely works, but it’s hella drying,” says Chloe Metzger, former Cosmo US deputy beauty director. “So make sure to incorporate it slowly into your skincare routine and either follow up with a rich moisturiser or apply it over moisturiser to dilute its intensity,” she says.
Key Specifications
| Key Ingredients | Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen); green tea extr act, glycerin, aloe (soothes) |
|---|---|
| Fragrance: | Fragrance free |
Murad Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment
Pros
- Clinical results show that it lifts and tightens sagging skin in eight weeks
- It helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks
- It contains shea and avocado extract, as well as squalane, to boost hydration
Cons
- It's an expensive option
Murad’s Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment is so effective, it’s already sold out twice. Named a ‘workout in a jar’ the formula is said to enhance your skin’s metabolism to enhance its hydration and firmness so you get that post-workout glow without having to pick up a weight.
The clinical results are impressive too, with it smoothing deep-set wrinkles and lifting saggy skin in only four weeks. And cause it uses encapsulated retinal, rather than retinol, it delivers all these incred results (read: lifted, smoother and brighter skin) without any side effects associated to retinoid use. Spectacular give me 14.
Key Specifications
| Key Ingredients | Encapsulated retinal (enhanced stability to smooth the skin without common retinoid side effects); shea and avocado extract (improve the appearance of cellulite); squalane (prevent moisture loss). |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free |
Pros
- It has a nourishing cocktail of ingredients like peptides, vitamin C, and glycerin, while retinol and mandelic acid help to smooth
- Helps to smooth texture and reduce bumps
Cons
- It's more expensive compared to others in this edit
This gorgeous, aesthetically pleasing bottle also happens to be a cult-favourite 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 favourite 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. If you need any more convincing that this should be in your cart, just check out the incredible reviews – the fans don't lie!!
Key Specifications
| Key ingredients | Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen); peptides (improve skin barrier); glycolic acid, mandelic acid (exfoliates) |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free |
Pros
- It contains both encapsulated retinol and AHAs to smooth bumps and texture
- It has a very milky, fluid texture that sinks in quickly
- It gives the skin a healthy glow
Cons
- The packaging can make the formula tricky to squeeze out
This 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 favourite 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.
Key Specifications
| Key Ingredients | Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen); lactic acid, glycolic acid (exfoliates); niacinamide (anti-inflammatory); urea (hydrates) |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free |
Pros
- It contains HPR, a type of retinol that smooths without causing irritation
- Broccoli seed oil and vitamin E keep the skin nourished and soothed
- It's fragrance-free
Cons
- It's a pricey option
Alright so this isn’t a retinol body lotion per se, but it’s a wonderful option if you want something richer than a standard lotion.
The Facetheory Body Retinoil contains contains HPR, an advanced retinoid, that delivers a very stable dose of vitamin A without causing side effects (read: drying or irritation). It helps to promote tighter and more unified skin, while broccoli seed oil and vitamin E nourishes and protects the skin barrier.
Better yet, this formula is unscented so if you fancy layering on your lotion on top to lock the formula in, it won’t alter the fragrance.
Key Specifications
| Key Ingredients | Retinoid HPR (an advanced iteration of the active to tighten and smooth pigmentation); broccoli seed oil and vitamin E (to nourish and boost hydration). |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Fragrance-free |
Paula's Choice Retinol Body Treatment
Pros
- It contains 0.1% retinol to smooth while vitamin E and shea butter condition
- Helps to improve texture and bumps
- It's fragrance-free
Cons
- Some may find the natural aroma off-putting
This bb is my tried-and-true retinol body lotion. 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.
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. The results are clear as day.
Key Specifications
| Key Ingredients: | Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen); primrose oil (moisturises); grapeseed oil (protects with antioxidants); glycerin (hydrates) |
|---|---|
| Fragrance: | Fragrance-free |
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion
Pros
- A great option if you're new to retinol or if you have sensitive skin
- It's a nourishing formula containing cocoa butter, squalane, and vitamin E
- It contains encapsulated retinol so it can be used daily
Cons
- Results may take six-eight weeks of consistent use to see results
Dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, says this is her favourite 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.
Key Specifications
| Key ingredients | Retinol (smooths and boosts collagen); cocoa butter, squalane (moisturizes); vitamin E (soothes) |
|---|---|
| Fragrance-free | Fragrance-free |
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 Dr. Mona Gohara.
There’s just one catch: it takes time to see results (a few weeks to three months), and you must be diligent about using a retinol body lotion consistently.
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. “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 retinol 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 moisturisers, 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 0.1 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.
Can I mix retinol into my body lotion?
Using retinol in your routine comes with many benefits, from boosting collagen production to smoothing pigmentation, but there’s a reason why dedicated formulas are made to specifically work on your body and not face.
As the body has a much larger surface area than your face, a retinol body lotion will contain the right percentage of the active ingredient to provide results without irritating the skin. If you pump a few dollops of your facial formula into your lotion willy-nilly, there is a chance you could ‘overdose’ on the active. It’s also difficult this way to get an even distribution of the active into the lotion.
How we tested:
Each of these retinol body lotions have been tested by a variety of Cosmo editors – including Clare, Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer, who has KP on the back of her arms. Each editor analysed everything from sensorial factors, like scent, texture and absorption, to how well the formula smoothed bumps and unified skin tone.
They also considered additional features such as skin conditioners to prevent any adverse side effects to retinol, like dryness and irritation. And, to keep things balanced, some editors tested retinol alternatives in case you want something a little gentler.
Meet the experts:
- Dr. Mona Gohara is a dermatologist who specialises in medical and surgical dermatology.
- Dr. Anar Mikailov is a dermatologist who specialises in high-risk skin cancer and medical dermatology.
- Dr. Finny George is a board-certified plastic surgeon with an expertise in body shaping.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
- Clare Stephenson is the Senior Beauty Ecommerce Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over three years of experience as a beauty writer, meaning she has tested pretty much every retinol product out there – from facial serums and eye creams, to body lotions. She also has KP on the back of her arms, making her a brilliant person to test retinol body lotions.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
