Found: The Best Anti-Aging Creams, According to Experts

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Dark spots, forehead lines, uneven skin texture...these are all very normal things that happen to our skin as we age. They're largely the result of years of environmental damage (from things like UV exposure and pollution) and the fact that our bodies ability to produce collagen and elastin (the proteins that keep skin plump and firm) starts to decline once we hit 30.

And while I know that signs of skin aging are super common, I'm not totally jazzed about seeing them on my face—and my guess is that you may not be either. That's why I tested and reviewed countless creams and face moisturizers for aging skin and reached out to four experts for their picks (shout out to dermatologists Adrienne O'Connell, DO, and Jessica Weiser, MD and licensed estheticians Elizabeth Grace Hand and Caroline Giles) to create this list of the 13 best anti-aging moisturizers.

Each one is designed to hydrate and moisturize your skin while smoothing fine lines, fading dark spots, and improving skin tone and texture too—and it helps if you start using them ASAP. After all, "it is much easier to prevent signs of aging than revere signs of aging," says Dr. O'Connell.

Here's a sneak peek at a few of my favorites:

Keep scrolling for the entire list of the best moisturizers and creams for anti aging along with the important things to keep in mind when shopping for a new anti-aging product to add to your skincare routine.

A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Cream

This is my go-to anti-aging face moisturizer—and it happens to be one of Dr. O'Connell's favorites too. It feels amazing on skin (in my testing experience it's the perfect mix of ultra-nourishing and hydrating without being too heavy) and layers nicely overly face serums and under makeup. As for the formula itself, its excellent at softening fine lines and wrinkles and giving skin a tighter feel. "SkinCeuticals' A.G.E. Interrupter reduces the signs of aging caused by collagen decline," explains Dr. O'Connell. As a reminder, collagen is the protein found in skin that's responsible for it's smoothness and firmness. Collagen production decreases as we age, which is why a cream like this is key in your routine.

• Key ingredients: Proxylanetm (firming), antioxidants, Hepes (cell turnover), niacinamide

• Skin types: Dry, combo, dull, sensitive

• Usage: Morning and/or evening after serum and before SPF (if applying during the day)

• Size: 1.7 oz

Glowing customer review: "This is definitely one of the best creams out there. It's costly, but I really feel my skin staying hydrated for longer than many other creams and that's what I need as I get older..love it!!"

Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream With SPF 30

When it comes to anti-aging moisturizers, there are few formulas as as beloved as Olay's Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream. The iconic formula is packed with smoothing, brightening, and hydrating ingredients, like amino peptides, niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid. There are various versions of the Micro Sculpting Cream, but this one is great for daytime since it contains sunscreen with SPF 30 (the daily minimum recommended by derms) to help protect your skin from the harmful and aging effects of UV damage. I'm continually impressed at how it protects my skin from the sun *and* gives my skin a smoother, softer feel.

• Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, SPF

• Skin types: Dry, combo, dull

• Usage: In the morning as the last step in your skincare routine before makeup

• Size: 50 mL

Glowing customer review: "This is my favorite face moisturizer. It feels lightweight on the skin and protects from the sun. The scent is nice, as well."

Retinal & Peptides Repair Night Cream

I've been a fan of this night cream for years. It's got everything you'd want in an anti-aging formula: a slow-release version of retinol to smooth fine lines, fade discoloration, and minimize the look of pores, peptides to firm and tighten skin, 10 different antioxidants to repair damage, and a variety of plant oils to deeply moisturize. The texture is amazing too—not too light, not too heavy, and extremely fast absorbing.

• Key ingredients: Retinol, peptides

• Skin types: Dry, combo, oily, acne-prone

• Usage: As the last step in your evening skincare routine

• Size: 1.69 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "My skin looks so refreshed in the morning when I put this baby on at night. After a week of using this gem I made my sister try it—she's obsessed now too! Try this out for a few nights and I promise your skin will look AMAZING."

Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer

Retinol is an OG anti-aging ingredient that has stood the test of time—but it can be potentially drying and irritating depending on the type of formula it's used in. Luckily, this moisturizer contains the proven anti-ager along with brightening vitamin C and replenishing ceramides to offset any potential dryness associated with regular retinol use, says aesthetician Elizabeth Grace Hand. "I recommend it to anyone interested in hydrated, supple skin."

• Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, ceramides

• Skin types: Dry, combo, oily, dull

• Usage: As the last step in your evening skincare routine

• Size: 1.7 fl oz
  

Glowing customer review: "This moisturizer definitely helps fade hyperpigmentation and you will most definitely see an overall improvement in your skin texture too. This is the second bottle that I have ordered and unless I find something that comes even close to doing what this does, then I will continue to repurchase."

Dermal Repair UltraNourish

Some anti-aging creams can be too intense for irritation-prone skin, which is why dermatologist Jessica Weiser, MD, is a fan of this option from Sente. "Suitable for even the most sensitive skin types, this anti-aging moisturizer helps deeply hydrate skin in addition to soothing and calming inflammation, repairing your skin barrier, and reducing fine line and wrinkles too," says Dr. Weiser.

• Key ingredients: Ceramides, squalane, jojoba oil, macadamia seed oil

• Skin types: Dry, combo, sensitive

• Usage: Morning and/or evening after serum and before SPF (if applying during the day)

• Size: 1.7 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "My skin feels significantly plumper and firmer when I use this cream. The texture is not too thick or greasy and it doesn't irritate my skin either."

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Night Cream

It doesn't get better than retinol when it comes to anti-aging ingredients. "I always look for retinol as an active ingredient in an anti-aging moisturizer or cream since it's able to increase cell turnover and boost collagen production, both of which visibly reduce fine lines and uneven skin tone and texture," says Dr. O'Connell. Get your retinol fix with this drugstore moisturizer from Neutrogena. I consistently recommend it to anyone who is looking for a cream with anti-aging benefits but doesn't want to spend a ton of $$.

• Key ingredient: Retinol
  

• Skin types: Dry, combo, oily dull, acne-prone

• Usage: As the last step in your evening skincare routine

• Size: 1.7 oz

Glowing customer review: "This simple and easy to use retinol cream has worked into my skincare routine perfectly! After 2 weeks of using it, the lines and creases have shrunk significantly and a couple of age spots have lightened up."

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

Another great option with retinol? This anti-wrinkle cream from Dr. Dennis Gross. The rich, moisturizing formula combines retinol and ferulic acid, an antioxidants with brightening properties, says licensed aesthetician Caroline Giles. "It's a great way to get the skin smoothing and plumping benefits of retinol without irritation or dryness—plus it's ideal for those who also want to treat hyperpigmentation too."

• Key ingredients: Retinol, ferulic acid, bakuchiol, rambutan, shea butter

• Skin types: Dry, combo, dull

• Usage: Morning and/or evening after serum and before SPF (if applying during the day)

• Size: 2 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I have acne and rosacea and this cream is safe for my very sensitive skin. I have seen a visible reduction in my forehead wrinkles and some of the deeper wrinkles starting around my chin and lower lip. Definitely buying this one again."

Ultra Light Moisturizer

Many anti-aging moisturizers can feel thick and heavy on skin, but not this lightweight lotion from Alastin. The formula is oil-free and non-comedogenic (aka tested to not clog pores, so it's safe for oily and acne-prone skin types) and contains Alastin's signature TriHex technology, a blend of peptides that support collagen and elastin production. It's one of my personal favorite moisturizers thanks to its ability to make my skin look smooth and supple without triggered bumps or breakouts.

• Key ingredients: TriHex, silver mushroom extract, ginger root extract

• Skin types: Combo, oily, sensitive, acne-prone

• Usage: Morning and/or evening after serum and before SPF (if applying during the day)

• Size: 2 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I love this moisturizer for healthy-looking skin. I live in a humid climate it doesn't clog my pores or make my skin look shiny. I would definitely recommend for summer days."

Intense Brightening Cream

This anti-aging cream from Dr. Loretta targets dark spots, one of the most common and early signs of skin aging. The hero ingredient is a powerful form of vitamin C called l-ascorbic acid, which helps regulate pigment production to fade discoloration and protect skin from UV damage (the main culprit behind dark spots in the first place). In my testing experience, this is a great choice for brightening not only dark spots from the sun, but other forms of skin discoloration like melasma and acne scars.

• Key ingredients: Vitamin C

• Skin types: Oily, combo, acne-prone

• Usage: Morning and/or evening after serum and before SPF (if applying during the day)

• Size: 50 mL

Glowing customer review: "This feels like a treatment and moisturizer in one. I love how it glides on and melts right into skin. Over time it has really kept my hyperpigmentation under control."

AlphaRet Overnight Cream

I've written about the magical powers of this anti-aging cream dozens of times. It combines multiple actives—including retinol, AHAs, vitamin C, and peptides—to visibly soften lines and fade discoloration and dark spots. And unlike many moisturizers for aging skin, this formula works rather quickly. In my testing experience, I noticed an improvement in the smoothness and clarity of my skin in about two weeks of nightly use. "The AlphaRet Overnight Cream is a hands-down favorite by most professionals," says Dr. O'Connell, adding that the formula "hydrates, brightens, and improves overall texture."

• Key ingredient: Retinol, glycolic acid, lactic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, ceramides, squalane

• Skin types: Dry, combo, oily, dull, acne-prone

• Usage: As the last step in your evening skincare routine

• Size: 1.7 oz

Glowing customer review: "This is my holy grail anti-aging cream. It has transformed my skin—no more lines and wrinkles—and unlike other retinols I've tried didn't make my face super flaky or peely."

The Cream with TFC8 Face Moisturizer

No list of moisturizers for aging skin is complete without Augustinus Bader's cult-favorite The Cream, according to Hand. The face moisturizer uses once-in-a-decade breakthrough technology called TCF8 (a patented blend of amino acids, vitamins, and regenerative molecules found naturally in the skin) that encourages skin renewal and reverses the process of skin aging by stimulating collagen production, says Hand.

Now in my testing experience, The Cream is too heavy for my combo-to-oily skin but The Light Cream is just right. It's packed with all the same anti-aging ingredients but has a transparent texture and mattifying finish. And if your skin happens to be super dry, there's also a version called The Rich Cream that's much heavier and moisturizing.

• Key ingredients: TCF8, vitamin A, vitamin C

• Skin types: Dry, combo, sensitive, dull

• Usage: Morning and/or evening after serum and before SPF (if applying during the day)

• Size: 1.7 fl oz

Glowing customer review: "I regret to inform my bank account that this is, in fact, a miracle product. If you can afford this, you should definitely try it. I have had numerous people comment on how great my skin looks since I started using this stuff. I will never use another face cream again!"

EGF Power Cream

The barley-derived epidermal growth factor in this rich moisturizer are anti-aging game changer, says Hand. "EGF is found naturally in the skin, but as we age our bodies begin to produce less of it which means cell turnover and repair slows down." Both Hand and Dr. Weiser agree that consistent, daily use of the biotech-backed cream will reveal smoother, firmer skin with fewer fine lines. Personally, it's one of my favorites on the list for skin that looks ultra-plump and dewy—plus it pairs nicely with active serums and exfoliating toners or liquids.

• Key ingredients: Growth factor, evening primrose oil, niacinamide, shea butter

• Skin types: Dry, combo, sensitive, dull

• Usage: Morning and/or evening after serum and before SPF (if applying during the day)

• Size: 50 mL

Glowing customer review: "I've been using just this cream twice a day, morning and evening, without serums, and I immediately started seeing changes in my skin. My skin feels softer and plumper and the fine lines around my eyes are smoother too. Overall, my skin feels and looks more hydrated with an overall glow with less pigmentation."

Lifting Rx Collagen Cream

Doctor Babor's Collagen Cream is my go-to moisturizer for plumping, lifting, and firming skin, says Giles. It's packed with peptides, marine collagen, and hyaluronic acid—all excellent anti-aging ingredients. "I love it because it's lightweight. super hydrating and has a clean, fresh aroma."

• Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, marine collagen, squalane

• Skin types: Dry, combo, dull

• Usage: Morning and/or evening after serum and before SPF (if applying during the day)

• Size: 50 mL

Glowing customer review: "The price is steep, but if with a coupon code, you can get a discount on it, and it is well worth investing in for your skin... there comes a time when you need to spend more on skincare than on makeup.. and this is one of those creams where it is ok to splurge."

Benefits of using anti-aging creams

First and foremost, the best anti-aging moisturizers, well, moisturize—no surprise there. They often deliver a combination of humectants (which draw in moisture), emollients (which smooth the skin), and possibly occlusives (which seal all of that good stuff in).

On top of that, though, they deliver other ingredients that can help maintain or even stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which are two fibers that act like the scaffolding in skin. These basically keep skin firm, smooth, and supple—so, in other words, like it's in its early 20s.

Even better? These days, anti-aging creams now account for different skin types. While many formulas use to be super rich and velvety, you can now find more lightweight options (clutch if you have oily skin!). FYI: Even the best anti-wrinkle cream won't do much if you're not wearing SPF throughoug the day, so make sure you're slathering it on daily.

What is the best moisturizer for aging skin?

According to Dr. O'Connell, the best moisturizers for aging skin should contain ceramides (ceramides enhance the skin's protective barrier to visibly smooth wrinkles, renew firmness, and plump the skin) as well as an active ingredient, like retinol or peptides.

"Retinol increases collagen production and ramps up cell turnover, which visibly reduces lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and the appearance of large pores," explains Dr. O'Connell. "Peptides, on the other hand, provide moisture and elasticity to the skin and help repair signs of aging."

Other great active ingredients to look for in an anti-aging moisturizer include stem cells, vitamin C, niacinamide, growth factors, and exfoliating acids, like glycolic acid and lactic acid.

What age should you start using an anti-aging moisturizer?

"I recommend my patients start using an anti-aging moisturizer as early as their 20s," says Dr. O'Connell, adding that "the earlier you start using an anti-aging cream the better your results will be."

Is there really a product that gets rid of wrinkles?

Yes, there are products that can help get rid of wrinkles, but you need to be realistic about expectations. If you want your fine lines and wrinkles gone quickly, a Botox or filler appointment is your best option. If you’re okay with waiting some time to see results, an anti-aging cream or moisturizer can help make fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable.

What do dermatologists recommend for deep wrinkles?

To smooth deep wrinkles, most dermatologists will often recommend a combo of injectables and/or non-invasive treatments (like Fraxel, RF microneedling, or Emface) plus topical skincare like the creams for anti aging above. By combining in-office technology with at-home skincare, dermatologists agree you'll get the fastest, most visible wrinkle-reduction results.

How to choose an anti-aging creamr:

Don't get hung up on the price.

I've said this before but I'll say it again: price isn't always an indicator of quality when it comes to skincare, so don't think you need to spend a ton of $$ to get a formula that delivers on results. There are plenty of drugstore options and affordable picks (including 5 under $40 on this list) that will smooth lines, fade dark spots, and firm your skin just as well as more expensive luxury options.

Keep your skin type in mind.

Your skin type—so whether it's sensitive, acne-prone, dry, oily, or combo—will determine the texture and formulation of the moisturizer you choose. If your skin is oily or acne-prone, look for a lightweight anti-aging lotion or gel moisturizer that's labeled "oil-free" and/or "non-comedogenic". If your skin is prone to dryness, an anti-aging cream with a thicker consistency and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides will do the trick.

Meet the experts:

• Adrienne O'Connell, DO, is a doctor of osteopathic medicine in Laguna Beach, CA. Dr. O’Connell is also the president and medical director of Laguna Beach Aesthetics.

• Jessica Weiser, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder and medical director of Weiser Skin MD in New York, NY. Dr. Weiser is an assistant clinical professor at Columbia University and specializes in cosmetic and procedural dermatology.

• Elizabeth Grace Hand is a licensed esthetician and founder of Stalle Studios in New York City.

• Caroline Giles is a licensed esthetician with nearly 20 years of experience in the spa and skin industries. Caroline is based at the Jersey Shore shore and is the lead esthetician for the Milagro Spa Corporation.

Why trust Cosmopolitan?

Lauren Balsamo is deputy beauty director at Cosmopolitan with nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from the best retinol eye creams to the best lasers for acne scars. She’s an authority in all skincare categories but an expert when it comes to anti-aging creams. She regularly tests and analyzes anti-aging creams for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and estheticians to assess new formulas, brands, and technologies.

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