The 15 Best Lotions For Crepey Skin That Hydrate, Tighten & Tone

If you have sensitive skin, you might find ingredients that promote cell turnover (like retinol and AHAs) a little difficult to tolerate. Not to fret: Plenty of other healthy aging ingredients on the market can help your skin look soft and supple—like coenzyme Q10 (which helps skin cells literally act younger), aloe vera, botanical oils, and targeted-biotic ingredients, all of which are included in mbg’s star body lotion. With shea butter, moringa seed oil, oat oil, and squalene, the formula also deeply hydrates—and keeping your skin ultra-moisturized is key to prevent any more sagging.

What our tester says. 

The entire mbg team cannot get enough of our ultra-hydrating body lotion. Personally, I’m a big fan of the texture: It's not fluffy, like other whip-thick body creams, but it's also not too balmy, like a slick moisturizer that sits heavy on the skin. Rather, it’s a spreadable, breathable formula that melts upon application. 

“I just love applying it daily—it has changed the look and feel of my dry, sensitive skin,” adds mbg beauty director Alexandra Engler. And mbg executive editor Hannah Margaret Allen says it’s A+ for relieving texture concerns: “​​Of all the many—and I mean many—remedies I’ve tried, nothing has soothed the redness, cleared the rough texture, or relieved the dryness like this postbiotic body lotion,” she says. 

Derm rating: 4/5

"This lotion contains a host of fantastic natural ingredients that are known to soothe inflammation and hydrate the skin," says Rodney. "I’m a fan of the antioxidants from CoQ10, moringa, and aloe, while the coconut oil, shea butter, and oat help with hydration."

This silky serum-lotion hybrid contains Alaria seaweed, a powerful humectant loaded with antioxidants to help improve skin appearance. In fact, when used topically, algae has been found to be a better humectant than hyaluronic acid! For even more moisture, the formula calls on coconut oil and safflower seed oil, and it exudes an invigorating jasmine and geranium scent. 

What our tester says.

I was surprised by how moisturizing this lotion felt, despite its lightweight, serum-like consistency. You can really feel those nourishing oils melt into your skin! I will say that it does leave behind a bit of a shiny residue (plus a hint of scent); I personally love the added glow, but if you prefer a lotion that leaves no trace, you might want to opt for a creamy, fragrance-free number.

Derm rating: 4/5

"Whenever you get a lotion or body balm that has multiple functions, you’re on the right track," says Rodney. "This body balm contains seaweed, coconut oil, and safflower seed oils. These are all great for hydration, while grapefruit, lemon, and passion fruit extracts all contribute to tighter, healthier skin. My one concern is that with the number of fruit, plant, and seed extracts, you’ll need to test a bit on your skin first to avoid allergies."

With an apple, grape, and aloe juice base, this lotion is quite literally a cool beverage for your skin. It has a nice and thick texture, too, so you know it's packed with moisturizing players—shea butter, jojoba oil, and sunflower oil, to be exact—but it absorbs easily and feels super lightweight. 

Not to mention, it contains hexapeptides, which "can produce a mild, Botox-like effect,” King previously told mbg about the ingredient. Specifically, acetyl hexapeptide-3 (the type of peptide in this ingredient list) “is supposed to be able to diminish the creasing that causes fine lines." 

Derm rating: 5/5

"[It] contains malic acid, a humectant that draws water to the skin," says Rodney, "The vitamin C and other acids can brighten and tighten the skin, giving you that extra glow. Great cruelty-free, vegan ingredients."

Looking for a high-quality, fragrance-free lotion that comforts the skin upon application? Carea Cream has you covered. It contains 1.5% colloidal oatmeal—a sensitive skin hero known for its anti-inflammatory benefits—as well as propolis extract (which also has skin-healing abilities), and panthenol, hyaluronic acid, and 3% squalane to deeply hydrate. It also features 10% urea for mild exfoliation without any stinging or tingling sensation. You’ll barely even know it’s there—until you notice firm, even-toned skin in just a few weeks. 

What our tester says. 

This lotion has such a lovely application: It glides onto the skin and sinks in without feeling tacky. However, it does contain dimethicone, an ingredient we don’t necessarily avoid, but it’s something to note if you do try to stay away from silicones. I love how gentle it is for everyday use, yet it has mild exfoliating properties to keep my skin firm and bright. 

Derm rating: 3/5

"Contains squalane and colloidal oatmeal, which is great for locking in hydration," says Rodney. "There are also several humectants and other skin-conditioning ingredients, which are great for keeping your skin smooth. While urea is there as an exfoliant, it’s not as potent as some of the others on this list."

This body lotion features glycolic acid plus tartaric, lactic, and citric acids (that’s why it’s called T.L.C.), which quickly resurface uneven skin texture—for me, it even leaves a slight tingle upon application. Glycolic acid is especially helpful for skin elasticity, as research has shown that six months of topical glycolic acid stimulated a 27% increase in epidermal thickness. It’s not all about the AHAs, though: This formula also calls on shea and marula butters to nourish dry, flaky skin. 

What our tester says. 

I used this bottle down to the last drop (that’s why you don’t see my original image up top; I’m due for a refill!). It makes my skin look instantly glowy, thanks to the beloved AHAs, and I can really feel the acids at work. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to proceed with caution, but I personally love to use it as a twice-a-week treatment. A bonus: Use it the day before shaving, and your legs will feel impossibly silky. 

Derm rating: 5/5

"Impressive 10% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that I often use in-office chemical peels," says Rodney, "When used consistently, this can help to remove dead skin cells while hydrating your skin, revealing fresher, smoother skin underneath."

There's a reason this cult-favorite product has so many rave reviews: It all boils down to the brand's signature Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8), composed of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules naturally found in the skin. It then delivers those nutrients directly to the skin cells, which aids in cellular regeneration. Translation: It gives the skin cells exactly what they love so they can focus on repair. To wrap it all up, the cream also contains shea butter and bisabolol for even more antioxidants and moisture. 

What our tester says.

This cream is capital-R Rich, with a whipped, fluffy consistency that feels like an absolute dream to apply. And for those who fear a buttery consistency, don’t worry: It sinks into the skin quite easily. Since it is a bit thick, though, I prefer to apply right before tucking into bed as a nighttime moisturizer. In the morning, my skin feels soft, supple, and aptly moisturized.

Derm rating: 3/5

"A clean vegan option with sustainably sourced products. Has a combination of amino acids and antioxidants to soothe inflammation and brighten crepey skin," notes Rodney.

This decadent lotion features centella asiatica (or "cica"), which can not only help with hydration but also promotes fibroblast proliferation (aka, the things in our cells that create collagen and elastin). In other words: It works in two ways for crepey skin. The mitracarpus extract is also renowned for its skin-firming and brightening abilities. 

What our reviewer says:

"I was first drawn to this cream because I liked the cocktail of ingredients, most notably cica. I have sensitive skin all over my body—not just my face—so I like to be careful that I'm not using anything too irritating. Cica not only has healthy aging properties, but it helps soothe skin too. I found that with regular use, my skin felt more firm, calm, and hydrated." — Engler

Derm rating: 4/5

"Contains many of the hydrating ingredients we see on this list, including shea butter, coconut oil, and aloe. There are also plant extracts that may improve skin tightness, but would love to see more research on these," says Rodney.

Retinoids are beloved for stimulating cell turnover and collagen production, so, of course, we had to include a retinol-infused cream in this list. This body butter includes pink algae extract, a natural vitamin A ingredient that has similar cell turnover benefits and nourishes the skin with nutrients (without the drying effects of standard retinol). Not to mention, it has quercetin, a powerful antioxidant, and 100% pure argan oil for a smooth, satin-like finish.

Like the name suggests, it has a whipped, airy consistency: It’s rich and buttery, yet it won’t leave a greasy film on your skin. I also adore the bubblegum-pink hue—hey, aesthetics are important!

Derm rating: 5/5

"Retinol stimulates collagen production, which can improve dull, crepey skin over time," notes Rodney. "Furthermore, the pink algae, quercetin, and argan oil provide antioxidant protection, all for a competitive price." 

Most of the lotions on this list skew toward thick butter creams—but if you're looking for an airy hydrator to use during the day, this lightweight lotion is sublime. It contains potent botanicals to target rejuvenation, like elderberry blossom and purslane extract, as well as lactic acid to lift dead skin and shea butter for moisture. My tip? Invest in the brand’s new Super Anti-Aging Body Serum, too, to really pile on the antioxidants.

Derm rating: 3/5

"Great entry level body cream for locking in hydration with many nutrient-rich oils," says Rodney. "While effective, it does not contain ingredients to help with tightening and brightening skin."

Yes, watermelon seed butter is a thing, made from ground white watermelon seeds (similar to tahini). It has a creamy texture that's the perfect antioxidant-rich base for this pink goop, and it's infused with natural hibiscus AHAs and hyaluronic acid to plump the skin with hydration. 

Texture-wise, it’s very similar to the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturizer for your face—it has the same bouncy, lightweight consistency, just with added exfoliating power. I find it really feels like a splash of hydration; the subtle fruity scent only adds to the juiciness. 

Derm rating: 5/5

"Watermelon extract is a great hydrating ingredient, so your body cream will last longer," says Rodney. "The added hyaluronic acid also draws more moisture to the skin. This product also has AHAs, which are great for removing dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. Excellent combo of ingredients for the price."

The blend of calming, grounding essential oils is A+ for lifting mood and managing stress levels, which can help keep crepey skin at bay: Prolonged stress, after all, can lead to decreased collagen production and accelerated skin aging. Not to mention, those essential oils can help stimulate the skin and promote circulation, which only further supports collagen production. 

I personally love slathering on this lotion right after a steamy shower—the soothing aroma immediately fills the air with earthy notes. But the lovely fragrance isn’t the only callout: You’ll also find squalane and peach tree extract to nourish and brighten crepey skin. 

What our tester says. 

mbg assistant beauty editor Hannah Frye especially loves this body milk as a nighttime ritual: “If you want all of the moisture from a body cream without the weight, this lotion is it,” she says. “Plus, the essential oil blend was created by a forest bathing expert to calm the senses—an experience I can attest to again and again. My tip: Be sure to apply some lotion to your inner wrists before slipping into bed, then take a close-up whiff before you drift into sleep (you’ll thank me later).” 

Derm rating: 3/5

"This product contains squalane, glycerin, and peach extract for hydration and preventing dryness," says Rodney. "While it’s a clean product, there are some preservatives and fragrances that people with allergies may want to avoid."

No, this product is not technically marketed as a body lotion, but take a peek at the ingredients, and you’ll see it rivals many of the INCI lists above. With squalane, shea butter, aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, and pomegranate seed oil, it’s as hydrating and antioxidant-rich as your favorite silky hydrators. Think of the broad-spectrum SPF 30 as a skin-protecting bonus. 

What our tester says. 

You can use this sunscreen on the face if you want, but I find it’s better suited for the body. And unlike many mineral sunscreens—which can feel quite chalky—this one feels so creamy and slides on effortlessly (thanks to the rich butters and oils). I do have to massage it in for a bit to get rid of the slight white cast, but the high-quality ingredients make it worth the extra few seconds. 

Derm rating: 2/5

"Sunscreen is an essential part of reducing skin damage. This mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide for sun protection as well as squalane for hydration," says Rodney. "While useful, I suggest you use this in addition to a moisturizing cream."

A blend of AHAs and willow bark extract (again, that's the natural version of salicylic acid), this lotion gently buffs the skin while coating it with comforting shea butter, aloe, and grapeseed oil. The lime extract also offers a fresh, crisp scent, if you're one for some subtle fragrance. 

What our reviewer says:

"Much like I prefer chemical exfoliants to physical ones on my face, I do so for my body products too. However, it's harder to find exfoliating creams versus scrubs—but when this one launched years ago, I eagerly tested it out. The AHA improved dark spots forming on my chest and definitely gave my skin a softer texture. However, I will say I didn't love the smell." — Engler

Derm rating: 5/5

"Contains both salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which are fantastic for reducing the appearance of crepey skin. When used consistently, this can help with cell turnover, revealing fresh skin," says Rodney.

Yes, she costs a pretty penny, but she’s brimming with rich botanicals known for firming up crepey skin: Milk thistle, for instance, has potent antioxidant abilities that can help protect against free-radical damage and promote collagen. In fact, a 2019 Molecules review found that silymarin (the main active in milk thistle) exhibits anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activity, meaning it protects the breakdown of collagen and promotes skin strength and elasticity. There's also caffeine, which constricts blood vessels and can lead to a brighter, "tighter" appearance; there's willow bark extract, a natural cousin of the BHA salicylic acid, that can exfoliate and promote turnover; and, finally, there's niacinamide to even tone. 

The cream also produces a thermal (read: warming) effect that stimulates local microcirculation. So, for example, when you apply it on your arms and legs, it will encourage blood flow in that area—and improved circulation leads to collagen-stimulation, plus more oxygen and nutrients flowing through the skin. 

Derm rating: 4/5

"This is an excellent product for dry, crepey skin," says Rodney. "Along with seaweed and algae extracts to smooth the skin, it contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. These both help with cell turnover and hydration, giving you fresher skin in short order."

A very lightweight number, this velvety lotion comes laced with shea butter, ceramides, and jojoba oil to leave your skin—you guessed it!—oh-so supple. Bonus: Use it as a leave-in conditioner, too, for silky strands. Some reviewers note it’s not the best for super-dry skin, but if you’re looking for a simple, fragrance-free, budget-friendly hydrator, you can’t go wrong with this pick (and you can always layer a body oil on top for extra moisture). 

Derm rating: 2/5

"Contains several fruit, vegetable, and seed oils for hydration and antioxidant production. For people who want to avoid products with wax, this may not be for them," says Rodney.