ele STYLED

The Body Retinol by Nécessaire is a high-performance overnight treatment designed to bring face grade skincare to the body. It uses a 0.1% pure encapsulated, time released retinol to help smooth texture, improve firmness, and refine the look of fine lines, paired with niacinamide, peptides, and hydrating glycerin to support the skin barrier and minimise irritation. It is fragrance free, cruelty free, and dermatologist tested. We put it to the test!

The Review

I will admit it, I have always been diligent with retinol on my face, but the rest of my body was stuck in the dark ages. That all changed when I started using The Body Retinol. After two weeks of consistent use, I can confidently say this is not just another expensive body lotion with a fancy label. It genuinely works.

From the first few applications, I noticed my skin felt smoother to the touch. By the end of week two, I could see improvements in texture, moisture, fine lines, and overall skin condition, especially on my arms, thighs, and knees. My skin looks more refined and feels healthier, almost like it has been quietly restored rather than temporarily masked.

What it is like to use

The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly. It does not feel like a traditional moisturiser. This is more of a treatment step, so I apply it, wait one to two minutes for it to sink in, then layer a rich body cream on top. That combination has completely changed the feel of my skin.

It is fragrance free, which I love, although there is a very faint clinical scent that disappears quickly. If you are someone who expects your body products to smell like a holiday in a bottle, this may not be your thing. For me, the lack of perfume is a win.

Does it justify the price?

This is where things get tricky. It is expensive for the size, and if you are applying it generously over most of your body, you will go through it quickly. But unlike so many body products that promise a lot and deliver nothing, this actually does something. My skin is smoother, looks more even, and feels healthier than it has in years. For me, that makes it worth it.

Pros

• It actually works
• Finally, a proper retinol product for the body
• Sleek packaging that looks great on the bathroom counter
• Easy to apply and absorbs quickly
• Genuinely smooths and restores skin texture

Cons

• The lid does not stay on very securely
• The size is small for the price
• Very expensive
• You need quite a bit if you are treating large areas
• Fragrance free is great, but the faint scent will not suit everyone
• It does not feel instantly moisturising, it is a treatment not a lotion

How I use it

At night, I apply it to clean, dry skin and let it absorb for one to two minutes. Then I layer a thick, nourishing body moisturiser on top. This step is essential. On its own, it does not give that comforting hydrated feeling, but paired with a rich cream, it is a game changer.

Nécessaire The Body Retinol is one of the few luxury body products that actually delivers. It is pricey, and you will notice how fast the bottle empties, but the improvement in smoothness, texture, and overall skin quality makes it feel like a real investment rather than an indulgence. If you are serious about treating your body skin with the same respect as your face, this is absolutely worth trying.

Shop it here.