The 10 Best Firming Body Lotions to Shop in 2025
Of course, facial skincare can also work for the body, but dermatologist Kiran Mian tells Bazaar that firming body lotions are often formulated a bit differently. “[These lotions] are usually thicker and have botanical extracts that work well on the body, but may be too harsh or heavy for the face,” she says. “Firming lotions usually have natural extracts or other ingredients that help strengthen the dermis, decrease inflammation, decrease swelling, and help firm the skin.” Plus, your body skin may tolerate more potent ingredients like retinol and peptides at different strengths than your face can.
Ahead, we’ve combed through customer reviews and consulted Mian and other professionals for their thoughts on the best firming body lotions worth shopping. Whether you’re in need of a temporary lift or in search of a longer-term tightening option, these top picks seamlessly address a range of skin concerns.
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Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper’s BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Pros
- Works quickly
- Can be used on other body parts
Cons
- Over $50
If you prefer to focus your firming efforts on the upper body, U Beauty’s The Sculpt Arm Compound is a Bazaar editor favorite. As the name suggests, its formula targets sagging arm with ingredients like tightening caffeine, moisturizing glycerin, and nourishing grapeseed oil to erase crepiness and boost glow.
- Key ingredients: Marine bacillus extract, retinol, superoxide dismutase, glutathione, vitamin E, stabilized vitamin C
Customer review: “Miracle in a bottle. Can see immediate results that get better over time. Not greasy at all. Holy grail.” —Lara S.
Most Hydrating
Clarins Extra-Firming Body Cream
Pros
- Made with mainly plant-based ingredients
- Great for dry skin
Cons
- Over $50
The powerhouse duo behind Clarin’s Extra-Firming Cream is a pair of plant extracts: Organic petasites to tighten skin and mitracarpus for firmness. The cream is also packed with shea butter to maintain deep hydration for up to 48 hours, which adds to the skin’s smoother, plumper appearance.
- Key ingredients: Organic petasites extract, organic mitracarpus extract, shea butter, organic aloe vera extract
Customer review: “Clarins body firming cream is brilliant. I have noticed my skin seems tighter, and it softens the skin really well.” — Jet
Best Dermatologist-Tested
SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body
Pros
- Expert-approved
- Great for sagging and crepey skin
Cons
- Over $100
This lifting, texture-correcting cream from SkinMedica is one of Mian’s top firming picks. “I like caffeine, like in SkinMedica’s Firm and Tone lotion, for decreasing swelling, which can help with cellulite,” she says. Its blend of green microalgae, shitake mushroom, Japanese parsley, and more helps rebuild collagen and improve the skin’s elasticity and firmness.
- Key ingredients: Green microalgae and shitake mushroom extracts, lemon balm extract, coffea arabica seed oil, caffeine, hydrolyzed rice protein, Japanese parsley, grapefruit peel oil, ginger root extract
Customer review: “This is the only firming lotion that I can see visibly works. I’ve tried many, and this one is the best out there. It’s not thick, has a subtle scent, and works!” —Anonymous
Best for Cellulite
Peter Thomas Roth FIRMx Tight & Toned Cellulite Treatment
Pros
- Works quickly
- Great for stretch marks
- Expert-approved
Cons
- Some reviewers say they wish jar was larger
Mian also recommends this treatment from Peter Thomas Roth to smooth uneven texture on the butt, belly, hips, thighs, and arms that’s caused by cellulite. She notes that when skin holds excess water, it can look puffy, causing existing cellulite to become more visible. “I like bergamot extract, which is included in PTR’s Firmx Tight and Toned, to decrease glycosaminoglycans that can lead to water retention,” the expert explains.
- Key ingredients: Citrus-derived flavsoslim, caffeine, mokaté kalahari melon oil
Customer review: “This stuff works! It is a creamy texture, soaks right into the skin, and helps reduce the appearance of cellulite! The only con I have is that this only lasted me three weeks with once a day use (on my thighs).” — Nicole V.
Best with Peptides
Vivier Age-Defying Body Lotion
Pros
- Expert-approved
Cons
- Some reviewers say scent can be off-putting
Dermatologist Linda Xing recommends this firming option from Vivier to smooth the body’s fine lines and wrinkles. “It’s elegantly formulated to contain peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. There is a light citrus scent, which makes it luxurious to use,” she explains. Professionals suggest exfoliating with a body scrub for maximum effectiveness before applying this lightweight lotion.
- Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants
Customer review: “I had doubts at first, as I have tried similar products before that promise change. This body lotion actually did what it promised, and I couldn’t be happier.” —Philip M.
Best for Crepey Texture
Paula’s Choice Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Body Treatment
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Some reviewers say formula can pill after it’s applied
This hardworking formula is made with crepey, loose skin in mind on the chest, forearms, and hands. The treatment aims to replenish skin’s lost elasticity with ingredients like daidzein, equol, and genistein that work in tandem to rebuild firm, smooth, and soften.
- Key ingredients: Daidzein, genistein, equol, glycine soja seed extract, linum usitatissimum (linseed) seed oil, squalane
Customer review: “Throw out any other décolletage and neck products, because this one is amazing and all you need. It’s made a difference after just a week. Can’t wait to see what happens after a few more. Well worth the price tag.” —Noele
Best for Massage
Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Body Cream
Now 20% Off
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Great for lymphatic drainage massage
Cons
- Subtle rose and magnolia scent may be off-putting for some
If you’ve tried the face version of this body cream, then you probably already understand how effective it is. Charlotte’s Magic Body Cream takes the formula’s wizardry up a notch, aiming to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks after eight weeks of use.
- Key ingredients: Algaktiv, caffeine, soybean, rose extract, damask rose oil and water, magnolia oil, glycerin, sunflower oil, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E
Customer review: “LOVE this. Bought the full-size version after I tried a sample. Use it for my more problematic areas since it is pricey, but it is worth the splurge. My skin has never looked better, and I love the scent.” —misty149
Best Under $20
Dove Pro-Retinol + Firming Cream Serum
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Great for dry skin
Cons
- Visible results after two days of use
This cream serum from the experts at Dove proves that you don’t have to spend a ton of money to firm your skin. It combines pro-retinol, collagen peptides, and niacinamide to boost elasticity and smoothness while locking in long-term moisture.
- Key ingredients: Pro-retinol, collagen peptides, niacinamide, antioxidants
Customer review: “Love this stuff. Lightly scented. Very effective.” —Anonymous
Best with Retinol
Murad Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment
Pros
- Great for mature skin
- Nonsticky formula
Cons
- Over $50
This retinal-based formula targets cellulite, stretch marks, and crepeiness and features an extract blend that’s inspired by exerkines, the molecules your body releases during exercise.
- Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinal, milk thistle and bearberry extracts, bentonite clay, encapsulated shea butter, avocado extract, squalane
Customer review: “This is the first body cream that delivers!!! I’ve only been using it for two weeks on my mom pouch and my inner thighs, and wow! My mom’s pouch has tightened significantly, and my inner thigh skin is less saggy. Will continue to buy this product, worth every penny.” —Bryana N.
Best Quick Absorbing
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Body Cream
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Nongreasy
Cons
- Over $100
This coveted body cream is ideal for those with dry and sensitive skin, and is a favorite to improve skin elasticity. Its supple formula quickly replenishes lost moisture and tightness while minimizing visible signs of irritation.
- Key ingredients: Grape seed oil, shea butter, purslane extract, glycerine, indian almond, meadowfoam seed oil, olive oil, vitamin E, panthenol, black elderflower, edelweiss, chickpea seed extract, squalane, pure glacier water
Customer review: “In the brief time that I have been using this product, I am already seeing results. My neck and arm skin is firmer and looks so much better!” —Jodi H.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Kiran Mian is a board-certified dermatologist with Hudson Dermatology and Laser Surgery in New York.
- Dr. Linda Xing is a board-certified dermatologist, medical doctor, and Mohs surgeon.
How do firming body lotions work?
Ingredients are the power source behind how firming body lotions work. According to Xing, peptides are one of these key ingredients, aiding in the reduction of skin sagging and crepiness. Plus, amino acids help by signaling skin cells to produce more collagen, which improves firmness and elasticity.
The professional also notes that hyaluronic acid is great for plumpness and hydration, while antioxidants are important in protecting skin from environmental stress and oxidative damage, which can break down collagen and lead to visible signs of aging. Retinol in body lotion also helps with cellular turnover, collagen synthesis, and complexion correction.
“Firming body lotions aim to improve skin elasticity and appearance by incorporating active ingredients that stimulate collagen production, enhance hydration, and therefore improve the firmness of your skin,” Xing explains. “Excellent firming body lotions should contain a combination of products that target skin changes as we mature.”
What’s the difference between a firming body lotion and firming face cream?
Mian pointed out earlier that firming body creams may be too harsh or heavy for the face. Xing co-signs, saying, “Generally speaking, a lighter-feeling formulation may be found for use on the face, whereas body products may have a thicker consistency. Of course, body products are often found in generously sized packages compared to the face, making them great value for the price.”
Can firming body lotions get rid of cellulite?
“Strictly speaking, cellulite is a physiological structure in everyone’s skin. It comes from deep tethering of our connective tissue, so nothing applied to the skin is really going to tackle that,” Xing clarifies. Similarly, stretch marks are scars in the skin from sudden tearing of our skin; therefore, these are permanent as well. “Nonetheless, good skincare with products containing hyaluronic acid and retinoids/retinol has been shown to improve the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. So I advise my patients that it’s worth trying, but expect that results can take a while, and they may only see limited improvement.”
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