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Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Toners have earned a bad rap over the years for being astringent formulas that sting, strip, and dry out your skin. But while the best toners for oily skin still go deep to clean out clogged pores, sweep away sebum, and fade stubborn post-breakout discoloration, today’s versions are a little easier on skin, according to Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California. In fact, as with face essences (a close cousin), they can even help prep your skin barrier for the rest of your routine, she adds. And over time, the right toner can also smooth uneven texture and minimize the appearance of pores, delivering long-term perks.

Toner works best as a regular in your routine: Apply it twice a day, after you wash your face but before serums and moisturizer. But if you have sensitive skin or are new to alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), introduce a toner into your routine slowly. Use the “sandwich” method: Apply your regular moisturizer, then a toner, then a second layer of moisturizer to help your skin build up some tolerance and prevent potential irritation, says Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist Laura Lam-Phaure. Below, we’re diving into our favorite toners for oily skin, recommended by dermatologists and tested by Allure editors.

Our Top Toners for Oily Skin

• Best Overall: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $37
• Best Toner Pads: Medicube Zero Pore Pads, $21
• Best for Redness-Prone Skin: Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner, $38
• Best for Acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Face Toner, $19

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How do toners help oily skin?
• Which ingredients should I look for and avoid in a toner for oily skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

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Paula's Choice

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

$37 $26 (30% off)

Amazon

$37

Dermstore

$37

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: Even before it went viral, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant had legions of fans—there’s a reason it’s a repeat Readers’ Choice Award winner. That’s because “it’s well tolerated by nearly all skin types, easily incorporated into a routine, and quite effective,” Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Canada, told Allure. The broad appeal stems from the pairing of salicylic acid, a BHA that pulls oil, dead skin cells, and sebum out of pores, and anti-inflammatory green tea, which calms redness and irritation. It’s also rounded out by methylpropanediol, a humectant that pulls moisture in to leave oily skin with a fresh, dewy glow.

Pai before applying the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"I haven't used toner in ages, but when faced with pretty rough hormonal acne on my chin and jaw, I reached for this. I alternated it at night with Shani Darden’s Rescue Serum With 10% Azelaic Complex right after cleansing, and just smoothed it into my skin; it absorbed quickly without any need for a cotton pad. I've found that this seems to be my magic combo for controlling breakouts. And when the occasional cystic zit did pop up, it didn't get as red or as big as it typically might have. I'm happy to report that it lives up to the hype." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: salicylic acid, green tea, methylpropanediol (a humectant)
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Toner Pads: Medicube Zero Pore Pads

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Medicube

Zero Pore Pads

$21

Ulta Beauty

Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman applying the Medicube Zero Pore Pads

Katie Gunderman

Why it's worth it: Whether you quickly swipe them over skin or lay them on your face for a mini sheet-mask moment, Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads are all about balancing oily skin. They’re soaked in a formula that combines salicylic and lactic acids for gentle (but thorough) exfoliation, sweeping away the sweat, sunscreen, and makeup that your cleanser can sometimes miss. But while toner pads have a reputation for being harsh on the skin, these are made with K-beauty staple ingredients Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) and allantoin, as well as panthenol—all three super-soothers that stop irritation in its tracks. Meanwhile, a dose of hyaluronic acid juices skin up, for a hydrating finish that even oily T-zones will drink in.

Tester feedback from associate social media manager Katie Gunderman

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“The Medicube Zero Pore Toner Pads are always the first step. They refresh my face and prep it for the rest of my skincare or makeup routine. They always leave my skin feeling clean and hydrated and I love how easy they are to pop on.” —Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager

More to know

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• Key ingredients: lactic acid, salicylic acid, Centella asiatica (cica), panthenol, allantoin, hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Redness-Prone Skin: Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

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Indie Lee

CoQ-10 Toner

$38

Dermstore

$38

Bluemercury

$38

Revolve

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

Alessandra Foresto

Why it's worth it: For those with oily skin that’s sensitive or easily irritated by exfoliants (hi, eczema and rosacea), Indie Lee’s CoQ-10 Toner is our top hydrating pick. In addition to hyaluronic acid, the formula contains aloe vera to soothe red, hot, or itchy skin, plus chamomile and cucumber extract that add a light, refreshingly herbal scent. And the CoQ-10 in the name? A powerful antioxidant that protects skin from damaging free radicals in the environment. Spritz this toner on after washing your face (or spending a long day at the pool or beach) to plump and boost oily skin’s elasticity, sans dryness or flakes.

Foresto before applying the Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying the Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“This toner is gentle enough for everyday use on my sensitive, eczema-prone combination skin. I’ve been using it for a few weeks both in the morning all over my face and at night only on my T-zone, where I tend to get the oiliest and the occasional breakout. A few spritzes on a cotton ball and a few swipes on my skin before moisturizer leaves my skin feeling fresh, but long-term I’ve also seen hyperpigmentation left behind by eczema flares slowly fade. I normally don’t like the smell of cucumber, but I enjoy the refreshing mix with aloe vera and chamomile.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, cucumber extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Solution Face Toner

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La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Clarifying Solution Face Toner

$19

Amazon

$19

Dermstore

$21

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: While no single toner can erase breakouts (or completely stop them from popping up in the future), La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Clarifying Solution Face Toner works in tandem with the other acne-fighting steps in your skin-care routine to help treat bumps at the source. Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, notes that it’s “best for truly oily or acne-prone skin” as opposed to combination skin, since it can be slightly drying. Dr. Shokeen agrees, noting that the formula was made for “addressing surface buildup, pore congestion, and excess oil.”

Salicylic acid dives deep into clogged pores that can turn into blackheads and whiteheads, while glycolic acid, an AHA, breaks up dead skin cells on the surface to reveal a smoother, clearer complexion. Then, there’s the brand’s signature ingredient: La Roche-Posay’s antioxidant- and mineral-packed thermal spring water, which soothes skin at the first sign of irritation.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, spring water
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Brightening: Anua Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner

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Anua

Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner

$21

Amazon

$21

Ulta Beauty

$28

Olive Young

Why it's worth it: Rice has long been an Asian skin-care staple—it “brightens skin, hydrates, strengthens the barrier, and provides antioxidant protection,” Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, told Allure. In Anua’s Rice 70 Glow Milky Toner, rice water is combined with a host of other ingredients that are ideal for skin that’s not only prone to acne, but the resulting dark spots as well. First up, there’s oil-regulating, discoloration-fading niacinamide. It also delivers hydrating hyaluronic acid, panthenol, ceramides, and allantoin to nix irritation, as well as phytosphingosine, a lipid that sweeps away acne-causing bacteria while reducing inflammation.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: phytosphingosine (a lipid), rice bran water, niacinamide, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, allantoin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Combination Skin: Violette_FR Boum-Boum Milk

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Violette_FR

Boum-Boum Milk

$64

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Half toner, half lightweight moisturizer, milky toners are having a moment—and Violette_FR’s Boum-Boum Milk is our favorite for oily skin. ”It’s a hydrator, toner, and serum in one that delivers intense hydration and antioxidant protection,” Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Thousand Oaks, California, told Allure. The key ingredient, fermented birch sap, is a hero hydrator that works with your natural microbiome to calm your skin. Plus, squalane in the formula helps restore the skin barrier while balancing oil production for a glowy (not greasy) complexion. And mineral-packed glacial water softens and smooths skin, as antioxidant-packed olive leaf extract reduces inflammation. It all adds up to a toner that’s so gentle, it’s been accepted by the National Eczema Association.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: fermented birch sap, glacial water, squalane, olive leaf extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner Alcohol-Free

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Kiehl's Since 1851

Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner Alcohol-Free

$48

Amazon

$48

Nordstrom

$48

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Oily skin with a sensitive streak calls for a soothing toner that won’t upset the skin barrier, and Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner delivers just that. Aside from calming calendula, the formula also contains comforting, deeply hydrating, and anti-inflammatory allantoin. Burdock root not only moisturizes skin (which is still key, even if you’re oily), but also controls oil production. Another bonus: The short ingredient list—with just seven components—doesn’t include extras (like added fragrance) that can potentially stress sensitive skin out.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Arctium Lappa root extract (burdock root), calendula extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

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The Ordinary

Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

$14

Amazon

$14

Nordstrom

$14

Sephora

Why it's worth it: While you might associate mature skin with dryness, oil can be just as much of an issue—after all, acne isn’t just for teenagers. The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner gently encourages cell turnover to keep your complexion clear. “Glycolic acid works like a molecular key,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD. It dissolves the bonds that bind dead skin cells, so they can be removed quickly and easily for smoother skin. Glycolic acid also has a small molecular weight that allows it to go deep into the skin, she says, where it can stimulate fibroblasts—cells that produce collagen to keep skin firm and elastic—to combat the sagging and fine lines you may start to notice as you age. But it’s not the only key ingredient: Soothing aloe and hydrating urea also ensure skin stays soft and comfortable.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycolic acid, aloe, urea
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do toners help oily skin?

In general, a toner “removes any residue your cleanser left behind, delivers actives to freshly cleansed skin, and preps your barrier to absorb what comes next,” says Dr. Shokeen. Toners formulated for oily skin can also clean out congested pores (making them look smaller over time), break up excess sebum, and lighten discoloration left behind from breakouts, she adds.

Which ingredients should I look for and avoid in a toner for oily skin?

According to the experts we spoke with, you’ll want to check for these ingredients on a toner’s label:

• Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble BHA that “helps unclog pores and reduce breakouts,” Dr. McDonald says.
• Willow bark extract is another exfoliator that works similarly to salicylic acid, according to Lam-Phaure.
• LHA (lipohydroxy acid) is a good alternative for people who find that BHAs cause irritation, Dr. Shokeen adds.
• Glycolic acid, an AHA, provides “gentle surface exfoliation that smooths texture, brightens dull skin, and helps prevent buildup that can clog pores,” Dr. McDonald says.
• Mandelic acid is a gentler AHA that removes dead skin cells and supports cell turnover.
• Niacinamide is “clinically validated for sebum reduction, pore refinement, and inflammation control,” says Dr. Shokeen.
• Glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid moisturize skin to keep it from drying out and support your skin barrier, Dr. McDonald says.
• Panthenol and allantoin soothe skin to reduce irritation, she adds.

As far as what to avoid? High concentrations of alcohol can strip your skin (causing it to overproduce oil in response) and compromise your skin barrier, according to our experts. Also, steer clear of strong fragrances—these can cause irritation—and be on the lookout for heavy oils and emollients (like coconut oil and cocoa butter) that may clog your pores.

Meet the experts

• Divya Shokeen, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of OSVI Dermatology and Surgical Institute, based in California
• Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Central Texas Dermatology, based in Austin
• Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology based in Toronto, Canada
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
• Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Thousand Oaks, California
• Laura Lam-Phaure, a cosmetic chemist based in Los Angeles

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.

For our list of best toners for oily skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, determined that every product excelled in each category—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Breakouts on your back can be annoying to clear—and even harder to reach. The good news? The best bacne sprays can help on both, ahem, fronts. Formulated with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and hypochlorous acid, these products help resolve active breakouts, soothe inflammation, and prevent future pimples from dotting your back. While they aren’t all that different from products for acne on your face, they often have higher concentrations of active ingredients, since the skin on your back is thicker and less sensitive. And, because they come in easy-to-use spray bottles—many of which apply the product in a continuous mist—they spare you the messiness (and contortions) that lotions or scrubs require.

Our Top Bacne Sprays

• Best Overall: Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray, $28
• Best Drugstore: Differin Acne Body Spray, $15
• Best for Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Body Acne Clearing Mist, $28
• Best for Acne Scars: Paula's Choice Clear Exfoliating Back & Body Acne Spray, $29

Even better? Bacne sprays slot right into your post-shower routine, too. Just spritz on your product of choice once your skin is clean and dry. (While other body products like lotions and creams are best applied to damp skin, you don’t want any lingering moisture to dilute the active ingredients in the spray.) You can reapply it if you shower again or break a major sweat, but once a day should suffice for most people, according to Vidya Shivakumar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, Illinois. Scroll ahead for the best bacne sprays worth misting, as selected by skin-care experts and Allure editors.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What causes bacne—and how can you prevent it?
• What active ingredients should you look for when shopping for a bacne spray?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray

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Dermalogica

Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray

$28

Amazon

$28

Dermstore

$28

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Both Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Commack, and Hampton Bays, New York, and Sejal K. Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, New York, both give Dermalogica’s Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray their seal of approval, since it’s especially effective against acne and packed with calming ingredients; that makes it a great option for daily use for most people. “It pairs salicylic acid with soothing botanicals like witch hazel and tea tree oil, which may help calm redness and irritation while treating breakouts,” Dr. Camp tells Allure.

It has a slight cooling effect, which makes it all the more refreshing after a steamy shower or sweaty workout. Also worth noting: This continuous spray contains a lower concentration of salicylic acid than many other bacne sprays, which makes it especially good for bacne newbies and people with dry skin, Dr. Shah tells Allure.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 1% salicylic acid, witch hazel, tea tree oil
• Fragrance-free: no (contains essential oils)
• Who it’s for: newcomers and seasoned users of bacne sprays alike

Best Drugstore: Differin Acne Body Spray

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Differin

Acne Body Spray

$15

Amazon

$20

Ulta Beauty

$15

Walmart

Why we love it: An expert-approved bacne treatment from a Best of Beauty Award-winning brand for under $20? Say no more. Differin’s Acne Body Spray has a relatively simple—yet effective—formula that uses a combination of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and witch hazel to reduce and prevent breakouts. That glycolic acid also works double-time to brighten any dark spots that arise after your bacne resolves (though it’s also helpful if you generally deal with dull, uneven skin). Its packaging deserves a shout-out, too: Dr. Shah gives it extra points for its continuous spray nozzle that allows for 360-degree application.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, glycolic acid, witch hazel
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: anyone who wants effective skin care at a great value

Best for Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Body Acne Clearing Mist

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First Aid Beauty

Body Acne Clearing Mist

$28

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: As with many acne products, a lot of bacne sprays tend to be pretty drying—but not this one. First Aid Beauty’s Body Acne Clearing Mist, a top recommendation from Dr. Camp, contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin in addition to 2% salicylic acid, so you can clear blemishes and keep your skin hydrated all in one convenient spritz. It’s also alcohol-free, which can be hard to find in sprays (since it helps them dry quickly). This omission keeps the spray from pulling moisture from your skin and potentially drying it out. If your skin isn’t just dry but irritation-prone to boot, you’re in luck: Dr. Camp notes that this spray is suitable for people whose skin is on the sensitive side.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, glycerin, glycolic acid
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: people with dry, acne-prone skin

Best for Acne Scars: Paula's Choice Clear Exfoliating Back & Body Acne Spray

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Paula's Choice

Clear Back & Body Acne Spray

$29 $20 (31% off)

Amazon

$29

Dermstore

Why we love it: If you’re prone to hyperpigmentation, Paula’s Choice’s Clear Exfoliating Back & Body Acne Spray can help tackle bacne and any resulting dark spots alike. “This spray gently exfoliates and unclogs pores while calming redness and irritation,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas. That calming effect comes from barberry extract and licorice extract, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Their benefits extend beyond that, though: Barberry extract also helps reduce oil production, which licorice extract can help fade skin discoloration.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, barberry extract, licorice extract
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: people who deal with dullness and hyperpigmentation in addition to bacne

Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray

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Tower 28

SOS Daily Rescue Spray

$12

Amazon

$28

Sephora

$28

Credo Beauty

Why we love it: If common anti-acne ingredients irritate your skin, consider skipping the heavy hitters and using a hypochlorous acid spray instead. “Hypochlorous acid sprays are generally very gentle and well-tolerated, even by those with sensitive or reactive skin,” Dr. Shivakumar says. Their active ingredient targets bacteria—including the kind that causes acne—without damaging the skin barrier or causing irritation. Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist Zoë Indigo, MD, is a fan of Tower 28’s SOS Daily Rescue Spray in particular. While it’s sold (and works great) as a facial spray, you can use it all over, she says. And we like it for its simple ingredient list, which leaves out common irritants: In addition to hypochlorous acid, it only contains water and sodium chloride (a.k.a. regular old salt).

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hypochlorous acid
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: people with sensitive, irritation-prone skin

Best Spray Alternative: The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick

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The Inkey List

Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick

$20

Amazon

$20

Sephora

$20

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: If you’re still not sold on a spray formula—or want something easy to throw into your gym bag or suitcase—then try the Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick from The Inkey List. Just swipe it onto your skin like a deodorant, where it will leave zero greasy or sticky residue behind. Not only does the Best of Beauty Award winner tackle body acne with a one-two punch of glycolic and salicylic acids, but it can also address rough, KP-ridden skin and discoloration as well.

Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

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“I was dealing with pretty bad bacne, but after swiping this on once a night after showering, it cleared it up in a week—faster than any prescription I’ve tried.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 7% glycolic acid, 0.5% salicylic acid, shea butter
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: people who want a more travel-friendly bacne product (and don’t mind stretching to get to those hard-to-reach spots

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes bacne—and how can you prevent it?

“Bacne develops for many of the same reasons facial acne does,” Dr. Shah says, pointing to excess oil production, clogged hair follicles, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation as common culprits. “When dead skin cells and oil build up inside the pore, they create an environment where Cutibacterium acnes bacteria can thrive, leading to breakouts,” she explains.

But unlike the skin on the face, “the back naturally contains larger and more active oil glands than many other areas of the body, which can make acne there appear deeper and more persistent,” says Dr. Shah. Once you factor in excessive sweat, tight clothes, oily hair products, and hormonal fluctuations, bacne can be hard to avoid—but not impossible. That’s why Dr. Camp recommends showering as soon as you can after workouts, wearing breathable clothes, and using noncomedogenic skin and hair-care products in order to reduce your likelihood of developing bacne.

What active ingredients should you look for when shopping for a bacne spray?

The tried-and-true actives found in facial acne treatments will help with bacne too. Dr. Shivakumar points to salicylic acid, which exfoliates and unclogs pores, and benzoyl peroxide, which reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, as excellent options. (Heads up: If you apply a product with benzoyl peroxide to your back, wear an old or white top, because the ingredient can bleach your clothes.) Don’t stress if you notice that they come in higher concentrations than you’re used to seeing in facial products. The thicker skin on your back tends to be more tolerant of stronger products, Dr. Shivakumar explains.

You can also look for products containing alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, Dr. Camp says: “[They] may help improve skin texture and post-inflammatory discoloration left behind by breakouts.” And folks with sensitive skin may prefer the gentler effects of antimicrobial hypochlorous acid, which targets acne-causing bacteria with less risk of irritation and dryness.

Meet the experts

• Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Commack, and Hampton Bays, New York
• Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas
• Zoë Indigo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, California
• Sejal K. Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, New York
• Vidya Shivakumar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, Illinois

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.

For our list of the best bacne sprays, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Sun protection is a year-round affair, full stop. However, now that summer's here and we're fully soaking in the warm weather, it's high time (tide?) to restock our SPF supplies to ensure our skin is protected against harsh UV rays. (Because who wants to fast-track photoaging? Not us, and not you.) Luckily, Ulta Beauty has a buy-one-get-one-50%-off sale happening now through June 6, 2026, where you can mix and match over 35 brands to nail down your sun-care routine, stat. Of course, there are the tried-and-true faves such as La Roche-Posay and Supergoop, but don't sleep on K-beauty gems like Round Lab and The Crème Shop.

Take advantage of our favorite deals from Ulta Beauty's Here We Glow sale, featuring mostly sunscreens—as well as some sun-adjacent picks, such as a self-tanner and beachy fragrance—and bask in the sunshine safely! Quick note: None of the prices below reflects the BOGO 50% discount since it depends on what's in your cart. (The lower-priced item will be automatically marked half off at checkout.)

Our Top Ulta Beauty Here We Glow Deals

Don’t Play With SPFSupergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50JUMP TO PRODUCT$58

Ulta Beauty

Covered CutieLive Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50JUMP TO PRODUCT$42

Ulta Beauty

Dewy DumplingRound Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock SPF 45JUMP TO PRODUCT$25

Ulta Beauty

Spray AwayJUMP TO PRODUCTFamily-Friendly FormulaBlue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+JUMP TO PRODUCT$21

Ulta Beauty

Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50

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Live Tinted

Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50

$42

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50

Sarah Han

A tinted sunscreen that actually provides enough coverage to blur discoloration and redness? Yup, that's the Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50. Available in a solid 13 shades, this formula is chock-full of nourishing ingredients, such as antioxidant-rich butterfly bush flower extract, Indian gooseberry to even out pigmentation, and hyaluronic acid and sea buckthorn oil for boosts in hydration and collagen production. Oh, and our chemical-sunscreen-loving tester (me!) gives this mineral SPF a 10/10. It's super elegant, lightweight yet buildable, and leaves a natural-matte finish. (I still have to apply some setting powder to my always-shiny forehead, as I did in the after photo below, but the skin tint definitely curbs a bit of the oiliness.)

Han before applying the Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50

Sarah Han

Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

Jesa Marie CalaorSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Supergoop!

Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

$58

Ulta Beauty

If the sunscreen ain't broke, don't fix it. Translation? If Supergoop's Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 had a motto, that'd be it. This fan-favorite chemical sunscreen doesn't have a tell-tale coconut-y scent, but rather a fresh scent powered by basil, eucalyptus, orange, and wild geranium. There are plenty of soothing, skin-softening ingredients, too, such as rice bran extract, rosemary extract, and vitamin E—as well as sunflower extract for antioxidant support. Hello, dewy skin.

With this jumbo pump bottle clocking in at 18 fl. oz (or 532 ml), you're probably set for the entire summer. It's also perfect to tote to the beach to reup the whole fam's SPF.

Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+

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Blue Lizard

Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+

$21

Ulta Beauty

Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

Shanna Shipin

The Aussies have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, so of course, they know their sunscreen. Blue Lizard’s Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ stands out as a sensitive skin-friendly option, thanks to super-soothing aloe listed right after the UV filters. Senior commerce director Shanna Shipin calls this mineral body sunscreen the MVP of her summers. “This sunscreen can be used by everyone in my family: me with my dry skin, my daughters with their eczema-prone skin, and my husband with his extremely oily skin,” she says, adding that it feels akin to a lotion, rather than typically chalky mineral formulas. A caveat: It will leave a bit of a white cast—as par for the course for mineral sunscreens, since zinc oxide is quite literally a white powder—but it's a small price to pay for a non-irritating body SPF.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying La Roche-Posay Tinted Mineral Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50

Deanna PaiSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen

$43

Ulta Beauty

It’s hard to choose just one La Roche-Posay sunscreen to feature, but one of our top picks has to be the Mineral Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50. Beloved by editors and dermatologists with sensitive and oily skin alike, this 2024 Best of Beauty winner leaves your skin looking matte, but not flat, as our tester says. “I don't typically trust untinted mineral sunscreens, since they almost always leave a white cast on my olive skin,” Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai says. “Not this one! It's practically perfect: It doesn't have a weird scent, absorbs quickly, and even seems to control the shine on my nose.” Bonus: It offers 40 minutes of water-resistant protection.

Round Lab Birtch Juice Moisturizing UVLock SPF 45

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Round Lab

Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock SPF 45

$25

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen UVLock SPF 45

Christa Joanna Lee

We could wax poetic about Korean sunscreens for hours, but if you’re just dipping your toes into the K-beauty world—and love a dewy finish—we have the perfect candidate for you. Round Lab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock SPF 45 is “a moisturizing sunscreen that is formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and antioxidants to hydrate and soothe the skin,” Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously attested. “It blends in easily and layers beautifully with other skin-care products and makeup.” It’s no wonder our editors always reach for this elegant, plumping, and brightening formula. (Plus, even at full price, it’s just $25—hard to argue with that.)

Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30

Han applying Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30 Sunscreen

Sarah HanSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Vacation

Shimmer Oil SPF 30

$38

Ulta Beauty

Our summer beauty forecast? Sparkle and shimmer. Vacation is a brand about all things sun, and this Shimmer Oil is about all things shimmer: It has not one but two types of gold shimmer—a base layer of pearlescent glaze and larger flakes to boost the golden finish. Scent-wise, think of being perched poolside on a cabana lounger, taking in notes of coconut, banana, pool water, and swimsuit fabric. As for skin-care goodness, there’s a boatload: plumping peptides and hyaluronic acid, as well as a nourishing blend of argan, coconut, marula, and jojoba oils to lock in moisture. Shake well and glow on your way.

P.S. New to the shimmer oil lineup is a rose-gold Grande Cuvée accented with notes of amber, vanilla bean, and peach eau de vie, for a luxe, ‘je nais sais quoi’ spin on the original.

Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

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Black Girl Sunscreen

Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

$17

Ulta

It’s 2026, and sunscreens with a white-cast-free finish on dark skin tones shouldn’t be a tall order…right? Unfortunately, brands still get it wrong, but Black Girl Sunscreen is not one of them. The Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 is packed with skin-softening ingredients, such as aloe and a blend of jojoba, cacao, and avocado oils—but, more importantly, it sinks and disappears into the skin without a trace, leaving behind a sheer, weightless, and ultra-comfortable finish.

The Crème Shop x Hello Kitty Hello Sun Facial Sunscreen SPF 50

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The Crème Shop x Hello Kitty

Hello Sun Facial Sunscreen SPF 50

$18

Ulta Beauty

Who says sun care can’t be cute? Certainly not K-beauty brands like The Crème Shop, a frequent collaborator of adorable characters such as Pompompurin, Pochacco, and Miffy. With Hello Kitty as a mascot, this Hello Sun SPF is a green flag for all ages. Despite the cute packaging, the ingredient list is serious: tone-evening niacinamide, moisturizing vitamin E, and plumping sodium hyaluronate. The chemical formula also offers 80 minutes of water resistance, making it a heavy-duty formula that won’t let you down even on your sweatiest, most packed days.

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While we don't recommend sprays as your primary/base sunscreen, they do come in handy when you're out and about and want an easier way to reapply your SPF. (Because any reapplication is eons better than none!) Neutrogena's Clear Body SPF 50 is a fragrance-free, cooling, and water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) formula that feels super light, even on oily skin. The rule of thumb, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), is to hold the nozzle close to your skin and spray until your skin glistens (approximately four back-and-forth passes) to ensure you're applying enough for adequate UV protection. And even then, take the time to rub the sunscreen in for even coverage. Got it? Good.

More Summer Essentials

St. Tropez Ultimate Tan Body Essentials KitSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

St. Tropez

Ultimate Tan Body Essentials Kit

$55

Ulta Beauty

Sunscreen is the star of this sale, but we’d be remiss not to feature one of our favorite self-tanners, especially in the age of unsafe tanning trends. (If it wasn’t obvious, applying sunscreen on top of any self-tanners is nonnegotiable!) St. Tropez makes the tanning process easy as 1-2-3:

1. Exfoliate 24 to 48 hours before self-tanning for the most even finish.
2. Apply the Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse all over with the included applicator mitt, making sure you don’t miss any spots.
3. Depending on how intense you want your tan to be, wait one, two, or three hours before showering for a light, medium, or dark finish, respectively.

If you want a less messy, subtler, and easier-to-maintain tan, apply the St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Firming Lotion and wait four to eight hours before hopping into the shower.

Snif Coco Shimmy Eau de ToiletteSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Snif

Coco Shimmy Eau de Toilette

$68

Ulta Beauty

Meet your go-to summer scent: Snif's Coco Shimmy is reminiscent of lazy days spent reading and napping on the beach, as you catch whiffs of coconut, pineapple, sunscreen, sandalwood, rum absolute, and tonka bean. It’s creamy and comforting, yet light, airy, and fresh at the same time—and as an EDT, it’s hard to overdo, so go forth and spritz with glee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How We Find the Best Ulta Beauty Deals

Our shopping team searches daily for the best beauty products in the industry. We enlist the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts to determine which products are really worth your penny. Our sales stories are no different: We base our discounted selections on products with over 4.0 ratings, past Allure Best of Beauty award winners, and those that our editors and experts have tried and given a stamp of approval.

Why Trust Allure?

No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, we want to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best brightening body lotions can do far more than moisturize: They tackle the whole gamut of skin concerns that can leave your arms and legs looking a little lackluster: acne scars, rough texture, keratosis pilaris (KP), bumps, dullness, and uneven tone included. And while you might be tempted to slather your favorite face serum or exfoliator from neck to toe, body skin plays by slightly different rules—it’s generally thicker, involves much more surface area (translation: that tiny bottle of face serum won’t get you very far), and often benefits from formulas that balance stronger actives with more substantial hydration.

Our Top Brightening Body Lotions

• Best Overall: AmLactin Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion, $16
• Best with Retinol: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum, $30
• Best for Extra-Dry Skin: OSEA Hyaluronic Body Serum, $48
• Best for Mature Skin: Nécessaire The Body Retinol, $62

According to Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida, ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide, urea, vitamin C, and tranexamic acid are worth keeping an eye out for, as they can exfoliate, reduce inflammation, and interrupt pigment production. Below are the formulas worth making room for between your body wash and SPF.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Do brightening body lotions work?
• How long does it take for brightening body lotions to work?
• Are brightening body lotions good for sensitive skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: AmLactin Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion

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AmLactin

Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion

$16 $10 (38% off)

Amazon

$16

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: AmLactin isn’t exactly subtle with its branding—the name is literally a mash-up of ammonium lactate (a form of lactic acid), the ingredient the brand was built around. “Lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, not only acts as a humectant but also accelerates the fading of residual marks by promoting gentle exfoliation,” says Dr. Queller. And with this Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion, what you see is what you get: a straightforward formula starring 12% lactic acid, plus a refreshingly short ingredient list that skips the fluff. “It’s especially helpful for patients who want a multitasking product that treats both roughness and discoloration over time,” says Dr. Queller.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the AmLactin Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the AmLactin Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“As someone with sensitive, dry skin, lactic acid has always played nicely into my routine. So, I happily slathered AmLactin’s Daily 12% Lactic Acid Moisturizing Lotion all over the backs of my arms, where I’m constantly battling keratosis pilaris. Immediately after applying, my skin looked softer and more hydrated—but to be fair, any good moisturizer can give you that instant gratification. What surprised me was what happened over the following weeks: The uneven texture and patchy redness on the backs of my arms started looking more even and less inflamed. One of my kids even pointed out that my arms looked ‘less red,’ which might be the most brutally honest product-testing panel out there.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 12% lactic acid, mineral oil, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best with Retinol: Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum

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Topicals

Slather Exfoliating Body Serum

$30

Amazon

$30

Sephora

Why it's worth it: With a name like Slather, Topicals practically encourages you to be generous with its Exfoliating Body Serum—and if brightening uneven tone and fading post-breakout marks is the goal, you’ll likely be reaching for an extra pump or two anyway. This Best of Beauty Award-winning body serum features glycolic and lactic acids to sweep away dull surface skin cells, while encapsulated all-trans-retinol brings in a more advanced resurfacing strategy. The encapsulation technology slowly releases retinol over time, helping make this potent vitamin A derivative gentler and less irritating while still delivering its skin-smoothing, tone-evening benefits.

“This formula also combines chemical exfoliants with humectants like urea, which work synergistically to improve tone and texture,” says Dr. Queller. “I like this option for patients who want a more targeted, results-driven product if they want to spot treat specific dark areas of their skin—but it’s still appropriate for full-body use.”

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Topicals Slather Exfoliating Body Serum

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“It's no wonder this milky body serum is so popular (and a Best of Beauty winner): It packs serious texture-evening, exfoliating benefits—retiniol is a gold-standard ingredient for the reason, and not just for the face—but feels light as a feather. When my skin is looking particularly rough and dull, I make a beeline for Slather. Applying this a few times a week makes a noticeable difference—my limbs look radiant and feel as smooth as a baby's bum.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, encapsulated all-trans-retinol, urea
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Extra-Dry Skin: OSEA Hyaluronic Body Serum

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Osea

Hyaluronic Body Serum

$48

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior commerce editor Shanna Shipin applying the OSEA Hyaluronic Body Serum

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: Calling a body moisturizer “best for dry skin” can feel a little redundant—after all, shouldn’t every moisturizer be good for dry skin? But OSEA’s Hyaluronic Acid Body Serum stands out because it hydrates in a way that feels noticeably different: Namely, it’s deeply quenching yet impressively lightweight. This 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner has a silky, creamy gel texture that sinks in effortlessly and hydrates with a blend of five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, which hydrate at different levels of the skin. Smaller HA molecules pull moisture deeper below the surface, while larger ones sit closer to the top to smooth and lock it in place.

Blue-green algae extract delivers antioxidants and mineral-rich nourishment to soothe dryness and strengthen the skin barrier, while niacinamide further improves texture and tone. And because this formula clearly isn’t interested in doing the bare minimum when it comes to hydration, aloe rounds things out with an extra dose of soothing, skin-softening support.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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"Whenever possible, I moisturize my body like my face: with a hyaluronic acid serum—and this one from OSEA is my all-time favorite. I'll admit that part of what I love is the packaging. The serene green, the fogged glass, and the pump top that actually works. (By the way, it lets just enough serum out of the bottle without getting clogged—a feat for a thin formula like this!). This serum is so hydrating that you could just as well leave it without a more occlusive buttery layer, especially when it's irritatingly hot or humid. Still, I do like to follow up with an actual lotion afterward. In the formula, there are peptides to plump the skin and the brand's signature blue-green algae, touted as a kind of nourishing superfood. And for fellow sensitive-skin people out there, the serum is fragrance-free! I was able to use it on my preggo and postpartum body without irritating my typically sensitive skin." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, blue-green algae, aloe
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: Vaseline Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion in Soft & Supple

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Vaseline

Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion in Soft & Supple

$8 $6 (25% off)

Amazon

$11

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Make no mistake: This is not your classic petroleum jelly dressed up in a shiny rose-gold tube. Vaseline’s Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion in Soft & Supple feels much silkier and lighter, for one, and the time-tested ingredient is accompanied by other proven actives. The formula leads with niacinamide (vitamin B3) to even skin tone, while an antioxidant lineup—including glutathione and green bean extract—defends against environmental stressors that can leave skin looking dull. Hydration comes courtesy of glycerin and sodium hyaluronate, while amino acids and peptides support smoother-looking skin. And, there’s still a touch of petrolatum in the mix—just enough to reinforce the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

Han applying the Vaseline Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion in Soft & Supple

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Vaseline Pro VitaB3 Serum Burst Lotion in Soft & Supple

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“I'll totally admit that I haven't tried other Vaseline products outside of the original jelly, but I've been reaching for this Pro VitaB3 body lotion almost every day. In fact, I credit this lotion for helping me actually take my body care seriously. The main reason: The ‘Serum-Burst Lotion’ is the perfect labeling for this ultra-lightweight, ultra-fast-absorbing formula—I never feel sticky afterwards. (Did I mention I hate heavy lotions? Yup, good time to mention that.) Niacinamide has always been a go-to brightening ingredient for me, and this formula—which has not only niacinamide, but an antioxidant complex and peptides— instantly perks up my skin.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, glutathione, rutin, green bean extract, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, peptides, petrolatum
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Eczema: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream

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La Roche-Posay

Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream

$22

Amazon

$23

Dermstore

$22

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: If you have eczema-prone skin, dryness tends to bring along a few unwanted friends: dullness, roughness, and ashiness. Accepted by the National Eczema Association (a seal awarded to products that meet strict standards for being free of common irritants and suitable for eczema-prone skin), La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizing Cream shines with “a lightweight and fast-absorbing formula features niacinamide to help with discoloration,” says Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills, California.

Shea butter, glycerin, and mineral oil team up to replenish moisture and reinforce the skin barrier, while Vitreoscilla ferment and the brand’s thermal spring water reinforce a healthier skin microbiome—an important focus in eczema care, since microbial imbalance may contribute to barrier disruption and flare-ups.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, mineral oil, dimethicone, Vitreoscilla ferment, thermal spring water
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: Nécessaire The Body Retinol

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Nécessaire

The Body Retinol

$62

Amazon

$62

Nordstrom

$62

Sephora

Why it's worth it: If you’re even a little bit into beauty, you know retinol gets most of its fame for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, but one of its lesser-known superpowers is helping skin look brighter, too. It works a little differently than classic brightening ingredients: Rather than directly targeting pigment, retinol speeds up skin cell turnover, pushing older, duller skin out of the way and encouraging fresher skin to come forward.

Nécessaire’s The Body Retinol pairs 0.1% retinol with glycolic and mandelic acids for an extra nudge toward smoother, more radiant-looking skin. To offset potential irritation, the formula also layers in glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, and “a lineup of peptides, plus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (a stable vitamin C derivative) for antioxidant defense and an added brightening boost,” says Dr. Moy.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 0.1% retinol, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, niacinamide, peptides
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Uneven Texture: Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA

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Paula's Choice

Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA

$32

Dermstore

$32

Paula’s Choice

Why it's worth it: Whether you have bumpy skin, dullness, or body breakouts, the Paula’s Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA multitasks with a “glycolic acid-based formula to exfoliate and improve cell turnover, while fading discoloration and smoothing texture,” says Dr. Queller. And FYI: 10% AHA isn’t exactly beginner-friendly, but it’s not peel-level territory either—making it a sweet spot for anyone without particularly sensitive skin who wants noticeable results. “It strikes an ideal balance between efficacy and tolerability,” while glycerin, shea butter, allantoin, and chamomile extract cushion skin with moisture and soothe potential irritation, says Dr. Queller. Bonus: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable vitamin C derivative, and vitamin E provide an extra glow assist.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 10% glycolic acid, glycerin, shea butter, allantoin, chamomile, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Lightweight: Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion

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Naturium

Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion

$15

Amazon

$16

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: With summer approaching—and as the thought of slathering on a thick body cream in rising temperatures becomes significantly less appealing—reach for Naturium’s Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion. “If you prefer something lightweight, this absorbs quickly but still contains supportive ingredients like niacinamide and lipids that improve tone and strengthen the skin barrier,” says Dr. Queller. "A little bit goes a long way too—only a few pumps cover my arms and legs," our tester attested.

Beyond niacinamide, the 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner has a blend of rosehip oil, moringa seed oil, and squalane that replenishes moisture. The formula also incorporates a blend of fruit-derived extracts—including bilberry, sugar cane, citrus, and sugar maple—plus sodium glycolate (a salt form of glycolic acid that’s gentler and less active), which has a subtle exfoliating effect to help skin look smoother and more radiant.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, lipids, rosehip oil, moringa seed oil, squalane, bilberry, sugar cane, citrus, sugar maple, sodium glycolate
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Lotion

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First Aid Beauty

KP Bump Eraser Body Lotion

$36

Amazon

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: If a thicker, richer body lotion is more your speed, regardless of the season, First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Lotion is especially ideal for those with keratosis pilaris, which can make your skin look rough, bumpy, and dull. KP often creates an uneven texture that scatters light rather than reflects it, which is why smoothing those tiny bumps can make skin appear brighter overall. “It delivers both exfoliation and deep hydration and is helpful for patients who prefer a more emollient feel,” says Dr. Queller.

Lactic acid and urea work together to gently loosen and soften stubborn buildup, while ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, and allantoin reinforce the skin barrier and calm irritation. And while we don’t want to get your hopes up that it’ll quite erase bumps overnight, despite the ambitious name, Dr. Queller notes that “consistent use leads to smoother, brighter-looking skin over time.”

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 10% lactic acid, urea, ceramides, colloidal oatmeal, glycerin, allantoin
• Fragrance-free: free of synthetic fragrances (natural peach scent)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do brightening body lotions work?

Yes, brightening body care can work, though managing expectations is key, says Dr. Queller. They tend to be most effective for mild to moderate cases of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (think lingering marks after body breakouts, bug bites, or irritation) and uneven tone, especially when formulas contain ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, vitamin C, kojic acid, or exfoliating acids that encourage cell turnover and fade discoloration over time. However, “deeper or more stubborn pigmentation may require in-office treatments or prescription-strength options,” says Dr. Queller. So while these formulas can absolutely improve skin over time, they’re better viewed as gradual brighteners rather than overnight miracle workers.

How long does it take for brightening body lotions to work?

Patience is part of the deal with brightening body lotions. “In terms of timing, patients usually start to see improvement within 4 to 8 weeks, with more noticeable results by 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the severity of pigmentation and consistency of use,” says Dr. Queller. In other words, these formulas tend to reward commitment, so think of them as a steady routine rather than a quick fix. For the best results, daily use is key—and don’t forget daily sunscreen on exposed areas, which can make a big difference in how quickly you see results.

Are brightening body lotions good for sensitive skin?

Brightening body lotions can still be a good option for sensitive skin, but formula choice matters. “For sensitive skin types, it’s important to avoid overuse of strong exfoliants,” says Dr. Queller. She notes that “ingredients like high concentrations of glycolic acid, fragrance, and certain essential oils are more likely to cause irritation,” so if your skin tends to react easily, start slowly and look for formulas that pair brightening ingredients with barrier-supportive hydrators and soothing ingredients rather than going all-in on intensive exfoliation.

Meet the experts

• Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist of Moy MD, based in Beverly Hills, California
• Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks, based in Boca Raton, Florida

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.

For our list of the best brightening body lotions, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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The last time we saw Emma Stone at a major event—the Oscars—she was sporting the auburn hair color so many of us have come to associate with her. But, as she is wont to occasionally do, it seems the award-winning actor has strayed from the gorgeous copper shades she so frequently wears, showing up at the Louis Vuitton 2027 Cruise Collection show in an unexpected new look.

Stone sat front row at the fashion show, but it was when she was walking outside in New York City that we got our best look at the new color while she was walking outside. As she strolled along in an all-black ensemble, including a snap-front knit top with satiny trim, Stone's now shoulder-length hair (she's been growing out her Bugonia buzz cut for over a year now) shone in a caramel bronde hue with gorgeously variegated highlights.

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To achieve the new color, colorist Tracey Cunningham utilized Schwarzkopf Professional’s foiled cashmere technique, which involves precision foiling to carefully lift Emma's previous red tones. Cunningham then went back in with lowlights—a combination of BlondMe Glow Toners and Igora Vibrance to neutralize residual warmth. The lightly textured waves, styled by Mara Roszak, made for the perfect canvas to show it off.

Whether this stunning new shade is for a role or just because she felt like switching things up—and if it's the final look or a stop along the way to a more dramatic transition—it certainly suits her.

Photo: Getty Images

And it certainly suits many of us who were looking for a little lightening-up inspo for a summer hair color.

More celebrity beauty news:

• Blink and You'll Miss Charli XCX With Extra-Long Bangs
• Kristen Stewart Proves Just How Versatile a Bixie Can Be
• Tracee Ellis Ross Is Wearing 10 Different Colors in Her Mismatched Jelly Manicure

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Jennifer Lopez has gone through many style evolutions through her long career, from her “Jenny from the block” persona of the early 2000s to her glamorous Hollywood aesthetic of today. But one element of her look has always remained the same—her glowing makeup that has you instantly wanting to gulp down a glass of water, grab a bronzer compact, and book a beach vacation. Her makeup is all golden skin, fluttery lashes, glossy lips, and immaculately groomed brows, so when the multi-hyphenate stepped onto the red carpet with those feathery brows almost completely faded—we did a double-take.

J.Lo debuted the look at the premiere of her new romantic comedy Office Romance, in which she plays a high-powered CEO who breaks her own rules with her office fling (co-star Brett Goldstein). She wore a structural, embellished gown with sleek, middle-part hair and her new lightened brows, courtesy of makeup artist Ernesto Casillas.

The actress's brows have changed slightly over the past 30 years. For her role as Selena Quintanilla in the 1997 film about the late singer, her arches were darkened and defined. Like many Gen Xers and millennials, they became slimmer in the early aughts. But it's been years since she's experimented with her brows, and perhaps the first time we've ever seen her go for a more goth-inspired look on the red carpet. (Perhaps she was inspired by her role in last year's Kiss of the Spider Woman, where one of her looks is a dark, edgy seductress complete with vampy makeup and claw-like nails.)

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Although we think J.Lo absolutely nails the lighter eyebrow trend, we don't expect her to keep it for long. Especially since it appears that they're not bleached, unlike celebrities such as Jenna Ortega, Miley Cyrus, and Michelle Yeoh, who have all gone that route. Instead, the lightening may come thanks to a combination of glue, concealer, and a light dusting of powder over top—a classic method used in stage makeup and by drag artists to make their natural brows disappear. It's a great way to dabble with the bleached brows trend without having to open up a bottle of peroxide.

Whether J.Lo's lighter brows are here stay or just making a fleeting appearance, we always love to see an unexpected red-carpet makeup moment from one of our favorite, ultra-glamorous celebs.

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I'm so bad at doing my own nails that I'm reluctant to even do a sheer jelly polish for fear that my right hand will look like I did it with a tree branch. The thought of doing my own nail art? Forget it. I have never let those intrusive thoughts win. Hailey Bieber, on the other hand, is braver than I am, not only giving DIY nail art a try but also showing it off to her millions of followers.

Bieber posted a carousel to Instagram on Sunday, the second slide of which is a close-up of her manicure—and it's definitely not her usual glazed look. Her oval nails are painted in a khaki base coat with big, blue, swirly dots. And before anyone assumed that her nail artist, Zola Ganzorigt, Bieber shared the post to her Story as well, writing, “yes I did do this nail art on myself and yes I will be taking appointments.”

Instagram content

Ganzorigt is so proud of her client-turned-pupil that she posted it on her own Instagram grid, too.

Photo: Hailey Bieber/Instagram

Bieber's followers are torn over the abstract artwork. “I love youuu but Nails are not giving this time,” one fan commented. Others weren't as gentle, with one writing, “The nails 😂 ‘what colour do you want’ ‘dirty smoker yellow’ 😂🤏🏻,” and another saying, “R those eyeball nails, or fungus?!”

Meanwhile, others were impressed with her polish prowess. “Nails ate. You are fab. Game over 🙂‍↔️🤝,” one commenter said, while another wrote, “the nail art is cute! 🩵💙” Yet another compared the look to Van Gogh, while others were more than ready to take Bieber up on her presumably sarcastic offer to accept appointments. “Hailey doing nail artistry as a side hustle is EVERYTHING we never knew we wanted and needed,” one fan wrote, and another said, “i’d like to book in for a nail appointment next time you are in australia, please let me know availability and prices thanks.”

And honestly, I'd book with Bieber, too. She would definitely do a better job on my right hand than I ever could.

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It shouldn’t come as a surprise that there are apps dedicated to tanning. There truly is an app for everything. Why wouldn’t there be one to tell you when to go outside, soak up the sun, turn over, and bake your skin until you achieve the crispy sheen of a Costco rotisserie chicken while accelerating every sign of aging and increasing your risk of cancer?

For many curious (and often quite young) tanners, whose entire lives already revolve around tracking everything from their periods to their reading habits with an app, it makes sense to optimize tanning this way. But there’s one part of the phenomenon that feels particularly dystopian: Many of them have taken the UV Index, a respected meteorological tool, and flipped the intent on its head. Instead of advising users to seek shade or stay inside when the index is highest, these apps reframe those peak hours as the best time to get a sweet tan.

Let’s back up and get scientific with it: “The UV Index was designed to help people understand the strength of ultraviolet radiation at a specific location and time,” explains Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather’s chief meteorologist and senior vice president of weather content and forecast operations. “The impact of UV Index numbers can depend on the length of exposure, the time of year, latitude, time of day, the amount and thickness of cloud cover, and various other atmospheric conditions.” The index measures UV levels on a scale of 1 to 11; the higher the number, the more damaging the rays. It was established in Canada in 1992, with the global UV Index taking effect two years later.

The App Store part makes it seem like a brand-new trend, but we were doing similar UV-maxxing during my youth in the late ’90s and early aughts. The UV Index existed when I was a tan-loving teen and 20-something, but I didn’t know one thing about it. Apps weren’t part of my vocabulary until the mid-2010s, unless you were talking about happy hour. And I wasn’t all that interested in meteorology. I did know, however, that “prime tanning hours” were between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and that’s when I was bound and determined to “lay out.” I could laze around on a towel for hours, sipping ice water (or, let’s be honest, a mixed drink in a thermos) and plowing through a paperback, happy as a proverbial clam. Had TikTok existed, alerting me to the existence of the UV Index and apps that promised to optimize my tanning habits, I would have been very into it. I wish I were shocked that young women today are using the UV Index to get tanner faster, considering how much more they know about the health and aesthetic risks posed by the sun. Based on my own youthful obsession with a tan, though, I’m really not.

The weaponization of this particular tool as a tanning aid is a very tough pill to swallow for dermatologists. This is, of course, the complete opposite of what the UV Index was intended for, which was to help people understand the intensity of UV rays in order to make safer decisions about their sun exposure, not to maximize tanning potential. “The goal is to reduce cumulative UV exposure, which is directly linked to skin cancer, photoaging, pigmentary disorders, and immune suppression, think herpes outbreaks following fun in the sun,” says Adam Friedman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and chair of dermatology at George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

"The higher the UV Index, the greater the potential for injury.”

Using the UV Index as a guide for tanning “reframes a public health safety tool into a roadmap for intentional skin injury,” says Dr. Friedman, who stresses that a tan is not a sign of health and vitality: “It’s a biological response to DNA damage from ultraviolet radiation. The higher the UV Index, the greater the potential for injury.”

Becky Kamowitz, executive director of the Skin Cancer Foundation, agrees: “People in their teens and early 20s are rarely diagnosed with skin cancer, though it can and does happen, but the UV damage sustained earlier in life increases your skin cancer risk later in life.” She notes that women aged 49 and under are more likely to develop melanoma than any other cancer except breast and thyroid.

“The cumulative nature of skin cancer and the amount of time spent in the sun throughout your lifetime are two factors that contribute to your skin cancer risk," Kamowitz says. "It’s so important to start a daily sun protection strategy early.” It probably goes without saying, but that strategy should not include checking the UV Index for peak tanning times, or downloading an app that sends push notifications reminding you not to skip your daily tanning session. I know firsthand how good it feels to bask in warm sunlight and watch your skin turn golden, to show off flirty tan lines, to hang with your friends near the water and flip over in tandem. It’s fun, and sometimes being the “sun-safe friend” makes you feel like a total buzzkill. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss my tanning days, but now that I’m much closer to 40 than 20, it doesn’t feel worth it anymore.

Those days are now written on my skin in constellations of spots across my chest, little wrinkles around my eyes, scars from dermatologist-razored-off moles. “I want young people to understand that your skin remembers everything,” Dr. Friedman says. “The tan you see today may fade in a few weeks, but DNA damage accumulates over a lifetime.” Yet the same teens and 20-somethings who are increasingly concerned about their skin aging are also chasing that very DNA damage. They’re getting Botox younger and younger while hastening the arrival of lines with their tanning habits. “Much of what we associate with ‘skin aging,’ like wrinkles, discoloration, loss of elasticity, rough texture, is driven more by UV exposure than age itself,” says Dr. Friedman.

And not everyone will have a straight shot from midwinter pale to bronzed goddess. Many people burn before they tan, if they tan at all, and this only increases their skin cancer risk. Dr. Friedman says that experiencing five or more “blistering sunburns” between ages 15 and 20 is associated with an approximately 80% increased risk of melanoma, not to mention a 68% increased risk of non-melanoma (basal cell and squamous cell) skin cancer.

“We've normalized the idea that measurable skin damage is somehow a wellness or beauty strategy.”

But that doesn’t seem to matter to many in generations Z and Alpha. Kamowitz tells me that “UV Index” is trending nearly 20% higher across social media in recent years, and seemingly not because people are looking to avoid a sunburn (or taking a sudden interest in meteorological science). Dr. Friedman says that our culture has “normalized the idea that measurable skin damage is somehow a wellness or beauty strategy.” If you search the words “UV Index” on TikTok, you’ll see the proof, like people celebrating when it hits a specific level.

The Skin Cancer Foundation is taking this misuse seriously, and they’ve teamed up with AccuWeather for a two-way partnership. The foundation showcases AccuWeather's UV Index on its homepage, and in turn, AccuWeather is featuring stories about skin cancer and sun protection on its site. “With summer sunshine on the way, there's no better time to get this message in front of people who are already thinking about spending more time outdoors,” Porter says.

We now have the ability to track almost every element of our days and nights. And data can do wonderful things: When used the way it was intended, the UV Index can save lives. When leveraged to maximize sun exposure, it will have the opposite effect.