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If you're looking to truly transform your skin, you'll likely need to visit a derm for injectables like Xeomin or skin boosters, or a series of resurfacing treatments and lasers. But you can target fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots at home too–with the right topical product like an anti-aging moisturizer. Creams that boast powerful actives like retinol (the gold-standard in anti-aging), exfoliating acids like AHAs and BHAs, and plumping hyaluronic acid can be just as important as an in-office treatment for the overall look of your skin.
“Most anti-aging products have active ingredients that are formulated to increase the metabolism of the skin’s cells, which helps with a whole host of concerns, including wrinkles and hyperpigmentation,” says celebrity esthetician and founder of her eponymous brand Renée Rouleau.
Shop Anti-Aging Moisturizers
Best for Calming
Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream with Ashwagandha + Reishi
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Best Retinol Moisturizer
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
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No cream is a miracle worker, but focusing the right ingredients can give skin smoother, filtered effect. While serums and masks (like the winners of our 2023 Skincare Awards) can also aid to reduce signs of aging, these moisturizers are an easy gateway to youthful-looking skin.
1
Best Pro Pick
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream with TFC8® Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Great for dry skin
Cons
Not all hype is deserved, but this is: Celeb favorite Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream is worth every penny. The decadent cream is like a reset button for skin, using proprietary technology to deliver softer, smoother, fresher-looking skin with each application.
Customer Review:
"I tried to stop using it because of it's price but I always end up back to it. It's rich but for me, I usually only use it at night - it's a treat for my skin and I can tell a major difference in my complexion when I do not use it. It's worth it - your skin is an investment and I do not do botox or fillers. I sometimes will also dab a bit of the cream onto the upper part of my cheeks on top of my blush to give it more life."
| Skin Type | Dry, Mature |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Patented TFC8® technology, evening primrose oil, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, argan oil, avocado oil |
2
Best for Calming
Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream with Ashwagandha + Reishi
Pros
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
Not only is this lightweight face cream deeply hydrating (thank you, squalane), but it also has a blend of peptides, adaptogens, and fermented reishi to gently reduce the appearance of signs of aging.
Customer Review:
"Beautiful and hydrating moisturizer. I have combo skin during the warmer months but very dull and dry skin during the winter and this soothed the flakiness. Pricey but worth it. I will be repurchasing." – Dcasta
| Key Ingredients | Squalane, Ashwagandha, Fermented Reishi |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal and Dry |
3
Best Retinol Moisturizer
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
Pros
- Powerful ingredients
Cons
- May be harsh on sensitive skin types
One of our all-time favorite retinol creams, this formula features retinol and ferulic acid–plus, retinol alternatives bakuchiol and rambutan–to plump up fine lines and fade the look of hyperpigmentation.
Customer Review:
"I have been pairing it with 7% glycolic toner from the ordinary and Dr Dennis gross retinol serum. I love it how it smells so wonderful. I think it’s rather mild for sensitive skin to tolerate and I use it 3-4 times a week." –Adebai
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, Bakuchiol, Rambutan, and Ferulic acid |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily |
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Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
Not all anti-aging creams need to be rich and heavy to be effective. This airy cream feels weightless, but infuses the skin with squalane, glycerin, and the brand's patented ginseng saponin to plump and firm.
Customer Review:
"I love how it's not heavy or greasy at all. Nicely glides on and smooth. Has more of a perfume smell than gensing. Skin feels amazing and glowing in the morning." – Connie V.
| Key Ingredients | Ginseng, squalane, glycerin |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | All skin types |
5
Best Hydrating Moisturizer
Hydraboost Rescue Creme
Pros
- Alleviates irritation
- Plays well with actives
Cons
Peptides keep the skin firm and tight like a corset, Rouleau says. She created her Hydratboost Rescue Cream with peptides, niacinamde, and marine algae to keep the skin plump while improving moisture levels.
Customer Review:
"Super hydrating but not heavy or greasy. I have sensitive combination skin and use this all year round. I've been using for 6 months and my skin texture and overall hydration and ability to retain moister has greatly improved." – Bethany C.
| Key Ingredients | Sea whip extract, Red marine algae, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Niacinamide, Passion fruit extract |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal, Mature |
Pros
- Illuminating
Cons
- Essential oils may not work for sensitive skin
Both rich in texture and ingredients, this luxe cream has vitamin E to nourish, milk thistle to protect skin from free radicals and pollutants, and red algae extract to keep your complexion clear and texture-free. Plus, it leaves an immediate glow courtesy of light-reflecting pink pigments.
Customer Review:
"I love the luxurious feel of this cream. I only wish I could tell when I’m running low but due to the way the jar works, you don’t know until that last pump that you are out-which often means I have to wait a few days to receive an order. I love how hydrated my skin feels and it seems to plump my skin and reduce wrinkles." – Sue
| Key Ingredients | Avocado oil, red algae extract, Milk thistle, Vitamin A |
|---|---|
| Skin Types | Dry, Mature |
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7
Best for Dull Skin
Aramore Skincare NAD+ Cell Energizing Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Improves tone
Cons
Another lightweight moisturizer that packs a punch: Aramore's Energizing Face Moisturizer. The brand's proprietary NAD+ complex targets aging cells to reduce sagging, deep-set wrinkles, and uneven tone, while caffeine instantly awakens and brightens the skin.
| Key Ingredients | Caffeine, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid |
|---|---|
| Skin Types | Dry, Sensitive, Oily |
8
Best for Brightening Moisturizer
Paula' Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer
Pros
- Strengthens moisture barrier
Cons
A blend of five skin-strengthening ceramides, plus retinol and vitamin C, help brighten and smooth skin in this non-irritating formula.
Customer Review:
"I was worried that this might not give me enough moisture or would be drying, but my skin is glowing after a month's constant use. Even my plastic surgeon complimented me on how good my 67-year-old skin looks. Need I say more?" – Joanie
| Key Ingredients | Ceramides, Retinol, Vitamin C |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | All Skin Types |
Pros
- Evens tone
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
In addition to moisturizing squalane, this moisturizer features rambutan leaf extracts (a lychee-related plant that acts similar to traditional retinol) and black tea to amp up collagen production and reduce fine lines. Unlike typical retinol products, this hydrating cream doesn't cause irritation and can even be used morning and night
Customer Review:
"I love this cream. It is so nourishing and refreshing. It also absorbs quickly. The cream is rich yet not sticky. In the mornings my skin feels plump and perfectly moisturized. My skin looks more hydrated and looks less tired after just a few days of using it. I could also see a difference in the brightness of my skin and around my eyes from only using one week. I have been using this for a couple of weeks now and I have noticed the wrinkles on my face have been less noticeable. It is the best cream I have ever used." – Amnahamenardis
| Key Ingredients | Squalane, Ceramides, Pink porcelain lily, BT Matrix |
|---|
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There's a reason beauty editors are obsessed with Sisley. This luxe—and recently updated formula is loaded with nourishing, effective ingredients like marshmallow polysaccharides to fight pollutants, white willow leaf extract for wrinkles, and shea butter for moisture. Customer Review:
"This is a great product! It's great skincare - so far so good no breakouts! Goes on soft and has a nice scent . I will repurchase!" – Vicki
| Key Ingredient | Marshmallow polysaccharides, Myrtle extract, Sesame seed extract, shea butter, glycerin, white willow leaf extract, Dandelion extract |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | All skin types |
Pros
- Hydrates
- Contrains retinol
Cons
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer, which now comes in a recyclable jar, is ideal for layering power-packed retinol into your routine without adding an extra step.
Customer Review:
"This cream is light and makes my skin feel so good when you apply it. It takes about 4-6 weeks to start to see the difference in skin." – FaithLove
| Key Ingredient | Retinol, Niacinamide, Amino peptides |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | All skin types |
12
Best Firming Moisturizer
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer
Pros
- Airless dispenser
- Refillable
Cons
Everything you want in an anti-aging moisturizer—a rich formula that simultaneously repairs sun damage, hydrates, and plumps—without any of the ingredients you’re trying to avoid.
Customer Review:
"I love this moisturizer so much. This is the perfect moisturizer for me, and my normal skin type. I love how it it easy to use and has a pump, a little pricey but SO worth it." – Averya123
| Key Ingredients | Peptides, Growth factors, Vitamin B |
|---|---|
| Skin Types | Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily |
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13
Best Moisturizer with SPF
Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Face Cream With SPF 30
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Great for daytime
- SPF 30
Cons
An SPF 30 sunscreen and brightening moisturizer in one, this is the single anti-aging cream you need to both treat the wrinkles you have while preventing damage in the future. It’s even approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Customer Review:
"I love this face cream. My face feels soft and more youthful. Dark spots appear to be fading, fine lines are filling in and my skin tone is more even." – Loreen Kay
| Key Ingredients | Lip Hydroxy Acid (LHAs), Jojoba oil, Hyaluronic acid derivative, |
|---|
Pros
- Oil-free
Cons
"When the air is humid, a lighter formula can work as a substitute for a heavier cream," Rouleau explains. This lightweight “water cream” is the perfect summer moisturizer (but works year-round as it supports the natural turnover of skin with Japanese Leopard Lily). Its radiance-boosting power comes from green tea, rice, algae, and the tiniest bit of 23 karat gold.
Customer Review:
'This is a nice, smooth, lightweight moisturizer. The scent is nice and I love the way it feels going on. I'm not sure it did much for my pores, but it definitely leaves my skin feeling smooth and hydrated. Excellent for summer." – Tigershark19
| Key Ingredients | Japanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, green tea, rice, algae |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal |
Pros
- Plastic Surgeon Approved
Cons
Jason Diamond—the Los Angeles plastic surgeon who created the celeb-beloved "Insta Facial"—has a new line of products that aim to mimic his powerful in-office facial. Our favorite from the two-piece line: the Emulsion, which contains bioactive retinoids, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lipopeptides to firm, smooth, and plump skin so you can acheive his "Insta Facial" glow every day.
| Key Ingredients | Hyroxypinacolone Retinoate, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid Complex |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | All Skin Types |
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16
Best Retinol Cream
PerriconeMD High Potency Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturizer
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
"I typically recommend starting a topical retinoid product, which can take the form of a cream or serum, at age 28," Rouleau says. "This when your skin cells are still young and active, but can benefit from introducing vitamin A." Get your daily dose of retinol with this PerriconeMD cream, which boasts three forms of the vitamin A derivative, but still nourishes skin with a lipids like jojoba, soybean, and olive oil.
Customer Review:
"My husband stopped me and commented on healthy and, as I say, “happy” my skin looks. Very pleased with it!" – Momto3
| Key Ingredients | Retinol, Shea Butter, Squalane, Olive Oil, Jojoba |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Dry, Normal, Oily |
17
Best Drugstore Pick
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-greasy
Cons
The Revitalift Triple Power Daily Face Moisturizer is an MVP of drugstore skincare. The plush cream is formulated with powerhouses retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid to deliver serious anti-aging results in just a week.
Customer Review:
"I love how smooth and creamy this face cream is! It feels nice on my skin and price is good. It’s as good as some of the high end products are but I can’t afford long term." –Setapart9
| Key Ingredient | Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Pro-Retinol |
|---|---|
| Skin Types | All Skin Types |
18
Best Gel Cream
La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream
Pros
- Proprietary anti-aging ingredients
- Lifting
Cons
- Pricey
- Strong powdery-floral smell
The brand’s potent, proprietary caviar extract enhances skin’s firmness and elasticity—and makes this cream the splurgiest of splurges. (It even comes with a spatula so your hands don’t come in contact with the cream.)
Customer Review:
"I really didn’t want to love this cream, it’s so pricey ! But my skin has never looked better . It’s radiant , hydrated and has a tighter feel." – MarylandMegs
| Key Ingredients | Caviar Extract |
|---|---|
| Skin Types | Dry, Mature |
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19
Best Drugstore with SPF Pick
Olay Regenerist Whip Facial Moisturizer - SPF 25
Pros
- Lightweight texture
Cons
The super-lightweight, whipped formula (with SPF 25!) is perfect for wearing under makeup.
Customer Review:
"Is a great base to my makeup routine. I use it before primer with no oily feel. Goes on easily with no pilling for me. I’m new to Olay products and this one will keep me as a long time user." – Mother Hun
| Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Peptides |
|---|---|
| Skin Type | Normal, Combination, Oily |
20
Best Splurge Pick
La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizer
Pros
- Proprietary ingredients
Cons
- Pricey
Why does La Mer Crème de la Mer inspire such devotion? Patted into skin, this sea-kelp-rich cream soothes inflammation and deeply hydrates skin, leaving it dewy.
Customer Review:
"I have repurchased this products 20 times in the past 2 years. It is very refreshing on the skin and has helped with my acne. I now have the clearest skin I have ever had and I really recommend it" – Dinaaafangg
| Skin Type | Dry |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Miracle Broth, Algae |
