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The 9 Best Body Lotions for Mature Skin That Help Smooth and Firm

Because wrinkles happen on the skin below your chin, too.

Three skincare products including body lotions from Naturium Jergens and Dr Barbara Sturm

Byrdie

TL;DR

Our best overall pick is the Advanced Clinicals Retinol Body Lotion, thanks to its budget-friendly large pump bottle and retinol-based formula (a derm-approved, anti-aging ingredient). For anyone with sensitive skin who needs a firming, yet nourishing, body lotion for mature skin, we love Nécessaire’s Unscented The Body Lotion.

We at Byrdie believe that aging bodies are beautiful and a sign of a life well lived. With that said, having a skincare routine that addresses laxity, crepiness, dryness, discoloration, etc., doesn’t contradict that sentiment. In our eyes, it’s self-care, not a denial of aging. And we’re all for having a body skincare routine along with a face one. Researching body lotions that do more than moisturize is a great start. “Body lotion can make a visible difference in the look and feel of crepey or thinning skin. Ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and light exfoliants improve elasticity and texture, says Anetta Reszko, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College. Consistently using an effective formula can leave your skin stronger, smoother, and generally feeling better, she adds. 

To help you determine which formulas deliver on their anti-aging, skim-smoothing promises, we evaluated the top-rated options and tapped dermatologists for their expert opinions. Ahead, the best body lotions for mature skin that truly are the cream of the crop.

What We Like
  • Includes retinol

  • Budget-friendly price tag

  • Convenient pump dispenser

What to Consider
  • No fragrance

Ingredients: Retinol, green tea extract, vitamin E, aloe vera | Size: 16 oz | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Anti-aging retinol is a gold-standard anti-ager that’s commonly found in facial wrinkle creams. The vitamin A derivative is a standout for increasing cell turnover, leaving skin smoother and more even, while also boosting collagen production to combat wrinkles. Here, it’s combined with deeply hydrating aloe and vitamin E, alongside green tea, a potent antioxidant that further enhances this winner’s anti-aging effects. An easy-to-use pump-top dispenser, nongreasy texture, and affordable price tag are just the cherry (cherries?) on top of the sundae.

What We Like
  • Can be found at about every drugstore

  • Include collagen and elastin for anti-aging

  • Glycerin and shea oil help nourish the skin

What to Consider
  • Not fragrance-free, which may irritate those with sensitive skin

Ingredients: Collagen, elastin, shea oil, glycerin | Size: 16.8 oz | Fragrance-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Believe it: You can find some great body lotions for mature skin at the drugstore. Exhibit A? This is a standout option from Jergens. It boasts anti-aging benefits, specifically collagen and elastin, two proteins essential for maintaining smooth, bouncy, youthful skin. It also imparts plenty of hydration with glycerin, which helps attract water to the skin, petrolatum, which seals that moisture in, and shea oil, leaving you feeling silky smooth from head to toe. While it’s not fragrance-free (a drawback for those with very sensitive skin), reviewers note that the light, fresh scent is pleasant and not overwhelming.

What We Like
  • Natural oils help nourish skin

  • Not greasy

  • Pump top bottle

What to Consider
  • No fragrance

Ingredients: Alaria seaweed, safflower seed oil, coconut oil, passion fruit seed oil | Size: 5 oz; 9.2 oz | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As the name suggests, this definitely skews thicker and richer, a major win for anyone dealing with serious dryness. (But it still comes in a pump-top bottle, no need to scoop from a messy jar.) Credit a combo of natural oils—including coconut, safflower seed, and passion fruit—all of which leave your skin feeling smooth and silky, yet not in the least bit greasy. There’s also a special kind of seaweed in the mix, known for increasing firmness and elasticity.  So much so that in clinical trials, 84% of participants agreed that their skin felt firmer after just two weeks of use. Color us impressed.

What We Like
  • CoQ10 helps firm aging skin

  • Includes argan oil for nourishment

  • Affordable price for large bottle

What to Consider
  • Best for those with melanin-rich skin

Ingredients: CoQ10, argan oil | Size: 16.9 oz | Fragrance-Free: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Packed with argan oil, this moisturizer knocks out any trace of dryness or ashiness, leaving behind a beautiful radiance and glow. At the same time, coQ10, a powerful antioxidant, helps to firm and improve skin elasticity. Happy reviewers rave about improvements in tone and texture, and about how super hydrating it is, too.

What We Like
  • Has retinol for smoothing and firming skin

  • Includes nourishing shea butter

  • Fragrance-free for those with sensitive skin

What to Consider
  • Best for nighttime use due to retinol concentration

Ingredients: Retinol, allantoin, shea butter | Size: 8 oz | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dara Spearman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana, says retinol is one of the best ingredients for mature skin—and that holds true for products meant for both the face and body. The only issue? Retinol is notoriously irritating, with a high likelihood of irksome side effects like redness and flaking. Not with this formula, though. It relies on a unique form of encapsulated retinol that’s delivered slowly, improving tone, texture, and firmness without any unwanted issues. There’s allantoin in the mix, a great skin-soother that further helps to combat redness. FYI, since retinol is the star of the show here, it’s best to save this for nighttime use, and/or to make sure to use SPF after if you’re using it in the morning. (Retinol increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.)

What We Like
  • Indian almond in the formula helps firm skin

  • Includes moisturizing shea butter

  • A little goes a long way to moisturize

What to Consider
  • Luxury price tag

Ingredients: Grape seed oil, shea butter, Indian almond, lactic acid | Size: 7 oz | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s no shortage of natural oils and plant-based extracts in this formula, all of which work synergistically to boost firmness, offer tons of antioxidant protection, and seriously moisturize, of course. Also noteworthy: the formula’s mineral-rich glacier water can help combat irritation. Bonus points for the silky, velvety texture that absorbs lightning fast and leaves your skin feeling equally luxurious.

What We Like
  • Unscented formula is suitable for sensitive skin

  • Approved by the National Eczema Association

  • Jumbo-size bottle available

What to Consider
  • Formula also comes in several scents (if you love the brand/formula but want a fragrance)

Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E | Size: 15.2 oz | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While many people can tolerate lightly scented products, Dr. Spearman says anyone with sensitive skin or prone to irritation should always opt for fragrance-free products. This is one of our favorites, a mega-mild pick that’s so gentle that it even boasts the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Approval. Niacinamide is one of the main ingredients, a multitasker that hydrates and has antioxidant benefits, as well as five different peptides that help with firmness. It soaks into the skin beautifully, and we also love the jumbo-size bottle.

What We Like
  • Specifically targets crepey skin

  • Available at the drugstore

  • Suitable for body and face

What to Consider
  • No scent

Ingredients: Omega fatty acids, glycerin, jojoba esters | Size: 8 oz | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This aptly-named pick takes the cake when it comes to leaving crepey skin (you know, the kind that’s thin, with super fine wrinkles) smoother and more supple. Users saw an improvement (on the backs of their arms) after just two days of use, an impressive feat for any body lotion. And we’d be remiss not to mention the wallet-friendly price tag and the fact that it hydrates for up to 24 hours.

What We Like
  • Dermatologist-approved

  • Glycolic acid helps rejuvenate skin

  • Shea butter moisturizes super dry skin

What to Consider
  • Smaller bottle

Ingredients: Glycolic acid, shea butter, peptides, macadamia seed oil | Size: 6 oz | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dr. Spearman says this is one of her personal favorites. “As we age, our skin gets drier and rougher. This lotion is formulated with glycolic acid, peptides, and shea butter to remove dead skin, moisturize, and rejuvenate,” she says. Devoted fans love the satin-y feel and the fact that it delivers long-lasting hydration, too.

What to Look for in a Body Lotion for Mature Skin

  • Active Ingredients: Just like with an anti-aging cream for your face, you want to seek out ingredients to do the heavy-duty firming, lifting, and smoothing duties. A few good ones to look for:
    • Glycolic acid: Dr. Spearman says this is a good exfoliant, helping to dissolve the glue that holds dead skin cells together to leave skin smoother. Plus, that also helps the moisturizing ingredients better penetrate.
    • Retinol: One of the dermatologist-recommended anti-aging ingredients, this works deep in the skin to boost collagen as well as on the surface of the skin to help improve tone and texture.
    • Antioxidants: Antioxidants like vitamin C help target dullness and uneven tone, says Dr. Reszko.
    • Peptides: Both derms we spoke with say these protein building-blocks are great for improving firmness and elasticity.
  • Moisturizing Ingredients: Along with the above-mentioned anti-agers, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting plenty of moisture, too. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and shea butter are all good picks.
  • SPF: While many of these don’t contain built-in sunscreen, both of our experts underscore the importance of adding a daily body sunscreen into the mix to prevent future damage.
FAQ
  • What do dermatologists recommend for aging skin?

    According to Dr. Spearman, you can’t underestimate the importance of hydration. “With time and environmental exposure, the skin loses natural moisturizers, and collagen production slows down as well. Using products that help retain moisture and promote collagen and elastin production is essential for keeping the skin plump, hydrated, and youthful looking,” she explains.

  • What ingredients are best for mature skin?

    Along with moisturizing ingredients (hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin), peptides, retinoids, antioxidants, and gentle exfoliants top the list.

  • Can body lotion help with crepey or thinning skin?

    In a word, yes. “Skincare technology has become more advanced, and many patients of mine notice a big difference in their skin through consistent use of medical-grade skincare as well as sun protection,” says Dr. Spearman.

  • Should I choose a fragrance-free lotion?

    Eh, probably. While many people can tolerate fragrance, it’s not the greatest if you have mature or sensitive skin. Fragrance-free lotions are best for this group because they further reduce the risk of irritation and dryness, Dr. Reszko notes. “Added fragrance can sometimes cause irritation and contain alcohol that dries out the skin even more. Choosing a formula without added scent allows active ingredients to work more effectively and helps the skin retain its natural balance,” she points out.

  • How often should I moisturize mature skin?

    “Moisturizing twice daily, morning and evening, keeps mature skin in its best condition. A lighter lotion pairs well with sunscreen during the day, while a richer formula at night helps overnight recovery,” says Dr. Reszko. “Keeping to this rhythm helps prevent dryness, improves comfort, and allows other skincare products to perform more efficiently.”

  • What is the best time to apply body lotion?

    Ideally, slather it on as soon as you get out of the shower or bath, while skin is still damp. “The timing helps trap moisture and boosts the absorption of beneficial ingredients,” Dr. Reszko explains.

Meet the Experts

We spoke with the following experts for insights on the best lotions for mature skin:

  • Dr. Dara Spearman is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
  • Dr. Anetta Reszko is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, and an Assistant Attending Dermatologist at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has nearly 15 years of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. She’s been writing for Byrdie since 2020, covering hair, makeup, skin, health, wellness, fashion, and more.

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