15 Retinol Body Lotions That Can Transform Your Skin In Time for Your Wedding Day (2024)

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.

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Brides Assistant Editor Lilly Blomquist loves this retinol-infused body lotion from DRMTLGY. She says, "it's a high-quality, highly rated product on the market that improves skin elasticity, increases firmness, reduces stretch marks, and creates a brighter complexion." She recommends to start using this item at least six months before the wedding to see noticeable results.

Who It's For: Normal, oily, combination, and dry skin types

Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycerin, caffeine | Size:6 fl oz | Fragrance: Light and gentle | Cruelty-Free:Yes

Treat and preventcrepiness, lines, wrinkles, spots, and marks with this retinol repair serum from Nécessaire. Its fast-absorbing formula is infused with 0.1% Pure Retinol, AHA, peptides, vitamins, and Glycerin to deliver noticeable results by the big day. Plus, this formula is dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic.

Who It's For: All skin types

Key Ingredients: Pure Retinol, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Peptides, Vitamins| Size:5.1 fl oz | Fragrance: Rosewater | Cruelty-Free:Yes

Calling all brides with dry skin! You'll love this nourishing body oil from Retrouvé. The antioxidant-rich formula deeply moisturizes while simultaneously addressing signs of aging and supporting a healthy skin barrier. It's made with vitamin E, vitamin C, ceramides, and sustainably grown avocado to deliver hydration and a healthy glow.

Who It's For: All skin types, but it's especially beneficial for those with very dry skin

Key Ingredients: Avocado oil, squalane| Size:5 fl oz | Fragrance: Subtle | Cruelty-Free:Yes

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.

Who It's For: Normal, oily, combination, dry

Key Ingredients: Retinol, primrose oil, grape seed oil, glycerin | Size:4 fl oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free:Yes

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.

Who It's For: All skin types

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

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.

Who It's For: All skin types

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

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.

Who It's For: Normal, dry

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

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 whippedformula deliverssmoother, 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.

Who It's For: Normal, dry

Key Ingredients: Pro-retinol from pink algae, argan oil | Size:8 fl oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free, vanilla | Cruelty-Free:Yes

Brides with sensitive skin will love this luscious pick thatfirms, smooths, and brightens all over. In addition to an encapsulated retinol blend, this vegan and cruelty-free formula uses nourishing cocoa butter, squalane, and vitaminE to replenish skin. As a bonus, its tube packaging is made with 75% recycled materials.

Who It's For: Dry, sensitive

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

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.

Who It's For: Dry

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

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.

Who It's For: Sensitive

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

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.

Who It's For: All skin types

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

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 andtightens skin and improves skin texture. Plus, it supports healthy collagen production for a brighter, firmer complexion.

Who It's For: Sensitive, dry

Key Ingredients: Retinol, antioxidants, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Size:6.7 fl oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free:Yes

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.

Who It's For: Dry, sensitive

Key Ingredients: Retinol, squalane, AHA’s | Size:5 fl oz | Fragrance: Fragrance-free | Cruelty-Free:Yes

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 thisnatural, 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.

Who It's For: Sensitive

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

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.

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