12 Best Tightening Body Lotions, According to Dermatologists

Editor’s tip: Q10 is a coenzyme naturally present in your skin, working to energize your cells and help maintain a firm, smooth, and refreshed appearance.

Key ingredients: Q10, l-carnitine, lotus extract | Fragrance-free: no

Best Scent: Korres Elasti-Smooth Body Butter Guava

Why we love it: Korres has long been our go-to for transforming dry, rough skin, thanks to their Greek-inspired formulas rooted in herbal remedies. Their Elasti-Smooth Body Butter in Guava is no exception: It’s a rich, indulgent cream that deeply hydrates, boosting skin elasticity for a firmer, healthier, and more youthful look. We found that a little of this sweet almond oil- and shea butter-based formula goes a long way, and the soft, tropical guava scent is perfectly balanced—refreshing but never overpowering.

Editor’s tip: Massage any excess lotion onto the backs of your hands for an extra dose of hydration.

Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, squalane, shea butter | Fragrance-free: no

Frequently asked questions

What is the most effective body skin tightening treatment?

When it comes to achieving firmer, more elastic skin, the right ingredients in body-care products can make a noticeable difference over time. According to Dr. Foad, retinol plays a leading role: “Retinol, a form of vitamin A, helps to stimulate collagen production and increase skin cell turnover,” she says. “Over time, this can reduce the appearance of fine lines and improve skin texture, encouraging smoother, firmer says.

And we can’t forget about peptides, which are short chains of amino acids. “Peptides work to strengthen your skin’s barrier while boosting collagen and elastin—the combo responsible for keeping your skin firm and bouncy,” she says. And then there’s hyaluronic acid, which Dr. Foad calls essential for hydration: “Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin, providing a plumping effect and supporting hydration. While it doesn’t directly stimulate collagen, it plays a key role in maintaining skin smoothness and elasticity.”

Is there a cream that actually tightens loose skin?

Even the best body-firming cream can’t fully “tighten” loose skin like surgical procedures or in-office treatments, but some can visibly improve its appearance. By enhancing hydration, boosting collagen production, and promoting elasticity, the right products can help skin look smoother and more supple.

However, “sagging skin and deep wrinkles stem from dysfunction below the skin’s surface, and topical products can only penetrate so far,” says Dr. Khalifian. “For true skin-tightening results, treatments that go beyond the dermal-epidermal junction—such as lasers, injectables, microneedling, or surgery—remain the gold standard.”

Meet the experts

• Saami Khalifian, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics in San Diego, CA
• Mona Foad, MD, MHS FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, OH

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.