Talk to a dermatologist or scroll through #BeautyTok feeds—it’s hard not to come across the famous R word. Yes, we’re talking about retinol.
“A vitamin A derivative, retinol is one of the best skincare ingredients for improving skin texture and pigmentation,” says dermatologist Dr. Davar Bhanusali.
“It exfoliates and boosts collagen synthesis, which tightens, brightens, smoothes, and thickens the epidermis.”
Now that retinol eye creams, lotions, serums, and eye oils are considered the best acne and Botox products, it was only a matter of time before this powerful ingredient became a favorite.
These formulas deliver the hydration you need while fighting stubborn breakouts, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing rash skin, and lightening hyperpigmentation and age spots below the neck.
The best retinol body lotions can even help reduce unwanted cellulite on your thighs and butt. (It’s bikini season, what a blessing.)
The only downside to this versatile ingredient is that it can irritate sensitive skin. But don’t worry, there are many high-quality retinol moisturizers that are gentle on sensitive skin, too.
If you haven’t invested yet, we’ve got you excited.
Here are the 11 best retinol body lotions for optimal nourishment and radiance, according to dermatologists, ELLE editors, and thousands of satisfied customers who’ve tested them.
1. NatureWell Clinical Retinol Advanced Moisturizer: With more than 9,000 positive reviews, dozens of buyers rave about this retinol body lotion for mature skin.
Customers love its lightweight texture and note that it effectively reduces fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and age spots without causing irritation.
The key to its magical effects is microencapsulated retinyl palmitate (a slow-release, gentle retinol), brightening grapeseed oil, and a host of moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil and glycerin.
“I’ve been using it every night for about a month. I’m 72. My skin is smoother and my dark spots are so light they’re invisible,” writes one Amazon reviewer.
Skin is also slightly firmer, but it doesn’t look like I’ve had plastic surgery. Looks natural. I will continue to use this product. It’s a great value.”
Key Ingredients: Retinyl Palmitate, Grapeseed Oil, Coconut Oil,
Glycerin
2. Advanced Clinicals Retinol Moisturizer: More than 46,000 customers gave this firming lotion five stars, especially for its anti-cellulite benefits.
This fragrance-free cream contains powerful retinol and caffeine to tighten the skin, as well as aloe, chamomile, glycerin, and green tea to plump and moisturize the skin.
One Amazon user commented: “I was 24 years old and bought this product to treat my stretch marks. In less than a week, my stretch marks were much lighter!
I then used it to treat cellulite, and wow, my skin is so much smoother, more elastic, and more supple now. The best part: I had an old, purple, ugly scar, and it disappeared in four uses! ”
This recipe is a godsend! It’s amazing! I will use it for the rest of my life.” Key Ingredients: Retinol, caffeine, aloe, chamomile, glycerin, green tea, and ferulic acid
3. Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Nighttime Body and Face Lotion: This nighttime lotion from classic drugstore brand Gold Bond is another affordable option that tones and firms your skin while you sleep.
In addition to retinol, it contains a blend of seven hydrating ingredients, three vitamins, and plumping peptides to smooth and soften skin.
The evidence is clear. In a clinical study, 93% of users saw noticeably smoother skin after just three days.
“It’s a thick cream, so in the summer I sometimes use it with a urea lotion to make it easier to apply,” says one Amazon reviewer.
“After a few weeks, I noticed an improvement in my skin texture and the disappearance of dark spots on my arms and legs. No skin irritation. I recommend them.” ”
Key Ingredients: Peptides, Glycerin, Squalane, Shea Butter, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Urea.
4. Press Restart when done. Dr. Bhanusali loves this affordable retinol body lotion because it’s packed with nourishing ingredients squalane and cocoa butter.
ELLE Beauty Editor Margaux Anbouba is also intrigued by it because it’s a great introduction. “When the first retinol body lotion came out, I was skeptical,” she says.
“When I started using retinol for wrinkles, my face needed to be thoroughly exfoliated and cleansed, and I didn’t want to go all in.
But this body lotion with 0.1% retinol doesn’t cause any of those unwanted side effects.” ”
Instead, it leaves you feeling soft and hydrated while providing all the firming and smoothing effects you could want.”
Key Ingredients: Retinol, Cocoa Butter, Squalane, Vitamin E
5. Medix 5.5 Retinol Body Lotion Although it
This retinol body lotion is less than $16, the quality is impressive. It has over 14,500 four- and five-star reviews on Amazon.
Buyers confirm that the product “really works” to address issues like wrinkles, dark spots, and bumps associated with keratosis pilaris.
The addition of ferulic acid and vitamin E makes it an effective blend for fighting hyperpigmentation and signs of aging.
Green tea, shea butter, and chamomile provide extra moisture and reduce redness.
“I had dry skin on the back of my arms and thighs, as well as keratosis pilaris…until I used this retinol cream,” writes one Amazon reviewer.
“I’ve tried countless brands of expensive oils, cream concentrates, body mousses, scrubs, and cleansers, but this cream is the best.”
After using this product, the backs of my arms and legs have become smoother, and my thighs, which were somehow always dry, are now soft and supple.
It’s now an integral part of my skincare routine. Key Ingredients: Retinol, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E, Green Tea, Shea Butter, Chamomile.
6. Beauty Pie Youth Bomb Body 360° Repair Concentrate If you want to maximize the benefits of a retinol body lotion, Beauty Pie’s Youthbomb Concentrate is the way to go.
It was created by world-renowned London dermatologist Dr. Marcus.
This multi-benefit formula contains a unique 2% Granular Active Retinol Complex (proven to be as effective as retinol but less irritating) and Niacinamide to brighten, plump and strengthen the skin barrier.
It also contains gentle chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, as well as nourishing shea butter, glycerin and soothing allantoin for a smooth and even complexion.
Key Ingredients: Granular Active Retinol, Niacinamide, Shea Butter, Glycerin, Glycolic Acid
