The New Bodycare Benchmark

Once reserved for anti-ageing face serums, retinol is changing bodycare-and this time its below the neck

- RISHABH THAKUR

For years, skincare has followed a simple hierarchy: face first, everything else later. Serums, peels, acids, and actives transformed facial routines into near-clinical rituals. But the applying arms, overlooked thighs and décolletage remained tied to the same two moisturisers passed down through generations. But, the focus is slowly drifting. And this time, it's beyond the usual face.

Dermatologists across metros report a sharp rise in patients walking in with unusually specific body complaints: crepey skin on the upper arms, strawberry legs, dullness that no body butter fixes, and persistent keratosis pilaris bumps. The demand has flooded the market with retinol-based body lotions— once almost unseen in India. Market studies suggest, the Indian retinol-beauty products market is projected to grow to US $86.7 million by 2030 from approximately US $55.1 million in 2024.