Formulas comes in lotions, body butters, serums, and more
Retinol has a reputation for achieving smooth skin with consistent use. Derived from vitamin A, retinol is a strong exfoliator that can help reveal fresh new skin below the surface. When it comes to using retinol in our skincare routine you most likely have tried it on your face but there’s a whole new movement happening in bodycare right now. It seems like a no-brainer that retinol has the same skin-smoothing ability on the body as it does on our face.
“Retinol helps to rebuild collagen and thicken the dermis, which over time will improve the appearance of crepey or loose skin,” explains Devika Icecreamwala, M.D. a board-certified dermatologist in Berkeley, CA. “It works to smooth the skin, so can be used on areas of the body that appear bumpy. It also helps improve acne and discoloration,” she adds.
A few general rules apply, similar to those that come when using a retinol facial product. Skip any retinol body lotion if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, and make sure to be extra diligent about sunscreen and sun protection when using one, says Dr. Icecreamwala; as the ingredient makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Since retinol can also be irritating, decrease the frequency of usage if you’re noticing any dryness or irritation, she points out.
Best Overall: Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
The ingredient list in this body product is really almost identical to what you’d see in a face product—think pure retinol (in a mid-strength, 0.1% concentration), protective antioxidants, plus lots of moisturizing natural butters and plant oils. The result is a lotion that’s both beautifully hydrating and smoothing—and leaves skin with a gorgeous glow—though, also helps leave your skin looking firmer over time.
Best Budget: PH Factor 5.5 Retinol & Ferulic Acid Cream for Face and Body
Super affordable, this is another pick that combines retinol with ferulic acid, a great combo for delivering a litany of anti-aging benefits. Further giving you more bang for your buck, you can also apply this on your face if you want. (Though FYI, because it does contain some thicker moisturizing ingredients, we’d suggest only doing so if your skin is dry and not oily or acne-prone.) And if you are going to use it on your face, just a pea-size amount is all you need.
Best for Sagging Skin: Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream + Ferulic Acid Anti-Sagging Treatment
A fan favorite on Amazon, many happy reviewers repeatedly point out how well this helps improve the look of sagging, crepey skin all over their body. It’s also nice and hydrating and has the added benefit of containing ferulic acid, one of the most potent antioxidants out there, for an extra dose of protection against free radical damage that can contribute to signs of aging.
Best Multi-Tasking: Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion
Icecreamwala recommends this formula, which really can do it all. “This product contains not only retinol, but also antioxidants, ceramides, green tea polyphenols, and hyaluronic acid. The antioxidants fight off free radicals, the ceramides improve the skin barrier, the green tea polyphenols prevent irritation to the skin, and the hyaluronic acid moisturizes,” she says. In short, it leaves skin smoother, softer, more even, firmer, more hydrated… need we continue?
Best for Sensitive SkiniS Clinical Body Complex
‘Retinol’ and ‘sensitive skin’ don’t always go hand-in-hand, but this is one exception to the rule. The gentle formula relies on retinyl palmitate, a gentler type of retinoid,2 and doesn’t contain a ton of it. What it does have is hyaluronic acid and aloe to leave the skin feeling soothed and hydrated, says Icecreamwala, who’s a fan. As an added benefit, it also gives you some gentle exfoliation, thanks to white willow bark extract.
Best for Dry Skin: Josie Maran Whipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter
When your skin is super dry, a lotion isn’t going to cut it—you want to reach for a nice thick cream or, even better, a rich butter such as this one. Rather than using straight-up retinol, it uses a gentler derivative, pro-retinol. Argan oil and vitamin E make it plenty hydrating, though also offer antioxidant protection, notes Icecreamwala, of another one of her picks.
Best Retinol Alternative: The Organic Pharmacy Advanced Retinoid-Like Body Oil
For those who can’t use retinol, for whatever reason, this aptly-named formula is the best alternative. The star of the show is bakuchiol, a plant-based ingredient that’s been shown to offer anti-aging effects nearly equivalent to that of retinol, but without the accompanying irritation.3 In a clinical study (from The Organic Pharmacy’s website), this oil was shown to increase skin elasticity by 15% and reduce the number of wrinkles by 29% after just 28 days of use. The fact that the oil is super fast-absorbing and non-greasy is just a bonus.
Best for Cellulite: Rosen Apothecary Anti-Aging Retinol Body Lotion
Okay, so no topical product will totally get rid of cellulite (which isn’t something you need to get rid of, to begin with). That being said, using a retinol cream is a good way to help tighten the skin, which, over time, might help minimize the look of cellulite. If that’s what you’re after, try this cream; it has the added benefit of containing caffeine, another choice topical that helps constrict blood vessels and can improve the look of lumps and bumps more quickly.4 On top of all of that, a combo of argan oil and hyaluronic acid ensures it’s plenty moisturizing, though never greasy.
Best for Hands: Hand MD Duality Dual Repair
True story, your hands can often give away your age even more so than your face. (After all, they’re often very neglected, both when it comes to sun protection and any type of anti-aging products.) That’s where this souped-up hand cream comes in. Retinol and peptides do the youth-boosting duties, while hyaluronic acid hydrates. Per the name, the bottle features two chambers; one that contains an anti-aging serum and one that contains a moisturizer.
Best Serum: Doris Day MD Skincare Retinol Body Serum
While this pick is very pricey, it is formulated by a top dermatologist, so you can feel confident that you’re getting a highly effective formula. It combines retinol with salicylic acid, a gentle exfoliant, as well as antioxidant-rich vitamin C. Because it’s a serum, it contains the most featherweight texture of any products on the list (and also is the most potent when it comes to concentration of said active ingredients). It’s also especially great for use on the neck and chest.
Best Full Body: Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion
This gentle body lotion is infused with .01% encapsulated retinol which means it passes right through the skin barrier without drying skin or causing inflammation. Squalane, cocoa butter, and vitamin E lock in moisture and play a role in keeping skin soft and nourished. While the formula is nice and moisturizing, it is very thick and can take a beat to rub it in all the way. This body lotion is made without silicone, parabens and sulfates and is great for all skin types. Apply anywhere below the neck for a smooth, radiant finish.
Best for Decollete: Typology Firming Serum 0.2% Retinol + Borage Oil
If you’re looking for an exfoliating serum to toss in your gym bag or take on your next trip this Firming Body Serum comes in a thin sleek 1 ounce bottle. Formulated with minimal ingredients such as 0.2% retinol, borage oil to calm inflammation, and tsubaki oil which is full of polyphenols to strengthen and smooth skin.This firming serum is a great option for all skin types to plump and firm skin below the face, especially the neck and chest.
Not only was the formula carefully crafted, but Typology also thought about the packaging. The glass bottle is recyclable and the tinted brown color may help prevent the retinol from becoming unstable.
Best for Acne and Hyperpigmentation: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
When it comes to retinol serums, Topicals takes it a step beyond. The combination of exfoliating ingredients delivers smoothing and clearing results for acne, hyperpigmentation, and keratosis pilaris. This body serum is formulated with retinol and AHA’s to dissolve dead skin cells, and squalane to balance the skin barrier and retain moisture. It also has urea, which is naturally secreted in our sweat, and as a topical can hydrate and reduce the buildup of dead skin cells. Gentle enough for daily use, apply this serum to bumps and rough skin to improve texture with a non-greasy finish.
We are huge fans of a flip-top lid, however be careful with the amount of pressure you apply: This is a serum consistency as a hulk-like squeeze will cause way too much product to exit. Less is more with this packaging. Some users also noted a slight smell, not fragrance, but the scent that often accompanies chemical exfoliators.
Best Splurge: Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment
If you have been hearing about edelweiss more lately, it’s for good reason—the dainty flower is packed with antioxidants that encourage skin health with anti-aging benefits.This body lotion leans on the ingredient for its soothing properties with retinol tapped to stimulate collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.This smoothing body lotion is also made with shea butter and sunflower oil, which moisturize, absorb easily, and make it suitable for all skin types. While pricey, this body lotion is a treat to apply. While not a synthetic addition, this lotion does smell like rose and if that is not your preferred scent, you may want to pick a different option.
Best Treatment: Cosmedix A-Lift Overnight Vitamin A Body Treatment
This overnight body treatment uses retinol and retinal, two types of vitamin A derivatives that team up to deliver smooth, glowing skin. In short, retinal works faster, but can be more harsh, whereas retinol takes longer to see results, but may be more tolerable for some skin types. Containing both types helps a formula to be effective with less irritation than a strictly retinal formula. Apply this cream to legs, arms, shoulders, back and chest, or focus on an area of concern to reveal a brighter complexion and soft skin. Caffeine gives a boost of energy to skin by stimulating blood flow while safflower oil retains moisture and hydrates dull, dry skin. Build up to every other night use for best results.
Final Verdict
When it comes to retinol lotions that target signs of aging below the chin, we’re giving top honors to the Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment. Packed with pure retinol, antioxidants, natural butters, and plant oils, it leaves the skin looking firmer and lifted while addressing concerns like dryness and uneven tone. When it comes to improving the appearance of crepey skin, the Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream Anti-Sagging Treatment is excellent for firming and diminishing the look of wrinkles wherever skin is most thin and fragile. And while it is on the more expensive side, the Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion is an ideal multi-tasker, boasting a litany of top active ingredients to help not only smooth and tighten but also even out skin tone, combat wrinkles, and moisturize.
What to Look for in a Retinol Body Lotion
A Tolerable Yet Effective Concentration of Retinol
Because retinol can potentially irritate the skin, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner doesn’t recommend reaching for a formula with too high a concentration of the vitamin A derivative for use on the body (such as a formula containing a 1% or higher concentration). Some companies do not list the retinol percentage on the package or their webiste—we do wish all these brands could fix this. If you’re a beginner or looking for a lower concentration Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion (0.1%) or Typology Firming Serum for Neck and Chest (0.2%) are great places to start.
Stabilized Formulas
Retinol is notorious for being a tough ingredient to stabilize, meaning it pretty easily loses its efficacy over time—especially after being exposed to things like sunlight, air, and heat. For this reason, Zeichner recommends looking for products that contain a stabilized form of retinol or package the formula in a way that will keep it from being exposed to elements that would render it useless. Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum features an encapsulated form of retinol, which allows it to better absorb into the skin, boosting its efficacy.
Hydrating Ingredients
As you already know, retinol is known to be potentially drying and irritating, so look for formulas that will deliver much-needed moisture back into your skin. If you’re not into heavier body lotions and creams, opt for formulas formulated with lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid. Also, steer clear of formulas that contain added fragrance as they can further irritate the skin.
FAQ
Are retinol body lotions safe?
While retinol body lotions are technically considered safe, Zeichner says he is cautious of recommending them to be used all over the body. “First off, retinol can be potentially irritating. Secondly, covering large body surface areas with an active ingredient theoretically could lead to absorption of the active into the bloodstream,” he points out. Instead, he recommends applying retinol body lotions to localized areas, such as the chest, rather than using it from head to toe. Also, he adds that vitamin A derivatives—retinol included—should not be used by pregnant women due to the risk of potential birth defects.
How often should you apply retinol body lotion?
Zeichner recommends starting slow with retinol body lotion the same way you would start slow with retinol for the face, “Start applying every other night and increase as tolerated,” he says. “If you develop redness, burning, stinging, or itching, hold off for a day or two.”
