8 Best Skin Retouching Software for Photographers

It’s the wedding day, and nature decided to gift the happy couple with pimples instead of a more traditional wedding gift. But as their photographer, you assure them you have their back. You’ll touch them up in post, no problem! Reassured, the happy couple goes back to looking happy, and you spend the rest of the day filling up your memory cards.

Later, you look through the thousands of pictures you’ve captured and sigh, knowing you have even longer hours ahead of you retouching these photos to perfection for your clients.

Or, well, at least that used to be the case. Today, you’d probably just head on to the skin retouching software of your choice, likely powered by AI, to help ease the way for you, right?

If your answer to that wasn’t a resounding “yes” but more of a hopeful one, don’t worry. We’ve got your back, so you don’t have to spend hours on the time-consuming task of manually retouching thousands of photos to achieve that perfect, natural-looking skin, free from blemishes and distractions, that your clients expect from you.

In this guide, we will dive deep into the best skin retouching software available today, especially covering the best of what AI has to offer. We'll explore their features, pros, and cons, and help you identify the right skin retouching software for your workflow.

Traditional vs. AI: How Your Workflow is Changing

Historically, skin retouching has been a meticulous, manual process, offering incredible control but demanding significant time and skill.

The Art of Manual Retouching: Precision and Patience

Traditional methods like Frequency Separation allow you to separate fine details (texture, pores) from colors and tones, giving you independent control. Dodge & Burn sculpts light and shadow to enhance contours, while Healing Brushes & Clone Stamps seamlessly remove blemishes and distractions.

These techniques offer unparalleled precision, but they are incredibly time-consuming, especially for large galleries. Zooming in, pixel by pixel, can lead to fatigue and eat into your valuable creative time.

The AI Revolution: Speed, Consistency, and Intelligence

AI portrait retouching is a paradigm shift for photographers. These tools use sophisticated algorithms to automate or assist with common retouching tasks.

• Intelligent Application: Unlike simple copy-pasting, AI "understands" skin texture. It can remove imperfections and intelligently regenerate areas naturally, avoiding that dreaded "plastic" look.
• Batch Processing Power: AI excels at applying consistent, high-quality edits to hundreds or even thousands of images simultaneously, thus solving the consistency challenges of manual work.
• Massive Time Savings: By automating tedious groundwork, AI helps photographers redirect hours spent on repetitive tasks to more creative endeavors.

The Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds

Many photographers are adopting a hybrid strategy: Use AI for the initial cleanup (blemish removal, general smoothing) and then use traditional manual tools in their preferred editor for final artistic touches. This approach leverages AI for maximum efficiency while maintaining human artistic control. Modern AI tools are designed to integrate seamlessly, complementing your existing workflow rather than disrupting it

8 Best Software for AI Skin Retouching

1/ Aftershoot

Aftershoot is a leading AI-powered platform renowned for its intelligent culling and editing capabilities, now offering comprehensive AI retouching to provide photographers with an all-in-one post-production workflow.

Key Features:

• AI Blemish & Spot Removal: Intelligently removes acne, freckles, and pigmentation, regenerating areas to match surrounding skin tone and texture.
• AI Wrinkle Reduction: Subtly reduces forehead wrinkles, eye bags, and smile lines for a natural, timeless look.
• AI Skin Smoothening (Face & Body): Enhances skin texture and balances tone across both faces and bodies, preserving intricate details.
• AI Eye & Teeth Enhancement: Gently brightens and whitens teeth, and enhances eye clarity for vibrant gazes and appealing smiles.
• AI Glare Removal: Instantly removes unwanted reflections from glasses.
• AI Stray Hair Removal: Keeps hair looking neat and tidy.
• AI Object Removal: Eliminates distractions in the background (e.g., unwanted people, exit signs, cords) with AI precision.
• Intuitive sliders for fine-tuning intensity and individual subject control, including based on subject type (e.g., Masculine, Feminine, Elderly, Child).

Pros

• Unlimited image retouching at a flat subscription fee, offering predictable costs, especially for high-volume users.
• Seamless integration with Lightroom using “Edit in Aftershoot” for an efficient workflow.
• Quick batch processing capabilities ensure consistent results across entire albums.
• Built-in and custom presets enable efficient application of styles.
• Provides an all-in-one AI culling, editing, and retouching solution, minimizing context switching.
• Non-destructive editing ensures original image data is always preserved

Cons:

• Primarily focused on AI automation, offering limited manual retouching tools (outside object removal) for pixel-level control.
• The flat-fee model might be less cost-effective for extremely low-volume photographers compared to per-image models.

Who is it best for?

High-volume photographers (e.g., weddings, portraits, events) seeking an efficient, all-in-one AI solution for culling, editing, and retouching, who prioritize speed, consistency, and predictable flat pricing.

Learn more about creating the ideal portrait retouching workflow using Aftershoot.

2/ Adobe Photoshop

Adobe Photoshop remains the unparalleled industry standard for professional image editing and complex manipulation, offering the most comprehensive manual tools for precise skin retouching.

Key Features

• Frequency Separation: Advanced technique to separate texture from color, allowing independent manipulation of skin details and tones.
• Intricate Masking & Layers: Create precise selections and apply non-destructive adjustments to specific areas.
• Healing Brushes & Clone Stamps: Seamlessly remove blemishes, distractions, and minor imperfections by sampling and blending pixels.
• Advanced Manipulation Tools: A wide array of tools for compositing, liquefy, and other complex artistic edits.
• Generative AI features (Adobe Firefly): AI assistance for tasks like background removal, content-aware fill, and object selection.

Pros

• Unparalleled, pixel-level control over every aspect of an image for intricate and detailed edits.
• Massive, comprehensive toolset covers virtually every image manipulation and design need.
• The industry standard, ensuring broad compatibility, extensive resources, and a large community.
• Continuous updates and new features, including advanced AI integrations, keep it at the forefront of image editing.

Cons

• Subscription-only payment model can be a continuous financial commitment for users.
• Steep learning curve requires significant time and dedication to master its extensive features.
• Can be overkill for basic editing tasks, requiring a more streamlined tool for simple retouches or high-volume work.

Who is it best for?

Professional retouchers, high-end portrait and beauty photographers, graphic designers, and artists who require ultimate, pixel-level control, are comfortable with a steep learning curve, and need the most comprehensive set of image manipulation tools available.

3/ Adobe Lightroom Classic

Adobe Lightroom Classic is a robust desktop application designed for powerful photo organization, RAW image processing, and efficient batch editing, making it a foundational tool for many photographers.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Global Adjustment Tools: Exposure, Clarity, Vibrance, and Saturation for overall image and skin tone adjustments.
• Local Adjustment Tools: Adjustment Brush, Radial Filter, and Graduated Filter for targeted enhancements like skin smoothing and facial feature adjustments.
• HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance) Panel: Precise adjustments to skin tones and color ranges for accurate and flattering results.
• AI Denoise: Reduces noise in high-ISO images, significantly improving the appearance of skin texture in challenging light.
• Content-Aware Remove (AI-powered): Automatically erases distractions and blemishes by intelligently sampling nearby areas, offering AI assistance for cleanup.

Pros

• Powerful asset management and organization capabilities for handling large photo libraries efficiently.
• Non-destructive editing ensures original image data is always preserved, allowing for flexible revisions.
• Excellent batch processing capabilities for applying consistent edits and presets to multiple photos quickly.
• Seamless integration with Adobe Photoshop for advanced, detailed retouching when needed.

Cons

• Subscription-only model requires ongoing payment, similar to Photoshop, especially for those who carry out further editing in Photoshop later.
• Limited advanced retouching tools compared to Photoshop for intricate pixel-level work.
• Can sometimes be sluggish when dealing with extremely large catalogs or demanding operations.

Who is it best for?

Photographers who need strong photo organization, efficient RAW processing, and robust batch processing capabilities for foundational retouching across large volumes of images, especially those already integrated into the Adobe ecosystem.

4/ Luminar Neo

Luminar Neo, developed by Skylum, is an AI-powered photo editor that offers a creative blend of automated enhancements and manual control, aiming for realistic results with minimal effort.

Key Features

• AI Portrait Retouching (Skin AI, Face AI): Intelligent tools for realistic skin enhancements, smoothing, and subtle facial adjustments.
• Automatic Skin Enhancers: Simplifies blemish removal and skin smoothing with intelligent algorithms.
• Portrait Bokeh AI: Allows for creative control over background blur and depth of field around subjects.
• Relight AI: Intelligently adjusts lighting, particularly effective for correcting backlighting scenarios.
• Accent AI: Provides smart, AI-driven global adjustments for shadows, highlights, and exposure.
• Generative AI tools (e.g., GenErase, GenExpand): Available with a subscription or Upgrade Pass for advanced content generation and removal.

Pros

• Produces realistic and high-end results efficiently, ideal for quick enhancements and creative edits.
• Preserves natural skin texture, avoiding an overly airbrushed or "plastic" appearance.
• User-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners while offering advanced features.
• Works as a plugin for Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, allowing seamless integration into existing workflows.
• Offers a perpetual license (one-time purchase option), providing a subscription-free alternative for core features.

Cons

• Can be resource-intensive, potentially leading to slower processing times on older hardware, especially with complex AI tasks.
• Automatic enhancements may sometimes require manual tweaking for optimal results, as AI doesn't always hit perfection.
• Access to newer "Generative AI" tools (like GenErase) and future major upgrades often requires an "X Membership" subscription or separate Upgrade Pass, even with a perpetual license.

Who is it best for?

Photographers seeking a balance of powerful AI automation and creative control, especially those who appreciate intelligent enhancements, a user-friendly interface, and flexible plugin integration, with the option of a perpetual license for core functionality.

5/ ON1 Photo RAW

ON1 Photo RAW is an all-in-one photo editing suite that serves as a powerful and affordable alternative to subscription-based tools, combining RAW processing, effects, and both manual and AI-powered features.

Key Features

• AI-Powered Noise Reduction (NoNoise AI): Reduces image noise while preserving detail, benefiting skin appearance.
• Portrait AI: Offers intelligent adjustments for skin smoothing, blemish removal, teeth whitening, and eye enhancement.
• Blemish Control: Specific tools for manual removal of imperfections.
• Teeth Whitening & Eye Brightening: Dedicated adjustments for enhancing facial features.
• Generative Erase: AI-powered tool to remove large distractions or expand canvases.
• Match Color: AI-powered feature to match the mood and style of any image.

Pros

• Affordable all-in-one suite, providing extensive functionality without a recurring subscription for the core product.
• Includes a comprehensive set of portrait-specific features, making it versatile for photographers.
• Combines both manual and AI tools, offering flexibility in editing approaches.
• Serves as an alternative to Adobe's ecosystem, particularly for those averse to subscriptions.
• Offers plugin support for Photoshop & Lightroom with the MAX subscription.

Cons:

• May not offer the same depth of highly specialized skin retouching as dedicated portrait software like PortraitPro.
• Access to all plugins and future upgrades typically requires the "ON1 Everything" subscription.

Who is it best for?

Photographers looking for an affordable all-in-one editor that combines RAW processing with a good balance of manual and AI tools, particularly as a strong alternative to Adobe's subscription model, or those who prefer a one-time purchase.

6/ PortraitPro

PortraitPro, by Anthropics, is a highly specialized portrait retouching software that leverages advanced AI to enhance facial features with an intuitive, slider-based interface.

Key Features

• Advanced Facial Recognition: Accurately identifies facial features (eyes, nose, mouth, skin areas) for targeted, intelligent adjustments.
• Automatic Skin Smoothing: Applies natural-looking skin smoothing while preserving texture.
• Blemish & Wrinkle Reduction: Intelligent tools for blemish removal and subtle reduction of wrinkles and fine lines.
• Face Reshaping & Sculpting: Tools for subtle adjustments to facial structure and contours.
• Makeup Application: Virtual makeup tools for eyes, lips, and cheeks, with a wide range of styles.
• Eye & Mouth Enhancements: Dedicated controls for eye brightening, teeth whitening, and mouth reshaping.
• Glasses Reflection Remover: Specifically designed to eliminate distracting reflections from glasses.
• Precise human control through intuitive sliders for all AI adjustments.

Pros

• Highly intuitive and specifically designed for detailed facial retouching, making complex tasks straightforward.
• Automates numerous common portrait retouching tasks, significantly saving time for high-volume work.
• User-friendly interface despite its advanced features, making it accessible even for beginners, focusing on portraits.
• Robust batch processing capabilities with customizable presets for consistent results across many images.
• Offers unique and advanced tools not commonly found in general editors, such as virtual makeup and advanced reshaping.

Cons

• Risk of "plastic-like" or overly airbrushed results if overused, especially by inexperienced users who don't prioritize naturalness.
• Its singular focus on portraits means it lacks broader photo editing and organizational features found in all-in-one suites.
• High one-time cost, and major version updates may require additional payments.

Who is it best for?

Portrait specialists, beauty photographers, and retouchers who need dedicated, AI-driven tools for extensive facial enhancement, with a desire for nuanced control over specific facial features and advanced options like virtual makeup.

7/ Evoto AI

Evoto AI is a professional AI-powered photo editor designed to streamline the post-production workflow, offering intelligent automation for common retouching tasks.

Key Features

• AI Portrait Retouching: Comprehensive automation for skin smoothing, blemish removal, and wrinkle reduction.
• AI Skin Tone Matching: Ensures consistent skin tones across different images and lighting conditions.
• AI Makeup Retouching: Applies virtual makeup enhancements with adjustable intensity.
• Natural Detail Preservation: Aims to preserve pores and natural skin texture while evening tones and transitions.
• AI Glasses Glare Remover: Automatically removes reflections from glasses.
• AI Body Editor: Tools for subtle body reshaping.
• AI Background Remover: For quick subject isolation.
• Customizable presets for quick and consistent edits across large batches.
• Real-time tethered shooting support allows for immediate preview and editing on-set.

Pros

• Efficient AI automation, especially beneficial for high-volume work, saves significant time.
• A user-friendly interface simplifies complex retouching tasks, making them more accessible.
• Strong batch processing capabilities for large shoots, ensuring consistency and speed.
• Supports real-time tethered shooting, enhancing workflow for studio and event photographers.
• Offers various pricing plans, including pay-as-you-go and annual subscriptions with credit rollovers for flexibility.

Cons

• The credit-based pricing system (pay-as-you-go or annual subscription with credit limits) can lead to unpredictable costs for extremely high-volume users.
• Potential variations in output quality depending on the AI algorithms, sometimes necessitating manual touch-ups for perfection.
• While powerful, it may lack the granular pixel-level control of traditional editors for highly specialized situations.

Who is it best for?

Professional photographers who require highly efficient AI automation for consistent results across a limited number of images, particularly those who value tethered shooting and flexible pricing models.

8/ Skylum Aperty

Skylum Aperty is a dedicated AI portrait editor designed for quick, user-friendly enhancements, offering a streamlined approach to skin retouching and facial adjustments.

Key Features

• AI Portrait Retouching: Delivers high-end and realistic results with minimal effort, focusing on skin smoothing and blemish removal.
• One-Click Presets: Offers quick and dramatic improvements to portraits with pre-defined styles.
• Blemish Smoothing & Removal: Effectively smooths skin and removes imperfections while preserving natural texture.
• AI Make-up Application: Applies virtual makeup enhancements with adjustable intensity.
• Face & Body Reshaping: Allows for subtle adjustments to the subject's form and facial structure.
• Studio Light: Unique feature to create artificial light sources for creative lighting control.

Pros

• Produces quick, realistic results, ideal for fast workflows and efficient client delivery.
• Beginner-friendly due to its straightforward interface and reliance on one-click solutions and intuitive sliders.
• Works offline, providing flexibility and independence from a constant internet connection.
• Great at batch editing, ensuring consistency across multiple portraits with applied adjustments.
• Offers both subscription and perpetual license options for pricing flexibility.

Cons:

• Limited manual tools and advanced retouching capabilities for precise, pixel-level control, relying heavily on AI.
• AI sometimes struggles with varying or complex skin tones, potentially leading to uneven corrections that require additional adjustment.
• The perpetual license typically includes only one year of updates, requiring a separate purchase for subsequent major feature updates.

Who is it best for?

Portrait photographers looking for a user-friendly, fast AI solution for quick and natural portrait enhancements, particularly those who prefer one-click presets, offline capability, and efficient batch processing without extensive manual intervention.

Comparing the Best Skin Retouching Software for Photographers

Choosing the Right AI Skin Retouching Software

The optimal skin retouching software can significantly impact a photographer's workflow, artistic output, and business efficiency. The ideal choice is not universal but depends heavily on individual needs and preferences.

Key Factors to Consider

Several critical factors should guide the selection process:

• Skill Level: Beginners may find user-friendly AI tools with sliders and one-click presets more accessible. These tools simplify complex processes. Conversely, experienced retouchers who demand pixel-perfect control might still gravitate towards the granular capabilities of traditional software.

• Project Volume: Photographers handling a high volume of images will prioritize software with robust batch processing capabilities and overall efficiency. AI tools like Aftershoot, Evoto, and Aperty are designed to excel in this area, significantly reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.

• Budget: Financial considerations are paramount. Photographers must weigh the costs associated with subscription models (e.g., Adobe products, Aftershoot), one-time purchases (e.g., Affinity Photo, Luminar Neo lifetime license), pay-as-you-go/credit systems (e.g., Evoto).

• Desired Control: The level of control you need over the retouching process is a key differentiator. Some photographers require the ultimate pixel-level control offered by Photoshop for intricate manipulations. Others are comfortable with AI automation providing subtle yet effective adjustments, valuing speed and consistency over minute manual intervention, as seen with Aftershoot or Luminar Neo.

• Existing Workflow: How seamlessly a new software integrates with a photographer's current tools (e.g., Lightroom, Capture One) is crucial. A powerful tool might lose its value if it introduces friction or necessitates constant switching between applications.

• Naturalness of Results: Quality output, particularly the preservation of natural skin texture and avoidance of an "over-retouched" or "plastic-like" appearance, is a critical evaluation criterion. Prioritizing software that excels in this aspect is essential for professional-grade results.

The choice of software is not merely about its features in isolation, but how effectively it integrates into and enhances a photographer's overall post-production process.

A tool, no matter how powerful, diminishes in value if it creates friction. Understanding your workflow — whether it must prioritize meticulous control, high-volume efficiency, or creative exploration — is paramount to matching the right software to your needs.

Want to get started exploring options? You can start a free trial for Aftershoot right here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Retouching