All year long— but particularly in the winter—hydration is key, and a good body lotion is a seasonal necessity. But if you’re in the market for more than moisture, consider adding one of the best tightening body lotions to your post-shower, pre-bedtime, or anytime routine. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and New Jersey, tightening lotions work instantly to hydrate the skin and provide a temporary plumping effect. The real magic, however, comes with consistent use.
Vogue’s Favorite Tightening Body Lotions
Darren M. Smith, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York City, notes that tightening creams contain active ingredients—such as peptides and retinol—that provide visible benefits over time. “These actives target uneven texture and inflammation while supporting collagen and elasticity for a more balanced, smoother appearance,” he says.
The key to finding the best body-tightening lotion for you? Look for an expert-approved formula that contains the right targeted ingredients and texture for your skin, while accommodating any sensitivities to scent or specific actives. Ahead, find a—ahem—tightly curated list of lotions experts recommend for keeping the skin healthy, smooth, and firm all winter long and beyond.
In This Story:
- How do firming body lotions work?
- What to Look for in a Tightening Body Lotion
- What is the most effective body skin-tightening treatment?
- What are tightening body lotions?
- Do tightening lotions really work?
- How We Tested
- Meet the Experts
Best Peptide Treatment: Strivectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream
- Why We Love It: “Crepey skin is often the result of collagen loss and chronic dehydration,” says Dr. Smith. “This formula addresses both with peptides, which improve elasticity, and murumuru seed butter for deep hydration.” Dr. Garshick adds that the formula incorporates NIA-114, a proprietary form of niacin, to support the skin barrier. With its blend of emollients and hydrating ingredients, “this helps leave the skin softer, smoother, and less crepey,” she says. “It also improves overall skin tone with turmeric root extract, and it doesn’t feel greasy.”
- Key Ingredients: Tripeptides, jojoba-seed extract, turmeric powder, murumuru-seed butter, fruit-derived seed oils
- Best For: Tightening, evening skin tone
- Size: 5 oz
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Rich texture | Takes a moment to fully absorb |
| Non-greasy finish |
Best Fragrance-Free: Nécessaire The Body Lotion
- Why We Love It: With a cocktail of five peptides that lend a firming touch to all skin types, Nécessaire’s vitamin-enriched lotion has won over even the most seasoned skincare pros. Dr. Brendan Camp, a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City and Long Island, notes: “Formulated with peptides to encourage collagen production, niacinamide to soothe the skin, and oils rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, this fragrance-free body lotion moisturizes, firms, and strengthens the skin.” One of Vogue’s top picks for smooth, glowing skin, the moisturizer also has a stamp of approval from New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss. “It’s a very beautiful and elegantly formulated body lotion with niacinamide that gets absorbed without any residue and leaves your skin feeling soft for hours,” she previously shared.
- Editor’s Experience: “This is one of my favorite body lotions to use at night. It feels like a lip mask versus a chapstick, in that it forms a touchable barrier of hydration that’s still intact when I wake up. It can take a moment to absorb, which is why I don’t use it on rushed mornings. But once it’s on, it’s on, and my skin stays smooth for hours. If you’re a fragrance fanatic like me, you can try it in scents like Eucalyptus (my favorite) or Olibanum. Just note that, unlike the fragrance-free option, the scented picks don’t have a seal of approval from the National Eczema Association.” —Jenny Berg, contributor
- Best For: Tightening, moisturizing, softening, strengthening
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, marula oil, glycerin
- Size: 6.8 fl oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Lightweight texture | Those with very dry skin may prefer a richer formula |
| Fragrance-free |
Best Drugstore: Nivea Skin Toning Firming Body-Gel Cream
- Why We Love It: Need to firm up in a pinch? Look no further than the shelves of your local drugstore. “This Nivea lotion is not only budget-friendly, but it is packed with key ingredients which are great for the skin,” says Dr. Spearman. The formulation contains L-carnitine, an amino acid that has antioxidant properties and can exfoliate dead skin cells. It’s further enriched with CoQ10, which supports collagen and elastin production, and has anti-inflammatory lotus extract to boot. “It also has a very lightweight gel consistency, which helps hydrate and tone the skin,” Dr. Spearman adds.
- Key Ingredients: CoQ10, L-carnitine, lotus extract
- Best For: Firming, hydrating, exfoliating, supporting collagen and elastin production
- Size: 6.7 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Feels cooling and refreshing | Results are relatively subtle |
| Budget-friendly |
Best Post-Treatment: Alastin TransFORM Body Treatment
- Why We Love It: An ideal companion to a body-sculpting treatment, Alastin Skincare’s cream harnesses TriHex technology to stimulate collagen and elastin production. The tech-forward salve is also powered by Lipodrone, a patented ingredient that gives the skin a firmer, more toned appearance, and it has a dash of dill extract to improve the skin’s texture. Dr. Sara Hogan, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C., is a fan. “The proprietary TriHex technology is a compound of peptides that encourages collagen production, as well as the removal of damaged collagen,” she explains. “The gel cream also contains several moisturizers, like hyaluronic acid, triglycerides, squalane, and glycerin, and antioxidants like vitamin C and caffeine.” She notes that the formulation is lightweight and quick to absorb. “The product is designed for use on its own, but also enhances the efficacy of body-contouring procedures,” she adds.
- Key Ingredients: TriHex technology, Lipodrone, dill extract
- Best For: Calming skin post-procedure, firming, toning, moisturizing
- Size: 6.0 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Fast-absorbing, easy to wear under clothes | May take several weeks to show results |
Best Body Retinol: Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment
- Why We Love It: Enhanced with retinol, which can increase collagen production to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this skin-smoothing treatment is a go-to for Dr. Camp. “In addition to retinol, it’s infused with antioxidants like vitamin C. Plus, it has moisturizing ingredients like primrose oil and grape-seed oil, which can improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and eliminate dryness,” he says. Dr. Margarita Lolis, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey, previously shared more of the treatment’s superpowers: “This helps the tone and texture of your skin,” she told Vogue. “It’s also very helpful for keratosis pilaris in thighs and on the back of the arms.”
- Key Ingredients: Retinol, shea butter, evening primrose oil, vitamins C and E
- Best For: Smoothing, moisturizing, improving skin tone and texture, treating keratosis pilaris
- Size: 4 fl oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Fast-absorbing, non-sticky texture | Not ideal for those with extremely sensitive skin without patch-testing first |
Best for Brightening: Shani Darden Body Reform Treatment Serum
- Why We Love It: Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and Newport Beach, is quick to point out that it’s rare for a topical treatment to deliver dramatically firming effects on the skin. (For that, she’d recommend in-office cosmetic treatments such as Sofwave, Fraxel, or radiofrequency microneedling.) However, “the lotions that may show some benefit are those with retinol or retinal,” she says, singling out Shani Darden’s formulation as a favorite. “It contains retinol to boost cell turnover and improve skin texture and quality,” she adds. “Meanwhile, kojic acid brightens and reduces hyperpigmentation, while green tea provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.”
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, 2 percent granactive retinoid, Hydronesis
- Best For: Boosting cell turnover, improving skin texture, brightening, taming inflammation
- Size: 4 fl oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated | May not be moisturizing enough for very dry areas |
| Sleek packaging |
Best for Sensitive Skin: Naturium Skin-Renewing Retinol Body Lotion
- Why We Love It: Dr. Murphy-Rose is also fond of Naturium’s retinol-enriched cream. “This combines retinol with hyaluronic acid to plump and firm the skin,” she notes. “It also has squalane to support the skin’s protective lipid barrier.” The lotion contains an encapsulated form of retinol, which means that the ingredient is released slowly over time to avert the risk of irritation. As such, retinol rookies might consider starting with a gentler formulation like this one, which is also fragrance-free.
- Best For: Smoothing, brightening, improving skin texture
- Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, allantoin, shea butter
- Size: 8 fl oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Gentle enough for regular use | Some report a slightly clinical scent |
Best for a Glow: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Body Cream
- Why We Love It: Charlotte Tilbury’s special Algaktiv Uplift technology is one of the secrets behind her cult-classic Magic Cream, a celebrity-approved moisturizer that smells like roses and makes the skin look just as dewy and fresh. The skin-lifting technology is infused in the brand’s body lotion, which also contains firming caffeine and hyaluronic acid. The multitasking product, which slides on with a rich, silky feel, can also be used as a hand cream or cellulite treatment. What’s more, it’s dermatologist-approved. Marissa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City, previously told Vogue: “This helps brighten the skin and leave it glowing.”
- Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, caffeine, Algaktiv Uplift
- Editor’s Experience: “I had to eke out the last few drops to test this for this story. It’s just one of those incredible products that’s not only a sensorial treat; it actually works. It leaves my skin feeling soft, looking smooth, and defying winter dullness with a subtle luminosity. You can see why I go through tube after tube.” —Jenny Berg, contributor
- Best For: Lifting, firming, brightening
- Size: 6.7 oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Luxurious texture | May be too thick for oily skin |
| Radiant finish |
Best for Crepiness: Revision Skincare BodiContour Contouring Body Lotion
- Why We Love It: “BodiContour contains a unique lineup of ingredients that address both superficial and deeper components of crepey skin,” Dr. Hogan says. “This includes a prebiotic that supports the skin microbiome, moisturizers like squalane and ceramides, multiple antioxidants—including both green tea and caffeine—and peptides to stimulate collagen production.” The cream is also infused with special iFirm technology, designed to firm, lift, and tone the skin. “The formulation is a bit thick and needs to be massaged into target areas,” Dr. Hogan warns, adding that patience pays off. “It should be applied consistently for a few months for visible improvement in the appearance of skin laxity,” she says. But keep the faith! Georgina Ferzli, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Vogue: “This is one of the very few creams for body tightening that actually works.”
- Key Ingredients: Peptide blend, caffeine, glucosamine
- Size: 3.8 oz.
- Best For: Smoothing, tightening, contouring, improving elasticity
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Clean, pleasant scent | Pump design can make it tricky to dispense the last few doses |
Best for the Skin Barrier: Skinfix Barrier+ Lipid-Boost Body Cream
- Why We Love It: Looking for an animal-friendly antidote to sagging skin? “This is a fast-absorbing vegan body cream that’s filled with moisturizing ingredients,” Dr. Camp says. Made with shea butter and sweet almond, grape-seed, and jojoba oils, the cream is intensely hydrating. “It also has ceramides to nourish and hydrate the skin,” he notes. Unlike other formulations on this list, this particular cream doesn’t contain ingredients said to firm the skin on their own, but Dr. Camp explains that it helps maintain the skin’s overall health, which is crucial to a firmed-up appearance. “The aforementioned ingredients, along with moisture-retaining colloidal oatmeal, help heal and restore the integrity of the skin barrier,” he says. “A healthy skin barrier is essential for skin that is hydrated, firm, and plump.”
- Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, ceramides, sweet almond oil
- Best For: Moisturizing, hydrating, supporting the skin barrier
- Size: 10 fl oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Vegan | Can feel slightly heavy |
| Intensely hydrating and gentle | Doesn’t contain firming ingredients, instead focuses on skin barrier repair |
Best for Laxity: SkinMedica Firm Tone Lotion
- Why We Love It: “This lotion is great,” says Dr. Dara Spearman, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana. “It helps firm the skin, and its ingredients include caffeine and botanical extracts, which are great for those looking to enhance the overall appearance of the skin. If used consistently, it has been known to diminish the look of crepey skin.” Dr. Lolis has also seen positive results from the firming formulation and previously told Vogue: “[This lotion’s] technology targets five pathways involved in laxity and fat. It also has peptides and botanical extracts that help maintain natural levels of collagen and elastin.”
- Key Ingredients: Peptides, shiitake mushroom, lemon balm, green microalgae
- Best For: Tightening, smoothing, improving skin tone
- Size: 6 fl oz.
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Silky texture | Not ideal for those seeking a rich, cushiony texture |
| Layers well under clothing |
Best Post-Shower: Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm
- Why We Love It: Inspired by the healing powers of the ocean, California-based Osea infuses its body products with Alaria seaweed. The brand’s signature ingredient improves skin’s elasticity and makes it feel firmer overall. In this tightening balm, the seaweed melds with a softening blend of passion fruit seed, coconut, acai, and babassu oils. These work together to give the skin a hydrated, Malibu-beach-style glow and a tighter look. Pro tip: Layer the balm under Osea’s rich Undaria Algae Body Butter, a Vogue-editor favorite for transforming dry, crepey skin.
- Key Ingredients: Seaweed, passion fruit seed oil, coconut oil, safflower seed oil
- Size: 5 oz
- Best For: Tightening, hydrating, adding luminosity to dry or dull skin
| Love It | Leave It |
|---|---|
| Melts into the skin for a luminous finish | Should be applied to damp skin for the best payoff |
Everything You Need to Know
How do firming body lotions work?
“A good firming body lotion should work in both the short and long term to create a tightening effect in the skin,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon in New York City. She explains that ingredients like caffeine and hyaluronic acid can temporarily plump the skin to make it appear firmer, while actives like retinol and peptides gradually support collagen and elastin production. “Over time, these ingredients help strengthen the skin’s structural support system,” she says.
What to Look for in a Tightening Body Lotion
When choosing a tightening body lotion, the pros recommend focusing on ingredients, texture, and proven results:
- Retinol: “Retinol helps boost cell turnover and collagen production to firm the skin and smooth texture,” says Dr. Smith. One caveat: He recommends pausing the use of retinol products two weeks before any energy-based treatments.
- Peptides: “Peptides are short chains of amino acids that signal the body to boost collagen and elastin production,” Dr. Smith says. “They also strengthen the skin barrier and reduce inflammation.” Dr. Engelman adds that peptides help thicken the skin to reduce crepiness.
- Hydrators: “Hydration is a key contributor to tighter, more balanced skin,” says Dr. Smith. He notes that hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin to give it a soft, smooth appearance, while Dr. Engelman adds that oils like jojoba seed oil help improve elasticity and hydration.
- Texture: “Choose a texture that feels comfortable, absorbs quickly, and isn’t greasy,” says Dr. Engelman. “Lighter formulas are ideal for warmer months; richer creams work well in colder months.”
- Proven Results: “Formulas with measurable results help you gauge efficacy,” Dr. Engelman says. She suggests looking for third-party clinical testing, before-and-after photos, and testimonials.
What is the most effective body skin-tightening treatment?
According to Dr. Garshick, the most effective skin-tightening results come from surgical procedures. “But non-surgical in-office procedures, such as radiofrequency, ultrasound-based treatments, or microneedling with radiofrequency, can help to firm and tighten the skin,” she says.
“One of my favorite, most effective skin-tightening treatments is EVERESSE,” Dr. Engelman says. She explains that the noninvasive device from South Korea “works by stimulating collagen in deeper layers of the skin while remaining virtually painless.”
Dr. Smith adds that more invasive in-office options like BodyTite—a radiofrequency-assisted liposuction procedure—can simultaneously remove fat and tighten skin.
What are tightening body lotions?
According to Dr. Spearman, “Tightening body lotions are products for the skin designed to enhance the appearance of loose skin by boosting its hydration, firmness, and skin elasticity.” Some of the ingredients typically found in tightening body lotions include collagen, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and retinol, which bring added benefits to the mix. “These are all great ingredients for those who are looking for anti-aging properties in the product or who are looking to improve uneven skin texture,” she says.
Do tightening lotions really work?
Want the bad news first? “Meaningful tightening of skin is not achieved with topical products alone,” Dr. Hogan says. “That said, ingredients in certain products—including retinol, lactic acid, and peptides—have been demonstrated to improve the appearance of mild skin laxity, or crepey skin, and they can also improve uneven skin texture.”
How We Tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to tightening body lotions, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, texture, packaging, finish, and the body-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the Experts
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist in New York City and Long Island.
- Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City.
- Sara Hogan, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the George Washington University of Medicine and Health Sciences, and founder of Cosmedica Dermatology in Washington, D.C.
- Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and Newport Beach and the founder of Skincare Junkie.
- Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
- Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York and New Jersey.
- Darren M. Smith, MD, is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in New York City
