7 best retinol body lotions for smoother skin from head to toe
If you’ve been diligently applying retinol to your face but neglecting your body, consider this your nudge to start treating your limbs to the same gold-standard skincare. Retinol – the powerhouse ingredient hailed as the holy grail of anti-ageing – has officially entered the bodycare chat, and it’s here to smooth, brighten, and generally make your skin look like you have a professional facialist on speed dial.
'Retinol is a form of vitamin A frequently found in over-the-counter skincare made for reducing the signs of skin ageing,' explains consultant dermatologist, Dr Anjali Mahto. 'Research shows that retinol can help target fine lines and pigmentation alongside boosting collagen production and improving skin cell turnover for a brighter, smoother complexion.'
In other words? It’s a miracle worker for anyone looking to soften crepey skin, fade sun damage, and improve texture – no filters required.
So, whether you’re dealing with post-summer sun spots, stubborn keratosis pilaris, or just want your body to glow like you’ve just returned from an indulgent retreat in the Maldives, these are the best retinol body lotions to add to your routine.
What are the benefits of retinol for the body?
While most of us are well-versed in retinol’s ability to keep our faces looking smooth and firm, its perks extend well beyond the jawline. Retinol body creams work in much the same way as their facial counterparts – stimulating collagen production, encouraging cell turnover, and tackling hyperpigmentation – but they also address common body skin concerns, including rough texture, sun damage, and those pesky little bumps known as keratosis pilaris (aka ‘chicken skin’). In short? If you want softer, glowier, and more youthful-looking skin, a retinol body lotion is your new best friend.
Who should use a retinol body lotion?
Anyone looking to improve their skin’s tone, texture, or overall radiance will benefit from incorporating retinol into their bodycare routine. That said, those with sensitive skin should proceed with caution, as retinol can be irritating if introduced too aggressively. If you’re prone to dryness, opt for a formula that’s buffered with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid to counteract any potential irritation.
It’s also worth noting that if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, most dermatologists advise against using retinol, so always check with a medical professional before adding one to your routine.
How often can you use a retinol body lotion?
Much like facial retinol, body retinol should be introduced gradually to avoid irritation. Start with once or twice a week and slowly build up to every other night if your skin tolerates it well. And don’t forget: retinol makes skin more sensitive to sunlight, so slather on SPF (yes, even on your arms and legs) if you’re using it on exposed areas.
The best retinol body lotions to try now:
How We Test
To find the best retinol body lotion, we examined various products, from some of the leading bodycare brands.
We looked at how well the formula brightened appearance of sun damage, improved crepey skin and left skin smooth and soft.
We also examined whether the formula contained other skin-kind ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, to help nourish and hydrate.
Elements like texture and application were important to consider, too; we looked at how well the formulas sat on the skin and interacted with other bodycare products.
Retinol Body Lotion
A brilliant no-fuss option for retinol beginners. This gentle-yet-effective lotion combines encapsulated retinol with nourishing emollients such as shea butter to deliver smoother skin without irritation. Skin is left soft and smooth, with little-to-no irritation and I saw an improvement in as little as two t0 three weeks.
Flawless Body Therapy AHA Body Lotion
A dream for anyone with dry or bumpy skin, this formula combines AHAs with bakuchiol – so you get the smoothing and anti-ageing benefits of retinol, without the risk of irritation. Bumpy skin on thighs and butt felt softer and smoother after 10 days of consistent use.
Press Restart Retinol Body Lotion
This affordable, beginner-friendly formula combines encapsulated retinol with skin-soothing ingredients such as jojoba, vitamin E and cocoa butter to gently refine texture and tone. It took longer to see results with this on as the concentration of retinol is lower.
The Body Retinol
A minimalist’s dream, this lotion is fragrance-free and non-greasy while delivering real results, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin. It's on the pricey side, but a little goes a long way. It definitely left my skin feeling soft and supple, and did a number on chest acne that sometimes appears after a week of sweaty workouts.
Retinol Body Treatment
If you’re serious about results, this one is worth the investment. With 0.1% retinol plus nourishing shea butter and peptides, it leaves skin smoother, firmer and brighter after a few uses.
Retinol Reboot Exfoliating Body Treatment
Perfect for tackling rough patches, this lotion exfoliates while encouraging collagen production – so you wake up to significantly softer skin.
Youthbomb Body 360° Repair Concentrate
Developed with consultant dermatologist Dr Andrew Markey, this science-led formula promises to smooth, firm, and brighten skin – all while keeping it hydrated and soft. I found it really helped to smooth my skin's texture but it can be slightly irritating on sensitive areas. It's smells divine, too.
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