Currently there aren’t too many retinol body products in the skincare market (though with the way the industry is booming, I’m sure that’ll change soon) and I think this is probably the best one out there so far. It contains 0.1% pure retinol, which the brand describes as “mid-strength.” Retinol is the best ingredient you can get over-the-counter for anti-aging purposes. If you’re interested in preventing wrinkles, this is a great choice. In addition to retinol, this also contains glycerin, grape seed oil, vitamin E, a vitamin C derivative, panthenol, shea butter, evening primrose oil, and carnosine. These components offer moisture, hydration, and anti-oxidant benefits. They help make the product a good moisturizer that won’t leave your body feeling dry because of ... MoreCurrently there aren’t too many retinol body products in the skincare market (though with the way the industry is booming, I’m sure that’ll change soon) and I think this is probably the best one out there so far. It contains 0.1% pure retinol, which the brand describes as “mid-strength.” Retinol is the best ingredient you can get over-the-counter for anti-aging purposes. If you’re interested in preventing wrinkles, this is a great choice. In addition to retinol, this also contains glycerin, grape seed oil, vitamin E, a vitamin C derivative, panthenol, shea butter, evening primrose oil, and carnosine. These components offer moisture, hydration, and anti-oxidant benefits. They help make the product a good moisturizer that won’t leave your body feeling dry because of the retinol. Like all Paula’s Choice products, this is fragrance-free. It’s also pricey like all PC products. For now, I use it every other night or every two nights, and I’ve been enjoying it. Haven’t noticed anti-aging, but that’s not the kind of thing you notice without long-term usage, and my goal is to prevent these signs from showing up to begin with, so its effectiveness will be hard to judge on that front. Since it’s a good moisturizer with great ingredients, I’ll keep investing in it until a more affordable option comes along.

Great retinol body cream

I wanted to start using retinol on my body, since it's the only active proven to reduce the signs of aging. I've been using Augustinus Bader's The Body Cream and Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion for the past 6 months. I've gone through about 3 jars of Augustinus Bader which is quite expensive, and two bottles of the Ameliorate, which is more affordable. However, neither of these products contain retinol, so I thought I'd make the switch now to ensure I'm using the most effective active on my skin. I've been using this product for two weeks. I put it on all over my body right after I get out of the shower at night. I've seen a noticeable difference in the smoothness of my skin. The cream is also surprisingly moisturising. I wasn't expecting that since it's not a ... MoreI wanted to start using retinol on my body, since it's the only active proven to reduce the signs of aging. I've been using Augustinus Bader's The Body Cream and Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion for the past 6 months. I've gone through about 3 jars of Augustinus Bader which is quite expensive, and two bottles of the Ameliorate, which is more affordable. However, neither of these products contain retinol, so I thought I'd make the switch now to ensure I'm using the most effective active on my skin. I've been using this product for two weeks. I put it on all over my body right after I get out of the shower at night. I've seen a noticeable difference in the smoothness of my skin. The cream is also surprisingly moisturising. I wasn't expecting that since it's not a thick cream like Augustinus Bader or even CeraVe. Overall, I'm really impressed with this product. My skin seems to really like it, and I've seen instant results. I've also been putting in on my hands morning and night, or when needed and my hands are looking great.

I can't get past the bad smell

I tried really hard to like this product, and I did use the entire bottle before leaving my review, but the overwhelming bad smell makes this product a no-go for me. I'm pretty tolerant of fragrance-free products not smelling great (I have to because I have allergies that are easily triggered by fragrances) but this one just smells really off putting.I didn't find the price to be a con until I finished the bottle and could calculate the valued I really got from it. As a result, for the price you don't get a lot. I was surprised that the bottle lasted me as long as it did - approximately 6 weeks of almost daily use, BUT I didn't use it on my entire body. I used an average of 6 pumps on just arms, breasts, upper legs and buttocks.While the lotion itself isn't greasy ... MoreI tried really hard to like this product, and I did use the entire bottle before leaving my review, but the overwhelming bad smell makes this product a no-go for me. I'm pretty tolerant of fragrance-free products not smelling great (I have to because I have allergies that are easily triggered by fragrances) but this one just smells really off putting.I didn't find the price to be a con until I finished the bottle and could calculate the valued I really got from it. As a result, for the price you don't get a lot. I was surprised that the bottle lasted me as long as it did - approximately 6 weeks of almost daily use, BUT I didn't use it on my entire body. I used an average of 6 pumps on just arms, breasts, upper legs and buttocks.While the lotion itself isn't greasy per se, the dimethicone feel is very noticeable even when using a small amount. Personally I really dislike the feel of that slick, silicone feel on my skin because it's impossible to gauge just how hydrated your skin is after use. For this reason my skin never really felt nourished by this product and there was no visible improvement suggesting it was sufficiently hydrating enough for my dry-normal skin.It did slightly improve my KP but when compared to other products that also target KP I'd have to say this one has been the least effective and the one taking longest to show any improvement.So what are the positives? Well, it contains a decent amount of retinol compared to other body-specific retinol options on the market (which is not many in my region!), it didn't trigger any eczema or allergies for me, and the packaging is nice. I think the product has real potential but I'd personally like them to address the smell of the product without adding fragrances (natural or synthetic), reduce the amount of dimethicone in favour of other occlusives and increase the volume of product you get for the price. A lil bit of niacinamide would be a great addition too!

I have this on auto ship

I've been using this Retinol body product for quite a while. I think I'm on my fifth or sixth container. I use it on my neck and my face at night right before bed. I love it!! I've actually been a long time customer of Paula's choice since it was introduced (at least to me) in the early 1990's. There was a cleanser that I loved, but sadly a decision was made to discontinue it, so the Retinol Skin Smoothing treatment is the only product left that I will re-order consistently.

Nothing special, didn't do much

If you are looking for a product that will help 60 year old arms with crepey skin , this not it. I don't have age spots, just wanted my arm skin to look better, this did not do it. I bought 2 bottles and generously applied. Just ended my second bottle and I am not seeing any significant improvement compared to other drugstore lotions or cream I have tried. Looks a little better when you apply, but within hours, no difference. If some company could come up with something that actually address crepey skin for real, you would make millions.

People need to understand Retinol...

People expect this to fix alllll their problems with short term use, retinol doesn't work that way, not even prescription. You have to keep using it and the benefits compound over time, and sometimes your skin looks worse before it looks better, that's the retinol "purge" stage. Even with prescription grade Retin-A or Tret on the face, an area more sensitive with thinner skin than the body, it can take several months, like up to 12 to see a difference. You also need to not use this in the morning because retinol degrades in sunlight so basically you're wasting it using in the AM. People need to do more research on on how the active ingredients in the products they are purchasing work and what to expect...

Smoothing

This lacks a fragrance which gives me the idea that this cream is purely functional instead of a luxurious product. The bottle is also small, but in saying that, this for me isn’t an all over body product. I’m using it for chest, breasts and upper arms to smooth and see if it’ll reduce some fair stretch marks. Not seeing any miracles let but I’m half way through the first bottle and skin is very smooth.

The only thing that has helped my acne scars!!

I've had pretty terrible scarring on my shoulders, chest, and back from acne for at least 6 years now and this is the ONLY thing that has helped. Not only did it smooth out the uneven texture of my scars, but it lightened them to the point where I can't see 80% of them anymore! At least for me there was no purge period and just like any other skincare product it does take about a week or 2 to start seeing results.For those wondering the consistency is on the thicker side. I find it works best when you apply it, wait a minute or 2 before applying moisturizer, then wait another minute or 2 before covering the area with anything (shirt, pants, sheets, etc.)Overall 100% would recommend and I hope they never stop selling it!

Truly impressive - you'll be glad you did

As a skincare fanatic, I have tried many brands and even more products. This is one of the few that stands out: it works, and surprisingly quickly. Paula's Choice is 1 out of 2 brands I use on my body or face, in my morning and nighttime routines (and midday touchups when I can sneak it) including décolleté and bikini line, after 8+ years of insatiably curious skin care trials and tribs! Frankly now I'm on my 5th bottle (and just purchased a 30day auto-refill; my first subscription product, ever, of any variety, other than prescribed medication) after some deep consideration. Do yourself a favor, take a chance, and pick up 1 bottle. It's wild but I promise you'll find for yourself this is a special product on the market.I hope they release a >4oz bottle. I gently ... MoreAs a skincare fanatic, I have tried many brands and even more products. This is one of the few that stands out: it works, and surprisingly quickly. Paula's Choice is 1 out of 2 brands I use on my body or face, in my morning and nighttime routines (and midday touchups when I can sneak it) including décolleté and bikini line, after 8+ years of insatiably curious skin care trials and tribs! Frankly now I'm on my 5th bottle (and just purchased a 30day auto-refill; my first subscription product, ever, of any variety, other than prescribed medication) after some deep consideration. Do yourself a favor, take a chance, and pick up 1 bottle. It's wild but I promise you'll find for yourself this is a special product on the market.I hope they release a >4oz bottle. I gently disagree with the reviews that claim the current 4oz bottle is way too small. I apply every day (and twice, when I'm on top of my skincare and real life doesn't intervene) and find 1-to-2 pumps can gently be smoothed over arms, thighs and calves: the areas where my keratosis pilaris, irritation scars, and sun damage benefit most. I say it is a unique blend of a true treatment with a rich body lotion. I like it on top of my plain body oils/lotions and I'm thrilled with the results. Note you MUST pair this with increased SPF with ant product with retinol or acid.

Works Well, Odd Smell

Reading other reviews, it's pretty wild all the different ways people use to describe the smell of this product, from BO to disgustingly sweet. I actually agree that it smells a bit like raw chicken. The thing is, it doesn't really bother me. It doesn't seem to cling to me like other users, though I may just not notice after awhile. It's also important to remember this isn't meant to be used all over the body, only on places where you need some skin tightening. The areas I use it end up being covered by clothes, and all I smell throughout the day is my regular body lotion. And it really works. I've noticed a huge difference in stretch marks and skin tightness. It also got rid of an old surgery scar (accidentally, actually, because I kind of liked the scar.) If you ... MoreReading other reviews, it's pretty wild all the different ways people use to describe the smell of this product, from BO to disgustingly sweet. I actually agree that it smells a bit like raw chicken. The thing is, it doesn't really bother me. It doesn't seem to cling to me like other users, though I may just not notice after awhile. It's also important to remember this isn't meant to be used all over the body, only on places where you need some skin tightening. The areas I use it end up being covered by clothes, and all I smell throughout the day is my regular body lotion. And it really works. I've noticed a huge difference in stretch marks and skin tightness. It also got rid of an old surgery scar (accidentally, actually, because I kind of liked the scar.) If you can stand the smell (top with another lotion or only put it on at night, maybe), then I highly recommend.