How to find a retinol body lotion that’s not irritating

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Retinol body lotions come in many concentrations, but it’s best to start low if you’re using it for the first time.Kara Birnbaum / NBC NewsBody lotions can be a means to an end: Slather it on and let your skin drink up the moisture. But the best formulas lend an extra something to your body-care routine. Enter: body lotions with retinol. The vitamin A derivative is well-loved by many dermatologists and NBC Selected editors for its ability to even out skin tone and texture. “Retinol smooths rough patches, fades discoloration, and boosts collagen production for firmer, more youthful-looking skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Helyn Alvarez. “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. “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. With that in mind, I spoke with three dermatologists to compile a list of retinol body lotions worth adding to your daily regimen.

Best overall pickPaula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment$undefined$37.00AmazonLearn moreBest drugstoreGold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion$undefined$11.97AmazonLearn moreBest body serumSoft Services Software Update Performance Retinol Serum$undefined$44.00SoftservicesLearn moreRelatedselectedselectedMeet retinal — retinol’s stronger, faster siblingWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter.

2,632 Amazon Reviews$37.00Amazon$37.00Dermstore$37.00Paula's ChoiceWhat to knowRetinol concentration: 0.1% | Additional ingredients: glycerin, shea butter, dimethicone | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeGood for beginnersMoisturizingSomething to noteNothing at this timeThis 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. 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.” It’s mild enough for daily use, too, she says. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan also recommends it, noting that it has added vitamin C to improve skin texture. Plus, he says, the 0.1% concentration of retinol makes it appropriate for patients with sensitive skin.

$140.00Laz Skincare$140.00Skinbetter ScienceWhat to knowRetinol concentration: not listed | Additional ingredients: lactic acid, niacinamide, green tea | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeGood for mature skinFragrance-freeSomething to noteNot for sensitive skinNighttime onlySkinBetter’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. It’s now available for the rest of the body in this formula, which helps resurface skin, according to the brand. Alvarez calls the treatment “luxurious,” saying that it’s “perfect for dry, aging or crepey skin that needs both renewal and deep moisture.” Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Carmen Castilla also says that the combination “works into the skin easily and does not leave a greasy residue.”

13,267 Amazon Reviews$11.97Amazon$11.97Walmart$11.99TargetWhat to knowRetinol concentration: not listed | Additional ingredients: peptides, niacinamide, shea butter | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeAffordableFor face and bodyGood for sensitive skinSomething to noteNothing at this timeThis 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. 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.

58 Amazon Reviews$36.00Amazon$36.00DermstoreWhat to knowRetinol concentration: 0.1% | Additional ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, CoQ10 | Fragrance-free: noWhat we likeExfoliatingLightweightSomething to noteNot for sensitive skinFor seasoned retinol users, Akhavan considers this potent formula a good way to increase efficacy, since it combines retinol with glycolic and lactic acids. 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.” It can also help with issues like crepiness and dark spots. “With regular use, patients can expect smoother skin texture and potential improvement in signs of sun damage as well,” he says.

1,186 Amazon Reviews$25.99Amazon$25.99Target$26.00NaturiumWhat to knowRetinol concentration: not listed | Additional ingredients: shea butter, allantoin | Fragrance-free: noWhat we likeLightweightAffordableSomething to noteSuits sensitive skinWhat 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. 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.

$44.00Softservices$44.00SephoraWhat to knowRetinol concentration: 0.25% | Additional ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yesWhat we likeEasy to blendLightweightAbsorbs quicklySomething to noteSoothing ingredientsThis is a body serum, so it’s more lightweight than a body lotion. “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. “When I rub it into my skin, it absorbs in seconds and doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue. I also didn’t notice much, if any, scent, which is great because I’m very scent sensitive.” It blends retinol with 5% niacinamide (an anti-inflammatory ingredient) and 3% glycerin (which hydrates).

491 Amazon Reviews$65.00Amazon$65.00Nordstorm$65.00NécessaireWhat to knowRetinol concentration: 0.1% | Additional ingredients: glycolic acid, peptides, niacinamide | Fragrance-free: noWhat we likeExfoliatingLight scentSomething to noteHigh price pointI used this body treatment after having my baby, since I had some hyperpigmentation during 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. It also has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, so in the summer, it’s moisturizing enough to serve as my body lotion.

$10.97Amazon$10.97WalmartWhat to knowRetinol concentration: not listed | Additional ingredients: niacinamide, lipids | Fragrance-free: noWhat we likeAbsorbs quicklyNon-greasySomething to noteSweet scent“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. “But as I get older, my skin feels drier and isn’t as perky as it once was. I started using this and love how quickly it absorbs. I’ve been using it for about a month and I definitely notice my skin looks a bit more plump.” Along with retinol, the lotion contains lipids and niacinamide to help nourish the skin barrier, according to the brand. It also has a sweet vanilla scent.

$17.69Amazon$17.69TargetWhat to knowKey ingredients: retinol, cocoa butter, squalane | Fragrance-free: yesThis lotion contains encapsulated retinol, which is thought to be more stable and less likely to degrade, according to the brand. It also has cocoa butter and squalane to help replenish the moisture our bodies naturally lose as we age. Reviewers appreciate that it is lightweight and fragrance-free.

selectedselectedThe 100 best moisturizers tested and ranked, according to NBC Selected editorsHow I picked the best retinol body lotionFirst, I talked to three dermatologists who shared what they recommend looking for in a retinol body lotion. Because retinol comes in different strengths — and can require some getting used to — beginners and regular users might need differing concentrations. When creating this list, I considered:

The most important thing to keep in mind when shopping is the lotion’s retinol concentration, since retinol products can vary widely in strength, according to Akhavan. You can usually find them with anywhere between 0.1% and 0.5% retinol, which, he says, can “strike a good balance between efficacy and tolerability.”

Retinol body lotions work the same way that face creams with retinol do. “Topicals with retinoids, including over-the-counter retinol products and prescription tretinoin, have the strongest science-backed evidence for treating fine lines and wrinkles,” says Akhavan.

Retinol works by increasing cell turnover, “which encourages exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and replacing them with new ones,” says Castilla. “This helps skin texture, making it feel smoother and can also improve discoloration.” It also increases collagen production — and when you apply it to skin on the body, “this can help thicken the skin, improving crepiness and increasing firmness,” she says.

Yes, you can and should use a retinol body cream every day — but you have to build up to it first. “Just like with facial retinol, diving in too quickly can lead to irritation, flaking or sensitivity,” says Alvarez.

If you’re new to retinol, begin by using it two to three nights a week on dry, not damp skin. Then, follow up with a moisturizer, even if the formula you’re using has moisturizing ingredients. “If your skin is extra sensitive, mix the retinol with your lotion to buffer its intensity,” says Alvarez. She also stresses the importance of using sunscreen come morning, as retinol leaves skin sensitive to sun exposure.

“Retinol can boost collagen production, which is an essential protein for supporting the skin,” says Castilla. “It can help to improve mild crepiness with consistent use.” However, it’s important to be patient and consistent, since it can take at least three months to start seeing improvements, she says.

Keep in mind that even if you’ve seen improvements from using retinol on your face, “the effects on collagen generation may be somewhat diminished compared to those on the face and neck,” says Akhavan. That’s because the skin on the body tends to be thicker than that on the face, and therefore less responsive to topical ingredients. However, a retinol body lotion will still offer much more in terms of smoothing texture and firming skin than your standard, moisturizing-only body cream.

selectedselectedThe best moisturizers for mature skin, according to dermatologistsMeet our dermatology expertsAt NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

I’m a freelance beauty writer and editor who’s been covering beauty and health for more than a decade, including topics like at-home microcurrent devices and prebiotic skin care. For this article, I spoke to three dermatologists to narrow down the retinol body lotions to shop this year, and highlighted their recommendations for the best options to consider.

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Deanna PaiDeanna Pai is a contributing writer and editor at NBC Selected.