Dermatologists Recommend: The Top 12 Retinol Body Lotions

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When a few thin crevices have started to settle into your forehead, a stubborn breakout crops up on your cheeks every single month, or your face is dealing a combination of the two, your first course of action is likely a retinol product — and for good reason. The vitamin A derivative helps to regulate skin cell turnover, says Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a dermatologist based in New York City. In doing so, retinol creams may improve skin tone, unclog pores, boost collagen production, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, she explains.

This powerful anti-aging ingredient shouldn't be limited to your face products. Thanks to the genius invention of retinol body lotions you can now have glowing, smooth skin everywhere. Before you pick up just any lotion off the shelf and start slathering it on, get the lowdown on the best retinol body lotions experts love.

A retinol at an affordable price point is something to notice. Thankfully this formula has efficacy on its side too. Carmen Castilla, M.D., and Ryan Turner, M.D, both board-certified dermatologists in New York City sing this formula’s praises—and they’re not alone. A darling of the skin care world, this lotion is surprisingly wallet-friendly considering its quality. Dr. Castilla loves that it has “additional ingredients to help support the skin barrier, is fragrance-free which is great for sensitive skin types, and has a great combination of retinol with shea butter and allantoin.”

And Dr. Turner adds, “This formulation has an encapsulated retinol, which can lead to decreased irritation and better absorption.” The formula is thick to hydrate skin in an attempt to counteract its drying effects; that may mean it needs a few extra minutes to absorb before you get dressed.

This small bottle (just 4 oz.) of retinol body lotion not only packs protective antioxidants but also contains glycerin and other hydration boosters to keep sensitive skin calm. 'It combines the retinol with different moisturizing ingredients, so it does potentially provide a soothing effect to the skin and minimize the irritation, but it's also lightweight,' says Dr. Garshick.

Both Melanie Palm, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Art of Skin MD in San Diego, California and Dr. Garshick recommend this retinol body lotion, so you know it has to be good. The product contains antioxidants to fend off free radicals, ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, green tea polyphenols to soothe and calm irritated skin, and hyaluronic acid to seal in moisture. The result: brighter, softer, and smoother skin. However, the hefty price tag on a small bottle might be a deterrent to some shoppers.

With its ultra-creamy texture and bubblegum pink hue, this retinol body lotion is sure to be a welcome addition to your skin-care routine. The body butter boasts pink algae extract, a plant-based retinol that helps to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles; quercetin, an antioxidant to protect you from free-radical damage; and argan oil, which also provides antioxidants, including vitamin E.

The texture of this lotion is like a tub of whipped oil, providing instant hydration as well as long term benefits from the retinol. It’s a favorite of senior editor Shannon Bauer, “I fell in love with the original Whipped Argan Body Butter several years ago and the retinol one is just as good. It feels like a treat to smooth on at night.” Heads up: If strong fruity smells turn you off, you might want to look elsewhere, as the scent is very noticeable.

Made from a blend of white willow bark extract to clear out pores, fruit extracts to exfoliate and smooth skin, hyaluronic acid to moisturize, and aloe to soothe, this retinol body lotion checks off all the boxes of an anti-aging lotion. 'It has a combination of antioxidants, so it's especially good for that anti-aging benefit, but it's also still hydrating, so you feel moisturized after using it,' says Dr. Garshick. But be aware that the formula also contains beta-hydroxy acids, which can help to smooth away rough spots but might irritate sensitive types.

The most luxurious retinol body lotion of the bunch, this product is crafted with macadamia oil, antioxidants, and moisturizers that all work together to soften and smooth skin, says Dr. Garshick. Plus, the Switzerland-made product smells just like a spa, thanks to the rosewater. Why the high price? The retinol is encapsulated, so it stays more potent and stable on the shelf. This lotion is more lightweight and a thinner, waterier texture than some on our list. If you have particularly dry skin or prefer a heftier formula, this may not be your pick.

With encapsulated retinol that allows for slower release and less irritation, this formula gets attention for packing a lot of punch into a low-cost bottle. With cocoa butter and squalane to hydrate, it’s an especially great pick for mature skin or skin types craving more moisture. Yet Dr. Turner insists that it’s “lightweight and easily absorbed so there is no tacky after feel.” However, oily types might find it a bit too much.

Size: 6 oz | Fragrance: Yes

For those looking for a retinol alternative, this formula is a must. It contains bakuchiol, which, Dr. Castilla explains it is “a retinol alternative that is effective but gentler on skin.” It stands out from other options because of its luxe texture, quick absorption, and hydration via sunflower and jojoba oils.

Because it’s packed with shea and cocoa butters, Dr. Castilla loves this formula for people who need extra hydration but also want the benefits of retinol. She loves that it rubs in easily and is fragrance-free. However, she warns, while it says you can use to moisturize the face and body, “I would stick to using this formulation from the neck down in acne prone patients as it may be too thick and clog pores.”

“In addition to retinol, this product contains 10% AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) to help improve skin crepiness and exfoliate away dead skin cells,” says Dr. Turner. The downside? It could be irritating to people with finicky skin. It also gets high marks for containing fortifying peptides that can help improve the look of skin over time. But Dr. Turner warns, that while it’s fragrance-free, “Some users have concern about the product's odor which is explained by the company to be similar to other retinol products with a high percentage of actives.”

Ferulic acid has been getting more and more attention over the years as a powerful antioxidant—and it’s rare to find it in a body product. This retinol-laced formula from Medix offers it alongside other vitamin E and green tea for extra skin-improving action. Plus, Dr. Castilla points out that you get, “a significantly larger quantity compared to some of the other products. In some cases over double the quantity but still at an affordable price.” One divisive factor: The sweet scent, which some find overpowering.

This formula has a cult following, with fans saying it’s ultra-gentle, leaves skin feeling like silk, and calms with a vitamin B3 complex. Dr. Castilla points out that “theoretically, applying it to moist skin could help it penetrate more efficiently,” however, she also explains that this is not for people looking for maximum retinol impact, as it’s a hydrator that’s meant to be applied in the shower. With its rinse-off application, “It’s unclear how effective the short contact time with the skin would be,” she says. But that may be a small price to pay for those with reactive skin looking to get in on the retinol body lotion game.

Beth Shapouri has been writing about all things beauty (include skincare) for over 20 years for publications like Allure.com, Glamour.com, GoodsHousekeeping.com, and MarieClaire.com. She’s interviewed countless experts over the years including dermatologist and product chemists and has a specific interest in ingredients and formulations.