Using a retinol body lotion may just be the best beauty decision you'll make
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 skincare routine, and what to look for before you buy.
Retinol Advanced Firming Hydrating, Anti-aging Cream
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.
Retinol Cream
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.
Retinol Body Lotion
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.
Retinol Body Treatment
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 and always layer up with sunscreen every morning.
Ultra Renewal Retinol Body Cream
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.
The Body Retinol
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!!
Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion
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.
Retinol Hand Cream
This super luxe and pricey retinol body lotion is worth the splurge thanks to its incredible formulation that includes moisturising ingredients (see: macadamia oil), hydrators (see: glycerin), and loads of antioxidants (see: vitamin E and vitamin C derivatives). Plus, the luxe consistency will make you feel like you just walked out of a spa. Yes, pls.
Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
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.
Glow-C Retinoid 2% Body Oil
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 Oil contains 2% retinoid to stimulate collagen production (hello, baby soft skin) and smooth out bumps and texture, while vitamin C – everyone's fave glow-giving dynamo – brightens and reduces hyperpigmentation.
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.
Cleansing Complex
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 favourite hydrators: hyaluronic acid.
Bakuchiol Moisturiser
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.
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.
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