I have tried them all… so come elevate your body care routine
Few ingredients are as powerful or intimidating as retinol. Dermatologists and skin experts have long praised retinol as the gold standard when it comes to antiaging. This powerful anti-aging ingredient shouldn’t be limited to your face products. Whether you want to reduce the appearance of fine lines or just want to reduce uneven skin tone/texture, incorporating retinol into your routine might help you achieve your skin goals. Today we’re going to be looking at retinol for the body. Retinol body lotions are becoming more popular and we are seeing a lot more brands coming out with one of their own.
To help you find a retinol lotion that works for you, we researched the best options for various skin types and I have also tested all of the ones I’ll be sharing with you today.
But first, what is Retinol?
Retinol falls under the umbrella of “retinoids.” Retinoids are the family of Vitamin A, which occur in our bodies naturally. The most familiar form, retinol, is the purest form of Vitamin A that can be purchased outside a dermatologist’s office. And retinoic acid is most commonly distributed by dermatologists.
When searching for a retinol lotion that’s right for your skin, it’s important to look for trusted, clean ingredients. Bonus points if it’s dermatologist-tested and recommended! If you have sensitive skin, look for body lotions that are free from fragrances, dyes, drying alcohols, and other ingredients that could irritate your skin.
Retinol exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, leading to firmer, smoother-looking skin. It can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, clear body acne, and correct hyperpigmentation.
Is retinol okay to use on your body?
Yes, retinol is okay to use on your body and can be a great option for smoothing and evening out the texture of the skin.
Who shouldn’t use retinol body lotion?
Retinol products are not to be used while pregnant or breastfeeding, or individuals with extremely sensitive skin or a history of eczema or psoriasis-prone skin. Always speak to their doctor before use as it may cause irritation, itching, and flaking.
My picks for the Best Retinol Body Lotions
Nécessaire The Body Retinol
This aesthetically pleasing bottle also happens to be a cult-favorite retinol in the beauty community. The Body Retinol is a lightweight repair serum for the skin. 0.1% Pure Retinol paired with AHA, Peptides, Vitamins and Glycerin help treat and prevent crepiness, lines and wrinkles. Retinol can only work as long as it penetrates the skin’s surface, so this formula contains 10 percent AHAs (mandelic and glycolic acids) to gently slough off dead skin cells. The serum is so rich with active ingredients, the brand lets you know that due to the high % of actives this formula has a smell at first application. The Body Retinol contains Rosewater to help offset the scent of actives.
As with all retinol products, consistency is key, but because of the fast-acting formula, a major difference can be seen in as little as three weeks. The formula has one main mission, and that’s to reduce signs of aging on the body including the appearance of fine lines, crepiness, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation.
| Key ingredients: | Retinol, glycolic acid, mandelic acid |
| 150ml – $55 |
SHOP Necessaire Here (and use my code FACE2CURLS10 for 10% off)
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion
A more affordable retinol lotion, with pure retinol, nourishing cocoa butter, and moisture-replenishing squalane, this body lotion repairs more than dryness. It helps firm skin, smooth texture, brighten dullness, and even treat body breakouts (including the dark spots they leave behind). Encapsulated retinol gently renews skin, while the moisture-locking ingredients relieve dryness. The lightweight formula won’t leave you feeling greasy, but it will deliver the retinol results you love.
Versed’s formula is a great way to try out a body retinol. It is also great for sensitive skin. As a bonus, its tube packaging is made with 75 percent recycled materials.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, cocoa butter, squalane, vitamin E
177ml – $19.99
SHOP Versed Here
Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Collagen-Boosting Elasti-Cream with Bio-Retinol and Squalane
A collagen-supporting body cream, infused with the fruity-floral Cheirosa ’68 scent, that visibly plumps skin with vegan squalane and cacay oil, a bio-retinol.
Like all the brand’s products, the scent, which is a fruity-floral is completely transportive. This cream has a gentle retinol alternative called cacay oil, which mimics its action in skin without side effects or sensitivity to sunlight. If you are one who is super sensitive to retinol and just can’t handle the ingredient, then try the Beija Flor cream from Sol De Janeiro. This plant-based ingredient will be the answer to your skin care prayers. It has a nice thick, creamy formula and the tropical smell of Brazilian Jasmine, Pink Dragonfruit and Sheer Vanilla is so delicious.
Key ingredients: Cacay oil, squalane, plant-based collagen
240ml – $48
SHOP Sol de Janeiro Here
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
A moisturizing body lotion that gently gives skin the transforming power of pure retinol to help diminish the appearance of uneven skin tone and rejuvenate the feeling of soft firmer skin. Pure retinol and antioxidants help transform skin while natural butters and plant oils hydrate skin.
Somewhere between a serum and a lotion, this treatment has mid-strength 0.1% retinol concentration to help with uneven skin tone, dullness, and help firm skin with each use. And while it may be lightweight, it packs a hydrating punch thanks to grapeseed oil, shea butter, glycerin, and dimethicone. It is great for anyone who prefers a lightweight, unscented option that is also non-greasy.
| Key ingredients: | Retinol, grapeseed oil, shea butter |
4 oz – $29
SHOP Paula's Choice Here
Cocokind Retinol Body Cream
This lightweight body moisturizer with 0.05% retinol helps firm skin’s appearance and improves the look of uneven tone and texture. Squalane and ceramide NP work together to deliver hydration and lock it in, keeping skin moisturized and comfortable. The fragrance-free cream absorbs instantly and leaves skin feeling silky and soft, never sticky or greasy.
For those with sensitive skin who wants to try a true retinol, this formula has a lower concentration than most making it ideal.
Key ingredients: 0.05% retinol, squalane, ceramide NP, shea butter
236ml – $22
SHOP Cocokind Here |
|
|
U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound 
Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Body Lotion
The brand states they use derm-grade petroleum-free Granactive Retinoid in their hydrating body lotion formulated to do the heavy lifting for your skin while you get your beauty sleep. This superhero helps renew plumpness, elasticity and hydration for a more dewy and fresh appearance.
This most affordable lotion in this category, contains a gentle retinoid to smooth skin without irritation, while vitamin E, sunflower, and avocado oils make for a soothing base. And an interesting ingredient in this body lotion is melatonin, which acts as an antioxidant as skin repairs itself overnight. On your skin, melatonin is a celebrated supercharged free-radical scavenger.
Key ingredients: granactive retinoid, mushroom, melatonin
147ml – $18
SHOP Pacifica Here
Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion
Formulated with an encapsulated stabilized pure retinol complex and skin soothing allantoin, this lotion leaves skin feeling soft, supple, and nourished while also minimizing the look of redness and irritation. This is a great option for sensitive skin types and this fragrance-free formula is great for conditions like eczema or psoriasis. It’s gentle enough to be used daily and delivers lightweight hydration for soft, supple skin, but also targets bumps and rough skins effortlessly and penetrate deeper into skin.
Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, allantoin, shea butter
234ml – $25
SHOP Naturium Here
TIP:
Test your retinol lotion on a small patch of skin before applying it all over your body so you can ensure it’s right for your skin type and avoid any irritation–those with sensitive skin may have to build up a tolerance to the multi-tasking ingredient.
