Editor Tip: Although it contains a variety of hydrating ingredients, the formula is non-comedogenic—so it won’t clog pores, in the event you’re prone to body acne.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides | Who It’s For: Everyone | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best for Discoloration: Paula’s Choice 5% Niacinamide Body Serum
Why It’s Worth It: With 5% niacinamide (as well as redness-soothing vitamin B5) in tow, this nourishing 5% Niacinamide Body Serum from Paula’s Choice is one to get excited about if you’re looking to improve discoloration on your skin. Dr. Greenfield also notes niacinamide’s ability to regulate oil production, control redness, and repair some signs of sun damage like spots and scars.
Editor Tip: We love this for layering underneath a body cream because the brightening formula is so lightweight, it plays well with the rest of your body-care routine without causing a thick, sticky mess.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, panthenol, prickly pear extract | Who It’s For: Those with dark spots or hyperpigmentation | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best for Uneven Texture: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum
Why It’s Worth It: Thought retinol was just for your face? Think again. Topicals’ Slather Exfoliating Body Serum employs retinol’s smoothing and toning properties alongside a star-studded lineup of squalane, urea, and lactic and glycolic acids to alleviate a plethora of skin concerns such as rough patches, (including keratosis pilaris or KP), and overall dehydration. What’s more, the milky consistency is probably closer to what you’re used to using on your body, making it a solid introductory product for those who are just dipping their toes into the world of body serums.
Editor Tip: Since you’re using retinol on your body, it’s extra important to remember to apply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 from head to toe, too.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, squalane, lactic acid | Who It’s For: Those with bumps, roughness, or body acne | Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best for Stretch Marks: Agent Nateur Holi (Oil) Youth Body Serum
Why It’s Worth It: Agent Nateur’s Holi (Oil) Youth Body Serum may cost you a pretty penny, but rest assured, it doesn’t get much more luxurious than this. The silky-smooth formula provides a protective veil on your skin à la fatty acid-rich rosehip and Japanese rice bran oil, leaving behind a dewy, non-sticky finish that quickly absorbs into the skin for instant results. If you’re dealing with the aftermath of acne, this fast-absorbing formula also incorporates helichrysum to improve the appearance of scarring—among the ingredient’s other noteworthy benefits like boosting collagen and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
