The 7 Best Retinol Body Lotions of 2025, According to Testers

Key Ingredients: Pro-retinol, argan oil, vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

When it comes to body retinols, few formulas strike the elusive balance of a gentle, nonirritating formulation combined with fast, noticeable results. However, Josie Maran’s Pink Algae Pro-Retinol Body Butter does exactly that. The formula swaps the sometimes-irritating retinol with a gentler derivative called pro-retinol, along with a cocktail of super-hydrating ingredients like argan oil and vitamin E, making it supremely coddling. Our tester appreciated the rich, creamy texture, which felt whipped, but not thick, and left skin looking dewy and feeling hydrated. This impressive formula earned our top spot thanks to its ability to dramatically smooth rough texture all over the body, including keratosis pilaris, crepey elbows, and dry, bumpy thighs, all without any irritation. 

Our tester noted significant improvements in texture and tone within weeks, with softer, more hydrated skin that felt just as good as it looked. While those with very dry skin may want to layer an additional moisturizer midday, the buttery texture, skin-softening results, and irritation-free experience made this formula a standout.

Heidi, tester with dry, sensitive skin: “The body butter completely smoothed the keratosis pilaris on my upper arms in just a few weeks. I also noticed an improvement in my ‘elephant elbows’ and the back of my thighs—it gave a hydrated and smooth appearance.”

Key Ingredients: 0.05% retinol, squalane, shea butter | Skin Type: All | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

I tested this low-dose retinol body lotion and was incredibly pleased with the results. It combines the smoothing benefits of an effective (although gentle) retinol in a refreshing, lightweight, fluid formula that I genuinely looked forward to using. The lotion glided on easily, absorbed quickly, and left zero residue, making it a dream for everyday use, even in the Florida summer heat. The results were gradual, but impressive. It effectively softened rough patches on my elbows and knees, visibly improved the look of some bumpy KP on the back of my arms, and noticeably reduced redness and blotchiness, with some results apparent in as little as a week. 

While the eco-friendly snap-top packaging gets points for sustainability, it failed to contain the runny formula, which made it tricky to dispense without making a mess. However, if you’re looking for a lightweight, breathable retinol body lotion that delivers visible smoothing without weighing down your skin, this one ticks all the right boxes.

Key Ingredients: encapsulated retinol, pomegranate extract, acai | Skin Type: All | Size: 4.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This hydrating retinol body lotion utilizes encapsulated retinol for a gentler, gradual release that doesn’t aggravate skin. The texture is thick (but not uncomfortably so), creating a dense layer of skin-smoothing hydration that stays on the skin for hours. It’s ideal for slathering on chronically dry areas, such as elbows, knees, and legs, and instantly smoothing any rough patches upon contact. The rich formula takes a bit of effort to fully rub in, especially on more delicate skin along the chest or neck, but it keeps skin feeling hydrated all day or night long. 

While the firming results of this lotion underwhelmed our tester, she greatly appreciated the glow and moisture payoff that resulted over time. One note: the pump can be tricky to control, dispensing too much at once, and making it hard to use up every last drop, which is something to consider given the price point. But for dry, dull skin in need of serious hydration, this one’s a heavy hitter.

Cindy, tester with balanced skin: “I did not notice any changes as far as tone or firmness; however, it did make my skin look healthier, more moisturized, and radiant. It took about three weeks to see results, using it twice a day, morning and night.”

Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, allantoin, shea butter | Skin Type: All | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If retinols intimidate you (or your sensitive skin), Naturium’s Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion is a welcome introduction to the retinoid game. The formula is refreshingly light, with a texture that steers more fluid than heavy cream, and absorbs quickly into skin without leaving any greasy feel or sticky residue. While the results are relatively subtle, this lotion gradually softens (thank you, shea butter!) and improves texture over time, making skin feel smoother and more hydrated with each use. 

Our tester appreciated how gentle the formula was, noting ‘no redness, no irritation, and no dryness,’ which made it a reliable go-to for daily use, especially for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Toni, tester with sensitive skin: “It gives a healthy, fresh look to the skin. No irritation, redness, or dryness at all—very gentle and comfortable to use daily.”

Key Ingredients: retinoid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, avocado oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re bothered by rough skin on your body, this impressive skin-smoothing formula combines retinoid and lactic acid (a chemical exfoliant) for a one-two punch of smoothing and resurfacing benefits. This potent cocktail is highly efficacious, but may be a bit intense for those with sensitive skin. The lotion feels luxe—as it should, to match the triple-digit price tag—with a texture that’s both creamy and pampering on skin, but not heavy. It sinks in without any stickiness and gives skin a noticeably smoother appearance after two weeks of continued use. Our tester noted considerable improvements in KP and arm redness in about a month, with results that continued to build over time. 

Our only minor notes: the pump can become a little drippy and messy if you’re not careful as you dispense it. And since this formula contains active ingredients and alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), you’ll want to be diligent about sunscreen the next day. 

Rachel, tester with KP and sun spots: “It really enhanced the overall appearance of the skin on my arms. I have noticed improvements in my keratosis pilaris as well as some redness. It took about a month to start seeing results, and I’m sure it will improve even more as I continue to use it.”

Key Ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, retinol, squalene | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This pick combines skin-smoothing retinol with skin-buffing AHAs, such as lactic and glycolic acid, to significantly improve skin texture and glow. The exfoliating acids are balanced by a helping of hydrating ingredients, including glycerin, squalane, and vitamin E, which condition skin and improve texture over time. The formula is notably thin and runny, which can take some getting used to, but once you find the right amount, it spreads evenly and absorbs without any greasiness or stickiness. It’s fragrance-free (though it has a slight chemical scent), and plays well with other products for easy layering, resulting in an all-around comfortable feel. 

After a few weeks of consistent use, our tester noticed a subtle yet visible improvement in skin tone and overall smoothness, especially in areas such as the arms and legs, which were prone to bumps and dryness. She also praised how well it boosted her skin’s radiance. 

Melody, tester with combination skin:  “This product enhances the overall appearance of my skin, which I appreciated most. It makes it look healthier, it makes it glow, and it makes it more radiant.”

Key Ingredients: retinol, coco butter, squalene, vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 8oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This effective retinol body lotion is gentle on both your skin barrier and bank account. The 0.01% encapsulated retinol is spiked with a trio of skin hydrators, including squalane, cocoa butter, and vitamin E, that blanket the skin in hydration without suffocating it. The texture is smooth and balanced, and blends easily without any aggressive rubbing. 

Our tester noticed a slight improvement in skin firmness and texture over time, while maintaining calm, hydrated, and itch-free skin. While it’s not a formula that will deliver super-dramatic results overnight (or at all), it did improve the look and feel of our tester’s skin, making this a great everyday lotion for overall better-looking skin.

Saleam, tester with combination skin and more recent dryness: ”I have noticed some slight improvements to skin texture and tone. Nothing extremely noticeable visually, but I do feel like my skin is more firm and I don’t deal with the itchiness that comes with using regular lotions that have started to irritate me lately, or rather, irritate my skin.”