First, I talked to three dermatologists who shared what they recommend looking for in a retinol body lotion. Because retinol can come in different strengths — and can require some getting used to — beginners and regular users might need differing concentrations. When creating this list, I considered:
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This body lotion pairs retinol with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and grapeseed oil; together, they help reduce dryness and improve the look of uneven skin texture, according to the brand. It’s ideal for those who are new to retinol, according to Alvarez, who calls it “a gentle, beginner-friendly retinol body lotion that smooths skin, evens tone, and hydrates.” It’s mild enough for daily use, too, she says. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan also recommends it, noting that it has added vitamin C to improve skin texture. Plus, he says, the 0.1% concentration of retinol makes it appropriate for patients with sensitive skin.
Retinol concentration: 0.1% | Additional ingredients: glycerin, shea butter, dimethicone | Fragrance-free: yes
SkinBetter’s AlphaRet technology, which pairs retinol with alpha hydroxy acids (a type of chemical exfoliant), is popular among dermatologists, who incorporate it into their own facial skin-care routines. It’s now available for the rest of the body in this formula, which helps resurface skin, according to the brand. Alvarez calls the treatment “luxurious,” saying that it’s “perfect for dry, aging or crepey skin that needs both renewal and deep moisture.” Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Carmen Castilla also says that the combination “works into the skin easily and does not leave a greasy residue.”
Retinol concentration: not listed | Additional ingredients: lactic acid, niacinamide, green tea | Fragrance-free: yes
This all-over night cream includes retinol as well as peptides — which help support collagen and elastin production — and moisturizing ingredients like shea and cocoa butters. It’s gentle enough for daily use, according to the brand, and Castilla likes that it has a lower, but still effective concentration of retinol that’s safe for sensitive skin types.
Retinol concentration: not listed | Additional ingredients: peptides, niacinamide, shea butter | Fragrance-free: yes
For seasoned retinol users, Akhavan considers this potent formula a good way to increase efficacy, since it combines retinol with glycolic and lactic acids. While that might sound intense, the addition of hyaluronic acid adds hydration to skin, which he says can help “decrease some of the potential irritation from retinol use.” It can also help with issues like crepiness and dark spots. “With regular use, patients can expect smoother skin texture and potential improvement in signs of sun damage as well,” he says.
Retinol concentration: 0.1% | Additional ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, CoQ10 | Fragrance-free: no
What sets this body lotion apart is that the retinol is encapsulated, meaning that it’s stored in a capsule that’s designed to penetrate the skin with less irritation; to further buffer its effects, the formula has moisturizers like shea butter and allantoin. On top of that, experts have told us that the formula has a great texture that’s rich yet not greasy or heavy — making it one of our favorite body lotions for mature skin — and the accessible price point is also a plus.
Retinol concentration: not listed | Additional ingredients: shea butter, allantoin | Fragrance-free: no
This is a body serum, so it’s more lightweight than a body lotion. “This body serum has a moisturizing milky texture, which I much prefer to the oily feel I often associate serums with,” says NBC Select reporter Zoe Malin, who was sent a sample by the brand. “When I rub it into my skin, it absorbs in seconds and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue. I also didn’t notice much, if any, scent, which is great because I’m very scent sensitive.” It blends retinol with 5% niacinamide (an anti-inflammatory ingredient) and 3% glycerin (which hydrates).
Retinol concentration: 0.25% | Additional ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes
I used this body treatment after having my baby, since I had some hyperpigmentation during pregnancy. Not only is my skin smoother, but it’s also noticeably brighter — which makes sense, since it has niacinamide and vitamin C, which are two ingredients known for their ability to even skin tone. It also has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, so in the summer, it’s moisturizing enough to serve as my body lotion.
Retinol concentration: 0.1% | Additional ingredients: glycolic acid, peptides, niacinamide | Fragrance-free: no
The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping is the lotion’s retinol concentration, since retinol products can vary widely in strength, according to Akhavan. You can usually find them with anywhere between 0.1% and 0.5% retinol, which, he says, can “strike a good balance between efficacy and tolerability.”
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I’m a freelance beauty writer and editor who’s been covering beauty and health for more than a decade, including topics like at-home microcurrent devices and prebiotic skin care. For this article, I spoke to three dermatologists to narrow down the retinol body lotions to shop this year, and highlighted their recommendations for the best options to consider.
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