My 62-Year-Old Mom Credits This Cheap Face Cream for Her Wrinkle-Free Complexion
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Courtesy of Gerri HiggsMy mother is a gal of short stature, and perhaps, standing just south of five feet tall could have something to do with her youthful appearance. But she's also got some of the softest, most supple, and curiously wrinkle-free skin I've ever seen. Her secret weapon? Genetics! Oh, and Olay's Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid Lotion ($13).
"Up until a few years ago, this Olay pick was my go-to moisturizer," she told me when I asked about the vanity staple she used for decades. "It worked well all day on my combination skin, never caused irritation, and provided such great hydration that I'm sure contributed to my skin's current condition. Plus, it's always been inexpensive, which is a huge plus since I prefer to spend my money on shoes!" While she's since opted for a more active formula to support her changing skincare needs, she says that Olay is still among her favorite skincare brands, especially where anti-aging creams are concerned.
A good moisturizer is the cornerstone of any good skincare regimen, and fortunately, Olay option isn't the only drugstore anti-aging cream my mom and hoards of other online reviewers love. Ahead, check out more top-rated anti-aging creams meant to keep your skin looking fresh without breaking the bank.
Photo:
Courtesy of Gerri Higgs
This retinol cream is a drugstore mainstay that continues to rack in rave reviews because, according to its devotees, it truly works. Just ask the 3000+ Amazon reviewers who gave the cream five-star reviews, touting its abilities to even out dark spots and soften the look of severe ice pick marks leftover from acne.
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."
Pro: Brightening and smoothing
Con: Strongly fragranced
This cream deploys slow-release retinol into the skin by using stabilized retinol in tandem with a proprietary glucose complex and hyaluronic acid. It goes to work on existing wrinkles, including crow's feet, while also preventing the formation of new ones.
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!"
Pro: Easy to apply
Con: High price point
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."
Pro: Ultra hydrating
Con: None
My mom was on to something with her original cheap moisturizer pick because Olay is kind of the Beyoncé of drugstore skincare brands. Of all its offerings, this anti-aging cream is currently among its most famous. It's infused with all kinds of buzzy ingredients, like vitamin B3, amino peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, for an instantly hydrated and lifted look. My mom is a fan, too, adding that she loves how this cream imparts such great moisture without making her face look greasy or leaving it congested.
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."
Pro: Locks in moisture
Con: Thick formula
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."
Pro: Brightens and firms the skin
Con: Lightly fragranced
Not only does this day cream block the adverse effects of the sun with broad-spectrum SPF protection, but it also hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid and hibiscus while brightening it and offering even more sun protection via vitamin C.
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."
Pro: Radiant finish
Con: White cast on darker skin tones
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."
Pro: Lightens and smoothes the skin
Con: Small amount of product
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.
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."
Pro: Light and dewy finish
Con: Not firming
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!"
Pro: Immediate results
Con: None
While this cream comes with a low price tag, it still means business. It defends against premature aging, using an antioxidant called coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, and beta-carotene to protect against free radicals and deeply moisturize the skin.
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."
Pro: Gentle on all skin types
Con: None
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."
Pro: Ultra-hydrating
Con: Potentially irritating to sensitive skin
Photo:
Courtesy of Gerri Higgs
"I like this one when I'm going to be exposed to the sun for long periods, like when I'm playing golf," my mom told me. SPF protection is among the most important anti-aging measures, but this lightweight cream also supports supple skin with hyaluronic acid and a specially formulated amino-peptide complex for smooth, healthy-looking skin.
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."
Pro: Lightweight formula
Con: Piling when layered with products
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!"
Pro: Moisturizes and tones the skin
Con: Fragranced
This overnight cream employs vitamin A, vitamin E, allantoin, and panthenol to smooth out fine lines while also imparting soothing nourishment.
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!"
Pro: Moisturizing and smoothing
Con: Potentially irritating to sensitive skin
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."
Pro: Fast absorbing
Con: Strongly fragranced
Ceramides and peptides are what give this cream its ultra-hydrating and skin-firming edge. It's thick without being greasy and plumps up tired-looking skin to reveal a more youthful appearance by morning.
Customer review: "I just started a skincare regime for my sensitive, extra dry skin. I have incorporated this product and noticed a huge difference in my skin immediately. Will absolutely repurchase."
Pro: Supports skin barrier
Con: Thick formula
Customer review: "I have always avoided retinol due to my very sensitive skin, but this retinol is gentle enough for my rosacea prone skin. I have gotten wonderful results without the irritation or burning sensation."
Pro: Brightening and clarifying
Con: None
This night cream combines retinol and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated while smoothing the complexion and refining the look of enlarged pores.
Customer review: "I began noticing results the first week! It makes my skin soft and smooth. It seems to be helping my fine lines and wrinkles. I have sensitive skin, and this product does not irritate my skin at all!"
Pro: Effectively smoothes the skin
Con: Strongly fragranced
Customer review: "This moisturizer does just that. Moisturizes in a lightweight formula and leaves no scent behind. A little goes a long way. One pump is enough for [your] face and neck if you wish to use it there as well. I have sensitive skin and have had no issue with irritation."
Pro: Resolves fine lines and wrinkles
Con: Strongly fragranced
My mom is fairly new to retinol but told me she thinks this Olay option is the perfect formula to get used to it. "Even though this one has retinol, which I've heard can dry out your skin, I like that the formula feels deeply moisturizing and serves as a great nighttime treatment after removing makeup or after a long day of wearing a mask outside," she said.
Customer review: "I have been using Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 MAX Night Face Moisturizer, and my skin has never felt so soft, smooth, and moisturized. My skin is brighter, and wrinkles are less visible. I absolutely love the fact it is fragrance-free with no synthetic dyes, and it feels silky and smooth."
Pro: Ultra-hydrating formula
Con: None
Customer review: "This product is another good entry to the brand's skincare lineup. It offers a fragrance-free drugstore option to those who want to incorporate retinol into their skincare routines. The packaging is super nice, and it has a dropper dispenser, which makes it so easy to use. I highly recommend this product."
Pro: Brightening
Con: Potentially irritating to sensitive skin