Exfoliation for the body isn’t exactly new (see: body scrubs), but alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) take the concept to the next level. AHA body lotions pair these chemical exfoliants with rich, buttery bases to gently resurface skin and replenish moisture in a single step, streamlining your routine while smoothing and softening skin.
If you’re content with your current body lotion, that’s great. In fact, “not everyone needs an AHA body lotion,” says Tiffany Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Providence. However, she says they can be especially helpful if you have rough or bumpy texture like keratosis pilaris, hyperpigmentation or dullness, crepiness, or fine lines. “AHAs work by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, helping them shed more efficiently, so the skin feels smoother and looks more even,” says Dr. Libby.
Vogue’s Favorite AHA Body Lotions
While there are a variety of AHAs out there, your best bets for the body tend to be lactic and glycolic acids. “Lactic acid is a little gentler and has humectant properties, so it’s great for dry or sensitive skin, while glycolic acid penetrates more effectively and can be especially helpful for rough texture, KP, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines,” says Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans.
You can also find these AHAs paired with other smoothing ingredients, like urea and beta hydroxy acids, to amp up their benefits—along with barrier-friendly actives that help keep your skin comfortable and calm alongside that exfoliation. With that in mind, scroll ahead for our favorites.
Best Overall: First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing + Brightening Body Lotion
First Aid Beauty
KP Smoothing and Brightening Body Lotion
- Why It’s Worth It: Whether you get rough, bumpy skin in cool, dry weather or deal with keratosis pilaris (also known as chicken skin) regularly, this body lotion can help. It combines 10% lactic acid with urea, which itself works as both a gentle skin exfoliant and powerful hydrator in its own right, to resurface skin. “I like that it’s targeted toward improving both the texture and discoloration that can linger with KP,” says Dr. Libby. It also contains ceramides and hyaluronic acid to replenish and retain moisture in the skin, plus colloidal oatmeal to soothe. The peachy scent makes it feel a little more luxurious to slather on, although you might want to steer clear if you’re sensitive to fragrance.
