Retinol Body Lotion Is Key to Soft Skin—We Love These 12 Formulas

Of every skincare ingredient out there, the one you'll hear me wax poetic about the most is easily retinol (and then probably sunscreen). It's the key to bright, smooth, and even skin without a prescription or expensive in-office treatment. Typically, you've heard about retinol serums for your face, but it's actually just as good for the skin on your body. Whether you have body acne, keratosis pilaris, hyperpigmentation, or sagging skin, retinol body lotions can help.

A retinol body lotion can be applied to your legs, arms, chest, back, and even the back of your hands for skin-smoothing, anti-aging effects. There's just one catch: For results, retinol needs to be used consistently and over time—trying to speed up the process by incorporating higher concentrations or more frequent use will only cause redness, irritation, and really pissed-off skin. That's why I personally tested and reviewed the best retinol body lotions on myself and consulted an expert dermatologist, Mona Gohara, MD—as well as referenced tips from dermatologist Anar Mikailov, MD, and plastic surgeon Finny George, MD.

Why we love it: If you have sensitive skin, a strong retinol body lotion might be too harsh for you. In that case, look for something with bakuchiol, a retinol alternative that's a bit softer on your skin yet still offers similar smoothing powers. This one from Tronque also employs AHAs, salicylic acid, and niacinamide for even more exfoliation (but, ya know, gently).

One Cosmo editor says: "This luxe body exfoliator is one of the only ones I trust on my eczema-prone, overly dry skin. My reactive skin normally can't handle a physical scrub or exfoliant, so I love that Tronque's chemical formula is gentle and firms and hydrates my skin as it exfoliates it over time. Yes, it's definitely a splurge, but if you want your arms and legs to look (and feel) silky smooth all summer, I highly recommend this serum as a nice retinol alternative."—JH

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