It was only a matter of time before retinol became commonplace in one’s skin-care regimen—and the best retinol body lotions have been a natural evolution. Retinol, the vitamin A derivative lauded and loved for its ability to speed cellular turnover and stimulate collagen production, stands out for the name recognition to expand its popularity and, more distinctly, the clinical evidence to merit its spot on the shelf. And while its effects have long had a clear benefit for facial skin, retinol can offer a lot below the neck, too. “The body can also show signs of sun damage and aging,” says Aderonke Obayomi, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai in New York, NY. “Sun exposure on the chest and forearms, bumpy texture like keratosis pilaris, and stubborn dark marks all respond to a retinoid.”
Vogue’s Top Retinol Body Lotion Picks
Naturally, everyone now wants one, in part because people are also recognizing that preventative skincare can extend to the body. “I see more patients asking specifically about treating areas like the neck, chest, arms and knees, where they notice early changes in skin texture, crepiness, and pigmentation,” says Y. Claire Chang, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. “They are looking for products that do more than simply moisturize and are increasingly interested in ingredients backed by scientific evidence.”
Moreover, formulas for the body have only gotten better in recent years. Earlier retinol products could be irritating, but “many of the newer retinol body lotions contain hydrating, barrier-supporting ingredients to make them more tolerable and easier to use consistently,” says Dr. Chang. You can find retinol paired with niacinamide for extra brightening benefits, for instance. And many stay true to their inherent function as body lotions, harnessing hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to smooth and soften skin. With so many to choose from, scroll on for dermatologist-backed options for every skin type, concern, and preference.
