What are the benefits of retinol body lotion?

Retinol exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, leading to firmer, smoother-looking skin. It can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles , clear body acne, and correct hyperpigmentation. Therefore, applying it weekly in the months leading up to your wedding day (three to six months, at least) can help create an even skin tone and texture that looks stunning from head to toe as you walk down the aisle .

Can I use retinol body lotion every day?

Whether or not you can use retinol every day depends on the specific product. Make sure to check the label and read the directions for best practices to ensure the best results and avoid any irritation. Since retinol is less potent when infused into a lotion and mixed with other ingredients, it's likely safe to use every day.

Does retinol body lotion really work?

Yes. Retinol can effectively treat a number of skin conditions and concerns. It helps to boost collagen production and exfoliates your skin. It can even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, moisturize, and even help unclog pores .

What is the best retinol percentage for the body?

Most formulas you can buy over the counter have retinol concentrations of 1 percent or below. If it’s your first time using a retinol product, or you know you have sensitive skin, you might want to start with a lower concentration (0.2 percent or below). You can also look for a product with pro-retinol, a gentler retinol derivative. Apply the body lotion once a week at first to make sure you don’t develop any sensitivities. Gradually increase to a greater concentration of retinol after your skin becomes acclimated.

What are the side effects of using retinol body lotion?

Common side effects from using retinol (particularly when you first start using the ingredient on your skin) include redness, dryness, peeling, and discomfort. These effects are usually temporary as your skin adjusts to the product.

The 17 Best Retinol Body Lotions of 2024, Editor-Loved

Whether wearing a strapless, sleeveless, or back-baring wedding dress, you'll want smooth, glowing skin on the big day. While you've probably used retinol in facial serums, moisturizers, and oils, it's also a powerhouse ingredient in several firming body lotions that helps smooth fine lines, clear body acne, and correct hyperpigmentation on arms, legs, and more.

Consider a product's ingredients—especially if you have sensitive skin—and your skincare concerns when searching for a retinol lotion. Look for formulas with clean ingredients free of fragrances, dyes, or drying alcohols. Hydrating ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid are great for dry skin. Skincare products take some time to work, so no matter which formula you choose, start using it well before the wedding for the best results.

Our Top Picks

Editor's Favorite:

DRMTLGY Retinol Body Lotion at Amazon $36

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Best Overall:

Nécessaire The Body Retinol at Amazon $55

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Best Oil:

Retrouvé Baume Ultime Body Oil at Amazon $240

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Best Fragrance-Free:

Paula's Choice Retinol Body Treatment at Amazon $32

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Best Budget:

Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream at Amazon

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Best With Ferulic Acid:

Medix 5.5 Retinol Anti-Sagging Treatment at Amazon

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Best Body Butter:

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter at Josiemaran.com

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Best Gentle Formula:

Versed Retinol Body Lotion

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Best Body Serum:

Doris Day MD Skincare Retinol Body Serum at Dorisdaymd.com

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Best Serum, Runner-Up:

Soft Services Retinol Body Serum at Sephora

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Editor's Favorite

DRMTLGY Retinol Body Lotion

PHOTO: DRMTLGY

$36 at Amazon

Brides Associate Editor Lilly Blomquist loves this retinol-infused body lotion from DRMTLGY. "It's a high-quality, highly rated product that improves skin elasticity, increases firmness, reduces stretch marks, and creates a brighter complexion," she says. She recommends starting to use it at least six months before the wedding to see noticeable results.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycerin, caffeine | Size: 6 oz | Fragrance: Light and gentle | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Overall

Nécessaire The Body Retinol

PHOTO: Necessaire

$55 at Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Necessaire.com

Treat and prevent crepiness, lines, wrinkles, spots, and marks with this retinol repair serum from Nécessaire. Its fast-absorbing formula is infused with 0.1 percent pure retinol, AHA, peptides, vitamins, and glycerin to deliver noticeable results by the big day. Plus, this formula is dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and noncomedogenic.

Key Ingredients: Pure retinol, alpha hydroxy acid, peptides, vitamins | Size: 5.1 oz | Fragrance: Rosewater | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Oil

Retrouvé Baume Ultime Body Oil

PHOTO: RetrouvÃ©

$240 at Amazon View on Retrouve.com

Calling all brides with dry skin! You'll love this nourishing body oil from Retrouvé. The antioxidant-rich formula deeply moisturizes while simultaneously addressing signs of aging and supporting a healthy skin barrier. It's made with vitamin E, vitamin C, ceramides, and sustainably grown avocado to deliver hydration and a healthy glow.

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, squalane | Size: 5 oz | Fragrance: Subtle | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Fragrance-Free

Paula's Choice Retinol Body Treatment

image of paula's choice skin-smoothing retinol body treatment

$32 at Amazon View on Paulaschoice.com View on Dermstore

If you want a fragrance-free product, this treatment is the perfect option for you. It treats skin with retinol and antioxidants without the added scents, and the lightweight yet rich texture hydrates the skin without leaving a greasy residue. Overall, it's an unfussy formula that's a great addition to any skincare routine.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, primrose oil, grape seed oil, glycerin | Size: 4 oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

Advanced Clinicals Retinol Advanced Firming Cream

PHOTO: Walmart

View on Amazon View on IHerb View on Advancedclinicals.com

Hyaluronic acid and retinol are a dream duo, which is why we love this affordable pick that includes both. Perfect for your pre-wedding skincare routine, this cream offers both firming and nourishing benefits for allover skin improvement. Retinol targets fine lines, while the formula's other active ingredients including chamomile and aloe vera hydrate and nourish the skin.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, green tea extract, aloe, chamomile | Size: 16 oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best With Ferulic Acid

Medix 5.5 Retinol Anti-Sagging Treatment

Amazon Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream + Ferulic Acid Anti-Sagging Treatment

PHOTO: Amazon

View on Amazon View on Medix55.com View on Walmart

Retinol may be the top-billed ingredient in this treatment, but the ferulic acid in this formula is just as important. The powerful antioxidant protects the skin from UV rays and aids the efficiency of vitamins C and E. The treatment zones in on fine lines and sun damage to improve overall skin texture and tone, which is perfect for achieving an even wedding day glow.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, ferulic acid | Size: 15 oz | Fragrance: Chamomile | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Body Butter

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter

PHOTO: Sephora

View on Josiemaran.com

Few things feel as luxurious as slathering on creamy, rich body butter, and this pick infused with pro-retinol (a gentler retinol derivative) is no exception. This gentle and effective whipped formula delivers smoother, firmer, and more hydrated skin with the help of active ingredients like pink algae extract and pure argan oil. Use this in your daily self-care routine leading up to the big day.

Key Ingredients: Pro-retinol from pink algae, argan oil | Size: 8 oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free, vanilla | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Gentle Formula

Versed Retinol Body Lotion

Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion

PHOTO: Target

View On Versed Skin View on Amazon View on Target

Brides with sensitive skin will love this luscious pick that firms, smooths, and brightens all over. In addition to an encapsulated retinol blend, this vegan and cruelty-free formula uses nourishing cocoa butter, squalane, and vitamin E to replenish skin. As a bonus, its tube packaging is made with 75 percent recycled materials.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, cocoa butter, squalane, vitamin E | Size: 6 oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Body Serum

Doris Day MD Skincare Retinol Body Serum

PHOTO: Doris Day MD

View on Dorisdaymd.com

Another splurge-worthy item for your wedding day prep, this serum formula from Doris Day offers a luxurious alternative to lotion. Infused with powerful active ingredients including retinol, vitamin C, and salicylic acid, the treatment delivers smooth, hydrated, and rejuvenated skin. Apply this at night, and be sure to apply sunscreen to treated areas during the day.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, salicylic acid | Size: 6.75 oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Serum, Runner-Up

Soft Services Retinol Body Serum

Soft Services Software Update Retinol Body Serum

PHOTO: Sephora

View on Sephora

Soft Services Software Update Retinol Body Serum is a great choice for sensitive skin, as it contains a relatively low concentration of retinol (0.25 percent). With niacinamide and glycerin, the formula works to address fine lines, crepiness, and dull, rough texture. Oily skin types will also love that it's a lightweight serum rather than a heavy (read: greasy) cream.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, glycerin | Size: 2.5 oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Soothing

iS Clinical Body Complex

PHOTO: Amazon

$75 at Amazon View on Dermstore View on Skinstore.com

Ideal for sensitive skin, this calming and hydrating formula uses vitamins, botanical extracts, and antioxidants to heal and protect your skin. Plus, it promotes your skin's natural exfoliation and cellular regeneration processes, resulting in silky smooth and toned skin. This option is best applied after a bath or shower to amplify its soothing effects.

Key Ingredients: Retinyl palmitate, aloe, hyaluronic acid | Size: 6 oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best With AHAs

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Body Overnight Cream

PHOTO: skinbetter

View on Skinbetter.com

This body cream, meant for overnight use, uses a combination of a retinoid and AHAs. It aims to smooth and exfoliate your skin thanks to this potent blend of actives. Sensitive skin types will love that it's free of dyes, parabens, and fragrance. We recommend it if you have rough, dry skin with crepey patches. The formula protects the skin and works to deeply hydrate and nourish.

Key Ingredients: Retinoid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, green tea | Size: 5 oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Exfoliating

Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum

PHOTO: Sephora

View on Amazon View on Sephora View on Mytopicals.com

If you’re looking for a retinol lotion that can also exfoliate, look no further than Topicals Slather. This milky body serum includes AHAs to help slough away dry, scaly, flaky skin while moisturizing at the same time. Retinol, squalane, and AHAs are the ingredients that make this product so effective and nonirritating. Bonus: it’s gentle enough to use daily.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, squalane, AHAs | Size: 5 oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Retinol Alternative

Eminence Organics Coconut Firming Body Lotion

PHOTO: Amazon

$36 at Amazon View on Dermstore View on Walmart

Boost collagen production and tighten the skin with this all-natural pick from Eminence Organics. Chicory root and tara tree extract act as a natural retinol alternative that firms and smooths, while coconut milk and coconut water moisturize, tone, and soften the skin.

Key Ingredients: Chicory root, tara tree extract, coconut water | Size: 8.4 oz | Fragrance: Coconut | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best With Bakuchiol

The Inkey List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer

PHOTO: Amazon

$23 at Amazon $15 at Sephora

The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer is a great retinol substitute to consider. The star ingredient of this natural, plant-derived product is bakuchiol, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles without drying the skin. This product is also packed with hydrating ingredients like sacha inchi oil and squalane and is safe to use in the morning and evening.

Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, squalane, sacha inchi oil | Size: 1 oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Tightening Formula

Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion

PHOTO: Amazon

$94 at Amazon View on Dermstore View on Skinstore.com

We chose this powerful pick for its highly effective ingredients that deliver results. Made with medical-grade all-trans-retinol, edelweiss flower, green tea polyphenol, and hyaluronic acid, this daily body lotion visibly lifts and tightens skin and improves skin texture. Plus, it supports healthy collagen production for a brighter, firmer complexion.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, antioxidants, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Size: 6.7 oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best With Antioxidants

Caudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream

PHOTO: Caudalie

View on Amazon View on Nordstrom View on Caudalie.com

For a protective, nourishing nighttime treat, slather on Caudalie Vinosculpt Lift & Firm Body Cream. The generously sized tub is great for body application, and the retinol alternative is packed with goodies like grape polyphenols, grapeseed and iris extracts, and shea butter. You'll wake up to softer, smoother skin. As a bonus, it's designed to give skin a lifted, firmer look.

Key Ingredients: Grape polyphenols, grapeseed extract, shea butter | Size: 8.4 oz | Fragrance: Orange blossom | Cruelty-Free: No

What to Look for in a Retinol Body Lotion

Clean Ingredients: When searching for a retinol lotion that's right for your skin, it's important to look for trusted, clean ingredients. Bonus points if it's dermatologist-tested and recommended. If you have sensitive skin, look for body lotions that are free from fragrances, dyes, drying alcohols, and other ingredients that could irritate your skin. Test the product on a small patch of skin before applying it to your entire body to ensure the formula is a good fit for your skin type.
Effective for Your Skin Concerns: The best part about retinol body lotions is how versatile they are, so you should be able to find a lotion that will address your specific skin concerns. For example, if you're looking for moisture, choose one that has hyaluronic acid, argan oil, and other ingredients that will keep your skin plump and hydrated. For sun damage, look for a formula that has vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid.
Retinol Strength: When selecting a body lotion that contains retinol, start with a lower concentration at first. Most retinol products for the body have a strength of 1 percent or less. If you’re trying to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles or skin discoloration, a retinol strength of 0.2 percent to 0.5 percent might be ideal. For other skin concerns, like body acne, you might want a product with a concentration of 1 percent.
Hydrating Ingredients: Since retinol on its own can dry the skin, look for a body lotion that also contains moisturizing ingredients. Products that contain cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil are particularly hydrating and make a good balance to retinol.

FAQ

What are the benefits of retinol body lotion?

Retinol exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, leading to firmer, smoother-looking skin. It can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, clear body acne, and correct hyperpigmentation. Therefore, applying it weekly in the months leading up to your wedding day (three to six months, at least) can help create an even skin tone and texture that looks stunning from head to toe as you walk down the aisle.
Can I use retinol body lotion every day?

Whether or not you can use retinol every day depends on the specific product. Make sure to check the label and read the directions for best practices to ensure the best results and avoid any irritation. Since retinol is less potent when infused into a lotion and mixed with other ingredients, it's likely safe to use every day.
Does retinol body lotion really work?

Yes. Retinol can effectively treat a number of skin conditions and concerns. It helps to boost collagen production and exfoliates your skin. It can even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, moisturize, and even help unclog pores.
What is the best retinol percentage for the body?

Most formulas you can buy over the counter have retinol concentrations of 1 percent or below. If it’s your first time using a retinol product, or you know you have sensitive skin, you might want to start with a lower concentration (0.2 percent or below). You can also look for a product with pro-retinol, a gentler retinol derivative. Apply the body lotion once a week at first to make sure you don’t develop any sensitivities. Gradually increase to a greater concentration of retinol after your skin becomes acclimated.
What are the side effects of using retinol body lotion?

Common side effects from using retinol (particularly when you first start using the ingredient on your skin) include redness, dryness, peeling, and discomfort. These effects are usually temporary as your skin adjusts to the product.

Why Trust Brides

Chinea Rodriguez is a freelance fashion and beauty writer. In addition to Brides, she has written for New York Magazine's The Cut, PopSugar, and Byrdie.

Edited by Cher Checchio