The 13 Best Body Lotions for Aging Skin, Recommended by Dermatologists
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These body lotions are packed with active ingredients to benefit the skin beyond just hydration.
InStyle / Kristin Kempa
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Ask any dermatologist how to prevent the signs of aging skin, and they’ll give some variation of this heart-sinking advice: “Start young.” But for those who haven’t always been religious about applying sunscreen or staying moisturized, there is hope. For every concern associated with aging skin, there’s a lotion that promises to combat it. The only trick is knowing which product to pick.
This is true for the skin on your body, too. These lotions are packed with active ingredients that are commonly found in facial skincare, such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, and retinol. With regular use, these lotions can repair the skin barrier, promote cell turnover, and, of course, provide lasting hydration.
We tapped eight dermatologists to help us round up the best-in-class body lotions for treating fine lines, sagging, and other signs of aging skin. In the end, we uncovered the best products that will help your skin feel repaired and refreshed — no needles, lasers, or harsh peels required.
Best Overall: Augustinus Bader The Body Lotion
What We Love: It contains a high-tech ingredient called TFC8, which is clinically proven to support cellular renewal.
What We Don’t Love: The super lightweight formula doesn’t feel as instantly hydrating as some thicker lotions and creams.
Anetta Reszko, a New York City-based MD and PhD in dermatology and cosmetic dermatology, singles this lotion out as a high-performing antidote to several aging-skin concerns. It contains a high-tech, proprietary ingredient called TFC8. Made with natural amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules, the complex supports cellular renewal to give skin a smoother and overall healthier appearance. It also contains the more recognizable aloe vera extract, vitamin E, and shea butter for additional moisture.
The featherweight lotion absorbs quickly and leaves no residual grease. Those with ultra-dry skin may miss the instantly hydrating feeling of a thicker formula though. Have no fear though, this formula helps the skin to absorb, and then hold in, the moisture that is obtained and supports your skin barrier function. Finally, the tube format makes for easy one-handed application.
Price at time of publish: $105
Size: 3.38 fl oz | Active Ingredients: TFC8 complex, vitamins B5 and E, shea butter, aloe vera leaf juice | Scented: No
Best Budget: Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion
What We Love: It’s made with pure cocoa butter, which moisturizes the skin and gives it a dewy sheen.
What We Don’t Love: The lotion is great for dry and combination skin, but it may be too thick for oily skin.
At just $11 a bottle, this lotion offers a cocoa-scented bang for your buck. It’s made with pure cocoa butter and shea butter, which hydrate the skin and give it a lustrous glow. It also contains petrolatum (an occlusive moisturizer) and glycerine (a humectant.) Together, the ingredients work to draw moisture into the skin, and keep it sealed in.
The buttery, but non-greasy, formula keeps the skin hydrated for 48 hours. Though it’s a salve for dry and combination skin, it may be too thick for oily skin.
Price at time of publish: $11
Size: 32 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Pure cocoa butter, shea butter, ultra hydrating lipids | Scented: Yes
Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville Dry Skin Saver
What We Love: The multi-use lotion can be used on the face, lips, and body.
What We Don’t Love: It’s prone to pilling under makeup or sunscreen.
“This is a multipurpose moisturizer that can be used on the face, lips, and body,” says Dr. Toral Vaidya, M.D., MPH, dermatology resident physician in New York City. And yes, she recommends using it in all those places—especially to patients with dry skin. “It contains a lipid complex that provides long-lasting hydration and maintains the skin's natural barrier,” she explains.
The creamy formula is prone to pilling under makeup or sunscreen, so try using it at night. Lots of people have also mentioned using and loving it as a hand lotion for dry, cracked skin and cuticles.
Price at time of publish: $56
Size: 4 oz | Active Ingredients: Oat kernel flour, multi-functional lipid complex, Japanese kelp, Australian plant extract | Scented: No
Related: The 12 Best Hand Creams of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
Best Firming: Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment
What We Love: It has moisturizing plant oils that give skin a dewy sheen.
What We Don’t Love: The opaque packaging makes it hard to tell how much product is left in the bottle.
The rich but non-greasy lotion gives skin a dewy sheen, and it draws on retinol to help even out skin tone and texture over time. The retinol complex in this formula works to improve skin firmness, notes Dr. Vaidya. “It also has natural butters and plant oils to soften the skin.” Retinol can be a tricky ingredient to tolerate, however the thicker skin on your body is generally less delicate than your face, so don’t count it out. The low-strength formula (0.1%) will also help your tolerance of the powerful anti-aging cream.
The opaque packaging makes it hard to tell how much product is left in the bottle, so you may need to restock it more quickly than you think—we started buying two at a time so we’re never without our favorite firming lotion.
Price at time of publish: $29
Size: 4 oz | Active Ingredients: Pure retinol, natural butters, mid-strength 0.1% retinol concentration | Scented: No
Related: The 14 Best Retinol Products of 2023
Best Drugstore: Jergens Shea + Cocoa Butter Blend Hand and Body Lotion
What We Love: The lotion is not only hydrating; it can even out the skin tone.
What We Don’t Love: Its light, fruity scent may be a detractor for those who prefer unscented products.
This is a go-to drugstore pick for Angela Lamb M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Mt. Sinai Health System. She points out that the vitamin E and shea butter found in the formula can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has vitamin B3, also known as niacinamide, which helps even out skin tone, too. Infused with hydrating cocoa butter, the lotion has a light, fruity fragrance that conjures vacation vibes, However, scent-adverse shoppers may prefer another pick.
Price at time of publish: $8
Size: 8.5 oz | Active Ingredients: Shea and cocoa butters, vitamins B3 and E | Scented: Yes
Best Dermatologist-Recommended: CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin
What We Love: It has lactic and salicylic acid to improve skin texture.
What We Don’t Love: This is designed specifically for dry, rough, or bumpy skin, so it’s not as universal as some other body lotions.
“This is one of my favorite body lotions that’s designed to improve skin texture through exfoliation and hydration,” says Dr. Vaidya. “It's formulated with lactic acid and salicylic acid, which are gentle exfoliators, and hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which restore the skin barrier.” Fragrance-free and allergy-tested, the lotion is specifically formulated to address dry, rough, or bumpy areas. If these aren’t your particular concerns, try one of CeraVe’s more universal body products, such as its Daily Moisturizing Lotion.
Price at time of publish: $18
Size: 8.5 oz | Active Ingredients: Salicylic and lactic acids, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Scented: No
Best with Retinol: Nécessaire The Body Retinol Overnight Repair Treatment
What We Love: The lotion gently exfoliates the skin to make it feel smoother and softer.
What We Don’t Love: Because it contains retinol, the lotion makes skin more susceptible to sun damage.
The serum-y texture of this lotion glides on smoothly and sinks in quickly, expediting the shower to pajamas process. “This works well for anyone looking for a higher concentration of retinol,” says Corey L. Hartman M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL. This retinol body lotion provides the traditional benefits of the anti-ager, which include firming the skin and evening out its tone, Plus, Dr. Hartman says, “it gives an additional exfoliation boost” via alpha hydroxy acids.
Retinol can make the skin more susceptible to sun damage, so it’s best to use this treatment as intended: Overnight.
Price at time of publish: $55
Size: 5.1 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Retinol, alpha hydroxy acids | Scented: No
Best for Crepey Skin: Gold Bond Body Bright Daily Body & Face Lotion with Vitamin C
What We Love: The multi-purpose lotion is non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.
What We Don’t Love: The texture is light and absorbs quickly—maybe too quickly, for those who want a more hydrating feel.
This wallet-friendly product pairs two skincare ingredients to take aim at texture. “For improving crepiness and wrinkles, look for products that pair vitamin C with hydrating ingredients,” advises Dennis Gross M.D., the board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon behind Dr. Dennis Gross skincare. Gold Bond’s multipurpose lotion packs that one-two punch, pairing skin-brightening vitamin C serum with alpha-hydroxy acids. Suited for use on the body and the face, the non-comedogenic lotion won’t clog pores. Although, it’s fast-absorbing texture may feel too light for those seeking intense hydration.
Price at time of publish: $15
Size: 8 oz | Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, alpha-hydroxy acids | Scented: Yes
Best Anti-Aging: First Aid Beauty Sculpting Body Lotion
What We Love: It’s particularly good for firming up skin in hard-to-tone spots, including the backs of the thighs.
What We Don’t Love: It has a white cast when first applied.
This popular lotion blends firming peptides with puff-reducing caffeine and hydrating glycerine. The ingredients work together to create a smoother, more lifted look for skin all over the body (even on the butt and backs of thighs.) The lotion also locks in moisture with colloidal oatmeal and ceramides. It has a white cast when it’s first applied, so take care to rub it in well.
Price at time of publish: $34
Size: 6 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Firming peptides, caffeine, glycerine, colloidal oatmeal, ceramides | Scented: No
Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Moisturizing Body Cream
What We Love: It’s gentle enough for eczema-prone skin.
What We Don’t Love: The thick, creamy formula may feel too heavy for oily skin.
Dr. Vaidya recommends this soothing balm to patients with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. It’s made with anti-aging hero ingredients, including ceramides, shea butter,and niacinamide, “It provides deep and long-lasting hydration, and restores the skin barrier,” Dr. Vaiya says. Not only was it our pick for best drugstore lotion for sensitive skin, but it also was our overall choice for best creams for eczema.
One of the pain points of eczema is that it causes dryness because of damage to the skin barrier. The anti-inflammatory, soothing ingredients work together to adequately moisturize the skin. Even if eczema isn’t what plagues you, the gentle formula is ideal for sensitive skin of all types.
The balm can be used on the body and face, but it may feel too thick on oily skin.
Price at time of publish: $20
Size: 13.52 fl oz | Active Ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter, niacinamide | Scented: No
Best for Skin Over 40: Caire The Grownup Moisturizer
What We Love: The moisturizer is specifically designed to restore softness and suppleness to skin affected by menopause.
What We Don’t Love: It has a slightly tacky texture upon initial application.
If it feels like all beauty is tailored to the gen-z audience, you’re not alone. But Caire saw an opportunity and a need to develop a brand for the over 40 set. Through a proprietary ceramide-lipid emulsion, the moisturizer strengthens the skin barrier. It also increases firmness through a mix of hyaluronic acid and fermented peptide. “Caire has developed a very strong skincare approach for women over 40,” notes surgical dermatologist Dr. Beth Goldstein, founder of Modern Ritual, a virtual dermatology clinic. “It addresses two primary causes of midlife skin aging at once, so it’s very effective and efficient,“ Dr. Goldstein shares. The cream has a slightly tacky texture upon initial application, which may be off putting at first.
Price at time of publish: $88
Size: 1.7 oz | Active Ingredients: Vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, peptides | Scented: No
Best for Skin Over 50: Epionce Renewal Body Lotion
What We Love: Though it’s a medical-grade cream, it’s made with gentle botanical ingredients.
What We Don’t Love: The 2.5 ounce tube may not last for long.
This medical-grade cream was designed to protect the skin barrier through gentle botanical blends. Since “when your skin barrier is not healthy, then signs of aging develop quicker,” says Dr. Carl Thornfeldt, clinical dermatologist, pioneer in skin barrier research and the creator of Epicone. It's made with Rosa Canina fruit oil and onion bulb extract, which both contain skin-tightening vitamin C. Safflower seed oil and meadowfoam extract, both filled with fatty acids, make it ultra moisturizing.
At just 2.5 ounces, the cream is smaller than a traditional body product, so expect semi-frequent restocks.
Price at time of publish: $26
Size: 2.5 oz | Active Ingredients: Rosa canina fruit oil, onion bulb extract, safflower seed oil | Scented: No
Best for Skin Over 60: Osea Undaria Algae Body Butter
What We Love: Its unique ingredient list includes Undaria seaweed, which works wonders to smooth and soften the skin.
What We Don’t Love: It has a noticeable scent, which may be off-putting to some.
This thick, deliciously hydrating body butter is infused with Undaria seaweed to replenish the skin’s moisture barrier. It also contains shea butter and ceramides, which absorb quickly into dry skin for a mega dose of hydration.
The lotion was clinically tested on a group of women, including some in their 60s. Nearly all participants saw a reduction in crepiness and an increase in suppleness over four weeks. Those who prefer unscented lotions should be aware that the product has a grapefruit, lime, and cypress scent.
Price at time of publish: $56
Size: 1.7 oz, 6.7 oz | Active Ingredients: Undaria seaweed, shea butter, ceramides | Scented: Yes
What to Keep In Mind
Ingredients
When it comes to body lotions, “Aging skin can benefit from ingredients that provide deep hydration, gentle exfoliation, and collagen stimulation.” says Dr. Vaidya. “Collagen and elastin are important proteins that provide our skin with structure, support, and elasticity,” Dr. Vaiyda says. “Over time, factors such as UV exposure and genetics cause these proteins to break down, causing skin laxity.”
“For hydration,” Dr. Vaidya advises, “look for humectants such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which bind onto water and retain moisture in the skin.” Augustinus Bader’s The Body Lotion contains glycerin, as well as shea butter and aloe vera leaf juice, to deeply hydrate the skin.
Dr. Vaidya adds that ingredients such as ceramides and niacinamides are helpful for strengthening and restoring the skin barrier. La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar Balm AP+. contains both ceramides and niacinamides.
To promote skin-cell turnover, Dr. Vaidya recommends gentle exfoliating agents like lactic and glycolic acid. CeraVe’s SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin contains lactic acid, and is a popular dermatologist pick for aging skin.
“Retinol and peptides can help stimulate collagen production, improving overall skin quality and firmness,” Dr. Vaidya says. Caire’s The Grownup Moisturizer was specifically formulated for aging skin, and it’s made with a hyaluronic-acid-fermented-peptide complex that’s effective at generating collagen.
Humectant and Occlusive Hydrators
The two kinds of hydrators found in body lotions are humectant and occlusive, and they work in tandem to keep the skin moisturized and plump. So, what’s the difference between the two?
“Humectants are hydrators that draw water into your skin, while occlusives work to seal moisture in,” Dr. Thornfeldt explains. “An example of an occlusive is petroleum jelly, meaning that it seals moisture into the skin but it doesn’t moisturize. This is why you want to apply it over damp skin, to lock in the moisture.”
Shea and cocoa butters, beeswax, and argan oil are also occlusive hydrators. Examples of humectant moisturizers include hyaluronic and salicylic acids, honey, and alpha hydroxy acids such as glycolic and lactic acids.
“In many cases, humectants and occlusives are used together in skincare products to provide optimal hydration,” says Dr. Reszko. Vaseline’s Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Moisture Body Lotion contains both occlusive and humectant hydrators.
Your Skincare Concerns
When shopping for a body lotion that will address signs of aging, Dr. Vaidya recommends products that contain hyaluronic acid and glycerin. “These are humectants that bind onto water and plump the skin, and can improve the appearance of fine lines,” she says. Epionce’s Renewal Body Lotion contains glycerin and moisturizing botanical ingredients; it has a soft, velvety texture that absorbs quickly.
“To improve skin firmness and elasticity, consider collagen-boosting ingredients such as retinol and peptides,” Dr. Vaidya says. Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment has a rich, hydrating texture and contains a special retinol complex that can help diminish the appearance of fine lines.
To combat dryness, Dr. Vaidya suggests body lotions with ceramides and niacinamide, aka ingredients that strengthen and restore the skin’s lipid barrier. “This is essential for those with dry skin,” she says. Kate Somerville’s Dry Skin Saver contains a multi-functional lipid complex, which hydrates the skin and strengthens the lipid barrier.
Shea butter, as found in rich, creamy products such as Jergens Shea + Cocoa Butter Body Lotion, is “an emollient rich in vitamins and fatty acids” , Dr. Vaiyda says. “It effectively softens and moisturizes the skin as well.”
Your Questions, Answered
Can body lotion reduce signs of aging?
According to Dr. Vaidya, “Body lotions with ingredients that effectively hydrate the skin, strengthen the lipid barrier, stimulate collagen, and protect against environmental stressors can help reduce and prevent signs of skin aging.”
How often should I apply body lotion?
Thicker lotions, treatments, and creams need only need to be applied one to two times per week, says Rachael Cayce M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and physicians formula coalition member. “Thinner lotions should be applied daily,” she says.
According to Dr. Vaidya, different skin types call for different frequency of lotion application. “For some, moisturizing once a day may be enough to maintain skin hydration levels, whereas those with impaired skin barriers may need to moisturize more frequently,” she says. “It's important to apply body lotion shortly after taking a shower, when your skin is still slightly damp. Showering tends to dehydrate the skin and strip it of its natural oils. By applying body lotion right after showering, this helps seal in moisture and allows body lotion to absorb more effectively.”
Why Shop With Us
Jenny Berg is a beauty writer with more than a decade of experience covering skincare, fragrance, and more. For this piece, she interviewed eight dermatologists, asking them to reveal the body lotions that they personally trust to treat aging skin. She also test-drove several products featured in this roundup, and can now personally attest to the smoothing power of niacinamide.
Related: The 10 Best Drugstore Body Lotions
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