10 Anti-Aging Creams and Serums Dermatologists Always Recommend (2024)

14 Best Anti-Aging Cleansers That Combat Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair

This go-to anti-wrinkle cream includes hyaluronic acid and retinol to moisturize skin while working against dark spots, fine lines, and other signs of aging, says Carolyn Jacob, MD, a dermatologist at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology; she also likes its accessible price point.

PCA Skin Intensive Brightening Treatment

Dr. Jacob says that in addition to its 0.5 percent retinol formulation, this product "contains a brightening agent known as hexylresorcinol, which helps to clarify skin while delivering vitamin A in a non-irritating cream."

Alastin Skincare C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum

The antioxidants and vitamin C in this gentle serum reduce the effects of free radicals, soothe redness, stimulate collagen, and brighten skin, says Dr. Jacob. "It contains a novel form of Vitamin C, which also preserves elastic tissue in the skin—for brighter skin and more elastin," she says.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

This low-effort morning moisturizer is made with zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, ceramides for added moisturizing, niacinamide to decrease redness, and hyaluronic acid to battle stress, says Dr. Jacob.

Alastin Regenerating Skin Nectar

Though this treatment is often recommended for pre- and post-cosmetic treatments, it also improves skin without additional procedures. "This moisturizing, silky nectar can be used to strengthen the skin, decrease the breakdown of collagen and elastic tissue, and enhance any in-office treatment for rejuvenating skin," says Dr. Jacob. "It contains antioxidants, is preservative-free, and clears damage and debris surrounding the collagen, allowing new healthy collagen to grow."

EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50

California-based dermatologist Ivy Lee, MD, FAAD, recommends this tinted sunscreen to all of her patients. "[It] includes titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that reflects and scatters ultraviolet rays; vitamin C and E that function as antioxidants that minimize free radical damage; [and] hyaluronic acid that moisturizes the skin," she says. "The tint helps block blue light and prevent pigmentary changes, and evens out skin tone as a light foundation does."

AlphaRet Overnight Cream by SkinBetter Science

For skin that's sensitive to retinoids, Dr. Lee suggests this overnight cream with moisturizing squalane, ceramide, and hyaluronic acid. "What makes this magical is that AlphaRet combines alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycolic acid, and lactic acid, which are gentle exfoliants, with retinoids that accelerate cellular turnover (hence the mild scaling!) and build collagen," she says.

La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Pure hyaluronic acid in this face and neck serum—plus glycerin and B5—"offers intense moisturization without a heavy feel," says Dr. Lee. "This is a phenomenal moisturizer that I layer over my evening retinoid."

Differin Gel

Prescription retinoids are "the gold standards for efficacy," says Anthony Rossi, MD, FAAD, FACMS, a dermatologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City, but he puts Differin Gel at the top of his over-the-counter list. "For aging purposes, retinoids help with cellular turnover and new skin cell and dermal matrix development," he says. This will make you dry and slightly sun-sensitive, so it is important to use sunscreen and night cream."

Dr. Rossi Derm MD The Night Synthesis

Dr. Rossi also created his own line of peptide-based skincare for sensitive skin, which includes a sheer, mineral-based SPF 30 daytime sunscreen, an exfoliating and moisturizing lactic acid essence, and Night Synthesis—an "ultra-rich creme barrier" that moisturizes and soothes inflammation.