What are the benefits of retinol?

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 lotion every day?

Whether or not you can use retinol everyday 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 boosts 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% 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% or below). Apply the body lotion once a week at first to make sure you don’t develop any sensitivities. Gradually increase to a 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 14 Best Retinol Body Lotions of 2023

Whether you're 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 a variety of firming body lotions. Retinol body lotions can help smooth fine lines, clear body acne, and correct hyperpigmentation on arms, legs, and more.

When searching for a retinol lotion that's right for you, the first thing to consider is a product's ingredients–especially if you have sensitive skin. Generally, lotions made with clean ingredients are your best bet. Look for formulas that are free of fragrances, dyes, or drying alcohols. Next, you'll want to tackle your individual skin care concerns. For instance, if you have dry skin, look for hydrating ingredients like vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. No matter which formula you go with, be sure to start using it well before the wedding for the best results.

Test your retinol lotion on a small patch of skin before applying it all over your body so you can ensure it's right for your skin type and avoid any irritation–those with sensitive skin may have to build up a tolerance to the multi-tasking ingredient.

To help you find the best retinol lotion for your bridal beauty routine, we've researched the top formulas to help you get smooth, glowing skin by the big day. If you're looking for a beauty product that packs a lot of punch, we love the Rosen Apothecary Anti-Aging Retinol Body Lotion and the Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion. For powerful ingredients that work while you sleep, our favorite pick is the Doris Day MD Skincare Retinol Body Serum.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Rosen Apothecary Anti-Aging Retinol Body Lotion at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Fragrance-Free:

Paula's Choice Retinol Body Treatment at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment at Nordstrom

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Advanced Clinicals Retinol Cream at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Antioxidant:

Medix 5.5 Retinol Anti-Sagging Treatment at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Body Butter:

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Gentle Formula:

Versed Retinol Body Lotion at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Body Serum:

Doris Day MD Skincare Retinol Body Serum at Dorisdaymd.com

Jump to Review

Best Soothing:

iS Clinical Body Complex at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Retinol Alternative:

Eminence Organics Coconut Firming Body Lotion at Amazon

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Brides

Rosen Apothecary Anti-Aging Retinol Body Lotion

Amazon

View On Amazon

Caffeine isn't just a great early morning or midday pick-me-up. In this lightweight lotion, it's used to aid retinol effectiveness and helps to firm skin. Another key ingredient is ultra-moisturizing argan oil, which further hydrates the skin to deliver a brighter complexion and smooth skin tone.

Price at time of publish: $17

Key Ingredients: Retinol, caffeine, argan oil | Size: 32 fl oz | Suggested Skin Type: All | Fragrance: Light fresh fruit scent | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Harrods.com

If fragrances aren't your thing, 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.

Price at time of publish: $29

Key Ingredients: Retinol, primrose oil, grape seed oil, glycerin | Size: 4 fl oz | Suggested Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination, dry | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Blue Mercury

View On Nordstrom View On Neiman Marcus View On Bergdorfgoodman.com

If there's one time to splurge on high-end beauty products, it's your wedding day. Although it's a bit pricey, rest assured that a little goes a long way with this luxe skin treatment. The blend of shea butter, rosewater, macadamia oil, and the star ingredient (retinol, of course!) results in silky-smooth skin.

Price at time of publish: $108

Key Ingredients: Retinol, saccharide isomerate, edelweiss extract | Size: 6.8 fl oz | Suggested Skin Type: All | Fragrance: Rose | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Walmart

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 all-over skin improvement. Retinol targets fine lines, while the formula's other active ingredients including chamomile and aloe vera hydrate and nourish the skin.

Price at time of publish: $35

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

Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream + Ferulic Acid Anti-Sagging Treatment

Amazon

View On Amazon View On IHerb View On Urban Outfitters

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.

Price at time of publish: $23

Key Ingredients: Retinol, ferulic acid | Size: 15 fl oz | Suggested Skin Type: All | Fragrance: Chamomile | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Pro-Retinol Body Butter

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Josiemaran.com View On Kohls.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.

Price at time of publish: $46

Key Ingredients: Pro-retinol from pink algae, argan oil | Size: 8 fl oz | Suggested Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Fragrance: Fragrance-free, vanilla | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Versed Press Restart Retinol Body Lotion

Target

View On Amazon View On Revolve View On Howl.me

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% recycled materials.

Price at time of publish: $18

Key Ingredients: Retinol, cocoa butter, squalane | Size: 6 fl oz | Suggested Skin Type: Dry | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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.

Price at time of publish: $185

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

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Bluemercury.com View On Dermstore

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.

Price at time of publish: $75

Key Ingredients: Retinyl palmitate, aloe, hyaluronic acid | Size: 6 fl oz | Suggested Skin Type: Sensitive | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Eminence Organics Coconut Firming Body Lotion

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Ecosmetics.com

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

Price at time of publish: $27

Key Ingredients: Coconut water, corn oil, glyceryl stearate | Size: 8.4 fl oz | Suggested Skin Type: All | Fragrance: Coconut | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Beautifiedyou.com View On Dermstore

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.

Price at time of publish: $93

Key Ingredients: Retinol, antioxidants, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Size: 6.7 fl oz | Suggested Skin Type: Dry, normal, oily, sensitive | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sephora

View On Amazon View On Mytopicals.com View On Sephora

If you’re looking for a retinol lotion that can also exfoliates, 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 non-irritating. Bonus: it’s gentle enough to use daily.

Price at time of publish: $30

Key Ingredients: Retinol, squalane, AHA’s | Size: 5 fl oz | Suggested Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, oily | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Sephora

If you’re looking for another natural alternative to retinol, The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer is one you should 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.

Price at time of publish: $13

Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, squalane, sacha inchi oil | Size: 1.0 fl oz | Suggested Skin Type: Normal | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free: Yes

PH Factor 5.5 Retinol & Ferulic Acid Cream for Face and Body

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

This great combo product from PH Factor includes retinol and ferulic acid and provides a bevy of benefits. Thanks to ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile, this cream is also gentle and less irritating, and it's also safe to use on your face in small doses. This reasonably priced product comes in a tall pump container, so you won’t have to restock for a while.

Price at time of publish: $20

Key Ingredients: Retinol, ferulic acid | Size: 15 fl oz | Suggested Skin Type: Dry, normal, oily | Fragrance: Shea Butter, black tea | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 patch of skin before applying it to your entire body to ensure the formula is a good fit for your skin type. If potent ingredients don't tend to bother you, you might opt for options made with powerful ingredients, such as the Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion.

Target 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. We recommend the iS Clinical Body Complex or the Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion.

Consider 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% or less. If you’re trying to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles or skin discoloration, a retinol strength of 0.2% to 0.5% might be ideal. For other skin concerns, like body acne, you might want a product with a concentration of 1%.

Check the 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. Our best splurge product, Chantecaille Retinol Body Treatment, contains shea butter and macadamia oil to moisturize and nourish the skin.

FAQ

What are the benefits of retinol?

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 lotion every day?

Whether or not you can use retinol everyday 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 boosts 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% 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% or below).
Apply the body lotion once a week at first to make sure you don’t develop any sensitivities. Gradually increase to a 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.

The 9 Best Wedding Makeup Products for Your Big Day