As we age, our skin gets thinner, dryer, and loses elasticity thanks to a loss of collagen, which is why adding back hydration is key to keeping your skin firm and youthful. Your skincare routine likely already includes a facial moisturizer for mature skin, under-eye wrinkle creams, and even neck creams, leaving the skin on our bodies overlooked. But adding in one of the best body lotions for aging skin is just as important.
“As we age, our skin undergoes structural and biochemical changes that are often less talked about than facial aging,” says Nayan Patel, PharmD, and the founder of Auro Skincare “It can show up as roughness, dullness, crepiness, sagging and skin laxity, and may also be associated with increased itch or irritation,” explains explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D.,, a board certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.
Meet the Experts: Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York; Noah Gratch, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York; Nayan Patel, PharmD, founder of Auro Skincare.
“It is important to look for key ingredients that will help to boost hydration, repair the skin, and improve overall skin texture and tone,” Garshick says. First and foremost, look for a humectant that will help retain moisture in the skin, says Noah Gratch, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York. “Clinically, maintaining hydration is critical even with lightweight formulas,” he says. Yes, hydration is crucial, but anti-aging ingredients like like ceramides, niacinamide, antioxidants, and even retinol can also be important, depending on how mature your skin is and what skin concerns you have.
Not sure where to start? Below, we rounded up recommendations from our board-certified dermatologist experts, as well as our own editor-tested favorites, so you can can have a youthful glow from head-to-toe.
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“It works to provide 48-hour hydration using a blend of glycerin, shea butter, ceramides, niacinamide and the La Roche Posay Prebiotic Thermal Water,” Dr. Garshick says of her overall recommendation. She calls this moisturizer, which is safe for both face and body, “great for mature skin.”
What a reviewer says: “This lotion is a game changer. I noticed an immediate difference in the relief and smoothness of my skin. Just a little goes a long way, and I love how well it works. It absorbs well and leaves a slight shine that makes my 50-year-old skin look younger. But, the shine doesn’t leave a greasy feeling, it just leaves skin feeling super soft and younger.”
In the winter, I need a hydrating body lotion that won’t irritate my reactive skin. That means something strong enough to help exfoliate rough patches and firm up cold-induced shriveled skin, but gentle enough to sink in without any kind of residue. This pick from Cetaphil is my new go-to. Its key ingredients are a combination of AHAs and CICAs, which gently exfoliate and promote cell turn over while penetrating deep into the epidermis to restore the barrier and deliver long-lasting hydration.
What an editor says: My legs and thighs have always been dimpled with thin skin that irks me, but after just a month of use, I no longer see lined and crepey skin. My skin looks overall healthier and firmer, and honestly kind of radiates and glows. I even wore a short skirt to the office the other day—and got compliments about how cute it was! No fear about baring my legs at all. I’ll take that win.
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Mandelic acid, centella asiatica |
| Size | 16 fl oz |
This body lotion from Vanicream is the gold standard in moisturizers for sensitive skin, claiming a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. Specifically formulated without fragrances, parabens, dyes, or any other potential irritants, it is an “excellent choice” for “moisture without irritation,” says Dr. Garshick. “Clinically, maintaining barrier function is crucial for sensitive aging skin, and this product does that effectively while keeping skin calm and comfortable,” adds Dr. Gratch. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores, either.
What a reviewer says: “This is my go-to moisturizer—it’s perfect! I’ve been using it for years. I have extremely sensitive, very dry and acne-prone skin, I use retinol and azelaic acid, and I have eczema – my skin needs a LOT of moisture and protection, and no irritants. This is the best moisturizer ever—it’s gentle, so hydrating, and isn’t overly greasy. Never breaks me out, handles my eczema patches like a champ, and has no fragrance or allergens. Would recommend for anyone!”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Purified water |
| Size | 16 fl oz |
Garshick recommends this “fast-absorbing” lotion for those looking for an affordable option. “It helps to nourish the skin without leaving it feeling greasy,” she says of the hyaluronic acid-rich formula. Dr. Gratch thinks it is a great lightweight option, too. “This is ideal for normal to oily skin types or patients who dislike the sensation of heavy creams,” he says. The large bottle is long lasting for a low price point, and it is safe for sensitive skin. Though reviewers do warn that there is both a scented and unscented version, for those who prefer to avoid fragrance.
What a reviewer says: “I’m 57 with fairly dry skin. Over the last two years I lost a significant amount of weight and noticed my forearm skin was getting thin and crepe-y. I figured my skin was just too old to bounce back. I wish I had taken ‘before’ pictures because it was nothing short of amazing. Even after a few days, the skin was plumper and no longer looked like elephant skin. I also used this on my neck where one crease disappeared almost completely and the other deeper one was much improved.”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid |
| Size | 16 fl oz |
This body lotion from Dove can be picked up in the aisles of your local drugstore, but Dr. Garshick loves it for its anti-aging ingredient-packed formula that includes pro-retinol, collagen peptides, and niacinamide “to visibly firm and improve elasticity” in mature skin. Reviewers particularly like this formula for its serum consistency that is both lightweight and fast-absorbing, rather than sitting atop the skin like richer lotions. And because of its thinner consistency, many say that it is longer-lasting, since a little goes a long way.
What a reviewer says: “This is so lightweight, smooth, and moisturizing!! I can already see a difference in the fine wrinkles and crepey skin disappearing!!! I won’t gate keep, lol. Seriously, I’ve bought so many products that were recommended to me by a family member—who is a dermatologist—and NONE of them worked for my skin. Ladies or even men truly, order this!!!! 10/10 recommended!!!”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, collagen |
| Size | 8 fl oz |
Those with damaged, dry, aging skin might need a thicker or richer formula. But Garshick says that often those thicker formulas can cause irritation. Her solve? This protective cream from Avène, which contains a bouquet of skin-protecting ingredients. “It contains a postbiotic restorative ingredient to support the skin barrier and also protect the skin from external irritants.” She says it is particularly good for those with sensitive skin in helping protect against future irritation, too.
What a reviewer says: “I have very dry, menopausal skin. Additionally, I have rosacea which seems to have been a nice gift from said menopause (you can only laugh, right?). It’s very common for those of us in our 50s to have a compromised skin barrier and when an issue like rosacea is present, even more so. Because of all this my skin is very intolerant to most moisturizers and nearly all actives (over the last few years I’ve had to discontinue my retinols and chemical exfoliators). Enter this product. It’s marketed as a protective cream, which implies occlusive, but it penetrates like no other. Gone is the tight, dry feeling that persisted even when I had a heavy layer of product on my skin.”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Thermal water, C+- restore postbiotic, copper-zinc sulfate complex |
| Size | 3.3 fl oz |
Garshick and Gratch recommend this daily formula for those looking for a lighter weight moisturizer because it “helps dry skin without leaving the skin feeling greasy.” Its magic occurs in the brand’s patented MVE delivery technology that Garshick says “helps deliver moisturizing ingredients to the skin over 24 hours, keeping the skin soft and smooth all day” without a heavy or thick formula. “I like that it’s fragrance-free, reducing the risk of irritation, and that it maintains hydration long-term, which is critical for aging skin. Many of my patients see smoother, plumper skin with consistent use,” Gratch adds. This seems to be true for a lot of people: It currently boasts a 4.7 rating on Amazon from over 134,000 reviewers!
What a reviewer says: “As I’ve aged, I knew that I had to buck up and invest in my skin outside my face/neck/chest and bought it. Needless to say, I regret not buying sooner. My skin has improved so much, super smooth, bumps on legs gone, ashy look improved. Also, it spreads easy and works so well I don’t have to glop it on like my cheaper lotions, so it evens out a bit. I use most days, also rotating in AmLactin, another lotion I’ve should have started using before. The combination has been great for my skin. I perpetually have dry skin, that will never change, it’s just my skin, but nice to see improvement and that it doesn’t look so parched and irritated.”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, ceramides |
| Size | 19 fl oz |
Those who know skincare know the incredible benefits of retinol—a super powered Vitamin A derivative that can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, texture, and other signs of aging—but it can often leave skin dry, red, and irritated. That’s why pairing it with skin-nourishing ingredients is a great way to receive those benefits without the side effects. “This combines retinol with antioxidants and shea butter to improve crepiness, uneven tone, and overall firmness, while still providing moisture,” Garshick explains.
What a reviewer says: “Love Paulas Choice Products. They work well and their price is right. I am 69 yrs old and skin care is important. I use Retin A three times each week on my face and it works well so when the crepey skin started on my upper arms I started searching for a solution. Somehow, Paula’s Choice was recommended and what a great product. It actually works and my crepey skin started to disappear…it works faster and much better than crepe erase and costs only $29. Definitely a good buy.”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E |
| Size | 4 fl oz |
Necessaire calls this body lotion a “daily vitamin for your skin,” for its multi-vitamin-rich formula. Aided by niacinamide (which amplifies the effects of its fellow ingredients!) and a bounty of botanic ingredients and peptides, this lotion helps deliver moisture deep to strengthen and firm your skin.
What a reviewer says: “My skin feels much more hydrated when I use the body lotion consistently. I am not a scented girl for the most part and appreciate that they made this product unscented. The price might be a little steep but a little does go a long way and I have had this for a few months and am not close to needing to order more. I love that this company is a Certified B company which leaves a smaller footprint. I can’t wait to try more of their product line!”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Peptides, 2.5% niacinamide, vitamin C, vitamin E |
| Size | 7 fl oz |
If textured skin is your concern, Dr. Garshick recommends this body lotion from AmLactin. Made with a strong concentration of lactic acid (12%!), this formula gently exfoliates to even out rough patches and improve texture without harsh abrasive scrubbing. “It can be great for those trying to smooth overall texture as well as those dealing with keratosis pilaris or dry, rough patches,” she says.
What a reviewer says: “Amazing find! I purchased this lotion because I had gotten a touch of bumps on the outside of my upper arms. After a couple weeks of daily use they were gone. I was applying it to my inside and outside of my arms and I’ve noticed that the underside of my arms look firmer and less wrinkly. Another bonus is that my skin looks lighter and younger than when I started wearing it. This was the first year that I started having age spots appear on my arms to any significant degree. This lotion has made them much less noticeable.”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Lactic acid |
| Size | 8 fl oz |
Dr. Gratch recommends this body lotion “for patients with aging skin that feels rough or uneven, as maintaining hydration and smoothness improves both appearance and comfort.” Its star ingredient, 10% urea gently exfoliates while still being super hydrating. Patients with rough or bumpy skin caused by keratosis pilaris will “benefit greatly” from this choice, he says.
What a reviewer says: “Luxurious cream that moisturizes as well as helps exfoliate where needed. It has helped me during chemotherapy with peeling skin on my palms and the soles of my feet. My skin tone improved greatly. A quite effective lotion. Absorbs nicely.”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | 10% Urea, shea butter |
| Size | 13.5 fl oz |
Dr. Gratch calls this pick from SkinMedica “excellent” for those who are concerned with sagging skin or loss of elasticity. “Its combination of peptides and antioxidants helps support collagen production and improve skin firmness.” But he is quick to remind his patients that this isn’t an instant fix and requires continual use. “I recommend it for those with mild to moderate skin laxity who want visible improvement over time,” he says.
What a reviewer says: “I am in my seventies, and just this year [I have] a LOT of crepey skin on my arms. It was awful. I started using this, and within two weeks the difference was amazing. It’s been several weeks, and it is almost entirely gone. I kid you not! It is not cheap, but it works!!!!”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Peptides, antioxidants |
| Size | 6 fl oz |
Those with itchy dry skin should check out this pick from Dr. Garshick, which is specifically formulated to reduce inflamed or itching skin as it moisturizes. It received a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association for being delicate enough for sensitive skin, likely due to its hydrating combination of gentle aloe and skin-nourishing squalane. Dr. Garshick’s tip: “It is especially great when kept in the refrigerator for an enhanced cooling effect.”
What a reviewer says: “This Sarna Itch Lotion was recommended by my doctor due to the side effects from chemo of itching on all parts of my body. It works almost instantly taking away the horrible itching. There is no order. It goes on smoothly and absorbs immediately into the skin, no stickiness. It is not greasy. I highly recommend.”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Pramoxine hydrochloride, aloe, squalane |
| Size | 12 fl oz |
With age, skin naturally loses hydration and can look more finely wrinkled, or crepey—especially on the backs of hands and the arms. Filled with skin-nourishing ingredients like omega fatty acids, Vitamin E, and powerful antioxidants, this body lotion is Garshick’s recommendation for thin and crepey skin. She loves how it is able to “visibly firm and plump the skin, while also improving skin elasticity.”
What a reviewer says: “This has made a genuine difference in the texture and appearance of the crepey skin on my arms and legs that I’d been self-conscious about for years. The lotion absorbs well without leaving a greasy residue, and I started noticing smoother, firmer-feeling skin after about two to three weeks of consistent daily use. The formula contains alpha hydroxy acids and collagen, which seem to be doing their job in improving skin elasticity and reducing that thin, wrinkled appearance.”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Omega fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants |
| Size | 14 fl oz |
Dr. Garshick recommends this oil that “improves the appearance of scars or stretch marks.” The formula leans heavily on moisturizing ingredients like Vitamin E and botanical oil extracts for a lightweight finish that can help smooth and tone thinning, deydrated, and aging skin. Best of all, the oil is super long-lasting; the brand recommends applying just a few drops after showering for the best results.
What a reviewer says: “From the first use, I noticed how beautifully it absorbs—it’s nourishing without being overly greasy, which is rare for an oil. The scent is light and absolutely amazing—fresh, clean, and comforting without being overpowering. I have very sensitive skin, and most products either leave me red or itchy, but this one caused zero irritation. It leaves my skin soft, hydrated, and healthy-looking. I’ve been using it for scars and stretch marks, and I can already see improvement in my skin’s texture and tone.”
Features at a Glance
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin E, vitamin A, botanical oil extracts |
| Size | 6.7 fl oz |
How to choose the best body lotion for aging skin
It can feel overwhelming to look for a body moisturizer that does it all, so our experts broke it down further for you. “Together, these ingredients provide hydration, defense, and repair, critical functions for maintaining healthy, resilient skin as it matures,” explains Dr. Patel. Your formulas should combine these functions:
Hydration. All our experts recommend starting your search by looking for a formula that features humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which help draw water into the skin and boost moisture overall.
Skin barrier support. Dr. Patel says this is important to “help restore the skin’s natural protective layer,” which breaks down as we age. To help bolster your barrier, look for ceramides, fatty acids, and peptides. Garshick also adds that niacinamide is a great ingredient to look for, as it helps boost other ingredients’ effectiveness.
Antioxidant protection. Ingredients like Vitamin C and Vitamin E help reduce free radicals that harm the skin barrier. They can also reduce the effect of UV rays and soothe irritated skin.
Exfoliation. “Exfoliating ingredients like lactic acid and glycolic acid can help to brighten the skin, soften and smooth and improve discoloration,” explains Dr. Garshick.
Speed up skin cell turnover. When it comes to specifically looking for anti-aging ingredients, Dr. Garshick says to include “retinol or bakuchiol, which helps to regulate skin cell turnover and reduce crepiness and peptides to support collagen production and firm the skin.”
Like all skincare, Dr. Gratch reminds us that consistency is key, and continued use is the magic step to seeing results.
How we chose
To bring you the best body lotion for aging skin of all types, we received expert information and recommendations from Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology; Noah Gratch, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology; Nayan Patel, PharmD, founder of Auro Skincare. We also combed through hundreds of reviews as well as used our own expertise as a skincare enthusiast and shopping editor to make sure each product recommendation was approved by a real life customer.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
Charlotte Lewis Finigan is the Senior Commerce Editor at Prevention. After a decade of working in Hollywood writers’ rooms and contributing pop culture writing to ETOnline, Bustle, TVGuide, and CBS, she underwent bariatric surgery and changed her focus to health and wellness. Previously, Charlotte was the Sexual Health & Wellness Writer for Refinery 29. There, she wrote and edited shopping content about new wellness trends, beauty launches, and sex-positive products. She currently lives in Brooklyn with her girlfriend—and the love of her life, her senior dog, Rory. All three can typically be found perusing the Fort Green farmer’s market for fresh produce or curling up on the couch to watch Survivor.
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