13 Best Retinol Body Lotions in 2025, According to Dermatologists
</p><p class=”body-text”>You’re likely already familiar with the benefits<a href=” target=”_blank”> retinol creams and serums</a>—but did you know that this powerhouse ingredient is great to use all over your body, too? According to dermatologists, retinol (a derivative of Vitamin A) works the same on your body as with your face—meaning the best retinol <a href=” target=”_blank”>body lotions</a> can improve skin texture, even out tone, and boost collagen production from head to toe. <br></p><p class=”body-text”>“Think of retinol as a personal trainer for your skin, gently encouraging it to shed dead cells, rebuild itself stronger, and look smoother,” explains <a href=” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Mona Gohara, M.D.”><u>Mona Gohara, M.D.</u></a>, a board-certified dermatologist and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine. “On your body, they help tackle rough patches, fine lines, and even sunspots over time…Retinol body lotions are ideal for anyone looking to improve texture, tone, or firmness, especially those dealing with rough patches or signs of aging.” </p><p class=”body-tip”><strong>Meet the Experts: </strong><a href=” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Mona Gohara, M.D.”><u>Mona Gohara, M.D.</u></a>, a board-certified dermatologist and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine; <a href=” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Debra Jaliman, M.D.”><u>Debra Jaliman, M.D.</u></a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City; <a href=” target=”_blank”>Dara Spearman, M.D., F.F.A.D.</a>, a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of <a href=” target=”_blank”>Radiant Dermatology Associates</a> in Fort Wayne, Indiana.</p><p>Retinol body lotions can even help with <a href=” target=”_blank”>keratosis pilaris</a>, a skin condition that causes small bumps on the arms and legs, adds <a href=” target=”_blank” data-vars-ga-outbound-link=” data-vars-ga-ux-element=”Hyperlink” data-vars-ga-call-to-action=”Debra Jaliman, M.D.”><u>Debra Jaliman, M.D.</u></a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “It’s good for uneven coloration on the skin…It also boosts collagen production so it can help with crepiness and fine lines if you have them on the chest,” she says. </p><p> It’s important to find the right lotion for your skin type—and one that’s meant for use specifically on the body. “Just like a face mask and shampoo serve different purposes, so should your face and body retinol products,” says Dr. Gohara. Dermatologists recommend looking for lotions with a gentle retinol concentration that’s also formulated with hydrating and soothing ingredients to counteract dryness. However, those with sensitive skin or <a href=” target=”_blank”>eczema</a> may want to avoid retinol products all together due to potential irritation.</p><p>To help find the right retinol body lotion for you, we rounded up all the top picks recommended by dermatologists and highly-rated by reviewers. Ahead, check out the best retinol body lotions for firmer, more youthful-looking skin.</p>” data-next-head/>
Both Dr. Jaliman and Dara Spearman, M.D., F.F.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana, recommend this Versed lotion, noting it’s especially great for dry skin (though it’s suitable for all skin types). “[It] contains squalane and cocoa butter so it’s very hydrating. It also contains vitamin E, a good antioxidant,” says Dr. Jaliman. While providing nourishing hydration, the lightweight moisturizer also delivers gentle, encapsulated retinol to help firm skin, brighten dullness, and smooth roughness. Reviewers also love that it absorbs well without a greasy or sticky feel.
What a reviewer says: “Love this gentle retinol body lotion! I noticed a difference in my skin elasticity within a few days of use,” shared one Amazon shopper. “It softened my stretch mark lines and tightened up my thin upper and underarm skin. It’s gentle, fast-absorbing, and doesn’t leave any unwanted residue or greasy feeling. 10/10 recommend!”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, squalane, cocoa butter, vitamin E |
|---|---|
| Size | 6 fl oz |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
2
Best Value
Olay Retinol24 Smoothing Body Lotion
Pros
- Contains moisturizing glycerin, niacinamide, and vitamin E
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Affordable
Cons
- Some reviewers say the scent is too strong/overpowering
Looking for a budget drugstore pick? This highly-rated body lotion from Olay smooths and nourishes skin with retinol along with a vitamin E and vitamin B3 complex—and it’s super affordable at only $10 for 17 oz of product. “This product contains glycerin and is very hydrating. It also contains niacinamide which decreases redness,” Dr. Jaliman notes. “It’s very light so it goes on smoothly and very moisturizing.”
What a reviewer says: “I am in love with Olay’s body lotion! Not only does it provide amazing moisture, but the scent is absolutely divine,” wrote one user. “The formula is rich and creamy, and it absorbs quickly into my skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated without any greasy residue. I’ve noticed a significant difference in the texture of my skin since I started using it—it’s smoother, softer, and looks healthier. It’s perfect for dry skin and really locks in moisture, even during the colder months.”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, vitamin E, vitamin B3 (niacinamide), glycerin |
|---|---|
| Size | 17 fl oz |
| Fragrance-free | No |
3
Best for All Skin Types
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Pros
- Contains vitamin C
- Contains glycerin, shea butter, and soothing plant oils
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Only comes in a small size
Recommended by both Dr. Spearman and Dr. Jaliman, this lotion from Paula’s Choice contains mid-strength 0.1% retinol concentration along with antioxidants (including skin-brightening vitamin C) and other soothing ingredients to help firm skin and tackle uneven skin tone, dullness, and wrinkles for all skin types. “This product has shea butter and glycerin for hydration. It is very effective and extremely hydrating,” notes Dr. Jaliman. It’s also “packed with oils to hydrate skin while exfoliating,” adds Dr. Spearman.
What a reviewer says: “I noticed a difference in my skin texture and the eczema patches when I woke up the morning after applying this for the first time!” one shopper said. “I was worried this would be too strong for my sensitive skin but it is exactly what I needed. I’ve been applying it morning and night (after showering) and haven’t experience any irritation. Love that there is no unnecessary added fragrance.”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol (0.1%), vitamin C, vitamin E, shea butter, grapeseed oil, evening primrose oil |
|---|---|
| Size | 4 fl oz |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
4
Best for Sensitive Skin
Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion
Now 11% Off
Pros
- Gentle, encapsulated retinol
- Contains skin-soothing allantoin
- Fragrance-free and paraben-free
Cons
- Some reviewers don’t like the scent
Dr. Jaliman says this pick from Naturium is great for sensitive skin, thanks to its dermatologist-tested formula with encapsulated, stabilized retinol that’s suitable on all skin types without causing any irritation. “It also has allantoin, which is a skincare ingredient used for soothing sensitive skin,” she says.
Dr. Gohara also gives this lotion a stamp of approval, noting that it’s “a powerhouse with encapsulated retinol for sustained release, perfect for those looking to tackle uneven skin tone on larger areas.”
What a reviewer says: “I was searching for body creams with retinol that were also gentle enough for my sensitive skin and this was a clear winner out of the several I tried!” one Amazon shopper shared. “After applying for the first time before bed, I woke up with the softest skin. It is incredibly hydrating…The biggest win for me was the improvement of the keratosis pilaris on my upper arms.”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, allantoin, shea butter, sodium PCA |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 fl oz |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
5
Best for Rough, Uneven Skin
Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
Pros
- Contains exfoliating AHAs
- Contains squalane and niacinamide
- Milky, fast-absorbing serum texture
Cons
- Some reviewers say the packaging makes it difficult to dispense only a small amount
Transform rough, textured skin into smooth and soft with this pick from Topicals, which comes in a fast-absorbing, serum-like texture. Powered by encapsulated retinol, urea, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like lactic acid and glycolic acid, it’s specifically formulated to exfoliate skin, meaning it removes dead skin cells and clogged pores on the surface to smooth and soften bumps and rough texture—all while deeply hydrating the skin with squalane. It’s great for dry patches, strawberry skin, and skin conditions like keratosis pilaris (KP).
What a reviewer says: “I am 39 years old and as I have aged I’ve gotten some KP on the backs of my arms and some rough and bumpy dry skin on my forearms (not to mention my aging chest due to years of sun exposure),” one user said. “I have tried EVERYTHING and seen minimal results but this is now my holy grail product! I have seen noticeable differences in all of the issues mentioned above in less than a month. My skin looks and feels hydrated and I’ve noticed a significant different in my KP and the aged look of my décolletage.”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, lactic acid, glycolic acid, urea, niacinamide, squalane |
|---|---|
| Size | 5 fl oz |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
6
Best for Mature Skin
Nécessaire The Body Retinol
Pros
- Contains AHAs, peptides, glycerin, and vitamins
- Targets crepiness, lines, and wrinkles
- Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and free of fragrance, silicones, and parabens
Cons
- Pricey
For mature skin concerns, Nécessaire’s The Body Retinol is worth the buy. This repair serum is powered by pure retinol along with AHAs—including mandelic and glycolic acid to gently exfoliate—peptides, glycerin, and vitamins to help treat and prevent aging skin concerns like crepiness, lines, and wrinkles. Plus, the dermatologist-tested formula is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and free of fragrance, parabens, silicones, and phtalates.
What a reviewer says: “I started getting a small patch of crepey skin on my chest, right above my cleavage, so I was excited to see if this would help…For reference, I’ve got dry skin and am 43 years old,” said one Sephora customer. “First off, it’s a lightweight cream texture and one pump is enough for my entire chest area…After about a week, I noticed a big difference in the texture of the skin in that area and after four weeks the patch is completely smooth and supple again! This worked really well for me!”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol (0.1%), peptides, glycerin, glycolic acid, mandelic acid |
|---|---|
| Size | 5.1 fl oz |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
7
Best Lightweight
Dove Body Cream Serum Pro-Retinol + Firming
Pros
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy
- Contains collagen peptides, niacinamide, and antioxidants
- Affordable
Cons
- Not fragrance-free
Dr. Gohara recommends this pick from Dove for dry or normal skin, noting that it’s “affordable and hydrating, all the while great at building collagen.” It’s formulated with pro-retinol, a gentle retinoid, plus collagen peptides that promote firm and supple skin, niacinamide to improve skin clarity, and antioxidants to prevent signs of premature aging. Reviewers especially love the lightweight and fast-absorbing serum-like texture of this lotion.
What a reviewer says: “This is my new favorite body lotion. It’s lightweight, quickly absorbs, is not greasy, has a very light pleasant fragrance and keeps my skin feeling soft, supple and youthful. I’d buy this by the gallon if I could,” wrote one satisfied shopper. “For most of my life I didn’t use a body lotion because it left me feeling clammy or sweaty. This doesn’t make my skin feel like it’s suffocating. It just feels softer, smoother and looks like it did when I was a teen (OK, not quite but definitely better).”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, collagen peptides, niacinamide, antioxidants |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 fl oz |
| Fragrance-free | No |
8
Best Reviews
Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream
Now 28% Off
Pros
- Contains hydrating aloe vera, chamomile, glycerin, and green tea
- Great value
- Free of fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and dyes
Cons
- Some reviewers note issues with the pump
This retinol cream from Advanced Clinicals has racked up over 46,000 ratings on Amazon—and an impressive 4.4 star rating. Along with retinol, it’s packed with hydrating and soothing ingredients including aloe vera, chamomile, glycerin, and green tea. Suitable for all skin types, the lightweight and non-greasy formula is dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, and free of fragrance, parabens, sulfates, and dyes. Bonus: It’s a great value buy at under $20 for 16 oz of product.
What a reviewer says: “I’ve only been using this for a week and I’m blown away by the results. I have loose skin from recent weight loss and the retinol has already tightened it. Can’t wait to see what it looks like with long term use,” shared one user. “The price is so low for how much you get!! This is now a permanent part of my skin care routine, I HIGHLY recommend. Also it somehow works wonders for cellulite. Night and day difference.”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, aloe vera, chamomile, glycerin, green tea |
|---|---|
| Size | 16 oz |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
9
Best Gentle
Cocokind Retinol Body Cream
Pros
- Low, gentle dose of retinol
- Also contains hydrating squalane, ceramides, and shea butter
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers note issues with the lid design
If you’re looking to start with a low concentration of retinol, try Cocokind’s Retinol Body Cream. This lightweight, fast-absorbing lotion contains a low dose of 0.05% retinol to minimize irritation and is also dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free, making it a great pick for sensitive skin. It also contains hydrating ingredients like squalane, ceramides, and shea butter to lock in moisture and support a healthier skin barrier.
What a reviewer says: “This lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer is perfect for my sensitive skin especially, and it absorbs instantly without any sticky or greasy residue,” an Amazon shopper wrote. “The 0.05% retinol works wonders to firm and improve uneven tone and texture, while the addition of squalane and ceramide provides intense hydration that lasts all day. My skin feels silky-soft and deeply nourished after every use, and I love that it’s cruelty-free and vegan.”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol (0.05%), squalane, ceramides, shea butter |
|---|---|
| Size | 8 fl. oz |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
10
Best for Face and Body
Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Contains peptides, squalane, glycerin, niacinamide, and more
- Suitable for both face and body
- Hypoallergenic and free from fragrance, parabens, phthalates, and dyes
Cons
- Some reviewers find the texture too sticky
Designed for nighttime use for smoother, softer skin overnight, this top-rated lotion from Gold Bond is formulated with gentle, stabilized retinol and peptides to help visibly firm and tighten skin, but it’s also packed with a slew of hydrating, soothing ingredients, including squalane, glycerin, niacinamide, jojoba oil, and shea and cocoa butter. This lotion is also gentle for everyday use on both your body and face, thanks to a hypoallergenic formula that’s free from fragracnes, parabens, phthalates, and dyes.
What a reviewer says: “I’ve been a Gold Bond overnight lotion user for a couple years, and have loved it. But a few months ago I found this retinol version and I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that it’s transformed my skin,” one customer wrote. “I was dry, scaly and on the way to getting a bit crepey. After using this for a couple months, my skin everywhere feels firm and soft in a way that I haven’t really felt since about 20 years ago.”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, peptides, squalane, glycerin, niacinamide, shea butter, cocoa butter |
|---|---|
| Size | 7 fl oz |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
11
Best for Crepey Skin
Medix 5.5 Retinol Body Lotion
This top-rated body lotion contains ferulic acid, a potent antioxidant that promotes elasticity and visibly improves skin tone and hydration. Together with retinol and vitamin E, the result is a powerful formula that effectively targets signs of aging—including crepey, sagging skin and fine lines. Additionally: shea butter, glycerin, chamomile, green tea, and licorice root extract to help soothe and nourish the skin. It’s no surprise that this lotion boasts a 4.3 star rating from over 33,000 Amazon customers.
What a reviewer says: “As someone dealing with crepey skin, I’ve tried numerous products without much success, but this one exceeded my expectations,” one shopper said. “The formula is rich and creamy, making it easy to apply and quick to absorb. The retinol infusion is a game-changer, visibly improving the firmness and texture of my skin. I’ve noticed a significant reduction in crepiness, especially on my arms and thighs…My skin feels nourished throughout the day, and I’ve even noticed a subtle glow.”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, ferulic acid, vitamin E, green tea, shea butter, chamomile, licorice root extract |
|---|---|
| Size | 15 fl oz |
| Fragrance-free | No |
12
Best Serum
Soft Services Software Update Retinol Body Serum
Pros
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing serum texture
- Contains glycerin and niacinamide
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Only comes in a small size
This overnight retinol treatment helps improve the appearance of fine lines, dullness, uneven texture, and other signs of aging with 0.25% pure retinol, along with glycerin, which helps hydrate and soften skin, and niacinamide, which helps visibly even and brighten skin tone. Reviewers especially love the weightless, silky-soft serum texture, noting that it sinks into skin quickly and layers well with other products.
What a reviewer says: “This serum is very light and silky, and absorbs into my skin quickly…I’m on my second bottle, and I’m very happy with the results!” one Sephora customer wrote. “My skin has started to look crepey in areas and there is some loss of firmness…After two months, the skin on my stomach looks smoother and a bit tighter, the wrinkly, crepey skin around my armpits has improved enough to not be self conscious in sleeveless tops, my chest looks and feels smoother.”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol 0.25%, niacinamide, glycerin |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.5 oz |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
13
Best Splurge
U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound
Pros
- Powerful formula packed with AHAs, peptides, antioxidants, and more
- Exfoliates and resurfaces skin
- Targets rough, , uneven, or bumpy skin
Cons
- Pricey
If you’re looking to splurge on a quality retinol body lotion, reach for U Beauty’s Resurfacing Body Compound. Its comprehensive formula is packed with a slew of powerful ingredients to renew, resurface, and tighten skin, including retinol, antioxidants, peptides, enzymes, and a complex of five AHAs to help exfoliate and promote skin cell turnover: lactic, flower, mandelic, phytic, and glycolic acid. Plus, hylauronic acid, shea butter, and bioferments help support the skin’s moisture barrier for hydrated, supple skin.
What a reviewer says: “This does a great job of clearing up the uneven pigmentation and bumps on my arms and knees. I’ve tried everything but U Beauty really does the trick,” said one Amazon shopper. “I try to use it very sparingly given its high cost but if you can afford it, splurge! My skin looks so much smoother and younger afterwards…this really makes a difference.”
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, peptides, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, flower acid, phytic acid, lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, papain (papaya extract) |
|---|---|
| Size | 6.7 fl oz |
| Fragrance-free | Yes |
How to choose the best retinol body lotions
✔️ Choose a gentle retinol concentration. First and foremost, you’ll want to check the concentration of retinol in the body lotion. Our dermatologists recommend starting with a low retinol concentration, ideally between 0.25% and 0.5% retinol.
✔️ Look for hydrating and soothing ingredients. Experts recommend seeking lotions with hydrating ingredients that can combat potential dryness caused by retinol like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and shea butter. “For sensitive skin, formulations with added calming agents like aloe vera or niacinamide are a bonus,” says Dr. Gohara. Niacinamide can help decrease redness and inflammation in the skin, explains Dr. Jaliman. On the flip side, you’ll want to avoid harsh additives like fragrance or alcohol, as it “can be irritating to the skin and very drying,” says Dr. Jaliman.
✔️ Consider exfoliating ingredients. “Sometimes lactic acid or glycolic acid are used in addition to retinol to improve the smoothing effects of the product,” says Dr. Jaliman. These alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) work to exfoliate skin, meaning it removes dead skin cells to improve skin texture, encourage cell turnover, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, acne, and more.
Can I use retinol body lotion every day?
Our experts recommend starting slow with retinol at first, especially if you have sensitive skin, as there may be potential for irritation. “Begin with one to two times per week and gradually increase usage as your skin adjusts. Start slow—think of it like introducing a spicy dish to your diet,” advises Dr. Gohara. “Once tolerated, daily use can be fine for most skin types, but always follow up with sunscreen during the day to protect your skin from increased sensitivity to the sun.”
How we chose the best retinol body lotions
We spoke with experts for their recommendations and insights, including Mona Gohara, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and an associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine; Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City; and Dara Spearman, M.D., F.F.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the owner of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Additionally, we combed through hundreds of reviews, ratings, and specs online to find the best retinol body lotions for all skin types.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Hannah Jeon is an Associate Commerce Editor at Prevention, where she covers expert-driven commerce content for all things health, beauty, and wellness. Previously the Editorial Assistant at Good Housekeeping, she earned her bachelor’s degree in creative writing and psychology from Johns Hopkins University. When she’s not on the hunt for all the best products online, you can often find her trying out new food spots in New York City or clicking away behind a camera.
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