7 Dermatologist-Approved Retinol Body Lotions for Firmer Skin

As someone who’s constantly chasing clearer, glass-like skin, I’m hyper-aware of what products I’m putting on my face. It wasn’t until recently, however, that I realized caring for the skin below my neck is just as important, and that the beauty market is actually brimming with body care products containing the same treasured ingredients we use on our faces—one of those being skin-firming retinol. 

Retinol is a type of retinoid widely-beloved for its anti-aging benefits, which include reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. One reason for retinol’s efficacy, as board-certified dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose told InStyle, is that it can help the skin generate more collagen. “Loss of collagen contributes significantly to the signs of aging we see on skin as years go by,” Dr. Murphy-Rose wrote over email. “Vitamin A-derived ingredients, like retinol, boost your skin’s natural collagen production.” 

Because the skin on our body deserves to be as flawless as the skin on our face, I’ve decided to upgrade my own body care routine with retinol-infused lotions. And since there’s a dizzying amount of options to pick from, I tapped several board-certified dermatologists to see which products are actually worth the hype. Below, shop my top seven picks on Amazon, with prices starting at just $10.  

Dermatologist-Approved Retinol Body Lotions

Naturium Skin Renewing Body Retinol Lotion 

Formulated with retinol and soothing allantoin, Naturium’s body lotion  improves skin elasticity, evens out texture, and reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and pores. Plus, with the inclusion of shea butter, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, the lotion also locks in moisture. 

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa K. Garshick gave the lotion her stamp of approval, noting that the lotion’s “gentle yet effective formula” can promote “smoother and firmer skin texture over time.” Dr. Murphy-Rose also pointed out that the lotion’s combination of retinol and hyaluronic acid helps to “plump and firm skin.” 

Even better, it’s not just the experts who swear by this product—shoppers love it, too. Over 2,000 Amazon customers have purchased the lotion this month, and many of them have filled its review section with praise. One reviewer said they woke up with “the softest skin” after use, noting that the lotion is “incredibly hydrating” and “absorbs easily and quickly.” Another shopper, who struggles with “chicken skin,” ingrown hairs, and scars, called the lotion “a lifesaver” for all of the above, and confirmed the product leaves skin looking “soft and silky.” 

Versed Press Restart Retinol Body Lotion

Another on sale option, the Versed Press Restart Retinol Body Lotion is another go-to pick among shoppers for hydrating and tightening the skin. 

With a star-studded ingredients list that includes retinol, cocoa butter, and squalane, this lotion is a no-brainer choice for skin care experts. “Using an encapsulated retinol, this lotion works to improve texture and reduce dullness of the skin,” Dr. Garshick told InStyle. “It also incorporates cocoa butter and squalane to help lock moisture in. For this reason, it can be especially good for those new to retinol or with sensitive skin,” she added. 

The mega-popular lotion has been purchased more than 4,000 times in the past month alone. One reviewer, who said they had “alligator skin” after a brutal sunburn, reported the body cream made their skin feel even better than before, while another shopper wrote it “reduced wrinkles” on their hands and neck.

A true bang for your buck, this retinol body lotion from Advanced Clinicals is chock full of firming ingredients that reduce the look of sun-damaged and crepey skin. 

Conveniently packaged in an easy-to-use pump jar, this lotion includes ingredients that combat a long list of complexion woes, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Maya Thosani. “Not only does it contain retinol, which helps with tightening and building collagen, but it is also infused with firming and hydrating agents such as shea butter and niacinamide,” she told InStyle. The skin care expert added that the lotion also has antioxidants ferulic acid and vitamin E to “combat environmental allergens,” plus aloe vera to calm “redness and irritation.” 

If you haven’t been taking your body care routine as seriously as you should, this is your sign that it’s never too late to start. For firmer, buttery soft skin, head to Amazon, where you can shop more dermatologist-recommended skin-softening products from just $10. 

Versed Advanced Retinol Body Butter

Nature Well Clinical Retinol Advanced Moisture Cream

Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body and Face Lotion