The body rarely gets the same time, attention, and overall investment that the skin on the face does. But finding the best retinol body lotion and reaping its benefits – more even tone, firmer skin, and fewer bumps – can make a compelling case for incorporating active ingredients into your body-care routine.
Vogue’s top retinol body lotions at a glance:
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Retinol, in particular, works on a number of fronts to overhaul skin. “It promotes cell turnover, which helps in reducing the appearance of rough patches, fine lines, and uneven pigmentation,” says Navin S. Arora, DO, a board-certified dermatologist. “Additionally, retinol can enhance collagen production, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.”
- Jump to the product reviews
- How we choose the best retinol body lotions
- Why you can trust us
- Does retinol body lotion really work?
- What percentage of retinol do you need in a body cream for it to be effective?
- What to look for in a body cream with retinol
- Who should use retinol in body cream?
- How often can you use a retinol body cream?
- Meet the experts
As with formulations for the face, retinol rarely appears alone when intended for use below the neck. Different formulas cater to individual skin types, with niacinamide offering supplementary brightening and exfoliating acids delivering on-the-spot smoothing. Meanwhile, some retinol body products also include hydrators like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, thereby serving as more conventional body lotions as well.
The increasing variety can make it difficult to parse through all the options, so consider these formulations for every concern and skin type.
Vogue’s hunt for the best retinol body lotions to add to your rotation started by investigating the ingredient list of hundreds of products. We were looking for a formula that had a large enough concentration of retinol to make an impact but remained gentle enough for our skin. We considered texture, finish and feel. The trial process crossed the Atlantic Ocean with suggestions from our colleagues at American Vogue as well as dermatologists who provided expert guidance.
We put each product that we included in our edit of the best retinol body lotions through an extensive testing process, considering advice from experts in the field, efficacy, and sensorial aspects. You can trust us as each formula below has the seal of approval from one of Vogue’s expert reviewers.
Read on for Vogue’s best retinol body lotion picks
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Nécessaire is known for its thoughtful hair and body products, so it’s no surprise that the brand would offer an excellent retinol cream for use below the neck. It “works well for anyone who is looking for a higher concentration of retinol and wants an overnight body treatment,” says Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist. “It provides the benefits of retinol with an additional exfoliation boost from mandelic and glycolic acids for smoother skin.” Worth keeping in mind: Its smell may be polarising, but it’s because the formula is fragrance-free, making it all the more suitable for people with sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: Peptides, glycolic acid, mandelic acid
- Retinol concentration: 0.1 per cent
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: For those seeking the bare minimum of retinol to yield firmer, brighter skin, this lotion offers a very low concentration to do just that. Cocoa butter and squalane serve as the primary headliners; they deeply replenish moisture in skin, proving that it’s possible to get the best of both worlds.
- Key ingredients: Cocoa butter, squalane, vitamin E
- Retinol concentration: 0.01 per cent
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: While Murad’s exfoliating pads don’t contain retinol, they are saturated with a blend of resurfacing actives that make them a great alternative for renewing skin. Thanks to azelaic acid – a gold standard topical treatment for acne and dark spots – they soothe skin while targeting both blemishes and rough texture. Also in the mix is salicylic acid, which decongests pores for clearer, smoother skin overall.
- Key ingredients: Azelaic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin and allantoin
- Retinol Concentration: no retinol, but does contain 2 per cent salicylic acid
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Retinol can leave skin dry and flaky, which is why it works best when paired with soothing ingredients. This fragrance-free cream offers just that with a blend of allantoin, shea butter, and sodium PCA, which work together to calm redness and bolster the moisture barrier. Better yet, it’s even been carefully formulated to be at a slightly acidic pH that doesn’t disturb the skin.
- Key ingredients: Allantoin, shea butter, sodium PCA
- Retinol concentration: Not listed
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: U Beauty is a brand anchored in science – using technology that merited a white paper in the Journal for Cosmetic Dermatology – so it’s little surprise that its body resurfacing serum is, in a word, excellent. Make-up scion Bobbi Brown swears by this formula, which is packed with retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and a peeling peptide, for preparing her skin for spring and summer after a long winter. Together, they make quick work of rough, flaky skin.
- Key ingredients: Peptides, glycolic acid, lactic acid
- Retinol concentration: Not listed
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Best for cycling into your morning routine after using retinol on the body at night, Omorovicza’s lightweight serum heals and protects sensitised skin. Sourced from Budapest’s famed thermal springs, the patented Healing Concentrate it contains is the perfect antidote to flaking and irritation. What’s more, the concentrate’s skin-firming properties make it exceptional for reviving lax skin. It stars here alongside a synergistic lineup of vitamins C, E and ceramides to deliver glowing skin in a fast-absorbing formula that feels incredibly pampering on the limbs.
- Key ingredients: Ceramide complex, Icelandic microalgae, polyphenol-rich Kakadu plum extract and Healing Concentrate™
- Retinol concentration: none
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: If you want to keep your routine streamlined, consider this multitasking formula. “It pairs retinol with antioxidants – vitamins C and E – to fight fine lines and wrinkles, plus shea butter for moisture,” says Dr Hartman, who notes that his patients with sensitive skin tend to tolerate this well. Despite its robust ingredients, its texture is silky and quick to absorb, making for a more seamless application, too.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, shea butter
- Retinol concentration: 0.1 per cent
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: The appeal of Sol de Janeiro’s elasticity-boosting cream goes beyond its pretty pink packaging and its lychee, jasmine, and ocean-air-spiked scent. Made with the natural retinol alternative cacay oil, “This is a fan favourite, and for good reason,” Dr Chacon says. “Collagen is a key ingredient here, and as we know, collagen will help firm and plump the skin and support skin elasticity.” She notes that the inclusion of coconut oil and glycerin gives the product a hydrating punch that makes it ideal for anyone looking to address fine lines. “It’s also perfect for those with dry skin looking to deeply hydrate,” she says. Plus, with a thick, ultra-creamy consistency akin to body butter, the product feels luxurious on the skin. Just note that some sensitive skin types can be reactive to fragrances, so be sure to patch-test the fruity-floral salve if you have any doubts.
- Key ingredients: Cacay oil, polypeptides, plant squalane
- Size: 240ml
Looking for the best retinol cream for acne, wrinkles and more? Read Vogue’s top retinol serums & creams in 2026
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Retinol can seem like a utilitarian ingredient, but this houses the results-driven active in a luxurious, velvety cream. It deploys an encapsulated retinol (which allows for a more gradual and therefore longer-lasting release) to work alongside avocado and marine extracts, which help tone skin. As with the rest of the brand’s Rose de Mai line, it harnesses the rose extract to soften and smooth skin.
- Key ingredients: Avocado extract, shea butter, jojoba esters
- Retinol concentration: Not listed
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: While it’s not billed as a body-acne treatment, this serum-like formula is able to clear pores with a blend of encapsulated retinol, lactic acid, and urea – a trio that helps clear dead skin cells and prevents clogs from occurring. Its milky texture is easy to spread into skin, and a little goes a long way. While the squalane isn’t enough to replace a standard body moisturiser, it does help offset any potential dryness.
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, urea, squalane
- Retinol concentration: Not listed
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Los Angeles esthetician Shani Darden, whose roster of clients includes Jennifer Aniston, had a hit on her hands with her Retinol Reform, which paired retinol with alpha hydroxy acids to soften fine lines and wrinkles on the face. This version for the body uses a granactive retinoid – a gentler form than retinol – to trigger skin cell turnover, as well as a patented ingredient that targets the bumps associated with keratosis pilaris.
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C, amino acids, shea butter
- Retinol concentration: 2 per cent
- Why it’s Vogue-approved: Whichever retinol body lotion takes your fancy from the list above, you’ll need a strong sunblock in your arsenal to protect your newly resurfaced skin. Enter Sol De Janeiro’s sunscreen mist, which makes quick work of covering your chest, arms and legs thanks to its aerosol design. Offering broad-spectrum factor 50 protection from harmful UV rays, it’s packed with skin-brightening actives and leaves no white cast – its luminous finish is more akin to the kind you get from using the best body oils. Loaded with skincare, it absorbs well and conditions your limbs without that greasy sunscreen feeling. A must-have for anyone introducing retinol into their body care routine.
- Key ingredients: Niacinamide, coconut water, antioxidant Pongamia seed extract
FAQs
Does retinol body lotion really work?
Yes, retinol can be powerful in a body-care product. “If you use a body lotion with retinol, you can count on it being one of the most powerful ingredients with its potential to change the appearance, tone, and texture of the skin,” Dr Hartman says. It can help firm areas of the body prone to sagging, like around the knees and arms, and can help smooth skin and fade dark spots.
What percentage of retinol do you need in a body cream for it to be effective?
For the body, “a concentration between 0.5 and 1 per cent retinol is typically effective and well tolerated,” says Dr Arora. However, it’s possible to see results from concentrations as low as 0.01 per cent, which is preferable for those with very sensitive skin or those just starting out. That may be a good idea for beginners. “Higher concentrations might be too intense for larger body areas, so starting with a lower concentration is often recommended,” he says.
What to look for in a body cream with retinol
Dr Arora recommends seeking out hydrating ingredients, especially if you want it to do double duty to nourish skin. Hyaluronic acid or ceramides can help counteract potential dryness, while “formulations that incorporate soothing agents such as aloe or chamomile can help calm the skin and minimise irritation,” he says.
A bonus of hydrating ingredients is that their effects tend to be immediate, whereas retinol can take a few weeks to reveal results, depending on the concentration and your frequency of application. “Adding hydration to the skin will also help smooth superficial fine lines by plumping the skin and evening out shallow lines,” says Dr Hartman.
Next, consider occlusives. “Once you’ve added hydration to the skin, you want to make sure you are using an occlusive ingredient, like a mineral oil, to ‘seal’ the top layer of skin and help reduce water loss,” he says. “It will also help protect and restore the skin barrier, which ultimately leads to healthier skin.” You may need to find this in a separate formula; however, in this case, a two-pronged body-care routine might be necessary.
Who should use retinol in body cream?
Anyone who wants to address signs of ageing, sun damage, or textural irregularities, such as keratosis pilaris or body acne, can benefit from a retinol body lotion. However, retinoids – retinol included – aren’t recommended if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, so they may be best avoided in those cases.
How often can you use a retinol body cream?
As with the skin on your face, a gradual acclimation (in which you start using it once or twice a week and increase the frequency as your skin adjusts) may be helpful. “While the skin on the body is generally less sensitive than facial skin, it’s still important to gradually increase use to minimise potential irritation,” says Dr Arora. “This approach helps the skin build tolerance and reduces the risk of dryness or redness.” While it may not be necessary if you’re using a product with a very low concentration, it can still help you avoid any unexpected discomfort.
Also, reserve retinol body lotions for evenings only. “Using retinol can increase sun sensitivity,” he says. “Many experts recommend using retinol at night to avoid this issue and to allow the product to work effectively without interference from sunlight.” On the same note, although using a sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher is recommended no matter what for daytime, it’s especially important when using retinol for this reason.
Meet the experts
- Navin S. Aurora, D.O., is a board-certified dermatologist at Borealis Dermatology in Long Island, NY and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology.
- Corey L. Hartman, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.