E! Illustration/OseaRetinol may be the secret to glowing skin, but it’s time to think beyond your face. Body retinols are having a major moment thanks to formulas that help smooth rough texture, soften the look of uneven skin, and leave everything from your arms to your legs looking healthier.
Beauty brands like Osea, Nécessaire, and U Beauty are all embracing the body-care boom with retinol-powered lotions and serums designed to help tackle everything from dry, bumpy skin to dullness and the look of fine lines.
- Bio-retinol with magnesium and lavender: Osea Dream Bio-Retinol Body Serum
- Editor-loved body retinol: Nécessaire The Body Retinol
- Best luxury option: U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound
Whether you’re hoping to upgrade your nighttime routine, give your skin a little extra glow, or simply make your body care feel as luxurious as your facial routine, there’s never been a better time to add one to your lineup.
The best part? Body retinol comes in just about every formula imaginable. From rich lotions that deeply hydrate overnight to lightweight serums that layer seamlessly under your favorite moisturizer, there’s an option for every skin type and routine.
Ahead, shop the best body retinols that are worth the hype—and a spot in your skincare lineup.
Best Body Retinols of 2026:
Dream Bio-Retinol Body Serum
Dreamy bedtime body serum powered by bio-retinol + red seaweed to visibly firm and smooth while magnesium soothes & lavender helps promote a sense of serenity.
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Lotion Treatment
Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Lotion does it all: smooths, evens, combats discoloration, and leaves your skin looking noticeably younger.
Editor’s Pick
Nécessaire The Body Retinol
Shoppers gushed over Nécessaire’s Body Retinol as the “product that gives [them] the best results.” The leave-on serum feels good (it’s lightweight, non-sticky, and fast-absorbing) and minimizes crepey skin, wrinkles, spots, and marks.
U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound
Sure, it’s a splurge, but this U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound is worth every penny. The firming AHA and Retinol Serum creates a silky-smooth, radiant, and glowy complexion all over.
Soft Services Software Update Retinol Body Serum
A retinol body serum that encourages skin-cell turnover, improving the appearance of fine lines, dullness, lax texture, and signs of aging.
Agent Nateur body (balm) ageless body treatment crème
While it’s not a true body retinol, Agent Nateur’s Body Balm is a luxurious alternative and deserves an honorable mention. Anyone who wants smoother, glowier-looking skin without using a retinoid will love this for softening and deeply hydrating dry skin for a healthier-looking finish.
