To come up with a list of the best body lotions for mature skin, I asked experts what you should zero in on when shopping. Here is what they said:
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When recommending lotions to her patients with mature skin, Garcia says she recommends this option from EltaMD because it improves dry skin, evens out skin tone and protects the skin barrier. It has a rich consistency and blend of moisturizing ingredients, including hyaluronic acid that increases hydration in the skin, reduces any flaking and the appearance of fine lines, according to the brand.
Key ingredients: glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: yes
This body lotion has a great texture that’s rich but not too heavy and is also at an affordable price, according to Dr. Omer Ibrahim, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago. In addition to its goldilocks consistency, many reviewers say it’s first and foremost effective at improving the tone and texture of the skin while also increasing overall firmness. The retinol that’s responsible for those benefits is encapsulated (meaning it slowly releases) so that it won’t cause as much irritation to the skin, according to the brand.
Key ingredients: retinol, shea butter, glycerin | Fragrance-free: yes
Reviewers say this creamy lotion is great for very dry skin and leaves their skin feeling soft after applying. They also say they see a slight firming effect, but to see and feel results, they suggest consistent use. That’s because it uses a combination of antioxidants, including vitamin C and an enzyme that reduces fine lines, protects your skin cells from damage and then repairs and regenerates them, according to the brand.
Key ingredients: glycerin, vitamin C | Fragrance-free: no
This sensitive skin-friendly moisturizer improves the appearance of dull skin while simultaneously improving the skin’s firmness, according to the brand. Reviewers say this overnight treatment especially helps around the neck, decolletage and chest area, and that they notice a firming effect over time. You can use it to combat current fine lines or to prevent them.
Key ingredients: niacinamide, panthenol, vitamin E, squalane | Fragrance-free: yes
This rich and buttery cream uses a blend of peptides, amino acids and vitamins to firms and plump the skin while also helping reduce the appearance of stretch marks, cellulite and more, according to the brand. Reviewers suggest being patient when looking for results — they say it takes a few weeks to see reduced fine lines, marks and discoloration. If you prefer a thinner consistency, the brand also makes a lotion formula.
Regardless of the consistency you choose, both products will have verbena flower/leaf extract in the formula, which the brand recommends avoiding if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding unless you are under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.
Key ingredients: shea butter, ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide | Fragrance-free: yes
This body cream works in three ways by soothing, toning and firming the skin. Reviewers say it has a rich, thick consistency that’s easily spreadable, and that it leaves their skin feeling soft and hydrated all day until they reapply it at night. Some reviewers say its citrus-like scent is pleasant, while others find it a bit too powerful when first using it.
Key ingredients: shea butter, antioxidants | Fragrance-free: no
This option is ideal for people with very sensitive skin because it has a rich texture formulated with shea butter and squalane, and it also has probiotics, which can help with the skin’s microbiome, says Ibrahim. Together (along with other ingredients), you can reduce redness and irritation, and soften and smooth the skin, according to the brand.
Key ingredients: glycerin, vitamin E, shea butter, squalane | Fragrance-free: yes
This moisturizing lotion has encapsulated retinol to gently firm the skin. You don’t have to worry about it causing irritation though (which is a common side effect of retinol) since it has additional ingredients that moisturize and calm the skin, according to the brand. For the best results, apply this nightly from your shoulders to your toes, according to Versed.
Key ingredients: retinol, cocoa butter, squalane | Fragrance-free: yes
This ultra hydrating and moisturizing formula from Epionce uses plant extracts and oils to improve the skin’s firmness and tone, according to Garcia. It also helps strengthen the skin barrier by retaining moisture in areas prone to dryness, like the elbows and knees, according to the brand. Reviewers say that even though it’s fragrance-free, the combination of ingredients causes it to smell, but they say it’s not overwhelming, overbearing or unpleasant.
Key ingredients: petrolatum, glycerin, safflower seed oil | Fragrance-free: yes
Reviewers say this firming body balm has a luxurious texture that makes the skin look more plump, reduces the appearance of fine lines and helps combat dryness. They also say that it leaves their skin looking silky without being oily or greasy. When you apply it to dry skin, it leaves a pearl-like shine but when you apply it to damp skin, it has more of a matte finish, according to the brand.
Key ingredients: coconut oil, safflower seed oil | Fragrance-free: no
Formulated by dermatologists for older, fragile, sensitive skin, this body butter has sea buckthorn extract that stimulates collagen production and reduces inflammation, while also nourishing the skin, says Ibrahim. This cream is easy to apply despite its rich texture because your skin absorbs it quickly, he says. It’s also safe for newborns and those prone to eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis, according to the brand.
Key ingredients: ceramides, coconut oil | Fragrance-free: yes
Josie Maran’s refillable body butter has a whipped texture and that reviewers say make that their fine lines less prominent, giving the skin a more supple appearance. This version has no added fragrance, but if you prefer a more fragrant option, the brand makes additional formulas with scents, including its popular Topless Tangerine option.
Key ingredients: argan oil, avocado oil, shea butter | Fragrance-free: yes
This non-greasy option uses a combination of lipids, antioxidants and proteins to reduce sagging, increase moisture and repair the skin barrier, according to the brand. Reviewers love its texture because it doesn’t feel heavy, goes on smooth and absorbs quickly since it’s lightweight.
Key ingredients: glycerin, petrolatum, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E | Fragrance-free: yes
Reviewers say this silky, fast-absorbing lotion leaves their skin feeling smooth and looking firm. They also love that it helps improve uneven tone; many have noticed dark spots and hyperpigmentation reduce in appearance. However, some reviewers say it can irritate very reactive and sensitive skin due to the retinol in the formula. If you notice irritation, you can reduce frequency or mix it with a retinol-free body cream, according to the brand.
Key ingredients: retinol, glycerin, vitamin C, panthenol, shea butter | Fragrance-free: yes
Another option from Cetaphil, this body cream is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and gentle enough to use twice daily on aging skin, according to the brand. The formula has mandelic acid, an AHA that experts have previously told us can encourage skin cell turnover for a brighter look. It also has centella asiatica, which can soothe sensitive skin and help with elasticity, according to Cetaphil.
Key ingredients: mandelic acid, centella asiatica | Fragrance-free: yes
When purchasing a body lotion for mature skin, our experts recommend paying extra attention to a formula’s ingredients and your specific skin type.
Because maturing skin tends to be more sensitive, avoid potentially irritating ingredients like fragrances, says Ibrahim.
Those with drier skin typically benefit more from a heavier body lotion with a richer texture as the skin “drinks up” the moisturizer, says Ibrahim. Those with more oily skin tend to prefer lightweight lotions as heavier textures can feel like they’re just sitting on top of the skin, leading to an uncomfortable sensation. Ultimately, the choice is personal, one isn’t better than the other.
Body lotions for mature skin are typically formulated to provide more hydration than “standard” lotions, says Garcia. Their purpose is both to hydrate the skin as well as address concerns like dry skin, loss of elasticity, and fine lines.
They will also be creamier, thicker and have a higher concentration of standard active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, and antioxidants for hydration, plumping, brightening, and protection, as well as retinols and peptides, she says.
Since you can use them for preventative care, you can start using a mature skin body lotion as early as your 20s. Be aware that higher concentrations of ingredients, such as niacinamide and retinol, might be too strong or irritating for young skin, says Garcia. However, if the body lotion is explicitly targeting crepey skin, there’s no real reason to use it so early in your 20s and 30s since this issue isn’t as prevalent, according to Ibrahim.
You should always apply a body moisturizer within three minutes after getting out of the shower when the skin is still slightly damp because this helps trap moisture, according to Ibrahim. Work a generous amount of lotion in gentle, upward strokes to prevent sagging, irritation and damage, says Garcia. Don’t forget about rough areas of your skin that need moisture, including elbows and knees, according to Ibrahim.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
Bianca Alveraz is a former associate reporter who has covered skin care and hair care for NBC Select. For this article, she interviewed two dermatologists about body lotions for mature skin and included their recommendations along with highly rated options.
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