The 10 Best Firming Body Lotions

“For firming the skin on the body, I look for ingredients that stimulate collagen and improve elasticity,” says Engelman. “Retinol and peptides are excellent because they help support the skin’s structural proteins.” This cult-favorite lotion contains both, with .1% retinol and peptides, as well as exfoliating AHA, and glycerin and hyaluronic acid to moisturize and temporarily plump lines.

As the saying goes, a dose of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That’s the idea behind adding a vitamin C-rich lotion to your body care. “I also love incorporating antioxidants like vitamin C, which help protect collagen from environmental damage and keep the skin looking smoother and more toned over time.” Add to that C’s reputation for fighting hyperpigmentation, and this lotion, which contains 2% vitamin C, is a great choice for those looking to even tone while they firm.

This splurge-worthy cream from the beloved luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader utilizes TFC8, their signature blend of amino acids, peptides, and vitamins designed to promote cellular renewal. Packed with shea butter and a hydrating polysaccharide complex, it keeps skin moisturized for a smoothing effect, and is free from synthetic fragrance, for those with sensitive skin.

Lighter in weight than some of the buttery balms on this list, this silky treatment blends .1% retinol with antioxidant vitamin C for a one-two punch of skin firming and smoothing properties.

For years, this sunny pot of cream has had a cult following for its firming effects, as well as its decadent scent. The formula leans on guaranà, which provides caffeine that Engelman says, “can give a temporary tightening effect by improving circulation and reducing fluid retention.”

Serious skin nerds know that retinoids come in a variety of types. One such is retinal, a vitamin A derivative that is typically considered more potent and faster acting than retinol. This cream makes use of an encapsulated version of the ingredient that releases over time to avoid irritation as well as shea butter and avocado extract to keep skin moisturized.

If you’re looking to avoid retinoids, this luxe lotion leans on plant and mushroom extracts to support collagen production and provide antioxidant defense as well as caffeine for an immediate firming appearance.

Town & Country’s Deputy Digital Lifestyle Director Roxanne Adamiyatt calls this firming body butter “stop-you-in-your-tracks good.” The blend of shea, cacao, and mango butters, ceramides, squalane, and hyaluronic acid provide what she calls, “a smoothing effect, making my skin look plumped and bouncy, without any dryness to speak of.” And the woodsy citrus scent? Delectable. Just what you need when you’re looking for a blend of efficacy and luxury.

For those with sensitive skin or who want to ease into retinol use slowly, this lightweight lotion has a lower concentration of time-released retinol, ensuring it’s better tolerated, gentler on skin, and less likely to cause irritation. And the price? It can’t be beaten.

This serum-like body treatment turns to a proprietary TriHex complex of peptides to improve and strengthen your skin’s collagen and elsatin over time.Along with the peptides, it also hydrates with hyaluronic acid for a super lightweight effect that’s idea for those who don’t care for a weightier body lotion.