16 Firming, Strengthening Body Lotions for Mature Skin | 2025 Picks

You’re no longer 22, and by now, your skin care routine is dialed in—retinol, vitamin C serum, seasonal moisturizers, maybe a mask or 10. But while your face gets the royal treatment, does the rest of your skin survive on occasional slaps of expired lotion? That’s a problem, considering the skin on your body experiences the same environmental stressors as your face. And as you get older, the best body lotions also need to take into account the changes your skin is going through.

“As skin ages, collagen and elastin production slow down, leading to loss of firmness and elasticity,” board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, tells SELF. “The skin becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to irritation. The natural barrier function weakens, making it harder for the skin to retain moisture.” Plus, she says, the environment and the natural aging process can cause age spots, wrinkles, and sagging.

Some areas of the body see more intensive aging than others, says board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. “Skin cells that are exposed to both [genetic and environmental factors] tend to age the most,” he says. “For this reason, it’s important to pay more attention to areas of skin that are exposed to the environment regularly, like the face, neck, and hands.” Certain areas of the body are also more susceptible to signs of aging due to thinner skin or more frequent use, says Dr. Shirazi. “These areas include the neck, chest, hands, elbows, knees. The skin on the neck and chest is thinner and more delicate, making it more prone to wrinkles and sagging particularly from UV rays, while the knees and elbows often develop dryness and crepiness,” she says.

If you’ve been neglecting these areas, you’re not alone, but it’s never too late to slather on a little love. To help you determine what you should be looking for in a body lotion at this point in your life, we asked the experts for a breakdown of the most efficacious ingredients, as well as their top product picks for aging skin.

What ingredients should you look for when choosing a body lotion for aging skin?

According to the experts we spoke to, there are three categories of ingredients you should prioritize in your body lotions, depending on your main concerns.

Our top picks

Best Overall: BeautyPie Youthbomb Repair 360
Best Budget: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
Best Splurge: Chantecaille Rose de Mai Body Cream
Best for Sensitive Skin: Naturium Skin-Renewing Body Lotion
Best Firming: Skinmedica Firm and Tone
Best Serum: Fig 1 Retinol Renewal Body Serum
Best Retinol: Versed Advanced Retinol Body Butter
Best Retinol-Alternative Serum: Maelys B-Glossy Anti-Aging Smoothing Body Serum
Best for Neck: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream
Best for Estrogen-Depleted Skin: Paula’s Choice Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Body Treatment

Shop the best body lotions for aging skin

Best Overall: BeautyPie Youthbomb Repair 360

Pros

• Dermatologist-created
• Contains a range of ingredients to target multiple aging concerns

Cons

• Pricey, but reviewers say a little goes a long way

This powerhouse body lotion is absolutely packed with potent ingredients. It contains 2% granactive retinoid, which Dr. King is a gentle form of retinoid, and 5% niacinamide, which helps to improve skin tone and texture and can soothe any irritation caused by the retinoid.

On the moisturizing front: “The base contains humectants, like glycerin and polyglutamic acid, to hydrate the skin; emollients like triglycerides, sweet almond oil and meadowfoam seed oil to support the skin barrier; and shea butter and coconut oil to help lock in moisture,” says Dr. King. “It also contains soothing ingredients like allantoin and borage seed oil.” These workhorse ingredients make this lotion worth its not-insignificant price tag.

“Used this body cream four times and I’ve already noticed a difference to my skin appearance and texture,” one online reviewer wrote. “Amazing how quickly I have seen results.” Customers also report that it’s especially effective on sun-damaged skin. It’s thick but absorbs quickly and isn’t sticky. It smells great, too.

Best Budget Pick: Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion

Pros

• Super affordable
• Non-greasy texture
• Fragrance-free

Cons

• Retinol concentration is undisclosed

The ingredient list for this lotion is top-notch, easily rivaling that of more expensive brands. “It combines retinol with skin-strengthening peptides to firm and support the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Plus, it delivers a blend of natural oils that act as emollients to soften rough cells and fill in cracks on the surface of the skin.” Niacinamide, which helps improve skin tone, is included, too.

Still, Gold Bond isn’t exactly a sexy company, and I didn’t totally believe the hype—it has a 4.6 rating on Amazon with 5,000+ reviews—around this product until I tried it. After weeks of use, I noticed a not-insignificant difference in the appearance of those little lines at my cleavage. And IMO, it has just the right consistency: It’s rich and moisturizing, not greasy or sticky, and absorbs easily into my skin. I personally found this lotion to be gentle, but if you’re new to retinol, you might want to start slowly, as the brand doesn’t disclose its retinol concentration. Welcome to my medicine cabinet, Gold Bond!

Best for Sensitive Skin: Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion

Pros

• Contains a gentle form of retinol
• Affordable
• Fragrance-free
• Absorbs quickly

Cons

• Goes fast, but the brand does have a jumbo size (with a pump!)

When your skin is reactive, retinol isn’t always your friend; however, this Dr. Shirazi-recommended body lotion makes it possible for sensitive types to reap the dynamo ingredient’s benefits. It’s formulated with encapsulated retinol, which means the retinol is released gradually over time to reduce irritation. “This retinol helps promote cell turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines, crepiness, and uneven skin,” says Dr. Shirazi. It also features skin-soothing allantoin and shea butter, which “deeply hydrates and softens the skin, leaving it smooth, firm, and radiant,” says Dr. Shirazi.

This lotion absorbs quickly and is non-greasy, and reviewers say that it gives their body an appealing shine. Some reviewers report that they depleted their supply quickly, so you may want to reserve it for your problem areas or invest in the “jumbo” 14 oz jumbo-sized bottle, which features a pump for easier use.

Best Firming: SkinMedica Firm and Tone Lotion

Pros

• Good alternative to retinol-based products
• Has been clinically tested

Cons

• Pricey
• Somewhat medicinal feel

This SkinMedica lotion is *not cheap,* but in my opinion, it’s worth every penny. I’ve been using it for over a year and can report it makes good on the brand’s promise to “firm” and “tighten” skin. “It contains peptides to strengthen collagen and elastin as well as shitake mushroom and algae to calm inflammation and brighten the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner.

I have used this exclusively on my, ahem, problem areas (neck, decolletage, and knees) and sweat it’s helped gravity loosen its hold on my aging, sagging skin. It’s a nice consistency—not too thin or too thick, non-greasy and absorbent—but if I have one critique, it’s that this lotion feels a bit medicinal. I can’t quite put my finger on why, but it might be the unscented scent, which just smells like…lotion? Regardless, I swear by the stuff.

Best Serum: Fig 1 Retinol Renewal Body Serum

Pros

• Contains encapsulated retinol
• Is easy to apply and absorbs quickly
• Has a noticeable tightening effect

Cons

• It’s only 3.4 ounces, which isn’t a huge amount for a body product

Dr. Zeichner and Dr. King both like this serum from Fig 1 because it contains encapsulated retinol that releases gradually to minimize irritation. It checks a lot of other boxes for mature-skin-friendly ingredients too: “It also contains vitamins C and E for antioxidant properties and niacinamide, which helps to improve skin tone and texture,” says Dr. King. “And it contains humectants like glycerin to hydrate the skin; emollients like meadowfoam seed oil, grape seed oil, squalane, and evening primrose oil to support the skin barrier; and soothing borage seed oil.”

Several reviewers report a noticeable tightening effect and some say that the super-hydrating body serum gives them a glow. This product glides on easily, is non-sticky, and has no fragrance.

Best Retinol Body Lotion: Versed Press Restart Advanced Retinol Body Butter

Pros

• High dosage of retinol
• Free of parabens, silicones, sulfates

Cons

• Some reviewers aren’t fans of the smell

Retinol-lovers, this is the one for you. Versed’s Press Restart Advanced Retinol Body Lotion features 30% more retinol than the brand’s best-selling Gentle Retinol Body Lotion. But even at this higher dosage, slow-release encapsulated retinol makes it milder than you might expect. This is combined with tripeptide-29, which supports collagen production, improves skin elasticity, and helps with hydration. “Press Restart also contains cocoa butter and squalane to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture,” says Dr. King. It’s hard to beat the price too.

However, this is thinner (read: less rich and creamy) than some other body butters on the market, and because it is fragrance-free, there’s a nutty smell that some reviewers say is off-putting.

Best Retinol-Alternative Serum: Maelys B-Glossy Anti-Aging Smoothing Body Lotion

Pros

• Provides an alternative to retinol-based serums
• Effective at reducing visible wrinkles, according to customers

Cons

• May be too scented for some

If you’re looking for a body lotion that’ll reduce crepiness and improve skin texture overall without retinoid ingredients, Maelys is a great option. It relies on a combination of peptides and hyaluronic acid to reduce fine lines and tighten the skin. It’s super hydrating, too, thanks to hyaluronic acid, meadowfoam oil (12,000 drops of it, to be exact), and shea butter.

Clinical trials conducted by the brand showed results in 56 days—I’ve used it for less than half this time, mainly on my hands and knees in order to isolate the results, and feel like I’ve seen some slight improvement. Mostly, I reach for this serum because it makes my skin feel super hydrated. A little goes a long way, too, so I feel like while this isn’t the cheapest serum on the market, it’s a good value.

Best for Neck: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream

Pros

• Hydrating formula
• Rich and creamy yet absorbent
• Testing by the brand showed results in four weeks

Cons

• On the pricier side for a small jar

As most women of a certain age are well aware, skin on the neck tends to show signs of aging much earlier and more dramatically than skin on other parts of the body. “The skin on the neck and chest is thinner and more delicate, making it more prone to wrinkles and sagging—particularly from UV rays,” says Dr. Shirazi. To treat this area, she loves this best-selling product from StriVectin. “This cream features a powerful combination of ingredients to tighten and firm the skin while providing intense hydration,” she says.

Specifically, this cream includes Alpha-3 peptide and hyaluronic acid, which are combined to improve elasticity and reduce sagging; antioxidant-rich Spilanthol, which strengthens the skin barrier; and clary sage and bearberry extract to optimize skin tone. It’s described by reviewers as having an immediate skin-tightening effect.

Best for Estrogen-Depleted Skin: Paula’s Choice Phytoestrogen Elasticity Renewal Body Treatment

Pros

• Uniquely formulated to address estrogen-depleted skin
• Lightweight

Cons

• Some reviewers say this product has an unpleasant smell

If you haven’t heard, estrogen is currently at the forefront of skin care innovation for women of a certain age, so this lotion from dermatologist-beloved brand Paula’s Choice is very on-trend. “It specifically targets aging and hormonally changing skin with a combination of powerful actives, such as phytoestrogens and antioxidants,” says Dr. Shirazi. “The phytoestrogens help mimic the effects of natural estrogen, making skin feel firmer and reducing the appearance of thinning or sagging, while antioxidants fight free radical damage for healthier, more resilient skin.”

Reviewers report results, especially in terms of sagging and crepiness reduction, and say that while a little of this lotion goes a long way, you may want to apply a moisturizer on top of it. It’s fragrance-free, and some users say this causes it to have an unpleasant odor that dissipates quickly upon application.

Best Mask: Iota Superchili Body Mask+

Pros

• Effective on crepey skin
• Smells good
• Doubles as a treatment for aches and pains

Cons

• Icy-hot experience isn’t for everyone

If you love a good skin care mask, it’s time to get your body into the game with this face-grade leave-on treatment from Iota—it’s quickly become one of my favorites. Its label reads a lot like a grocery list, which is to say that it includes natural ingredients like smoothing and lifting Sichuan pepper and firming and tightening green coffee. This surprisingly lightweight and absorbent daily mask also includes UV-protective Japanese red algae, collagen-boosting peptides, and skin microbiome-bolstering pre- and probiotics.

Reviewers say it’s particularly effective on crepey skin and that it’s a hydration superstar. Personally, I’m obsessed with this product for all of the above reasons, in addition to the fact that it’s actually spicy—it features an icy-hot sensation upon application that not everyone feels but many, including me, do. Some reviewers say they love this feature for treating sore muscles.

Best Splurge: Chantecaille Rose de Mai Body Cream with Retinol

Pros

• Super luxurious feel
• Gentle retinol formulation

Cons

• Expensive

Efficacious beauty products can sometimes skew medicinal, but this luxurious cream from Chantecaille is soft, buttery, and feels like a special treat for your body. Its formulation features encapsulated retinol, which releases gradually to reduce skin inflammation, as well as marine extract to help even skin tone; a ton of moisturizing workhorses including marine extract, shea butter, jojoba esters and macadamia seed oil; and, of course, rose extract to soften the skin.

Though it’s pricey, this cream really hit for me in terms of its smooth application and its instantly hydrating effects. I haven’t been using it long enough to see results beyond moisturization, but participants in a small clinical trial conducted by the brand saw significant improvements in skin laxity after four weeks. Ultimately, this is a luxury standout in a category that can feel utilitarian.

Best for Breasts and Booty: Biologique Lift Buste 3D

Pros

• Designed to target oft forgotten (but important!) areas of the body

Cons

• Pricey

Your decolletage and derriere tend to sag considerably with age, and this product is specifically designed not only to counteract that laxity, but also to plump and smooth the areas. Biologique Recharche is known for super concentrated, results-driven formulations, and this lotion is no exception. It features hydrating hyaluronic acid, calming red algae extract, and skin-tightening chlorella vulgaris extract, along with other active ingredients.

After a month of use, I noticed a visible difference in my skin’s tautness, particularly in the bust area. And while this is quite expensive for a bottle so small it could pass through TSA, a little goes a long way.

Best for Dry Skin: OneSkin 0S-01 BODY Topical Supplement

Pros

• Great consistency
• Retinol-free, peptide-rich skin-tightening formulation
• Accepted by the National Eczema Association

Cons

• Pricey

OneSkin is known for its proprietary 0S-01 peptide. “This peptide boosts skin cell function and helps older cells behave like they did when they were young,” says Dr. Zeichner. “Ultimately, this means improved radiance and firming effects. It helps hydrate and protect the skin too.” The formula also includes niacinamide, which Dr. King notes improves skin tone and texture. She adds that its base of meadowfoam seed oil, squalane, and mango seed oil also helps smooth the skin.

This is an extremely easy-to-wear lotion. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and highly absorbent. It’s also fragrance-free. Of all the lotions I tested for this piece, this ended up being the one I grabbed most often because I prefer its texture and hydration levels. I especially like using it on my hands, which are perpetually dehydrated from incessant bottle-washing (hi, I’m a new mom). It leaves them feeling silky smooth.

Best for Sagging Skin and Stretch Marks: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Body Cream

Pros

• Features proprietary formulation designed to lift sagging skin
• Is backed by clinical data
• Smells good

Cons

• On the pricier side

Dr. King recommends this cream product from Charlotte Tilbury for aging skin. To reduce skin sagging, it features the brand’s proprietary Algaktiv Uplift technology in combination with caffeine, which also lifts and tightens. Nearly all (98%) participants involved in a small clinical trial for the brand reported firmer skin after eight weeks of use.

Plus, Dr. King points to the formula’s “perfect combination of humectants to hydrate the skin, emollients to support the skin barrier, and occlusives to lock in moisture.” This product also has a glowy after-effect, courtesy of damask rose oil, which also makes the lotion smell great (IMO). Dr. King also likes that this lotion glides on and is non-sticky.

Best for Hands: Necessaire The Hand Retinol Repairing Serum

Pros

• Effectively reduces lines, crepiness, and sagging

Cons

• Not everyone is a fan of the scent

Necessaire makes a full-body retinol-based lotion I love, but it’s this hand-specific product that I must keep within arm’s reach at all times. It packs a lot of punch for something you can throw in your purse, as it’s formulated with a number of powerful actives. “This cream combines [encapsulated] retinol with glycolic acid to enhance cell turnover, while offering skin strengthening and exfoliating effects,” says Dr. Zeichner.

It also includes skin-tone-correcting niacinamide and 10 different peptides. The result is firmer, tighter, and more even-toned skin on this tough-to-treat, age-betraying area of the body—once you try it, you’ll wish you found it decades earlier.

Best for Sun Damage: Medix 5.5 Retinol Body Lotion Firming Moisturizer

Pros

• Features ferulic acid, which helps with sun damage
• Well-priced

Cons

• Some reviewers say it has a strong fragrance

This popular lotion has over 30,000 positive reviews thanks to its winning combination of ingredients and extremely reasonable price point. “Retinol is perhaps the best studied ingredient to firm the skin. It stimulates collagen production to strengthen the skin and improve laxity,” says Dr. Zeichner. “This formula combines retinol with ferulic acid, which is a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radical damage to protect collagen against UV damage.”

Additionally, reviewers say this is a rockstar product in terms of reducing crepiness, with many saying they saw results overnight. In addition to its two titular actives, this lotion features a super moisturizing combo of shea butter, glycerin, aloe, and vitamin E. We love that it comes in a pump bottle format for ease of application.

FAQs about lotions for aging skin

Related:

• The Best Eye Creams for Aging Skin, According to Dermatologists
• 10 Ultra-Hydrating Cleansers Derms Recommend for Mature Skin
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