No matter how committed you are to a skin care routine, chances are you've heard of the powerful ingredient: Retinol. If you need a quick refresher on what this ingredient can do, retinol is the over-the-counter version of retinoid, which dermatologists say possesses many skin care benefits including treating acne and reducing the signs of aging.
What are the benefits of retinol in body care? | What ingredients to look for in retinol body care | Can everyone use retinol lotions or serums? | How to use retinol body lotions in your routine | Editor-loved retinol body lotions | More retinol body products | FAQ'S | Meet the experts | How we chose
"It speeds cell turnover and aids exfoliation of dead skin, it gets into the pore and breaks apart keratin debris, goes deep in the skin to help build collagen improving skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles, and even helps heal sun damage and repair the skin," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Leah Ansell.
While it's been a popular ingredient to add to your nightly facial routine, you might have recently seen it pop up in lotions and serums for your body. That's why we turned to two dermatologists to see if retinol body products have similar benefits and are worth adding to your skin care routine, too.
Best retinol body products
What are the benefits of retinol in body care?
While retinol is most commonly used to stimulate cell turnover, target fine lines and treat acne on the face, dermatologists say it can also work on any area of the skin. Especially on the chest and back area, which are more prone to acne, says Ansell. However, she notes that the ingredient still works best on the face since it contains more sebaceous glands.
In addition to treating body acne, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessie Cheung says there are a few other benefits to using this ingredient in body care. "Body retinol is great for treating ashy skin, keeping skin smooth and tight, and preventing body acne. It can also help to fade brown spots," she says.
What ingredients to look for in retinol body care
Ansel suggests choosing a retinol that isn't too strong and to look for one that contains moisturizing ingredients, this can offset the dryness and irritation that retinol can cause, she says.
"Some body retinol formulations may also contain niacinamide, which is anti-inflammatory. Others may contain alpha hydroxy acids or beta hydroxy acids, which can help with brightening and exfoliation but may be additionally irritating," she adds.
Can everyone use retinol lotions or serums?
Both dermatologists agree that most people could benefit from using retinol products on your body, however, if you're prone to certain skin conditions, are pregnant, or trying to conceive, you'll want to avoid it.
"Those with rosacea, perioral dermatitis, very sensitive skin and eczema may want to have caution when first using a retinoid. As retinoids can be drying, it is important to find the right formulation and strength for each individual’s skin type," says Ansell.
How to use retinol body lotions in your routine
When incorporating retinol into your body care routine, the experts say the same retinol rules apply to your body as your face. Cheung suggests only using it one or two days a week, especially if you have sensitive skin, since it can cause dry and flaky skin. Ansell adds that once your skin becomes accustomed to retinol, you can start using the product every night.
And there are certain ingredients you'll want to avoid while using it, which can be found in acne-fighting body products. "Avoid retinol and benzoyl peroxide [together] because these may not be compatible. Also avoid other excessively drying topicals, which, when used in combination with retinoids can be too drying," explains Ansell.
You can also use other moisturizing lotions that contain hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in conjunction, the experts say retinol body products work well with these ingredients and can help maintain moisture.
But one thing Ansel wants you to note is that like retinol for your face, you'll want to make sure you're always using SPF on your body, too. "It’s important to use sunscreen regularly as retinols make your skin more prone to sunburns," she says.
Whether you're looking to treat a case of "bacne" or overall improve your skin's texture, we rounded up a variety of retinol lotions and serums that are loved by both editors and shoppers.
Editor-loved retinol body lotions
Necessaire The Body Retinol
- Non-greasy formula
- Low retinol percentage
- Some users don't like smell
Size: 5.1 oz. | Retinol percentage: 0.1% | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Other key ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide, Glycerin
Commerce editors Vivien Moon and Julie Ricevuto say they use this retinol serum in their routine "all the time." Moon likes it for its lightweight formula and says it doesn't feel greasy when she applies it before bed. According to the brand, this "serum-in-balm" contains 0.1% pure retinol and 10% AHA that's meant to target dark spots, lines and even help with scarring.
Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion
- Moisturizing ingredients
- Transparent retinol percentage
- Has a thicker consistency
Size: 6 oz. | Retinol percentage: 0.1% | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Other key ingredients: Cocoa butter, Squalane, Vitamin E
Another favorite of Ricevuto's is this lotion from Versed, and editorial director Adrianna Brach says she likes it, too. Along with retinol, the brand says it contains cocoa butter, squalene and vitamin E to help relieve the skin from dryness.
"I also love this one for its gentle exfoliation. My skin feels nourished afterward thanks to the added cocoa butter in it," says Ricevuto.
More retinol body care products to shop
Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
- Nourishing added ingredients
- Good for crepey skin
- Small bottle
Size: 4 oz. | Retinol percentage: 0.1% | Good for: All skin types | Other key ingredients: Shea butter, Vitamin C, Glycerin
According to the brand, this retinol body treatment is an award-winning product and contains 0.1% retinol. The brand suggests using this lotion from the neck down to target uneven skin tone and add moisture.
I've been using Paula's Choice Triple Active Total Repair Serum and the brand's "retinyl" has done wonders for dark spots on my face, so I look forward to trying this retinol option for the body to help target sun damage.
Pacifica Beauty Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Body Lotion
- Has a less irritating retinoid
- It's scented
- Contains melatonin
Size: 5 oz. | Fragrance: Rose | Good for: All skin types | Other key ingredients: Avocado Oil, Melatonin, Vitamin E
A great addition to your nighttime routine, this lotion's nourishing ingredients for hydration also contain melatonin to promote relaxation, says the brand. If you're new to retinol, the brand also notes that it contains petroleum-free retinoids, which they say can be less irritating.
Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
- Can be used on face and body
- Good amount for lower price
- Retinol percentage not stated
Size: 7 oz. | Fragrance: Fragrance Free | Other key ingredients: Shea butter, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Jojoba oil
You don't always need to splurge for an effective product. This drugstore brand offers a retinol lotion that can be used for both your face and body. The brand says it also contains peptides, shea and cocoa butter for hydration.
And shoppers rave about the benefits and compare it to luxury products, "I put it on my face and my arms which have suffered damage from years of working in the sun. I’m on my second tube and I plan to keep ordering it," says one verified reviewer.
Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream
- Contains aloe
- Large container
- Some say has a mild scent
Size: 16 oz. | Fragrance: Fragrance-Free | Good for: All skin types | Other key ingredients: Aloe Vera, Green Tea, Glycerin
According to the brand, this advanced retinol cream contains aloe vera, chamomile, glycerin and green tea to help target a variety of skin concerns: sun damage, wrinkles, crepey skin and more. Plus it has nearly 46,000 five-star ratings. "I love this cream. I’ve been using it for several years and will continue to do so. It does reduce the appearance of wrinkles and makes skin smoother, softer and shinier," says one verified reviewer.
Medix 5.5 Retinol + Ferulic Acid Age Rewind Body Cream
- Large container
- Good for dry skin
- Is scented
Size: 15 oz. | Fragrance: Chamomile | Other key ingredients: Ferulic Acid, Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Green Tea
This body cream contains both retinol and ferulic acid to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks, wrinkles, sun damage and more, according to the brand. Plus the brand says it contains vitamin E and shea butter so you can expect it to feel extremely hydrating, too. It has more than 17,000 ratings and one reviewer called it the "best cream ever".
Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion
- Contains shea butter
- Good for dry skin
- Retinol percentage not stated
Size: 8 oz. | Fragrance: Fragrance-Free | Good for: All skin types | Other key ingredients: Shea Butter, Safflower Seed Oil, Glycerin
According to the brand, this body lotion is formulated to improve the skin's texture, redness caused by irritation and more, ultimately revealing softer skin. One Amazon reviewer wrote that it was the best retinol body lotion they've found: "No scent, lightweight, fast absorbing and it works beautifully on my skin (I am nearly 70)."
Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
- Reviewers say helps KP
- A serum texture
- Contains exfoliating AHAs
- Patch test for sensitive skin
Size: 5 oz. | Fragrance: Fragrance-Free | Good for: All skin types | Other key ingredients: Lactic and Glycolic Acid, Squalane, Green Tea, Glycerin
According to the brand, this retinol body serum contains AHAs to help gently exfoliate the body to target dry skin, uneven texture and KP. One Sephora reviewer wrote that they noticed results immediately: "It does not permanently remove bumps or acne on my body BUT it clears up irritation immediately," they wrote.
DRMTLGY Retinol Body Lotion
- Gentle enough for AM and PM
- Hydrating ingredients
- Users say need a lot of lotion
Size: 6 oz. | Fragrance: Fragrance-Free | Good for: All skin types | Other key ingredients: Shea butter, Caffeine, Vitamin E, Glycerin
Containing hydrating ceramides and shea butter, the brand says this retinol lotion is gentle enough to be used in the morning and night, and is safe for most skin types. "I started using the lotion just a few days ago, and I can already see that my skin looks better. It’s so soft and hydrated, and I think some imperfections like stretch marks and cellulite are already less visible," wrote one verified reviewer.
Kopari Beauty Ultra Renewal Retinol Body Cream
- Has a less irritating retinol
- Users say good for dry skin
- Small bottle for price
Size: 6 oz. | Fragrance: Fragrance-Free | Good for: All skin types | Other key ingredients: Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil, Acai, Pomegranate Extract
According to the brand, this lotion contains hydrating ingredients to keep skin feeing smooth while the retinol works to reduce the appearance of sun spots, crepey skin and more.
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus Fragile Skin Therapy Treatment
- Can be used morning and night
- Users say good for crepey skin
- Some say has a slight smell
Size: 6 oz. | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Other key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Glycerin
Reviewers say they love how quickly this cream absorbs into their skin, and how their skin overall feels firmer and looks healthier. "I have noticed a reduction of dark areas on my face, neck and legs. A strengthening in the skin on my shins observed also," wrote one DermStore reviewer.
FAQ'S
Meet our experts
- Dr. Leah Ansell, MD FAAD, is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist at Treiber Dermatology Associates and an Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University.
- Dr. Jessie Cheung, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, treating patients at her own practice, Cheung Aesthetics & Wellness in Chicago and New York.
How we chose
We selected the best body lotions with retinol based on insights with interviews with top dermatologists, and recommendations from Shop TODAY editors. Other retinol body products picks are sourced through verified shopper reviews and brand reputation.
