Hyaluronic acid, AHAs, retinol, collagen — more and more brands are coming out with body care products starring ingredients that were once reserved for sophisticated facial routines.
“Now that we’ve become masters at treating our faces, the focus has shifted to the body. Having a youthful appearing face seems out of place if the chest, arms and legs don’t match,” explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
When choosing a full-body routine, dermatologists recommend looking for products that have anti-aging properties, but also boost hydration.
"Look for [the above] ingredients, along with niacinamide, [vitamin] B5 and shea butter, in body washes and creams to help soothe and protect the skin barrier. These are especially important for areas that are often neglected but can show signs of aging first, such as the hands and neck, as well as those with dry skin or eczema. They’re also helpful for those washing their hands often to help minimize hand dermatitis,” adds Dr. Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota.
From firming creams to hydrating serums, read on for a range of beloved body care picks for achieving your self care goals from head to toe.
Lotions | Scrubs | Body Washes | More all-over self care items | How we chose | Meet the experts
Body lotions to shop
Flamingo Moisturizing Lotion
- "Better value" compared to other brands in terms of price and amount
- "Not too thick" of a consistency; provides all-day moisture
- Some reviewers noted it takes a while to feel the effects
Size: 10 ounces | Key Ingredients: Squalane, papaya extract
Speaking of moisturizers, Flamingo’s daily lotion is made with squalane for added nourishment, along with papaya extract and white willow bark for exfoliating and encouraging natural cell turnover, promising up to 24 hours of hydration and smooth, supple skin for under $10 a tube.
Oui The People Cream Body Polish
- "Really works" to soften skin
- You have to let it sit to work
Size: 4.2 ounces | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid
Deputy editorial director Ali Deabler uses this exfoliating cream twice a week and follows up with the brands hydrating gloss for softer, smoother skin.
"It's gritty, but doesn't feel harsh," she says of the texture that leaves her skin soft after rinsing it off.
Beekman 1802 Whipped Body Cream
- "Absorbs quickly," non-greasy
- "Extremely moisturizing"
- "Packaging rim can get grimy"
Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Goat milk, shea butter, vitamin E
Boasting goat milk as its most notable ingredient, this body cream is packed with prebiotics, proteins and more.
"My mom turned me onto Beekman 1802’s whipped body cream ages ago and it’s worked absolute wonders for my skin," says senior SEO editor Jess Bender. "It contains several key ingredients that can tackle even the driest elbows and knee caps, plus it feels incredibly luscious to the touch."
Osea Anti-aging Body Balm
- "Light" scent
- Kept skin "hydrated all day"
- Product is "hard to dispense"
- "Gritty" texture to it
Size: Available in 1-, 5- and 9.2-ounce options | Key Ingredients: Passion fruit seed oil, coconut oil
OSEA’s body balm harnesses the moisturizing powers of seaweed and coconut oil to improve the appearance of skin elasticity, along with antioxidants and marine peptides to help with firmness and radiance. The brand recommends shaking the formula before use (it can be applied to dry or wet skin).
StriVectin Crepe Body Cream
- "Very effective" on aging skin
- Some users "saw improvement within one day of use"
- Strong scent
- Cost per amount is pricey
Size: Available in 5- and 6.7-ounce options | Key Ingredients: Lactic and glycolic acids, physical exfoliants
Like a contour for the skin, this body cream from StriVectin targets crepey areas along the arms, legs and beyond, leaving skin appearing more toned and helping to even out texture. The brand recommends using it in combination with their exfoliating body scrub for best results.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Body Cream
- "Luxurious, hydrating body cream"
- Makes skin feel "soft and supple" after days of use
- Pricey product
Size: 7 ounces | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, purslane extract
Referred to by reviewers as “the holy grail of anti-aging products,” Dr. Barbara Sturm’s body cream leverages nutrient-rich oils to help restore elasticity, extracts of elderberry blossom and white almond to firm skin, and purslane to calm and reduce visible signs of irritation. As a result, once parched skin is left looking restored, smooth and satiated.
Body scrubs to shop
OGX Exfoliating Body Scrub
- "Dry skin feels great, [has] improved appearance"
- Subtle scent, not overpowering
- Some reviewers noted issues with packaging and delivery
- Those with sensitive skin experienced rashes and negative reactions
Size: 19.5 ounces | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sea kelp
Hyaluronic acid is combined with sea kelp in this creamy wash-scrub hybrid from OGX, which boasts sulfate-free surfactants for a gentler buff and a near five star rating. It also has a calming scent reminiscent of an ocean breeze and — at 19.5 full ounces — will allow you to stretch your lathers.
Tree Hut Coconut Lime Shea Sugar Scrub
- "Easy to use" in the shower
- "Smooths skin, smells great"
- None to note at this time
Size: 18 ounces | Key Ingredients: Shea butter, coconut oil
A product that's easy-to-use and integrate into your shower routine every couple of days, holiday editor Nina Bradley appreciates that its no-frills, instantly smoothing and exfoliating dry skin.
"Plus, the amazing scent gives me that “pick-me-up” I sometimes need on mornings when I’m not quite ready to face the world," she says.
Skinfix Resurface + Glycolic Renewing Body Scrub
- Has become an "essential shower ritual"
- Clears breakouts; makes skin "baby soft smooth" until next use
- Has an "odd smell"
Size: 8 ounces | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid
The glycolic acid and biodegradable bamboo polishers in this vegan body scrub from Skinfix slough off dead skin cells, while the lactic acid reduces pigmentation and promotes natural cell turnover. Use it to combat dullness and uneven texture for all skin types.
Body washes to shop
Dove Men + Care Body and Face Wash
- "Super practical"
- Some reviewers enjoyed the thicker texture and consistency
- "Overpowering smell"
- Some reviewers dislike the new formula, compared to an older version
Size: Available in 18- and 36-ounce options | Key Ingredients: N/A
This one-stop-shop of a face and body wash from Dove is made with a special MicroMoisture Technology that activates on contact and is designed to combat dryness. “The unique line is formulated with gentle surfactants and glycerin to clean skin, while also hydrating it and decreasing irritation,” adds Dr. Liu.
Soap & Glory Clean On Me Body Wash
- "Hydrating, nice lather"
- Affordable
- "Strong fragrance"
Size: 16.9 ounces | Key Ingredients: N/A
Lauren Witonsky, an associate editor at Shop TODAY, not only appreciates the lather she's able to get with this body wash, but also how hydrated it keeps her skin (especially during the winter time).
"My skin always feels soft (not stripped) even if I don’t follow up with body lotion since this has it built-in," she says. "And it doesn’t really last on your skin outside of the shower which I prefer.
More all-over self care items to shop
Paula's Choice Retinol Smoothing Body Treatment
- Makes skin feel soft when paired with moisturizer
- "Lotion absorbs nicely and doesn't leave you sticky"
- A "surprisingly small" bottle for the cost
Size: 4 ounces | Key Ingredients: Retinol, shea butter
Pure retinol and antioxidants work together in this body treatment from Paula’s Choice to even out skin tone, hydrate and soften for a more youthful ambiance. Use it all over the body or as a spot treatment where you could use a little TLC. The brand recommends reducing frequency or mixing it with a non-retinol moisturizer for an added buffer in the case of retinol sensitivities.
Mutha Body Oil
- "Not too heavy of a scent"
- "Moisturizes and soothes skin"
- Most reviewers noted malfunctions with the pump applicator
Size: Available in .84- and 3.4-ounce options | Key Ingredients: Rosehip oil, elderberry extract
This certified organic, vegan and dermatologist-tested oil has garnered a following from women and men alike for soothing irritated skin and preventing fine lines. Rose hip, grapeseed, apricot, orange and sweet almond oil are among the nourishing ingredients that give it its subtly-sweet, soothing scent. (The brand’s body butter is another cult favorite.)
Dr. Dennis Gross Exfoliating Body Peel
- Leaves skin "dewy and bright"
- Reviewers don't like the smell
- Those with sensitive skin experienced irritation and negative reactions
Amount: Available in two or eight towel packs | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid
Like a peel for the body, Dr. Dennis Gross’ new exfoliating treatment was formulated to help tackle ingrown hairs, dry skin, blemishes and uneven skin tone. The retexturizing towels come in individual pouches, making them especially great for those looking to enhance their glow on the go.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. Through source interviews and personal experience, we've vetted through the best skin care products that provide us with soft, smooth and luxurious skin.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. Learn more about Shop TODAY.
Meet the expert
- Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
