Top 10 Retinol Body Lotions
Retinol Isn't Just For Your Face—Here Are 10 Body Lotions Packed With It
If you're reading this, chances are you're already familiar with the benefits of using retinol on your face But did you know that retinol can also work wonders on the rest of your body? That's right—you can achieve the same results people love from using retinol on their faces all over your body. This includes reducing wrinkles and fine lines, unclogging pores, fading dark marks, and reducing acne and hyperpigmentation.
This means if you're looking to achieve and maintain youthful-looking skin all over your body, incorporating a retinol-infused body lotion into your routine is a great way to start. Not only does the superhero ingredient keep your skin smooth, supple, and hydrated, but when combined with other skin-boosting ingredients like ceramides, antioxidants, and natural botanicals, it can help give your skin a firm, plump, wrinkle-free, and more even-toned appearance.
However, before we get too ahead of ourselves, we would like to point out that retinol can increase skin sensitivity, which can lead to sun damage. Whether you plan on using a retinol body lotion during the day or at night, it's important to wear sunscreen while using retinol regularly in your routine. Not only will sunscreen protect your skin from the sun, but it will also preserve the anti-aging benefits of retinol.
Luckily, retinol is widely popular today, meaning there are plenty of anti-aging body lotions containing retinol on the market. To help you find the right one for your skin type and budget, we've rounded up the Top 10 favorite formulas from around the internet. Prices range from $13 to $104, so don't worry; there's something for everyone.
How We Found The Best Retinol Body Lotions
To pull this list together, we sought help from our trusted data-driven algorithm. Unique to Rank and Style, our algorithm scours the internet and factors in best-selling lists, real user reviews, editorial mentions, and more in order to determine the best products most deserving of a spot on our Top 10 list. Keep scrolling to see which anti-aging body lotions packed with retinol made the cut.
August 8, 2023
Written By:Naomi Venerable
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream With Ferulic Acid
Overall Score
4.25
10
Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream With Ferulic Acid
4.4
17612 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Retinol Body Cream For Crepey Skin
WHO IT’S FOR
This pH-balanced, moisturizing body treatment is perfect for those with crepey, sagging, or sun damaged skin thanks to the perfect combination of powerhouse ingredients retinol and ferulic acid, which work together to diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots while improving skin tone and elasticity.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The pH scale measures the level of acidity in products. This lotion has a pH of 5.5 which allows enough acids onto your skin to naturally fight off bacteria that normally lead to breakouts.
Cruelty Free
Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs
Overall Score
4.25
09
Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs
4.6
529 User Reviews
2.9
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Retinol Body Serum
WHO IT'S FOR
Whether you've got flakiness, rough, dry patches, or strawberry skin, Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum is up for the task. The milky serum contains encapsulated retinol, urea, and AHA's that work together to hydrate, exfoliate, and visibly retexturize the skin.
ABOUT THE BRAND
Topicals is a Black owned skincare brand founded by women of color to tackle chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and hyperpigmentation. The brand prides itself on providing affordable and science backed formulas for women of all shades.
Cruelty Free
Clean Beauty
Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion
Overall Score
4.3
08
Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion
4.8
199 User Reviews
2.6
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Retinol Body Lotion For Sensitive Skin
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Naturium's Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion is formulated with an encapsulated retinol which makes it both extremely gentle yet effective on sensitive skin types. The fragrance-free formula is also packed with Shea Butter to provide a dose of hydration and Allantoin to increase cell turnover and soothe redness and calm irritated skin.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
In addition from being free of synthetic fragrances, this retinol lotion is also vegan and made without gluten or parabens.
Cruelty Free
Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion
Overall Score
4.4
07
Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion
4.37
1074 User Reviews
3.1
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Retinol Body Lotion For Dry Skin
WHO IT’S FOR
Those with dry skin will also love Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body lotion. The non-greasy, lightweight body lotion is formulated with moisturizing ingredients, cocoa butter and vitamin E, to relieve dryness and smooth crepiness on the chest and rough elbows. Plus, it contains 0.10% of encapsulated retinol that delivers the retinol results you love for your face everywhere else.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
It’s fair game to use this product day or night from the neck down. But, like with most retinol products, if you use it during the day you’ll want to follow it up with a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher and avoid direct sunlight.
Cruelty Free
Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment
Overall Score
4.4
06
Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment
4.51
66 User Reviews
2.5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Splurge Retinol Body Lotion
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Formulated with powerful antioxidants and pure encapsulated retinol, this luxurious cream penetrates deeply into the skin for a smoother, firmer-looking appearance. It also contains nourishing botanicals and saccharide isomerate, a super hydrating ingredient, which makes it a great choice for those with dry skin.
USER REVIEW
“I have wanted this product for years and wish I’d bought it sooner. It is lovely to use and from the first application, made a noticeable difference to my dry skin. I love the runny consistency. It soaks in quickly, smells divine (but not over-powering so), and my skin is beautifully silky and healthy looking.”
Cruelty Free
iS CLINICAL Body Complex
Overall Score
4.4
05
iS CLINICAL Body Complex
4.59
54 User Reviews
2.4
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
5
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Exfoliating Retinol Body Lotion
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
This hydrating, soothing body treatment lotion is formulated with natural fruit and sugar acids to help exfoliate and encourage cell turnover, antioxidants to help form a crucial barrier against harmful environmental stressors, and hyaluronic acid, aloe, and glycerin to replenish skin of moisture.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
If your skin is compromised (very dry) or showing signs of aging, you can use this body treatment lotion daily after bath or shower for best results.
Cruelty Free
Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream
Overall Score
4.4
04
Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream
4.4
7566 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
0
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Firming Retinol Body Lotion
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Made with soothing ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, and green tea, this retinol cream replenishes moisture and protects the skin from free radical damage. The combination of ingredients is non-irritating to even the most sensitive skin users and delivers an all around youthful, healthy glow.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
While most retinol creams come in 0.5 oz or 1 oz containers‚you can pick up this formula in a 16 oz. spa-size jar with an easy-to-use pump.
Cruelty Free
NatureWell Clinical Retinol Advanced Moisture Cream
Overall Score
4.45
03
NatureWell Clinical Retinol Advanced Moisture Cream
4.49
13127 User Reviews
5
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
0
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Retinol Body Lotion For Bumpy Skin
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Like retinol products made for the face, this expert retinol formula delivers a multi-action approach for the body. NatureWell’s Clinical Advanced Moisture Cream evens skin tone and texture, boosts firmness, and smooths rough, bumpy patches.
ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW
The retinol in this formula is packed in an advanced, microencapsulated form for improved efficacy and enhanced delivery, which means you’ll see a noticeable difference in your skin even after the first use.
Cruelty Free
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
Overall Score
4.5
02
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
4.3
2164 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
4
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Brightening Retinol Body Lotion
WHY IT MADE THE LIST
Thanks to the powerhouse combo of anti-aging ingredients—retinol, vitamin C, shea butter, and evening primrose oil—Paula’s Choice retinol body treatment hydrates, brightens, and softens skin. So, in addition to smoothing wrinkles and softening bumpy skin, it also diminishes the appearance of uneven toned skin tone caused by sun damage or hyperpigmentation.
USER REVIEW
“This lotion fixed the skin on my upper back and shoulders. I have always had issues with breakouts and flaky skin on my shoulders, and now they are smooth and acne free. I use this once a day after I shower; it took at least two weeks to see any results but the results are amazing--I haven't had a breakout in the months since I started using this. I will repurchase this over and over again.”
Cruelty Free
Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
Overall Score
4.5
01
Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
4.71
2108 User Reviews
3.3
Best Seller
3
Industry Recognition
3
Social Buzz
About Our Scoring System
In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.
Best Retinol Body Lotion Overall
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT
Gold Bond's Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion hydrates and locks in moisture for up to 24 hours with a blend of nourishing ingredients including, glycerin, shea butter, and cocoa butter. The retinol helps to visibly firm and lift the skin's appearance and has clinically shown to firm the look of skin in just one week. Plus, it's dermatologist approved.
USER REVIEW
"I’ve been to full a full bottle now and this stuff definitely lives up to the hype! I have dry, scaly skin and this has, when applied every night, helped my skin heal to look plump and healthy. I make sure to use sunscreen during the day to prevent damage and it’s nice knowing this is healing my skin at night! It is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and affordable. I just wish they made larger bottles!"
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