Body lotions can be a means to an end: Slather it on and let your skin drink up the moisture.
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skin → slather → moisture
But the best formulas lend an extra something to your body-care routine.
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formulas → lend → routine
The vitamin A derivative is well-loved by many dermatologists and NBC Selected editors for its ability to even out skin tone and texture.
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derivative → love → tone
“Retinol smooths rough patches, fades discoloration, and boosts collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Helyn Alvarez.
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Alvarez → smooth → skin
“Think of it as a skin reset button.”
And while retinol creams and serums are a mainstay for many people’s facial routine, the ingredient can offer many benefits below the neck, too.
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“It’s especially great for areas like the chest, arms, and even knees, where fine lines and crepey skin can sneak up over time,” says Alvarez.
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With that in mind, I spoke with three dermatologists to compile a list of retinol body lotions worth adding to your daily regimen.
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The best retinol body lotions
This body lotion pairs retinol with moisturizing shea butter and grapeseed oil; together, they help reduce dryness and improve the look of uneven skin texture, according to the brand.
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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.
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It’s mild enough for daily use, too, she says.
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Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan also recommends it, noting that it has added vitamin C to improve skin texture.
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it → certify → texture
Plus, he says, the 0.1% concentration of retinol makes it appropriate for patients with sensitive skin.
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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.
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It’s now available for the rest of the body in this formula, which helps resurface skin, according to the brand.
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Alvarez calls the treatment “luxurious,” saying that it’s “perfect for dry, aging or crepey skin that needs both renewal and deep moisture.”
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that → call → renewal
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Carmen Castilla also says that the combination “works into the skin easily and does not leave a greasy residue.
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combination → certify → residue
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.
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which → include → shea
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.
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For seasoned retinol users, Akhavan considers this potent formula a good way to increase efficacy, since it combines retinol with glycolic and lactic acids.
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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.”
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It can also help with issues like crepiness and dark spots.
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“With regular use, patients can expect smoother skin texture and potential improvement in signs of sun damage as well,” he says.
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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.
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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.
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This is a body serum, so it’s more lightweight than a body lotion.
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“This body serum has a moisturizing milky texture, which I much prefer to the oily feel I often associate serums with,” says NBC Selected reporter Zoe Malin, who was sent a sample by the brand.
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“When I rub it into my skin, it absorbs in seconds and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue.
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I also didn’t notice much, if any, scent, which is great because I’m very scent sensitive.”
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It blends retinol with 5% niacinamide (an anti-inflammatory ingredient) and 3% glycerin (which hydrates).
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which → blend → niacinamide
I used this body treatment after having my baby, since I had some hyperpigmentation during pregnancy.
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I → use → 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.
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It also has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, so in the summer, it’s moisturizing enough to serve as my body lotion.
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“I’ve never been great about consistently using body lotion — I hate how it often leaves my skin feeling greasy,” says NBC Selected commerce editor Bethany Heitman.
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“But as I get older, my skin feels drier and isn’t as perky as it once was.
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I started using this and love how quickly it absorbs.
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I’ve been using it for about a month and I definitely notice my skin looks a bit more plump.”
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skin → use → month
Along with retinol, the lotion contains lipids and niacinamide to help nourish the skin barrier, according to the brand.
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It also has a sweet vanilla scent.
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This lotion contains encapsulated retinol, which is thought to be more stable and less likely to degrade, according to the brand.
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It also has cocoa butter and squalane to help replenish the moisture our bodies naturally lose as we age.
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…and 47 more, not listed.
The Aporia
