Retinol is one of the most talked-about ingredients in skincare and has earned a reputation for being extremely effective in treating fine lines, wrinkles, acne, skin texture, and pigmentation. As a derivative of vitamin A, it accelerates cell turnover, which helps to unclog pores, smooth uneven skin, stimulate collagen production, and soften the appearance of ageing.
It’s typically an ingredient that’s been confined to serums and creams for the face. But a new generation of products has emerged: retinol body lotions. According to Dr Granite, a dedicated retinol body product can help improve skin texture, smooth roughness and enhance overall tone. “This makes it particularly useful for concerns such as crepey skin, uneven pigmentation, sun damage, keratosis pilaris and early laxity on areas like the arms, thighs and décolletage,” she says, adding, “because body skin is thicker than facial skin, results tend to be more gradual, but with consistent use, retinol can significantly improve skin quality over time.”
For all its merits, retinol can sometimes cause irritation and sensitivity, especially when overused. “While body skin generally tolerates retinoids better than facial skin due to its thickness, irritation is still possible, particularly on more delicate areas like the neck, chest or inner arms. Dryness can occur, especially in the early weeks,” explains Dr Granite, who recommends introducing a retinol body lotion two to three nights a week to allow your skin to adapt. “Daily sun protection is essential on exposed areas when using them,” she adds.
But which retinol body lotion should you introduce to your skincare routine? The experts have shared their top recommendations.
Meet the experts
Dr Alexis Granite is a consultant dermatologist and founder of the bodycare brand Joonbyrd. She sits on the advisory board of the British Beauty Council and has a career spanning nearly two decades across the UK and the US. She is also a member of the British Association of Dermatologists, the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group, and the American Academy of Dermatology.
Dr Sonia Khorana is a cosmetic doctor and GP with a special interest in Dermatology. She splits her time between treating patients at Birmingham-based plastic surgery clinics, Kat & Co and MediZen Aesthetic Clinic. She is also a member of The Aesthetic Complications Expert Group, The Primary Care Dermatology Society and The British Medical Laser Association.
Dr Nava Greenfield is a board-certified dermatologist based at the Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. Specialising in medical and cosmetic dermatology, she is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Women’s Dermatologic Society and the American Medical Association.
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Paula’s Choice 1% retinol body treatment
Retinol concentration: 0.1 per cent
Fragrance-free: Yes
Size: 118ml
Both Dr Granite and Dr Sonia Khorana recommend the Paula’s Choice 1% retinol body treatment. Alongside retinol, the creamy formula contains shea butter, which Dr Khorana says helps to soften skin and support your skin barrier.
It’s “a good option for those seeking visible texture improvement, as it combines a high-strength retinol with hydrating ingredients to help offset dryness”, says Dr Granite.
Buy now £34, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Naturium skin renewing retinol body lotion
Retinol concentration: 0.05 per cent
Fragrance-free: Yes
Size: 234ml
While Naturium is well-known and loved for its body washes, creams and butters, its retinol body lotion is a standout for Dr Khorana. “It’s a lovely texture, very affordable and contains allantoin and shea butter to help with dryness,” she notes.
Promising a silky-soft, non-greasy finish, it’s housed in a convenient tube and features a vegan-friendly, fragrance-free formula that the brand recommends applying generously and massaging into the skin until absorbed.
Buy now £28, Boots.com
Alpha-H retinol reboot exfoliating body treatment
Retinol concentration: 1 per cent
Fragrance-free: No
Size: 120ml
Another top pick from Dr Khorana is this lightweight lotion that combines retinol with a cocktail of AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), including glycolic acid and lactic acid, making it “great for dullness and uneven texture”.
It’s specifically formulated to treat fine lines, crepiness, redness, and texture, with promising before-and-after results from a four-week independent consumer trial.
Buy now £31.99, Hollandandbarrett.com
Gold Bond age renew retinol overnight body & face lotion
Fragrance-free: Yes
Size: 7oz
Gold Bond’s multi-purpose lotion can be used on the face and body, so it’s an economical choice, says dermatologist Dr Greenfield. The base is shea butter, which aids moisture, she adds. Shea butter is a common ingredient in moisturising body products, as it’s an emollient, which not only intensely hydrates but also softens the skin and soothes dryness. It’s why you often see it in facial moisturisers catered for dry skin, too.
Buy now £24.5, Amazon.co.uk
Topicals slather exfoliating body serum
Retinol concentration: Not specified
Fragrance-free: Yes
Size: 150ml
Dr Khorana is a fan of Topicals exfoliating body serum because the formula contains encapsulated retinol, which is typically better tolerated and less likely to cause irritation, particularly if you have sensitive skin. She also notes the inclusion of urea, glycolic acid, and lactic acid, all of which help to address roughness, bumps, scales, dullness, and flakiness.
Buy now £27, Sephora.co.uk
Beauty Pie youthbomb body repair concentrate
Retinol concentration: 2 percent (of granactive retinoid)
Fragrance-free: No
Size: 200ml
If you’re looking to treat sun-damaged skin or a loss of elasticity, Dr Khorana recommends Beauty Pie’s youthbomb body repair concentrate. “It contains granactive retinoid, so there is less irritation and has niacinamide to also help with the skin barrier,” she says. Granactive retinoid is a derivative of retinoic acid, which means it’s typically more stable than retinol and less likely to cause irritation. The formula also features glycolic acid to slough away dead skin, reduce blemishes and age spots, and improve texture.
Buy now £65, Beautypie.com
Joonbyrd Sunday sofa body butter
Retinol concentration: N/A
Fragrance-free: No
Size: 200ml
If you are keen to avoid any possible irritation, Dr Granite recommends the Joonbyrd Sunday sofa body butter. The formula contains a “natural retinol alternative sourced from rambutan fruit, which is clinically proven to improve skin texture and firmness while reducing the risk of irritation,” she explains. The formula also contains hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and prebiotic inulin to strengthen the skin barrier, leaving skin soft and hydrated. It’s strongly scented with a creamy mix of vanilla, chocolate, and cardamom, too.
Buy now £52, Spacenk.com
Your questions on retinol body lotions answered
How can retinol benefit the skin on your body?
According to Dr Granite, a dedicated retinol body product can help improve skin texture, smooth roughness and enhance overall tone.
“This makes it particularly useful for concerns such as crepey skin, uneven pigmentation, sun damage, keratosis pilaris and early laxity on areas like the arms, thighs and décolletage,” she says. “Because body skin is thicker than facial skin, results tend to be more gradual,” she adds, “but with consistent use retinol can significantly improve skin quality over time.”
What age should you use a dedicated retinol body lotion?
While there’s no specific age when you need to start using a retinol body lotion, Dr Khorana advises that, like facial retinoids, it’s less about age and more about skin concerns.
“Some people begin in their late twenties or thirties as collagen production naturally starts to slow, particularly if they’re noticing changes like rough texture, uneven tone or crepey skin on areas such as the arms, chest or knees,” she explains.
Dr Greenfield also adds that moisturiser and sunscreen should be used regularly in your bodycare routine, but it’s worth considering adding a retinol lotion if you start to see signs of ageing, such as increased loss of laxity.
How often should you apply a retinol body lotion? Can it cause any irritation?
Dr Granite recommends introducing a retinol body lotion two to three nights a week to allow your skin to adapt.
“While body skin generally tolerates retinoids better than facial skin due to its thickness, irritation is still possible, particularly on more delicate areas like the neck, chest or inner arms. Dryness can occur, especially in the early weeks.”
To minimise irritation, she suggests following up retinol application with a nourishing moisturiser, adding, “daily sun protection is essential on exposed areas when using them.”
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