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The best brightening body lotions can do far more than moisturize: They tackle the whole gamut of skin concerns that can leave your arms and legs looking a little lackluster: acne scars, rough texture, keratosis pilaris (KP), bumps, dullness, and uneven tone included. And while you might be tempted to slather your favorite face serum or exfoliator from neck to toe, body skin plays by slightly different rules—it’s generally thicker, involves much more surface area (translation: that tiny bottle of face serum won’t get you very far), and often benefits from formulas that balance stronger actives with more substantial hydration.
Our Top Brightening Body Lotions
- Best Overall: AmLactin Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion, $16
- Best with Retinol: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, $30
- Best for Extra-Dry Skin: OSEA Hyaluronic Body Serum, $48
- Best for Mature Skin: Nécessaire The Body Retinol, $62
According to Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida, ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide, urea, vitamin C, and tranexamic acid are worth keeping an eye out for, as they can exfoliate, reduce inflammation, and interrupt pigment production. Below are the formulas worth making room for between your body wash and SPF.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Do brightening body lotions work?
- How long does it take for brightening body lotions to work?
- Are brightening body lotions good for sensitive skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: AmLactin Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion
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AmLactin
Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: AmLactin isn’t exactly subtle with its branding—the name is literally a mash-up of ammonium lactate (a form of lactic acid), the ingredient the brand was built around. “Lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, not only acts as a humectant but also accelerates the fading of residual marks by promoting gentle exfoliation,” says Dr. Queller. And with this Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion, what you see is what you get: a straightforward formula starring 12% lactic acid, plus a refreshingly short ingredient list that skips the fluff. “It’s especially helpful for patients who want a multitasking product that treats both roughness and discoloration over time,” says Dr. Queller.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the AmLactin Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the AmLactin Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“As someone with sensitive, dry skin, lactic acid has always played nicely into my routine. So, I happily slathered AmLactin’s Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion all over the backs of my arms, where I’m constantly battling keratosis pilaris. Immediately after applying, my skin looked softer and more hydrated—but to be fair, any good moisturizer can give you that instant gratification. What surprised me was what happened over the following weeks: The uneven texture and patchy redness on the backs of my arms started looking more even and less inflamed. One of my kids even pointed out that my arms looked ‘less red,’ which might be the most brutally honest product-testing panel out there.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 12% lactic acid, mineral oil, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best with Retinol: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
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Topicals
Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
Amazon
Sephora
Why it's worth it: With a name like Slather, Topicals practically encourages you to be generous with its Exfoliating Body Serum—and if brightening uneven tone and fading post-breakout marks is the goal, you’ll likely be reaching for an extra pump or two anyway. This Best of Beauty Award-winning body serum features glycolic and lactic acids to sweep away dull surface skin cells, while encapsulated all-trans-retinol brings in a more advanced resurfacing strategy. The encapsulation technology slowly releases retinol over time, helping make this potent vitamin A derivative gentler and less irritating while still delivering its skin-smoothing, tone-evening benefits.
“This formula also combines chemical exfoliants with humectants like urea, which work synergistically to improve tone and texture,” says Dr. Queller. “I like this option for patients who want a more targeted, results-driven product if they want to spot treat specific dark areas of their skin—but it’s still appropriate for full-body use.”
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“It's no wonder this milky body serum is so popular (and a Best of Beauty winner): It packs serious texture-evening, exfoliating benefits—retiniol is a gold-standard ingredient for the reason, and not just for the face—but feels light as a feather. When my skin is looking particularly rough and dull, I make a beeline for Slather. Applying this a few times a week makes a noticeable difference—my limbs look radiant and feel as smooth as a baby's bum.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, encapsulated all-trans-retinol, urea
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Extra-Dry Skin: OSEA Hyaluronic Body Serum
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Osea
Hyaluronic Body Serum
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior commerce editor Shanna Shipin applying the OSEA Hyaluronic Body Serum
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: Calling a body moisturizer “best for dry skin” can feel a little redundant—after all, shouldn’t every moisturizer be good for dry skin? But OSEA’s Hyaluronic Acid Body Serum stands out because it hydrates in a way that feels noticeably different: Namely, it’s deeply quenching yet impressively lightweight. This 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner has a silky, creamy gel texture that sinks in effortlessly and hydrates with a blend of five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, which hydrate at different levels of the skin. Smaller HA molecules pull moisture deeper below the surface, while larger ones sit closer to the top to smooth and lock it in place.
Blue-green algae extract delivers antioxidants and mineral-rich nourishment to soothe dryness and strengthen the skin barrier, while niacinamide further improves texture and tone. And because this formula clearly isn’t interested in doing the bare minimum when it comes to hydration, aloe rounds things out with an extra dose of soothing, skin-softening support.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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"Whenever possible, I moisturize my body like my face: with a hyaluronic acid serum—and this one from OSEA is my all-time favorite. I'll admit that part of what I love is the packaging. The serene green, the fogged glass, and the pump top that actually works. (By the way, it lets just enough serum out of the bottle without getting clogged—a feat for a thin formula like this!). This serum is so hydrating that you could just as well leave it without a more occlusive buttery layer, especially when it's irritatingly hot or humid. Still, I do like to follow up with an actual lotion afterward. In the formula, there are peptides to plump the skin and the brand's signature blue-green algae, touted as a kind of nourishing superfood. And for fellow sensitive-skin people out there, the serum is fragrance-free! I was able to use it on my preggo and postpartum body without irritating my typically sensitive skin." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, blue-green algae, aloe
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: Vaseline Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion in Soft & Supple
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Vaseline
Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion in Soft & Supple
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Make no mistake: This is not your classic petroleum jelly dressed up in a shiny rose-gold tube. Vaseline’s Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion in Soft & Supple feels much silkier and lighter, for one, and the time-tested ingredient is accompanied by other proven actives. The formula leads with niacinamide (vitamin B3) to even skin tone, while an antioxidant lineup—including glutathione and green bean extract—defends against environmental stressors that can leave skin looking dull. Hydration comes courtesy of glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, while amino acids and peptides support smoother-looking skin. And, there’s still a touch of petrolatum in the mix—just enough to reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture.
Han applying the Vaseline Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion in Soft & Supple
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Vaseline Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion in Soft & Supple
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“I'll totally admit that I haven't tried other Vaseline products outside of the original jelly, but I've been reaching for this Pro VitaB3 body lotion almost every day. In fact, I credit this lotion for helping me actually take my body care seriously. The main reason: The ‘Serum-Burst Lotion’ is the perfect labeling for this ultra-lightweight, ultra-fast-absorbing formula—I never feel sticky afterwards. (Did I mention I hate heavy lotions? Yup, good time to mention that.) Niacinamide has always been a go-to brightening ingredient for me, and this formula—which has not only niacinamide, but an antioxidant complex and peptides— instantly perks up my skin.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, glutathione, rutin, green bean extract, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, peptides, petrolatum
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Eczema: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream
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La Roche-Posay
Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream
Amazon
Dermstore
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: If you have eczema-prone skin, dryness tends to bring along a few unwanted friends: dullness, roughness, and ashiness. Accepted by the National Eczema Association (a seal awarded to products that meet strict standards for being free of common irritants and suitable for eczema-prone skin), La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream shines with “a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula features niacinamide to help with discoloration,” says Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California.
Shea butter, glycerin, and mineral oil team up to replenish moisture and reinforce the skin barrier, while Vitreoscilla ferment and the brand’s thermal spring water reinforce a healthier skin microbiome—an important focus in eczema care, since microbial imbalance may contribute to barrier disruption and flare-ups.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, mineral oil, dimethicone, Vitreoscilla ferment, thermal spring water
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Mature Skin: Nécessaire The Body Retinol
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Nécessaire
The Body Retinol
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why it's worth it: If you’re even a little bit into beauty, you know retinol gets most of its fame for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, but one of its lesser-known superpowers is helping skin look brighter, too. It works a little differently than classic brightening ingredients: Rather than directly targeting pigment, retinol speeds up skin cell turnover, pushing older, duller skin out of the way and encouraging fresher skin to come forward.
Nécessaire’s The Body Retinol pairs 0.1% retinol with glycolic and mandelic acids for an extra nudge toward smoother, more radiant-looking skin. To offset potential irritation, the formula also layers in glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, and “a lineup of peptides, plus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (a stable vitamin C derivative) for antioxidant defense and an added brightening boost,” says Dr. Moy.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 0.1% retinol, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, peptides
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Uneven Texture: Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA
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Paula's Choice
Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA
Dermstore
Paula’s Choice
Why it's worth it: Whether you have bumpy skin, dullness, or body breakouts, the Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA multitasks with a “glycolic acid-based formula to exfoliate and improve cell turnover, while fading discoloration and smoothing texture,” says Dr. Queller. And FYI: 10% AHA isn’t exactly beginner-friendly, but it’s not peel-level territory either—making it a sweet spot for anyone without particularly sensitive skin who wants noticeable results. “It strikes an ideal balance between efficacy and tolerability,” while glycerin, shea butter, allantoin, and chamomile extract cushion skin with moisture and soothe potential irritation, says Dr. Queller. Bonus: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable vitamin C derivative, and vitamin E provide an extra glow assist.
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- Key ingredients: 10% glycolic acid, glycerin, shea butter, allantoin, chamomile, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Lightweight: Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion
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Naturium
Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: With summer approaching—and as the thought of slathering on a thick body cream in rising temperatures becomes significantly less appealing—reach for Naturium’s Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion. “If you prefer something lightweight, this absorbs quickly but still contains supportive ingredients like niacinamide and lipids that improve tone and strengthen the skin barrier,” says Dr. Queller. "A little bit goes a long way too—only a few pumps cover my arms and legs," our tester attested.
Beyond niacinamide, the 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner has a blend of rosehip oil, moringa seed oil, and squalane that replenishes moisture. The formula also incorporates a blend of fruit-derived extracts—including bilberry, sugar cane, citrus, and sugar maple—plus sodium glycolate (a salt form of glycolic acid that’s gentler and less active), which has a subtle exfoliating effect to help skin look smoother and more radiant.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: niacinamide, lipids, rosehip oil, moringa seed oil, squalane, bilberry, sugar cane, citrus, sugar maple, sodium glycolate
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Lotion
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First Aid Beauty
KP Bump Eraser Body Lotion
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: If a thicker, richer body lotion is more your speed, regardless of the season, First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Lotion is especially ideal for those with keratosis pilaris, which can make your skin look rough, bumpy, and dull. KP often creates an uneven texture that scatters light rather than reflects it, which is why smoothing those tiny bumps can make skin appear brighter overall. “It delivers both exfoliation and deep hydration and is helpful for patients who prefer a more emollient feel,” says Dr. Queller.
Lactic acid and urea work together to gently loosen and soften stubborn buildup, while ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, and allantoin reinforce the skin barrier and calm irritation. And while we don’t want to get your hopes up that it’ll quite erase bumps overnight, despite the ambitious name, Dr. Queller notes that “consistent use leads to smoother, brighter-looking skin over time.”
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 10% lactic acid, urea, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, allantoin
- Fragrance-free: free of synthetic fragrances (natural peach scent)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do brightening body lotions work?
Yes, brightening body care can work, though managing expectations is key, says Dr. Queller. They tend to be most effective for mild to moderate cases of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (think lingering marks after body breakouts, bug bites, or irritation) and uneven tone, especially when formulas contain ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, vitamin C, kojic acid, or exfoliating acids that encourage cell turnover and fade discoloration over time. However, “deeper or more stubborn pigmentation may require in-office treatments or prescription-strength options,” says Dr. Queller. So while these formulas can absolutely improve skin over time, they’re better viewed as gradual brighteners rather than overnight miracle workers.
How long does it take for brightening body lotions to work?
Patience is part of the deal with brightening body lotions. “In terms of timing, patients usually start to see improvement within 4 to 8 weeks, with more noticeable results by 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of pigmentation and consistency of use,” says Dr. Queller. In other words, these formulas tend to reward commitment, so think of them as a steady routine rather than a quick fix. For the best results, daily use is key—and don’t forget daily sunscreen on exposed areas, which can make a big difference in how quickly you see results.
Are brightening body lotions good for sensitive skin?
Brightening body lotions can still be a good option for sensitive skin, but formula choice matters. “For sensitive skin types, it’s important to avoid overuse of strong exfoliants,” says Dr. Queller. She notes that “ingredients like high concentrations of glycolic acid, fragrance, and certain essential oils are more likely to cause irritation,” so if your skin tends to react easily, start slowly and look for formulas that pair brightening ingredients with barrier-supportive hydrators and soothing ingredients rather than going all-in on intensive exfoliation.
Meet the experts
- Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist of Moy MD, based in Beverly Hills, California
- Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks, based in Boca Raton, Florida
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best brightening body lotions, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
