I'll be the first to admit that I often feel overwhelmed when scanning the endless drugstore shelves for products that will make a difference in the health of my skin. As a 20-something, one of my biggest goals is to do what I can to protect my complexion from environmental aggressors (which, for me, can mean anything from blue-light damage to my cold-weather walks), but I do spend a good chunk of time taking cues from the women around me who are pros at keeping their mature skin healthy.
Here's the truth: The best skincare routine is one that's tailored to your personal needs (and no one else's). As much as I love aesthetic-looking and high-performing products, one rule of thumb I use while deciding on skincare products is to avoid judging their effectiveness by the price point or packaging. It's easy to step into a drugstore and misjudge a product's contents.
Shopping for an Anti-Aging Cream
It's finally time we decode the complexities of anti-aging creams and dive into everything from the most effective ingredients to which you should look out for. To learn more about the benefits of incorporating an anti-aging cream into your skincare routine, we tapped Anar Mikailov, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Skintensive. "As the skin ages, UV and other environmental stress damage accumulate, leading the skin to lose elasticity, have more fine lines and wrinkles, more pigmentation, become increasingly thin and crepey, and have more pronounced pores," he explains.
Mikailov also notes that as we age, the skin becomes drier, sensitive, eczema-prone, and easily irritated. So, when it comes to shopping for your anti-aging cream, the trick is to select products that are filled with skin-loving ingredients that can nourish, plump, and promote youthful-looking skin. "It’s important to look for ingredients that address these signs of aging by stimulating collagen production, increasing cell turnover, fight oxidative stress damage, while delivering moisture and nutrients the skin needs to function optimally, all without irritating the skin," Mikailov continues. Take this as your sign to spend some extra time inspecting the ingredient list provided on the back of products you may be interested in.
Knowing the Ingredients
If you pay close attention to the ingredients in each of our anti-aging cream picks below, you'll notice that many of them have a couple in common: retinyl retinol. These ingredients have been witnessing what can only be described as a renaissance in the past couple of years, making appearances in everything from liquid exfoliants and serums to hand creams and targeted topical ointments. But are they ideal for everyone?
As the skin matures, skin cell turnover and collagen production slows, resulting in the signs we associate most with aging: fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. When used safely, retinol can vastly improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and prevent dullness. However, retinol at a high strength can result in irritation, itchiness, and scaly patches. These side effects are noticeable in first-time users of retinol products, particularly for individuals with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
According to Mikailov, more ingredients to be on the lookout for on the back of anti-aging creams are:
- Vitamin C: A multitasking ingredient that helps brighten skin, protect it from free-radical damage, and renew collagen.
- AHAs and PHAs: Alpha hydroxy acids are typically derived from fruit, sugarcane, and other natural substances and are used to exfoliate the skin to increase cell turnover. PHAs are their larger cousins. Because they don’t penetrate the skin as much, they are less irritating while still effective.
- Sea Buckthorn Berry: Rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin B, as well as hydrating and anti-inflammatory fatty acids to promote collagen production for plumper and firmer-looking skin.
- Arnica Montana: An herb with anti-inflammatory properties used holistically to reduce bruising as well as promote healing. Older skin that is prone to bruising will find creams with Arnica Montana extract especially beneficial.
- Coconut Oil: Can help restore and soothe common skin disorders with a high concentration of deeply hydrating and nourishing fatty acids, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories, coconut oil.
We've rounded up a number of our top creams and corresponding serums with the help of thousands of glowing reviews, notable qualities, and details from the internet's biggest sellers. Get ready to screenshot and bookmark links nonstop—you'll want to pull these up on your next trip to the drugstore.
Best Overall: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
This gentle yet potent formula works to deliver smoother, finer, and more radiant-looking skin with repeated use. Clinically proven to reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles up to 50% while you sleep, it uses pure RoC Retinol and the brand's exclusive complex to deliver additional hydration and enhanced efficacy.
Customer Review: "I use this after I put on my daily after I was my face and massage in my daily moisturizer and facial oil. I just dab it under my eyes for wrinkles before putting on my makeup."
Key Ingredients: Pure RoC Retinol and an exclusive mineral complex
Pros: Brightens and smoothes the skin
Cons: Has a noticeable fragrance that lingers
Product Size: 1 oz tube
Pair It With:
This rejuvenating eye cream targets the delicate skin around the eyes, addressing visible puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles. It's designed to offer dramatic effects using a gentle formula, visibly brightening and de-puffing the eyes in four weeks while reducing the appearance of fine lines in 12 weeks.
Customer Review: "I repurchased this eye cream because it performed so well. Retinol creams can be very irritating around the eyes, but not this one. I love that it has retinol and it is gentle enough to use around the eyes. It helps with crow's-feet, dark circles, and puffy eyes."
Key Ingredients: Pure ROC retinol and an exclusive mineral complex
Pros: Formula is lightweight and gentle on the skin
Cons: None
Product Size: Offered in a 0.2 oz and 0.5 oz tube
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
If you've been hesitant to incorporate retinol products into your skincare routine, this Neutrogena regenerating cream is a great starting point. Now featuring a soothing complex, the formula employs hyaluronic acid and pure retinol to hydrate the skin while combating fine lines, dullness, and dark spots.
Customer Review: "I have very sensitive skin, and this doesn't cause any irritation. I love the smell, and it makes my face so soft. [I've] been using [it] about a week and have been told under my eyes is getting lighter, which is great!"
Key Ingredients: Pure retinol and hyaluronic acid
Pros: Instantly hydrates and smooths away fine lines
Cons: Fragrance may be irritating for sensitive skin
Product Size: 1.7 oz jar
Pair It With:
Use Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil to minimize the signs of aging skin. It features a super-concentrated, lightweight, and fast-absorbing formula that renews the look of skin overnight, leaving the skin healthy and youthful. Its key ingredient is 0.3% retinol SA, which provides more benefits than other vitamin A forms.
Customer Review: "I love this product and how it makes my skin feel. It glides on so smoothly and doesn't make my skin red like other products I've tried. It's now a key part of my skincare routine."
Key Ingredients: Pure retinol
Pros: Delivers intense, concentrated hydration
Cons: None
Product Size: 1 oz dispenser with dropper
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Use this extremely effective, fragrance-free cream to restore and improve elasticity, improve texture and sagging, and diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The superstar formula includes niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and amino peptide. Pro tip: For the best results, use daily and follow with an SPF.
Customer Review: "This cream is the best I've ever found, and I'm sticking with it. Luxurious feel for quality performance at a price I can reasonably afford. It really helps my desert-dry skin."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin B3, amino-peptides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants
Pros: Firms and sculpts the skin for a lifted look
Cons: Challenging to distribute evenly on the skin
Product Size 1.7 oz jar
Pair It With:
This extremely lightweight and creamy anti-aging serum by Olay is specially designed to regenerate surface cells and deliver skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin B5, and amino peptide 10 layers deep into the skin's surface. It also improves elasticity, firming and lifting the skin to diminish the look of wrinkles.
Customer Review: "I have tried multiple products at different price points for my face recently, and this one works! Just enough moisture for soft skin. My skin just looks and feels healthier and younger."
Key Ingredients: Amino-peptide complex II, vitamin B5, and niacinamide
Pros: Quickly brightens and firms the skin
Cons: Lightly fragranced formula may be irritating
Product Size: 1.3 oz dispenser
No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Day Cream SPF 30
The No7 Lift & Luminate face cream employs SPF 30 to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and even the tone using a unique brightening complex and intense moisture. It's suitable for sensitive skin and is clinically proven to promote a more even skin tone in two weeks.
Customer Review: "I use this as my primary daytime moisturizer. I also use the night moisturizer, and together they keep my skin well hydrated and not greasy. I can tell over time, lines are less noticeable, and skin looks smoother and more vibrant."
Key Ingredients: SPF 30, collagen peptide technology, and a unique brightening complex
Pros: Offers a radiant, smooth finish
Cons: White cast on darker skin tones
Product Size: 1.6 oz jar
Pair It With:
Designed for the delicate skin around the eyes, No7's eye cream helps promote a refreshed and even skin tone. Its formula provides instant hydration for a brighter and firmer appearance that can be used morning and evening as part of your daily skincare routine.
Customer Review: "I love this eye cream! It is light and easy to apply, soaks in, and does what it needs to do to my eye area. You only need to use a little. My dark circles have lightened, and my eyes do look less puffy."
Key Ingredients: Emblica fruit extract and vitamin C
Pros: Brightens and smooths the under-eye
Cons: Small amount of product
Product Specs: 0.5 oz tube
L'Oréal Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
The cheat code of this affordable cream is retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. This powerhouse trio smooths, plumps, and brightens the skin all at once. What's more, the formula is non-greasy and fast absorbing.
Customer Review: "My skin was looking dull and sad. I started using this cream two weeks ago, and I don't think I will ever stop using it. My skin already feels firmer, more plump, and has a glow! Love this and definitely recommend it."
Key Ingredients: Pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
Pros: Delivers a light and dewy finish
Cons: Does not promote skin firmness
Product Size: 1.7 oz jar
Pair It With:
L'Oréal fragrance-free, anti-aging cream visibly reduces wrinkles, de-puffs, and brightens the under-eyes in just one week with a powerful formula that features pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B.
Customer Review: "I've used this twice along with the nighttime mask and am already seeing results. I have very dark circles and slight puffiness under my eyes, and the circles have lightened considerably in just two uses. Can't wait to see what a full week does!"
Key Ingredients: Pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
Pros: Non-greasy and fast-absorbing
Cons: None
Product Size: 0.5 oz tube
The Inkey List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer
The Inkey List's Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, strengthens the skin barrier, and targets the first signs of aging. Its unique formula also uses Gransil Blur to lessen the appearance of fine lines and shea butter to reduce water loss and protect your skin's moisture barrier.
Key Ingredients: Bio-Active ceramides and Gransil Blur
Pros: Ideal for all skin types
Cons: None
Product Size: 1.7 oz jar
Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Creme
Eucerin's Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream is formulated to protect against the damaging effects of free radicals that speed up the aging process. Its formula is enriched with antioxidants and vitamin B to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leading to soft and smooth-looking skin. It can also be used alone or under makeup as a hydrating base.
Customer Review: "This is a very nice face cream. Love that it's unscented and feels very lightweight on the skin while still delivering great moisture! Would repurchase again and again."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Beta-Carotene, and Coenzyme Q10
Pros: Formula is gentle for use on all skin types
Cons: None
Product Size: 1.7 oz jar
Pair It With:
Eucerin's Daily Protection Face Lotion is enriched with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. In addition to being fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, it's non-greasy, fast absorbing, and gentle enough for use on sensitive skin.
Customer review: "I really, really love this sunscreen! It's one of my first skincare steps, and I'm glad it protects from the sun but is also a great moisturizer. Plus, it's definitely more budget-friendly than a lot of other products."
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
Pros: Helps lock in hydration for up to 24 hours
Cons: Leaves a white cast on darker skin tones
Product Size: 4 oz dispenser
Olay Regenerist Whip Cream
If you liked Olay's Regenerist Micro-Sculpting cream, then you'll love its Regenerist Whip cream. It provides light-as-air moisture and a whipped, fragrance-free formula using advanced Amino-Peptide Complex II to improve elasticity and firm skin for a lifted look and the brand's powerful Active Rush Technology.
Customer Review: "If you are looking for a product that stands up to all it claims, this is the one. It really gives the face and neck a lift. I found it also moisturizes without feeling greasy and decreases redness on the cheeks."
Key Ingredients: Amino-Peptide Complex II
Pros: Lightweight, easy-to-use formula
Cons: Offered at a high drugstore price point
Product Size: 1.7 oz jar
Pair It With:
Perk up your skin with the help of Olay's Tone Perfection Serum. It uses niacinamide and vitamin C to refresh your complexion and renews skin cells to promote noticeably brighter and more toned skin in just two weeks with daily use. It's also fragrance-free and fast absorbing and leaves absolutely no greasy feeling behind.
Customer Review: "Great value for an effective skin repair product. I actually saw changes in my age spots and pores over time. No side effects at all! Would definitely recommend it to all, but especially if you have any sun damage!"
Key Ingredients: Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and vitamin C
Pros: Quickly moisturizes and tones the skin
Cons: Has a noticeable fragrance
Product Size: 1.3 oz dispenser with dropper
Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Renewal Cream
This high-potency retinol cream helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving the skin looking luminous and youthful. Its powerful formula is crafted with vitamin E, allantoin, and panthenol to help nourish and moisturize the skin.
Customer Review: "I've been using this for a full month, every night before bed, and I've noticed my neck lines disappearing! So happy that it didn't cause any kind of breakout on my skin. I love this stuff!"
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, allantoin, panthenol
Pros: Moisturizing and smoothing formula
Cons: Potentially irritating to sensitive skin
Product Size: 4 oz jar
Pair It With:
Use Derma E's retinol serum to gently exfoliate the skin and diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. The formula features vitamin A, vitamin E, and glycolic acid to refresh and nourish the skin while removing dead surface skin cells.
Customer Review: "I have tried a handful of products, and this one is still my favorite!! It soaks into your skin quickly and smells nice. It has evened my skin tone, left my skin soft, and diminished fine lines. Not sure I will be hooked on another product more than this one! Happy I found it."
Key Ingredients: Vitamin A, vitamin E, and glycolic acid
Pros: Fast absorbing without greasy residue
Cons: Potentially irritating to sensitive skin
Product Specs: 2 oz dispenser
More Anti-Aging Creams To Try
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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