There’s no such thing as a magical, cure-all skincare ingredient, but retinol comes pretty darn close. An over-the-counter derivative of vitamin A, retinol can soften fine lines and wrinkles, boost collagen, improve texture, and help fade dark spots (albeit at a more “slow and steady” pace than its more powerful sisters, prescription retinoids). And that lengthy list of benefits doesn’t just apply to the skin above the décolletage—body retinols can work wonders for your arms, legs, and almost everything in between.
Available in formats ranging from bar soaps to serums, body retinols can help the skin on your booty, back, and limbs feel smoother, look more even, and potentially even tighten things up a bit. And, since they contain a lower concentration of the active ingredient than their prescription counterparts, and, two, when paired with moisturizers and hydrators like ceramides and vitamin E, the risk of irritation is significantly lower. What’s not to love? Scroll on for some of my all-time body retinols.
Contributing Beauty Writer, Eden Stuart’s, lineup of body retinols.
(Image credit: Future)
Contents
Lovely Lotions
These smooth operators are the perfect final step in your nighttime skincare routine.
Cocokind
Retinol Body Cream
If your skin is on the reactive side—or you’re just a bit spooked by retinol (no shame!)—look to this gentle option from one of the all-timer brands for sensitive-skinned folks. Alongside the .05 percent retinol, the formula includes moisturizing squalane and ceramide NP.
DRMTLGY
Retinol Body Lotion
This silky lotion contains caffeine (which provides a nice lil’ instant tightening feel) and mega moisturizers like vitamin E and shea butter. Yet it still feels medium-weight and not at all heavy, and rubs in nicely. What’s not to love?
Gold Bond
Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
Sometimes, you just want a thick, straightforward, no-frills lotion that gets the job done. A proper lotion (so not nearly as thick as a cream), this old-school select is perfect for someone looking for lots of moisture without greasy residue.
Savior Serums
Applied after your body wash and before lotion, serums provide a more targeted way to address skincare concerns like dark spots or crepiness.
Herbivore
Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Body Serum
Bakuchiol isn’t just a retinol alternative, but the retinol alternative—it’s the ultimate gentle swap-out that offers similar benefits and results. This lightweight serum from Herbivore dries down fast and is great for sensitive skin.
Soft Services
Software Update Retinol Body Serum
Along with .25 percent retinol, this serum features 5 percent niacinamide, a dem-beloved brightener—making it a pretty clutch formula for us hyperpigmentation girlies. I find this one gentle enough to use multiple times a week, but I do have pretty thick skin (literally, at least).
Nécessaire
The Body Retinol
Nécessaire’s bestselling serum pumps up the capabilities of its .1 percent retinol with a 10 percent mix of AHAs (specifically, mandelic and glycolic acid). The result is a potent product that’s perfect for those seeking maximum resurfacing. There is a bit of a smell, in my opinion, but it’s a medicinal one—the kind that makes me more confident that it’s actually doing something.
Hero Body Washes
We’re working backwards a bit here, but yes, you can indeed start your retinol skincare routine while you’re still in the shower with these sudsy, delightful-smelling body cleansers.
Dove
Calming Moisture Body Wash
As we’ve noted, the ideal time to use any retinol is at night, and you should really use this silky body wash before bed. Not because I don’t trust your ability to apply enough SPF (I believe in you!), but because the chamomile scent is just so incredibly relaxing, without being overpowering.
Olay
Cleansing & Renewing Nighttime Body Wash
Another absolutely delicious-smelling body wash—with a fresh, almost laundry-like scent—this creamy cleanser contains both retinol and vitamin B3, and leaves my skin feeling so soft.
OLLY
Olly Renew Mood and Skin Vitamin-Infused Body Wash – Jasmine Bergamot – 17 Fl Oz
This gel cleanser is a recent find of mine, and it actually comes from vitamin and supplement brand, Olly. I swear by its nighttime melatonin Sleep chews, and I love that this body wash, filled with retinol and antioxidants, fits perfectly into my before-bed routine.
Retinols You Didn’t Know You Needed
Did these options fit into the other categories? No. But should you find a way to incorporate them into your skincare routine? That’d be an emphatic yes.
Soft Services
Theraplush “hold” Retinol Hand Cream
This viral hand cream is rich and soft, and its mix of colloidal oatmeal, panthenol, and retinol leaves my hands with a healthy luster. It’s pricey, but a little bit goes a long way, and the refillable container is so chic, it makes me want to tidy up my nightstand. (She’s far too classy for that mess.)
Topicals
Slather Exfoliating & Smoothing Bar
Topicals’ two-step body retinol system consists of this retinol-lactic acid-urea bar soap and a milky exfoliating serum that adds AHAs into the mix. This duo is especially popular with folks with keratosis pilaris, and is notably great for addressing “strawberry legs.” Consider adding this one to cart ahead of shorts season.
U Beauty
Resurfacing Body Compound
If you’re a fan of U Beauty’s Resurfacing Compound, you’ll love the body version. The formulation uses the brand’s signature complex that targets uneven texture, discoloration, wrinkles, and rough skin. Plus, the serum is incredibly lightweight, so it feels wonderful on the body.
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