We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Beauty Skincare The 15 Best Body Retinols of 2024 Don't limit this powerful anti-aging ingredient to your face. By Grace Parsons Grace Parsons Grace Parsons is a contributing writer for Real Simple whose work has been published in The Spruce, The/Thirty, and The Quality Edit. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and website or check out her blog, The Daley Dose. " tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Daley Quinn Daley Quinn * Former editor at Family Circle magazine. * Covers beauty, lifestyle, and health. * Published in both print magazines and digital outlets including Women's Health, Well + Good, The Cut, and more. You can find more of her work on her website or check out her blog, The Daley Dose. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on January 28, 2024 Medically reviewed by Hadley King, MD Medically reviewed by Hadley King, MD Hadley King, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.Dr. King is a highly sought after dermatologist in New York City, where she has been treating patients for almost twenty years. She has won numerous awards including Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor, Top Doctors New York Metro Area, New Beauty Top Beauty Doctor, and RealSelf Top Doctor. Learn More Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel Fact checked by Jessica Wrubel Jessica Wrubel is an accomplished writer, copy editor, and fact checker, working for over 15 years for various publications owned by Tribune Publishing, The Arena Group, and Hearst Communications in the areas of Food, Health & Wellness, Travel, Lifestyle, Education, and Home Improvement. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Eric Brockob Vitamin A, or retinol, is highly regarded as one of the best ingredients to tackle skin concerns like aging, acne, firmness, and texture. While it’s typically used in products for the face, there are a range of retinol products formulated for use on the body as well. The best body retinol products will help to smooth out skin while adding hydration and protective benefits, especially on the arms and legs. "Retinol helps stimulate collagen to strengthen the foundation of the skin," explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of clinical and cosmetic research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital. "This means improved texture, more even tone, and fewer lines and wrinkles. It is commonly used in face care products, but is more recently being incorporated into body care." We've conducted hours of research to vet the best body retinol products, considering ingredient formulation, product type, and more. In addition to Dr. Zeichner, we received expert advice from dermatologists Samantha Ellis, MD, and Erum Ilyas, MD, on how to incorporate these serums, lotions, and butters into your routine for maximum efficacy. Our Top Picks Best Overall Body Retinol: Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion at Amazon $28 Jump to Review Best Budget Body Retinol: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Lotion at Amazon $17 Jump to Review Best Lightweight Body Retinol: Versed Retinol Body Lotion Jump to Review Best Natural Body Retinol: Oui The People All In All Melting Body Balm at Amazon $67 Jump to Review Best Body Retinol for Dry Skin: Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Body Lotion at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best Body Retinol for Sensitive Skin: SALE Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream at Amazon $25 $18 Jump to Review Best Anti-Aging Body Retinol: Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion at Amazon $94 Jump to Review Best Body Retinol for Acne: Fig. 1 Retinol Renewal Body Serum at Fig-1.co Jump to Review Best Body Retinol for Scarring: Paula's Choice Retinol Body Treatment at Amazon $32 Jump to Review Best Body Retinol for Keratosis Pilaris: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Overall Body Retinol Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion PHOTO: Naturium $25 at Amazon $25 at Target View on Naturium.com What Stands Out It contains nourishing ingredients like allantoin and shea butter to keep skin hydrated. What Could Be Improved You can run through the product quickly. The Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion is an easy-to-use product that doesn't leave behind a greasy residue after application. The no-fuss packaging allows you to quickly open and close the tube, preserving the lotion's integrity and keeping it from air and sun exposure (which can degrade the formula). The formula utilizes encapsulated retinol, which means that it’s contained within a protective barrier. This makes it gentler than non-encapsulated retinol, and means that it can penetrate deeper into skin. Plus, the additions of allantoin and shea butter create a rich formula that hydrates and nourishes the skin, offering immediate results as the retinol works overtime to lessen the appearance of crepey skin. To round it out, the fragrance-free formula makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, allantoin, shea butter | Size: 8 or 14 ounces Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best Budget Body Retinol Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Lotion PHOTO: Amazon $17 at Amazon $13 at Target $17 at Walmart What Stands Out You can use it on your face and body. What Could Be Improved It’s designed to be used at nighttime only. The Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion is the ultimate budget-friendly option that’s also readily available at drugstores. This lightweight and hydrating retinol-based lotion sinks into the skin quickly, unlike other topicals that can sit on the skin once applied. It’s available in two sizes—the smaller 7-ounce size is good for taking on the go, while the larger 13-ounce size has a pump for easy application. In addition to retinol, the multi-use formula includes shea and cocoa butter to hydrate the skin. Take note that it’s designed to be used only at night and not during the day. Free from fragrance, dyes, parabens, and phthalates, you can add Gold Bond to your hypoallergenic body care routine without fear of irritation or body sensitization. Key Ingredients: Retinol & peptide complex, cocoa butter | Size: 7 or 13 ounces Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best Lightweight Body Retinol Versed Retinol Body Lotion PHOTO: Target View On Versed Skin $16 at Amazon $18 at Target What Stands Out It’s suitable for sensitive skin and can be used in the morning and evening. What Could Be Improved It may not be hydrating enough for very dry skin. Affordable and gentle, the Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion is a lightweight option that continues to sell out. By using encapsulated retinol at 0.10%, this formula works to firm the skin and even out tone and texture from the neck down. Additional hydration benefits come from cocoa butter at 2.5%, squalane at 1%, and vitamin E at 0.1% percent, making it a topical that’s safe enough for nightly use. You can use it at any time of day, but be sure to follow up with sunscreen if you’re using it in the morning. Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, cocoa butter, squalane, vitamin E | Size: 6 ounces Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Real Simple / Eric Brockob Best Natural Body Retinol Oui The People All In All Melting Body Balm PHOTO: Sephora $67 at Amazon $75 at Sephora View on Ouithepeople.com What Stands Out It’s made with ultra hydrating shea nilotica, a more luxurious version of shea butter. What Could Be Improved It comes in a small container, so it’s easy to use fast. The All In All Melting Body Balm from Oui The People is an ultra-rich formula that utilizes a retinol alternative (sea fennel extract) to improve skin elasticity, firmness, and hydration. Unlike other body balms, this product transforms into an emollient body oil, allowing for easier application and better hydration than the typical occlusive balm. This balm also contains shea nilotica, a more luxurious and less common version of shea butter that has a rich texture. It helps improve the look of dryness and irritation, making this formula more universally appealing to more than just those with aging skin. Plus, the balm is melanin-safe, so those with darker skin tones can feel comfortable using it each night. Key Ingredients: Sea fennel extract, northern truffle mushroom, shea nilotica | Size: 3.4 ounces Best Body Retinol for Dry Skin Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Body Lotion PHOTO: Ulta $14 at Amazon $18 at Ulta View on Pacificabeauty.com What Stands Out It’s made from a super gentle retinoid that’s suitable for all skin types. What Could Be Improved The lightweight formula might not be everyone. The Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Body Lotion contains a retinoid that’s not retinol, but it still works wonderfully to smooth texture, brighten dullness, and hydrate dry. The retinoid in this lotion is called hydroxypinacolone retinoate (HPR), or Granactive retinoid, which studies show is actually less irritating and more stable than retinol. This makes it a great option for sensitive skin. In addition to the retinoid, this lightweight lotion features moisturizing agents like avocado oil, mushrooms, glycerin, and jojoba esters to lock in hydration, resulting in plump and smooth skin while you sleep. It has a rose scent and a nourishing texture that feels both luxurious and soothing, and it’s more affordable than other options on the market. Key Ingredients: Granactive retinoid, mushroom, melatonin | Size: 5 ounces Best Body Retinol for Sensitive Skin Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream PHOTO: Walmart $18 at Amazon $17 at IHerb View on Advancedclinicals.com What Stands Out It is one of the few brands that have undergone clinical testing. What Could Be Improved A full pump provides a lot of product. The top contributors to skin sensitivity are fragrances, dyes, certain types of alcohol, and high concentrations of actives. The Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream is the opposite of such a product. Dermatologically and clinically tested, this weightless cream is free from added fragrance and colorants for an allergen-friendly alternative to other retinol-based products. Stored in a convenient pump, this 16-ounce formula is infused with aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile with retinol to promote firmness while helping with concerns like dark spots, sagging, and texture. Affordable and easily absorbed into the skin, it’s a fantastic option for retinol beginners and those with sensitive skin. Key Ingredients: Retinol, aloe vera, green tea, chamomile | Size: 16 ounces Best Anti-Aging Body Retinol Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion PHOTO: Amazon $94 at Amazon View on Replenix.com View on Lovelyskin.com What Stands Out The ingredient blend is solely focused on aging skin. What Could Be Improved It’s very expensive. Looking for an anti-aging body lotion that promotes firm, toned-looking skin? The Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion does all that and more, thanks to its unique formula and impressive penetration to the deepest layers of the skin. In addition to retinol, this product contains antioxidant and ceramide complexes to improve the resiliency of the skin barrier and improve elasticity and firmness. This is an expensive product, but it delivers results you can see and feel, making it worth the investment for those with mature skin. You can apply it 1-2 times a day, and set up a subscription so you never have to do without. Key Ingredients: Retinol, ceramide complex, hyaluronic acid | Size: 6.7 ounces Best Body Retinol for Acne Fig. 1 Retinol Renewal Body Serum PHOTO: Fig. 1 View on Fig-1.co What Stands Out It has a gel-like consistency that can be used on the face and body. What Could Be Improved It’s not a lotion, so it’s not a great option for those with dry skin. Aside from anti-aging benefits, retinol can drastically improve acne on both the face and the body. The Retinol Renewal Body Serum from Fig. 1 is ideal for those with body acne or who have a post-acne body care routine. The encapsulated retinol will help with skin cell turnover, which can alleviate breakouts, while ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C work to ease the appearance of dark spots or post-inflammatory pigmentation. It has a unique gel-like consistency that’s very lightweight, so you won't feel the serum on the skin, but you'll notice the benefits with continued use. Take note, though, that this is not a body lotion, so those with dry skin will need to use it with a lotion or moisturizer to get the hydrating benefits. Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, niacinamide, vitamins C & E | Size: 3.4 ounces Best Body Retinol for Scarring Paula's Choice Retinol Body Treatment PHOTO: Amazon $32 at Amazon $32 at Paulaschoice.com $32 at Dermstore What Stands Out It layers nicely under other lotions and oils. What Could Be Improved You can run out of product quickly. Paula's Choice is known for clinically-advanced formulas, and the Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment takes that reputation to another level. It has a cloud-like texture that’s stored in an airless pump, which ensures the 0.1% retinol will not lose potency over time and continue to work its resurfacing magic. Vitamin C does the heavy-lifting for pigmentation and acne scarring, but that’s not the only beneficial ingredient. The product is additionally hydrating due to plant oils like evening primrose and grape seed, as well as rich occlusives like shea butter and humectants like glycerin. Plus, it won't leave behind a greasy residue, making it an easily integrative product. Key Ingredients: Retinol, shea butter | Size: 4 ounces Best Body Retinol for Keratosis Pilaris Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum PHOTO: Sephora $30 at Amazon $30 at Sephora View on Mytopicals.com What Stands Out It’s exfoliating and hydrating, making it highly effective against KP. What Could Be Improved You should only use it 2-3 times per week. Keratosis pilaris is a build-up of keratin (aka protein) in the pores. This excess protein production creates texture in areas like the back of the arms and legs, requiring exfoliation and hydration to alleviate. The Topicals Slather Body Serum utilizes encapsulated retinol, urea, and lactic acid to eradicate unwanted texture without causing irritation or dehydration to the skin. The formula's texture is a hybrid moisturizer and serum, allowing it to apply smoothly to the skin without cloying. The flip-top cap and cheeky-colored packaging also add to the charm and appeal of the product. Just note that because it’s highly exfoliating, you should only use it 2-3 times per week to prevent irritation. Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, urea, squalane, lactic acid, glycolic acid | Size: 5 ounces Best Body Retinol for Arms Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Fragile Skin Therapy PHOTO: Amazon $39 at Amazon $55 at Nordstrom $55 at Perriconemd.com What Stands Out It’s specifically designed for arms, shins, and other areas with fragile skin. What Could Be Improved It’s expensive, and isn’t as hydrating as other options. The Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Fragile Skin Therapy is designed to improve skin resiliency for areas prone to bruising, sun damage, and dryness, like the arms and shins. Alongside retinol, the formula includes growth factor peptides as an alternative to epidermal growth factors. As an ingredient, these peptides help improve firmness and elasticity on thin and weak skin. When combined with hydrating hyaluronic acid and resurfacing retinol, you'll notice improvements in the thinness, crepiness, and pigmentation found on the arms. You can use it twice a day for ultimate results. Key Ingredients: Retinol, micro hyaluronic acid, epidermal growth factor peptide | Size: 6 ounces Best Body Retinol for Sun Damage Beauty Pie Youthbomb Body 360° Repair Concentrate PHOTO: Beauty Pie $44 at Beautypie.com What Stands Out It contains retinoid and AHA for ultimate exfoliating and skin repair. What Could Be Improved The brand has a membership model, so non-members pay more for the products. Those who don't use sunscreen consistently can attest to the impact sun exposure has on the skin. If you’re looking for a treatment that’s designed to repair damaged skin, the Beauty Pie Youthbomb Repair Concentrate might be your new holy grail. Like the Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Retinoid Body Lotion, this product contains Granactive retinoid instead of retinol, which means it’s gentler on your skin. It also contains vitamin B3 to reduce age spots and increase the skin's elasticity, along with exfoliating AHAs and a dual-action moisturizing complex to smooth and hydrate the skin. It’s a powerful product though, so you should only use it on areas where you need it no more than 2-3 times per week. Also take note that Beauty Pie has a membership model, so non-members pay more for the product. Key Ingredients: Granactive retinoid, vitamin B3, AHA | Size: 6.76 ounces Best Splurge Body Retinol Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment PHOTO: Blue Mercury $110 at Nordstrom View on Bergdorfgoodman.com View on Harpersbazaar.com What Stands Out It contains high-quality botanical ingredients. What Could Be Improved It’s very lightweight, which might not be to everyone’s liking. This Retinol Body Treatment from clean beauty brand Chantecaille uses the power of encapsulated retinol to gently, yet effectively, help with the appearance of texture and loss of firmness. It’s much more expensive than other body retinol products, but that’s because it uses high-quality plant-based ingredients you won’t find in other retinol products. It contains a base of pure rosewater, shea butter, and macadamia oil, which help to nourish the skin, while edelweiss and black currant leaf extract offer antioxidant protection. These ingredients come together to create a lightweight and residue-free body lotion that's perfect for anyone who’s okay with making a splurge. Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, shea butter | Size: 6.8 ounces Best Retinol Body Butter Josie Maran Whipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter PHOTO: Sephora $46 at Josiemaran.com What Stands Out It uses a natural retinol alternative that’s gentle and ideal for all skin types. What Could Be Improved It comes in a jar, which can make application tricky. A rich and luxurious body cream is the ideal retinol-based product for those with dry skin or those who want to elevate their nightly body care regimen. The Josie Maran Whipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter evokes that feeling without weighing down the skin or leaving behind a filmy residue. This effect is thanks to the product’s aerated texture, which goes smoothly on the skin and sinks within a few minutes of application. What makes this product stand out is that it doesn’t actually contain retinol—instead, it utilizes Dunaliella salina extract, or pink algae, a retinol alternative that’s rich in vitamin A. Studies show that it has similar anti-aging benefits, but without the potential irritation caused by true retinol. And, it wouldn't be a Josie Maran product without pure argan oil, which acts as a hydrator and occlusive within the formula to lock in the moisturizing benefits. Key Ingredients: Argan oil, quercetin, Dunaliella salina extract | Size: 8 ounces Best Retinol Body Serum Nécessaire The Body Retinol PHOTO: Necessaire $82 at Amazon $55 at Nordstrom $55 at Sephora What Stands Out The airless pump keeps the formula at maximum potency. What Could Be Improved The pump can get clogged. Nécessaire's Body Retinol Repair Serum is luxury in a tube. The thin gel seamlessly spreads onto the body, allowing for ease of application and product layering for those who need additional body hydration. But, you probably won’t need anything extra. You'll find a standard 0.1% pure retinol blended with AHAs that gently exfoliate the skin to maximize the retinol's benefits. Additional ingredients include five varying peptides to help with firmness, vitamins to nourish, and glycerin to hydrate and plump the skin. Of course, it helps that the packaging is minimalist and sleek, only increasing the luxurious experience and aesthetic of the product. Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, mandelic acid, glycolic acid | Size: 5.1 ounces Final Verdict With an ultra-lightweight feel and dermatologically-advanced formula, the Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion is an affordable yet effective body lotion that addresses an assortment of skin concerns like aging and body acne. Those looking for something more budget-friendly will love the Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion, a night lotion that can be used on the entire body. How to Shop for Body Retinol Like a Pro Ingredients According to Dr. Ellis, a body retinol formula should have more than just retinol to maintain the skin-rejuvenating benefits. "Additional beneficial ingredients include humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid for skin hydration, vitamin C for brightening, peptides for collagen support, niacinamide for soothing and skin-strengthening effects, and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid for an added exfoliation and collagen-stimulating bonus," says Dr. Ellis. Because retinol can be drying, it's important to find a retinol body lotion that adds moisture back into the skin. "When purchasing a retinol body lotion, recognize that dryness or irritation may be a barrier to use," explains Dr. Ilyas. "Seek out products with hydrating ingredients such as coconut oil, argan oil, and/or hyaluronic acid to offset the dryness." Formulation Body products typically come in three standard forms: lotions, creams, and serums. The efficacy of a body retinol product lies less in the formula type and more in the retinol concentration and additional ingredients. A body lotion will be lightweight and sink into the skin almost instantly, appealing to those looking for a streamlined routine with minimal downtime. A cream offers more benefits to those with drier skin who are okay with the product taking longer to absorb due to the thicker consistency of the product. A serum is for the person who likes to layer on products but might also want additional hydration, more than what a stand-alone lotion or cream can offer. Ultimately, the formula type comes down to personal preference for texture and the ritual of post-shower body care. Questions You Might Ask What are the benefits of retinol body lotion? Retinol targets the collagen in skin, which typically starts to decrease as you age. This protein loss can cause signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and sagging. "Retinol body lotion offers anti-aging benefits by promoting collagen and addressing an uneven skin tone,” says Dr. Ellis. “This change leads to more supple, smooth, and radiant skin all over the body.” Retinol can also address skin concerns that aren't associated with aging, like acne, keratosis pilaris, and psoriasis, because of the ingredient's ability to amplify skin cell turnover. When applied on the body, retinol body lotions can even out skin tone, moisturize, and address crepey skin. But just as with the face, some people will be more sensitive to retinoids (which includes retinol) than others. "It may be necessary to decrease the frequency of use or the strength to improve tolerability," says Dr. Ilyas. What should you know before starting retinol body lotion? Unlike standard body lotions, creams, and serums, those with retinol come with a few warnings. "Before starting body retinol, it's important to recognize that retinol products have the potential to cause temporary irritation as your skin adapts to them, so plan to start by incorporating it just 1-2 days per week and slowly increasing as tolerated. It's also important to note that retinol products are not recommended when trying to conceive or while pregnant," says Dr. Ellis. In addition, retinol causes photosensitivity, which is why it’s recommended to only use body retinol at night and accompany it with a body SPF to exposed areas of skin during the day. "Retinol thickens the lower skin layers, but does thin out the outer skin layer, known as the stratum corneum—this gives the skin a dewy glow, but it also increases the risk of sunburn, so it is even more important to wear sunscreen daily," says Dr. Zeichner. Because pure retinol is unstable in UV light, it's recommended to apply a retinol body lotion in the evening. "Don't apply too much, because it can increase the likelihood of irritation," explains Dr. Zeichner. "Rather than a liberal application like you would do for a regular moisturizer, use as little as you can to cover the entire treated area." When should you start using a retinol body lotion? Dr. Ellis says it’s a good idea to start incorporating retinol into your body care routine in your 20s, but there are instances where it is justified and safe to start earlier. If you have body acne, for instance, retinol can help to decrease the active spots and restore the skin's tone and texture. The same is true if you have keratosis pilaris or psoriasis. No matter what, you should speak with your doctor or dermatologist to see if they believe body retinol is the best course of treatment for your unique situation. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Grace Parsons, a beauty industry veteran and writer with experience across the cosmetics, skincare, and wellness industries, and Daley Quinn, a writer who covers beauty and wellness. They interviewed three dermatologists for this article: Samantha Ellis, MD, founder of Prequel Skincare; Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of clinical and cosmetic research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital; and Erum Ilyas, MD, of Schweiger Dermatology Group.