12 best body lotions for mature skin, according to dermatologists and testers
If you’re curating your body skin care routine, finding the best body lotion for mature skin is simple but effective. “As we age, collagen and elastin naturally decline – and not just on the face,” says Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care. The arms and legs in particular are subject to physical stress that contributes to thinning, dryness, and wrinkling. So a firming body moisturiser that hydrates, reinforces the skin barrier, supports elasticity, and helps protect against environmental stressors is key, says Dr. Kobets.
To find the best body lotion for mature skin, Glamour’s team of mature testers considered dozens of brands, from drugstore picks to pricier options. Our top pick overall is the CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion because, in addition to being highly lauded by dermatologists, it smoothed our tester’s dry skin instantly and absorbed in a matter of seconds. Whether you prefer a super-rich body butter or a lightweight cream to tighten and firm, there’s a pick here for you.
The best body lotions for mature skin, at a glance
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How we tested
We tapped our Glamour network of mature testers ages 50-plus (and some who were a bit younger) to try top-rated lotions on the market and share which ones they favoured most in their body care routine. Some of the things they looked for included the texture of the lotion, how quickly it dried down, and how their skin looked after a few weeks of using each product. Our roster of dermatologists ensured each option was packed with standout ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, and exfoliating acids like BHA and AHA to smooth out rough skin texture. Most products also contained hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which help the skin retain moisture, leaving it silky smooth. The best lotions for mature skin were smooth and velvety, absorbed well immediately after application, and made a difference in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration, hyperpigmentation, and sun spots with consistent use.
CeraVe Daily Moisturising Lotion
CeraVe is a high-quality moisturiser recommended by dermatologists, including Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. “This is one of my patients’ favourites because it has ceramides (which work to hydrate and protect the skin barrier) and is widely available,” she says. The hydrating body lotion also boasts hyaluronic acid to help keep dry skin moisturised for up to 24 hours.
Testing notes: “I was blown away by CeraVe’s body lotion. I was surprised that a high street brand could be this good! I haven’t liked other well-known drugstore-brand moisturisers, either due to their icky scents or how long they took to absorb. But I knew I loved the CeraVe lotion immediately – in the first few seconds of gliding it on, my skin (like my rough knees and elbows) became silky soft. And then – the lotion absorbed in a snap! It absorbed so well that when I put it on my hands, I could resume scrolling on my phone almost immediately without smearing it with my lotion fingers. This is a rave, all-around,” says Glamour contributor Charlotte Twine.
Size: 12 oz. | Active ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Scent: Unscented
- Pros: Noncomedogenic; fragrance-free; lightweight; oil-free
- Cons: Some users with very dry skin wish it were a bit thicker
Gold Bond Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
Curious what dermatologists reach for themselves? “I have this retinol body lotion sitting on my bathroom counter,” says Adrienne O’Connell, MD, a medical director and president of Laguna Beach Aesthetics. “I use it every night.” And here’s why: It contains retinol and peptides, and helps visibly plump and smooth the skin.
Testing notes: Before you completely pass over this formula due to the retinol, Glamour tester Gwenn Hauck says it didn’t irritate or exacerbate her super-dry skin. “I usually have to moisturise morning and evening, but when I use this at night, my skin still feels hydrated well into the day.”
Size: 7 oz. | Active ingredients: Retinol, peptides | Scent: Unscented
- Pros: Fragrance-free; hydrates and plumps; budget-friendly; widely available.
- Cons: Though fragrance-free, some users complain about the smell of the shea and cocoa butter.
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Balm AP+M Triple Repair Moisturising Cream
“This cream moisturiser, which is a thicker consistency, is perfect for colder and drier months,” says Reshmi Kapoor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology. “It contains glycerin, a humectant, which draws moisture into the skin, as well as niacinamide, which is anti-inflammatory and reparative to skin cells.” It’s also safe for sensitive and eczema-prone skin and can even be used on the face.
Testing notes: “This balm is gentle and has no smell. It’s hydrating without being too heavy, and I’ve noticed my skin has been clear and bright. Add in that it’s less than £20 for a huge bottle, and this product really goes the distance,” says Glamour tester Alexa De Paulis, who has sensitive skin.
Size: 13.52 oz. | Active ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, shea butter | Scent: Unscented
- Pros: Fragrance-free; safe for sensitive and eczema-prone skin; highly moisturising; large bottle.
- Cons: Some users say the cream feels too heavy.
SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body
Here’s a splurge, but one that Mona Gohara, MD, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, says is worth it for its skin-firming properties. “It contains green microalgae and shiitake mushroom extracts that help with collagen and elastin, as well as coffee arabica seed oil, which enhances skin elasticity.”
Testing notes: Hauck says this feels like a cross between a moisturiser and a serum. “It has more of a gel kind of quality. However, it still keeps my skin very well hydrated.” As someone with extra-dry, sensitive skin, Hauck was worried it wouldn’t be moisturising enough, but it kept her skin smooth, supple, and comfortable throughout the winter months
Size: 6 oz. | Active ingredients: Peptides, shiitake mushroom, lemon balm, green microalgae | Scent: Citrus
- Pros: Absorbs quickly; safe for all skin types; targets thin and crepey skin.
- Cons: Expensive.
AmLactin Daily Exfoliating & Hydrating AHA Lotion
Whether you work in health care and are constantly washing your hands, find that you’re dealing with menopause-induced hot flashes and sweat spells that leave you extra dry, or feel that your skin is always dehydrated, AmLactin quickly comes to the rescue. “The 12% ammonium lactate is a great hydrator and exfoliator, while ingredients like glycerin, mineral oil, and dimethicone are great emollients to keep hydration in the skin and smooth it out,” says Kseniya Kobets, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein.
Testing notes: Twine goes as far as to call it an “effective workhorse of a lotion.” “After using this for a few days, my skin is softer than it has been in a long time and feels a lot firmer (and less saggy),” says Twine. “It also has a nice gleam to it and looks a little less rough.”
Size: 7.9 oz. | Active ingredient: Lactic acid | Scent: Unscented
- Pros: Fragrance-free; hydrates; exfoliates; can help heal mild cracking
- Cons: May sting sensitive skin; the pump dispenses a lot of product at once
Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion
Using a body lotion with retinol is a nonnegotiable in a well-rounded antiaging body care routine. This silky, nongreasy formula leaves even the most mature skin looking smoother, firmer, and nourished. We love that this one is formulated with encapsulated retinol, which makes it tolerable for most, if not all, skin types.
Testing notes: “I’ve been using this lotion for two weeks now consistently to see if it would help my crepey skin, focusing mostly on my arms because that’s where it bothers me most. Since I’ve started using it, I absolutely notice that the skin on my arms is smoother and that the texture has improved. I plan on continuing to use it to see if there’s even more improvement as time goes on,” says Glamour tester Marlene Rosenberg.
Size: 8 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, allantoin, shea butter | Scent: Unscented
- Pros: Encapsulated retinol formula works for all skin types
- Cons: Takes time to see full results
Nivea Intense Healing Moisture Body Lotion
If you have discoloration, hyperpigmentation, or dark spots, a body cream with vitamin B can help even out skin tone. That’s what makes this derm-recommended lotion so special—it contains vitamin B5 to clarify and nourish rough skin.
Testing notes: “I noticed immediate hydration and lasting softness after using this lotion. My skin felt comfortable and moisturized throughout the day, and had a nice healthy glow, making dark spots and dull areas less noticeable,” says Frazier.
Size: 16.9 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Vitamin B5, glycerin | Scent: Fresh
- Pros: Grease-free; dries down quickly; leaves skin feeling soft
- Cons: Fragrance might cause sensitivity for some
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
She’s an icon, she’s a legend, and she is the moment. A staple on so many beauty awards lists, this cream ranks as our favorite for cellulite because its potent caffeine-rich guaraná is proven to smooth out annoying little lumps and bumps. Coconut oil moisturizes the skin without feeling greasy. Not to mention that its iconic Cheirosa 62 fragrance lingers on your skin all day in the best way.
Testing notes: “I’ve been using Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum Cream for a while, and I especially like to use it during the summer months for when I’m showing my own bum bum on the beach. While it’s by no means an absolute miracle cream, it does smooth out the backs of my thighs and it’s a staple in my body care routine. I love the consistency and how nicely it absorbs into my skin. And the scent just makes me feel…happy,” says Glamour contributor Taryn Brooke.
Size: 8.1 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Cupuaçu butter, coconut oil | Scent: Pistachio, almond, vanilla, salted caramel, and sandalwood
- Pros: Grease-free; creamy; absorbs quickly
- Cons: Fragrance might cause sensitivity for some
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As the name suggests, this body lotion contains 0.1% pure retinol to help diminish crepiness and repair signs of aging. It’s also packed with niacinamide, fatty acids, and five different peptides to repair the skin’s moisture barrier and firm the skin, says Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. “Its formulation contains cacay, marula, and meadowfoam oil to further hydrate and trap moisture into the skin.”
Testing notes: “This product has done wonders for my skin! I’m typically very dry, but this product has turned things around, and my skin feels much softer now. After a few days, I immediately noticed a smoother texture on my arms in areas that are usually crepey and dry. It absorbs quickly, too, and I plan on purchasing another bottle,” says Condé Nast executive account director Carolyn Frazier.
Size: 5.1 oz. | Active ingredients: Retinol, AHA, peptides, vitamins | Scent: Unscented
- Pros: Fragrance-free; vegan; testers say it works quickly
- Cons: Testers say the product’s natural scent is very strong
Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
Though packed with powerful exfoliators—glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid—to smooth and even out the skin tone, this body lotion is gentle enough for sensitive skin. The milky serum also boasts retinol to help improve skin texture and minimize fine lines and wrinkles. “This formula is ideal for someone who wants a serious dose of exfoliation,” says Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of TRNR Skin in NYC. “It leaves skin looking smoother, firmer, brighter, and more even.”
Testing notes: And a serious dose of exfoliation is exactly what Glamour’s Twine experienced. “Holy cow, the Topicals Slather lotion is impressive. I used it on my legs for a couple weeks, and they are now dreamily soft and smooth. I made sure to put some on the rough skin around my ankles, and somehow it sloughed off the dry spots—even though I hadn’t physically exfoliated with any sort of scrub in that area during that time. This lotion exfoliates all by itself. I am very impressed. And it’s very, very absorbent. Even if I slicked my legs up with a ton of this lotion, it was absorbed within five minutes. That’s a huge plus for me. The con is that the lotion has a faintly medicinal smell, and you should be careful about any potential transfer by touching your face. The powerful retinol formula made the skin on my face a little tingly,” she says.
Size: 5 oz. | Active ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, cocoa butter, squalane | Scent: Unscented
- Pros: Nongreasy; multitasking formula; gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Cons: Overuse can cause dryness; faint smell
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brighten + Tighten Body Butter
When your skin is extra dry and maybe even borderline ashy, it’s time to use heavy-duty moisturizers—specifically, body butters that are a lot thicker than your typical lotion. Glamour contributor Mary Honkus calls this Sunday Riley pick her all-time favorite because, along with restoring rough, dehydrated skin, the multitasking formula also brightens and firms with a hefty dose of vitamin C.
Testing notes: “A small dollop covers a lot of ground, and compared with other formulas, I love that this is fast-absorbing. It’s one of those rare body butters I’ll be able to comfortably use year-round and reap the benefits,” says Honkus.
Size: 6.7 oz. | Active ingredients: Vitamin C, oat lipids, shea butter | Scent: Jasmine, rose, and basil
- Pros: Brightens and firms skin; thick but absorbs quickly; tub is pretty big and will last a long time
- Cons: Might be too thick for oily skin
In the market for a body lotion that will provide long-lasting benefits and smell good? We absolutely love this formula from Native that contains plant-based oils and shea butter. The best part is that it comes in over a dozen scents, whether you’re in the mood for Coconut & Vanilla, or Sea Salt & Cedar.
Testing notes: “ShowerTok girlies love Native’s lotions because of their swoon-worthy scents—and my Lilac & White Tea lotion did not disappoint in this regard. After applying the lotion, I felt like I was being hugged by an enormous floral bouquet, and the lotion has a creamy texture that feels buttery on the skin. Which brings me to the con of this product—it’s a little buttery and sticky, and takes a while to absorb. I don’t advise putting on this lotion and then typing on a laptop! But if you’re in for a cozy night in pj’s, slathering on this aromatic lotion is a comfort. I’d love to try the vanilla one,” says Twine.
Size: 16.5 fl. oz. | Active ingredients: Shea butter, glycerin | Scents: Lavender, Cucumber & Mint, Eucalyptus, and more
- Pros: Smells amazing; under $20
- Cons: Formula takes a minute to dry down
Frequently asked questions
Why do you need a body lotion for mature skin?
“As we age, the integrity of our skin barrier weakens, which predisposes us to dryness and rougher skin,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC.
And Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, says, “Loss of collagen also contributes significantly to the signs of aging we see on skin as years goes by.” And because dry skin is duller, lacks lustre, and shows more fine lines, it can make you look even older, she explains. “Hydration from a quality body moisturiser is the quickest way to make a huge improvement in skin.”
How often should you use a body lotion for mature skin?
According to Kenneth Mark, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City, you should be applying body lotion twice a day, in the morning and at night. If you use a retinol, the dermatologists we spoke with recommend using it at night. Retinol creams are best applied twice a week at first until your skin builds up tolerance, then you can apply them every day.
What are the best ingredients for mature skin?
“Those with aging or mature skin should look for body lotions containing hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and niacinamide,” says Michele Green, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. “These ingredients will help to attract water from the environment, restore the body’s natural moisture barrier, hydrate the skin to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, and plump the skin.” Nighttime body lotions containing retinol are also great for promoting collagen synthesis and increasing skin cell turnover rate to slough off dead skin cells and reveal new, healthy skin cells underneath, she says.
Are there other ways to tighten skin and minimise wrinkles?
The short answer is yes. There are other things you can do at home to firm your skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Dr. Kobets recommends starting your shower routine with a gentle body cleanser that won’t strip away the skin’s natural oils; look for body cleansers with humectant ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, emollients such as ceramides, and antioxidants such as niacinamide. After your shower, the key is to apply your choice of moisturiser while your skin is still damp to lock in hydration. Dr. Kobets recommends a moisturiser that contains “advanced multitaskers like polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) – especially gluconolacctone – as it provides gentle exfoliation while offering antioxidant benefits. You can also use urea and lactic acid, which serve as both humectants and mild exfoliants to smooth and hydrate simultaneously.” She adds that if you’re looking for even more advanced anti-aging that you should absolutely incorporate a moisturiser that contains retinol because it’s a proven collagen-booster and will even your skin tone and smooth out texture irregularities.
What should you look for in a body lotion to address wrinkles?
A body lotion that targets wrinkles should deliver hydration while actively repairing the skin at the same time, says Dr. Kobets. “Look for a formulation that combines retinol or bakuchiol [a gentler, plant derived retinol alternative with fewer side effects] with hydrators (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin), antioxidants (such as niacinamide, vitamin C, coenzyme Q10), and barrier-repair ingredients like ceramides and squalene.” Body lotions that contain gentle exfoliants such as lactic acid and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) can help anti-aging actives (such retinol) penetrate deeper into the skin. “Together these ingredients support cell turnover, stimulate collagen synthesis, improve tone, and help the skin appear firmer and more youthful over time,” says Dr. Kobets.
Meet the experts
- Michele Green, MD, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City.
- Adrienne O’Connell, MD, medical director and president of Laguna Beach Aesthetics in Laguna Beach, California.
- Reshmi Kapoor, MD, board-certified dermatologist and owner and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology.
- Ryan Turner, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of TRNR Skin in NYC.
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein.
- Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine.
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, board-certified dermatologist in NYC.
- Kenneth Mark, MD, cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City.
