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Retinol is one of skincare’s most celebrated youth-boosting ingredients, so it's no surprise we're now turning to the best retinol body lotions to rescue our limbs as well as our faces. Renowned for accelerating cell turnover, stimulating collagen production and improving uneven tone, retinol body lotions deliver all the benefits of a classic moisturiser – plus the added advantages of retinoids – making them a smart upgrade for your daily routine.
- Meet the experts
- How I tested
- The best retinol body lotions
- FAQs
- Do retinol body lotions really work?
- Can you use retinol all over your body?
- What percentage of retinol do you need for it to be effective?
- Does retinol body lotion help with crepey skin?
- Can you use retinol body lotion everyday?
- Is there a downside to using retinol?
The best retinol body lotions
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“Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that helps thicken the skin, improves fine lines and wrinkles and can even help with uneven pigmentation,” explains Dr Ash Soni. “It also boosts collagen and elastin production, which helps improve the overall quality of our skin.”
As Susan Yara, founder of Naturium, notes: “We put so much effort into caring for our faces, but the skin on our bodies deserves the same level of attention. Retinoids are the gold standard for improving how skin looks and feels, and while you won’t see results overnight, consistent use leads to smoother, healthier-looking skin.”
Here, Glamour takes a deep dive into the best retinol body lotions that deliver real results – along with expert-backed FAQs to help you understand exactly how they work.
Meet the experts
- Dr Ash Soni, plastic surgeon and founder of The Soni Clinic.
- Susan Yara, founder of Naturium.
How I tested the best retinol body lotions
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After more than 13 years as a beauty and wellness editor, I’ve tried just about everything. I stay on top of the latest science, trends and ingredients, and regularly consult the experts (who know far more than I ever will).
When it comes to body care, though, I’m notoriously lazy. If something doesn’t work, I won’t stick with it. With that in mind, I put the retinol body lotions you see here to the test.
They all feel brilliant on the skin and have noticeably improved the look of my body, leaving it healthier, more even-toned and glowier.
I tested every formula for at least a week on different areas to properly compare results, and all performed impressively. However, it’s worth noting that retinol’s full benefits typically show after around 12 weeks — which means this is likely just the beginning, with even better results still to come.
The best retinol body lotions
Best retinol body lotion: Nécessaire The Body Retinol
Why we love it: Think of this formula as a retinol serum for your body – it’s lightweight and hydrating but supercharged with a decent percentage of pure retinol to address dull and lacklustre skin, crepiness and uneven tone. I also quickly noticed a reduction in uneven texture, plus the packaging is great.
- Key ingredients: 0.1% pure retinol, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, vitamin C, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, peptides.
- Size: 150ml.
- Fragranced: No.
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Best light retinol body cream: Naturium Retinol Body Lotion
Why we love it: Harnessing encapsulated retinol, Naturium’s lotion ensures the active gets to where it needs to be in the skin – without the associated irritation. A perfectly cocooning cream, it’s a great price for the luxurious feel, plus I noted an improvement in skin tone in a couple of weeks.
- Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol complex, allantoin, shea butter and safflower seed oil, glycerin.
- Size: 234ml.
- Fragranced: No.
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Best intensive retinol treatment: Alpha-H Retinol Reboot Exfoliating Body Treatment
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Why we love it: Want results and want them fast? Look no further than this Alpha-H formula, which offers targeted treatment, thanks to a concoction of actives. Alongside encapsulated retinol, you’ll find glycolic and lactic acid to slough away dead skin cells and renew texture – helping to address crepiness, dullness, uneven texture and more. I’m a big fan of this one.
- Key ingredients: 1% encapsulated retinol, 8% glycolic acid, 2% lactic acid, coenzyme Q10 and antioxidants.
- Size: 120ml.
- Fragranced: Yes.
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Best retinol body treatment for luminosity: Paula’s Choice Retinol Body Treatment
Why we love it: You really can’t go wrong with Paula’s Choice products – and this one is no exception. It’s lightweight yet deeply hydrating, and it noticeably smooths the skin in a short amount of time. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants to help strengthen the skin and protect it from environmental stressors like pollution.
- Key ingredients: 0.1% retinol, shea butter, glycerin, grape seed oil, vitamins C&E.
- Size: 118ml.
- Fragranced: No.
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Why we love it: Our hands need a little help too, and this Beauty Pie formula is just the ticket. With micro-encapsulated retinol and a biotech pseudo-collagen ingredient, it helps make skin look and feel softer, plumper and smoother – a great way to soften fine lines over time.
- Key ingredients: 1% micro-encapsulated retinol complex, shea butter, vitamins C & E, glycerin.
- Size: 75ml.
- Fragranced: No.
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Why we love it: A brilliant budget-friendly option. Soft and velvety on application, it sinks in quickly, helping to brighten and hydrate immediately. It contains a low percentage of retinol so is great for those who have sensitive skin or want to start slowly.
- Key ingredients: (Around 0.01%) retinol, cocoa butter, squalane and vitamin E.
- Size: 177ml.
- Fragranced: No.
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Why we love it: Murad’s body treatment forgoes retinol in favour of its hardworking sister, retinal, which is said to work much faster in the skin. I’d ignore the brand messaging that this is a “workout in a jar”. Instead, I see it as a great formula to renew skin health and gently firm, with consistent use over time.
- Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinal, milk thistle, shea butter, avocado extract, squalane.
- Size: 148ml.
- Fragranced: Yes.
FAQs:
Do retinol body lotions really work?
Yes – retinol body lotions can be highly effective, but consistency is key. “The skin on the body is generally thicker and has fewer oil glands than that of the face, and it also has a slower cellular turnover,” explains Dr Soni. “As a result, retinol can take longer to show visible results on the body.”
The effectiveness of a formula ultimately comes down to its delivery system – specifically, how well it transports active ingredients into the skin. “In our Retinol Body Lotion, we use an encapsulated, stabilised pure retinol complex that helps maintain efficacy while minimising irritation,” shares Yara.
Most high-performing formulas pair retinol with hydrating, barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, hyaluronic acid and squalane. These work to nourish the skin and minimise post-retinoid dryness. And while visible firming and smoothing take time, many users will notice an immediate boost in glow and luminosity from the lotion itself.
Can you use retinol all over your body?
For the most part, retinol body lotions are safe to use across the body – but certain areas should be avoided. Steer clear of sensitive or intimate zones, as well as under the arms and inner thighs, where skin is more prone to irritation. It’s also best to skip retinol if your skin is sunburnt, affected by eczema, or showing signs of broken or compromised barrier function.
As with facial retinol, it’s important to introduce it gradually to the body. Begin by applying it twice a week, then slowly increase frequency as your skin builds tolerance. If you’re prone to sensitivity, try layering a gentle moisturiser before and after application to help buffer potential irritation – and always finish with sunscreen to protect skin.
What percentage of retinol do you need for it to be effective?
“For the body, a concentration between 0.05 and 1 per cent is both effective and well tolerated,” says Dr Soni. “It’s always best to start low and go slow – particularly if you have sensitive skin. Where possible, I recommend following a personalised routine tailored by an experienced professional to ensure optimal results and minimal irritation.”
Does retinol body lotion help with crepey skin?
Over time, a well-formulated retinol body lotion can help improve the appearance of crepey skin – though it won’t eliminate it entirely. “They’re particularly effective at refining rough texture and uneven tone, especially on the arms, thighs, knees and other areas where skin can feel bumpy or dull,” explains Yara. “With consistent use, they can help soften the look of keratosis pilaris, improve body breakouts and make crepey-looking skin feel more supple, smooth and firm over time.”
Can you use retinol body lotion everyday?
Yes, although use is best built up slowly and gradually over time. If sensitivity or irritation occurs, reduce use until your skin has recovered.
Is there a downside to using retinol?
Because retinol accelerates cellular turnover and acts on the skin’s surface, some degree of irritation is possible – particularly in the early stages of use. That said, choosing a formula enriched with hydrating and soothing ingredients, and introducing it gradually, can significantly minimise sensitivity.
“For those with increased sensitivity, I would also recommend layering a ceramide-rich moisturiser on top to help lock in moisture,” advises Dr Soni. This added step helps support the skin barrier and ensures more comfortable, long-term use.
