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 also 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, RI.

However, she says they can be especially helpful if you have rough or bumpy texture like keratosis pilaris, hyperpigmentation or dullness, crepiness, and 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

Best Overall: First Aid Beauty KP Smoothing + Brightening Body Lotion, $36

Best for Sensitive Skin: AmLactin Daily Nourish 12% Lactic Acid Lotion, $16

Best for Discoloration: Paula's Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA, $35

Best for Dry Skin: Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Lotion, $18

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, LA.

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

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.

Best for Sensitive Skin: AmLactin Daily Nourish 12% Lactic Acid Lotion

Why It’s Worth It: AmLactin counts many dermatologists among its fans, and for good reason: It focuses more on sheer efficacy than frills. And this particular body lotion is a good example: “The 12% lactic acid gives you exfoliation plus hydration, so I especially like it for dry, rough, or bumpy skin and keratosis pilaris,” says Dr.

Turegano, who adds that she recommends it every single day to her patients. The lightweight formula doesn't contain much besides the lactic acid—and is free of fragrances and dyes, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin.

Best for Discoloration: Paula's Choice Skin Revealing Body Lotion 10% AHA

Why It’s Worth It: Paula's Choice is known for its effective (and beloved) face exfoliants, so it's no surprise that the brand would apply that expertise to its body products. The creamy formula has a nourishing, yet surprisingly quick-absorbing base of shea butter and grape seed oil—all the better to house the 10% glycolic acid.

More powerful than lactic acid, glycolic acid softens rough skin, smooths stubborn bumps, and evens out discoloration. Green tea extract and vitamin C also provide antioxidant benefits, so skin looks more radiant (and less ruddy) over time.

Best for Dry Skin: Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Body Lotion

Why It’s Worth It: Another body lotion that puts glycolic acid center-stage, this iteration is gentle enough for daily use, especially for those struggling with dullness or uneven skin tone, according to Dr. Libby.

Inside, 10% glycolic acid works alongside shea butter and sea buckthorn seed oil that together moisturize skin, while allantoin (known for its calming properties) minimizes irritation. It’s ideal if “the goal is smoothing more noticeable texture and helping with uneven tone or discoloration,” says Dr.

Turegano. She also likes its texture, which is silky and quick to absorb—making it an easy addition to most routines.

Best for Keratosis Pilaris: Glytone Exfoliating Body Lotion

Why It’s Worth It: Not for the faint of heart (or those with sensitive skin), this powerful lotion uses 17.5% glycolic acid—making it one of the stronger options on the shelf. For that reason, “I like it for more stubborn roughness, KP, and uneven texture,” says Dr.

Libby. However, she recommends introducing it to your routine gradually, such as two or three times a week, since it’s so potent.

It’s also a good idea to skip it directly after shaving or waxing, and if your skin is especially dry, you might want to follow up with a separate body lotion.

Best for Mature Skin: Skinfix AHA/BHA Renewing Cream

Why It’s Worth It: A gentler alternative to your standard alpha hydroxy acids, Skinfix turns to natural sources of exfoliating acids, primarily citrus fruits, to gently remove dead skin cells. Along with AHAs, you’ll also find beta hydroxy acid “to help smooth rough, bumpy texture and improve the look of uneven tone,” says Dr.

Turegano, who especially likes this for people with dry or crepey-looking skin. “It also has shea butter, jojoba oil, and glycerin to replenish moisture and bisabolol to help soothe skin,” she says.

“It’s a nice option if you want exfoliation in a rich, fragrance-free cream.”