12 Exfoliating Body Lotions That Make Your Skin Smoother and More Radiant—Fast

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(Image credit: @nataliemckeough)

I love a good facial exfoliant as much as the next person, as it really helps keep my pores clean and my skin feeling smoother. I won't lie to you, though: I've started to need a little decongesting elsewhere on my body and it seems like it might be time to invest in a solid exfoliating body lotion. I've had my qualms about body lotions that contain AHAs or BHAs in the past because I thought they would increase my risk of being sunburned. After all, I'll definitely be the first to admit that I don't wear body sunscreen every single day (it's too much of a hassle). That's why I decided to call in a dermatologist on this one and get the scoop.

Corey Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and member of the Paula's Choice Science Advisory Board, was able to set me straight. "Theoretically, hydroxy acids can increase the risk of sunburn, but the concentration of the active ingredients in body lotion is so low that the actual risk of increased sensitivity to ultraviolet light is also quite low," he says. If you're struggling with body acne, dark spots, or just dry, bump texture on your skin, an exfoliating body lotion can actually really help if used consistently. It shouldn't, however, be the only thing you use if you have serious and persistent blemishes. "While an exfoliating lotion will certainly not hurt acne or dark spots, the first priority should be clearing the acne which will prevent the dark spots from developing in the first place," says Hartman. "And because a body lotion is necessary to moisturize the skin of the body anyway, investing in one with an alpha- or beta-hydroxy acid adds an extra layer of therapy with no extra steps." 

If your routine could use an upgrade and you want smoother, clearer skin, keep scrolling below for the best exfoliating body lotions to add to your regimen.

1. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Glycolic Body Lotion

2. PCA Skin Body Therapy

3. Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

4. Versed Firm Ground Retinol Body Lotion

5. IS Clinical Body Complex

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(Image credit: @eggcanvas)

6. Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion

7. Skinfix Resurface+ AHA Renewing Body Cream

8. Ren Clean Skincare AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum

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(Image credit: @emmahoareau)

9. Soft Services Carea Cream

10. CeraVe SA Lotion for Rough & Bumpy Skin

11. Glossier Body Hero Daily Perfecting Cream

12. NeoStrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Lotion

Up Next: 12 Luxe Body Lotions That Also Protect Your Skin From the Sun

Shawna Hudson
Associate Beauty Editor

Shawna Hudson has worked in editorial for over six years, with experience covering entertainment, fashion, culture, celebrities, and her favorite topic of all, beauty. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, with a degree in journalism and has written for other publications such as Bustle, The Zoe Report, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Mane Addicts, and more. She is currently an associate beauty editor at Who What Wear and hopes to continue feeding her (completely out-of-control) beauty obsession as long as she can. Stay up to date on her latest finds on Instagram @shawnasimonee.