I tried the best retinol body lotions in the clean beauty space and am sharing my thoughts! I purchased all these products myself and tested them myself for a few weeks each.

Ingredients to avoid

These are some ingredients you may want to avoid in your body lotion:

• Parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben): these are known hormone disruptors
• Fragrance: common irritant and allergen
• Phthalates: often hidden in “fragrance,” and linked to hormone disruption
• Mineral oil/Petrolatum: these are at risk of being contaminated
• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea): irritating and potentially carcinogenic
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): strips skin’s natural moisture barrier
• Synthetic dyes: can irritate sensitive skin
• Oxybenzone: endocrine disruptor
• Triclosan: antibacterial agent linked to hormone disruption
• Alcohol denat: overly drying, damages skin barrier over time

I Tried Necessaire The Body Retinol

Necessaire makes the strongest retinol body lotion available on the market, hands down. This is an anti-aging work horse of a product with a whopping 0.1% encapsulated retinol and an arsenal of skincare actives like niacinamide, glycerin, rosewater, glycolic acid and mandelic acid. I could immediately tell this retinol body lotion is different from its competitors. It feels more like a true retinol product than a true body lotion and has an emollient consistency that reminds me of a balm. It leans rich but doesn’t feel greasy at all. I saw the biggest difference with the tone and texture on my legs and arms using Necessaire’s body retinol. I appreciate its clean formula with no fragrance, silicones, PEGs, parabens or phthalates. The only downside is that it’s pricey!

Price: $62 for 5.1 oz
Retinol: 0.1% Pure Encapsulated Retinol
Key ingredients:  niacinamide, glycerin, rosewater, glycolic ccid and mandelic acid
✓ Dermatologist-Tested ✓ Hypoallergenic ✓ Certified Vegan ✓ Cruelty free

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I tried Cocokind retinol body cream

Cocokind’s retinol body cream is so gentle, lightweight and hydrating. It’s got 0.05% retinol along with squalane, ceramides and shea butter. I find the consistency to be light almost medium weight and it feels super silky and smooth. The small flat cap took a little bit of getting used to and in the beginning I would spill lotion everywhere. I love that it absorbs pretty quickly and doesn’t leave any residue or greasiness behind. It seems to have improved my texture slightly and I appreciate it has no scent. I find this to be a reasonably priced retinol body lotion that’s thoughtfully formulated.

Price: $21 for 8 oz
Retinol: 0.05% retinol
Key ingredients:  Squalane, shea butter and ceramide NP
✓ Hypoallergenic ✓ Certified Vegan ✓ Cruelty free

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I tried True Botanicals Phyto Retinol Anti Aging Body Lotion (luxe!)

True Botanicals’ retinol body lotion is sooo luxurious and it’s truly natural and organic with a retinol alternative that’s safe to use. It features a new breakthrough ingredient called Peptilium that works twice as faster than traditional retinol, and helps reduce wrinkles, creepiness, and dark spots. This feels like a light serum than a true lotion and sinks in so fast. The organic formula begins with organic green tea leaf extract and organic aloe juice and fortified with plant-based ceramides, Lactic Acid and moisturizing oils like Sea Buckthorn, Coriander and Rosehip. This is a bonafide anti aging product meant to keep body skin youthful and healthy. It’s got a light herbal scent that’s uplifting from Amyris, Copaiba and Eucalyptus.

Price: $68 for 4 oz
Retinol: alternative retinol (Peptilium)
Key ingredients: Peptilium, ceramides, lactic acid, rorsehip oil, sea buckthorn oil
✓ Organic and natural ✓ Vegan

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I tried Versed Gentle Retinol Body Lotion

Versed makes the most affordable retinol body lotion in the clean beauty space at under $18. This creamy, lightweight lotion spreads and absorbs easily and sinks in well. At such a budget friendly price point, I’m impressed that the ingredients list is relatively simple and it contains no parabens, silicones, and sulfates. I may have noticed a subtle improvement in texture and dullness but nothing dramatic!

Price: $17.99 for 8 oz
Retinol: encapsulated retinol
Key ingredients: Cocoa seed butter, Squalane

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I tried Naturium Skin Renewing Retinol Body Lotion

Their Skin Renewing Retinol Body Lotion is not only affordable but also effective. My body is now showing signs of aging, especially the areas that have been exposed to the sun the most like my arms and legs. I used this consistently for two weeks and felt like my skin had better texture with a more even tone. This feels lightweight and sinks in so well, so there’s no greasy or heavy residue left after applying. This is the least clean out of all the body lotions in this list.

Price: $26 for 8 oz
Retinol: encapsulated retinol, undisclosed percentage
Key ingredients: shea butter, safflower seed oil

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