25 of the Best Wrinkle Creams For an Effective Skincare Routine – The Dermatology Review
Who wouldn’t want to get their hands on youth in a jar? Luckily the idea isn’t wholly a fantasy. While there is no such thing as a miracle wrinkle cream that can turn back time, there are plenty of formulas that can help with anti-aging concerns. Whether that’s softening the look of fine lines, brightening up dark spots, improving texture, or just adding a little more glow to mature skin, there’s a cream for you.
Every year new advances in skincare science bring us one step closer to achieving our best-looking skin. That means a glowing, hydrated complexion where wrinkles aren’t the first noticeable trait for most of us.
But don’t take our word for it. Studies revealed that 62% of Americans use anti-aging products daily. As consumers tend to incline towards quality skincare products., the popularity of premium and branded products continue to grow in the anti-aging and anti-wrinkle product market — which is estimated to record a value equivalent to 14 billion by 2027.
Even though luxury product sales are on the rise, spending a fortune on wrinkle cream is unnecessary. There are plenty of mid-range formulas and drugstore buys that can also effectively help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Not sure where to start? No worries. Here at the Derm Review, we’ve reviewed hundreds of products with a scientific lens to ensure you’re creating a skincare regimen that’s safe and effective. Ahead, 25 of the best wrinkle creams for every budget, age, and gender.
Sure, you can consider celebrity endorsements, glowing editorial reviews, and dermatologist recommendations (which are not always approved, by the way). Still, when shopping for the best anti-wrinkle cream, it’s always a good idea to do your homework. We’ve put together some easy tips to help you take the guesswork out of finding the best cream to defy visible signs of aging effectively.
Wrinkle creams work on multiple levels (protect, prevent, treat), so they are true multi-taskers. The first step in choosing the best face cream for wrinkles is to look for formulas with a cocktail of the best evidence-based anti-aging ingredients on the market.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common ingredients in anti-wrinkle creams include retinol, vitamin C, hydroxy acids, peptides, tea extract, niacinamide (vitamin B), and coenzyme Q10.
Just as you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, the same should go for your anti-aging skincare packaging. While you may be drawn to unique, brightly colored, or glamorous bottles and jars, it’s the type of design that’s going to protect — or not — the integrity of your anti-wrinkle cream. After all, you don’t want to waste your money or time on an ineffective product.
Before you go running out to purchase the best anti-aging cream, you must first consider your skin type as you’re scanning those ingredient lists. For example,
Wrinkle creams aren’t reserved for those in their 50s or with mature skin. Younger skin types can benefit, too — but skincare goals change with time, as should the formulations you’re using.
Best Face Cream for Wrinkles: The Top 25
What is the best wrinkle cream on the market? We’ve got 25 of them.
Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer, $60
Say goodbye to aging skin with the plant-powered The Moisturizer. This cream does it all to deliver your best-looking, radiant skin. It helps to hydrate, firm, and revitalize the skin.
Suitable for all skin types, The Moisturizer is formulated with plant proteins, vitamins, peptides, and amino-collagen, along with stem cell extract from hardy alpine roses. A caffeine boost helps perk up skin wrinkles, while five distinct coconut elements help with cell renewal and overall conditioning.
Deep Science Anti Aging Serum, $70
Contains 7 peptides that work together in deepest layers of the skin to target multiple signs of aging.
Formulyst Lifting and Wrinkle Smoothing Cream, $80
This deeply nourishing cream was designed to help reclaim a youthful-looking complexion. Formulyst’s Lifting and Wrinkle Smoothing Cream is a true multitasker. It helps lift, smooth, and refine the appearance and tone of the skin. The velvety formula contains a powerful blend of lipids and botanicals that have targeted anti-aging benefits.
Key ingredients include moringa seed oil for intense moisture, evodia ruteacarpa fruit to help brighten and refine, and peony extract to help skin look smoother. Over time your complexion feels firmer and looks lifted and more radiant.
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter, $162
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter seeks to reduce damage from advanced glycation end products, or AGEs, resulting from excess sugar that negatively impacts collagen and elastin in the skin. This anti-wrinkle cream helps counteract collagen and elastin loss with potent ingredients like proxylane, blueberry extract, and phytosphingosine. Pro Xylane helps support the skin’s glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis. GAGs like hyaluronic acid, keep skin plump, firm, and hydrated.
RoC Retinol Deep Wrinkle Cream, $18
With 10,000+ nearly five-star reviews on Amazon, it’s safe to say that this popular anti-aging drugstore moisturizer is a consumer favorite. Retinol and RoC’s proprietary mineral complex work together to reduce deep wrinkles’ appearance by up to 50% when used daily. The skin becomes more lifted, firmer, smoother, radiant, and hydrated. It’s clinically proven to make the skin look ten years younger.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, $128
Elemis’s Pro-Collagen Marine Cream promises results in as little as two weeks. This anti-wrinkle cream is formulated with algae and other plant extracts to replenish the skin with much-needed moisture. Gradual loss of moisture, as well as the breakdown of proteins like collagen and elastin, are what lead to wrinkle formation in the first place. Padina pavonica and chlorella vulgaris are two of the algae extracts used in this cream, both of which have antioxidant tendencies to fight off free radical damage that degrades collagen.
Dior Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Creme, $70-$110
The key ingredient in this anti-wrinkle cream from Dior’s Capture Totale anti-aging skincare line is longoza, a flower from Madagascar that Dior researchers discovered approximately 20 years ago. According to the company, this ingredient revitalizes skin by boosting fibroblast, collagen, and elastin production, which helps skin look tighter and firmer. The cream is available in three textures — light, rich, and universal — to accommodate various skin types, including sensitive, oily and dry.
SK-II Power Cream, $235
This anti-wrinkle cream from the venerable SK-II brand targets several aging concerns, including loss of elasticity, dryness, wrinkles, and sagging. Like most SK-II products, the main ingredient is pitera. This substance is highly rich in vitamins, minerals, organic acids, and amino acids to truly nourish and revitalize skin.
Pitera is derived from a fermentation process featuring secret ingredients that also include yeast strains. This ingredient was discovered when sake brewers found that they’re beautifully unlined, unaged hands that seemed to be directly a result of the yeast used during the fermentation process. This cream is especially recommended for dry skin as it has a very rich texture.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer, $17.84
Boasting over 14,000 nearly perfect five-star reviews on Amazon, it’s safe to say this wallet-friendly wrinkle cream does what it promises, which is to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. Along with a glucose complex and hydrating hyaluronic acid, it’s retinol (SA) to the rescue once again. In just one week, clinical studies showed that 100% of the women tested saw visible results (reduction in crow’s feet, cheek, and forehead wrinkles).
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Moisture Cream Broad SPF 30, $132
Three key ingredients team up to provide long-lasting hydration and anti-aging benefits in Elizabeth Arden’s Prevage Anti-Aging Moisture Cream — idebenone, thiotaine, and retinyl linoleate. Idebenone is an antioxidant that reduces and helps prevent free radical damage that can significantly degrade the skin. Thiotaine is also an antioxidant that works to make idebenone even stronger. Retinyl linoleate is a vitamin A derivative that softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles via exfoliation. Bonus points for the addition of SPF 30.
Dermalogica Age Smart Super Rich Repair, $89
A thick, rich cream that still absorbs quickly, Dermalogica’s Age Smart Super Rich Repair is a great anti-wrinkle cream for anyone with extremely dry skin. Arginine and palmitoyl tripeptide-5 discourage wrinkle formation and encourage collagen production for smooth, supple skin. Arginine helps calm the muscles responsible for creating forehead wrinkles and other lines that may form around the mouth and eyes. Apple seed extract has been shown in some studies to be effective against wrinkles as well.
Exuviance Age Reverse Night Lift, $79
This anti-wrinkle, anti-aging cream goes to work while you sleep to help you wake up with radiant, glowing skin. Peptides help create the lifting effect in this face-firming wrinkle cream. Palmitoyl oligopeptide and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 firm skin and reduce wrinkles by stimulating collagen synthesis.
Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream, $60
Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream is formulated with collagen-boosting ingredients that get the job done. Copper PCA and calcium PCA help prevent the breakdown of collagen while providing vital moisture. According to Kiehl’s, thanks to these ingredients, elasticity improves by as much as 32%. Apricot kernel oil, softens the skin and helps smooth out wrinkles, while ginkgo biloba and vitamin E guard against environmental stressors like pollution and UV damage.
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream, $125
As the name suggests, this intense, results-driven night cream harnesses the power of an alpha hydroxy acid and a retinoid to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving elasticity and tone. Thanks to SkinBetter’s proprietary retinol technology (and a blend of skin-soothing ingredients), you’ll reap all the benefits minus any irritation. The addition of glycolic acid visibly improves the skin’s texture while stoking the other components to increase efficiency.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $37
Sun exposure is the number one cause of aging skin, so an SPF should be included in your skincare routine daily. The sunscreens from EltaMD are favored by dermatologists and the Skin Cancer foundation alike. This particular version is formulated with niacinamide (vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid, promoting healthy-looking skin while protecting it from harmful UVA/UVB rays. It’s lightweight and suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. It’s your choice if you want to wear it alone or with makeup, but it should always be applied after your moisturizer.
Estée Lauder Advanced Time Zone Night Wrinkle Cream, $85
The main ingredient in this anti-aging cream is the brand’s proprietary Tri-HA Cell Signaling Complex. According to in vitro testing, this superhero ingredient can increase the amount of natural hyaluronic acid in the skin by as much as 182%. Other vital ingredients include hydrating avocado and jojoba seed oils, wrinkle-reducing apple fruit extract and acetyl hexapeptide-8, antioxidant-rich grape seed, watermelon, and cucumber plant extracts. This wrinkle cream is ideal for normal and combination skin and is non-comedogenic.
La Prairie Anti-Aging Night Cream, $255
La Prairie is known for its luxurious formulations, and this anti-wrinkle cream is no exception. The main wrinkle-fighting ingredients are peptides. Hexanoyl dipeptide-3 norleucine acetate is a synthetic peptide that helps overall skin renewal, accelerating the speed at which cells renew to reveal a more refined complexion. It helps clarify skin texture to smooth out rough spots and make wrinkles less noticeable.
Palmitoyl tripeptide-8 soothes the skin by reducing inflammation while acetyl decapeptide-3 stimulates collagen and elastin to make firm, tighten, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, $15
Don’t be fooled by the plain packaging and low price point. Thousands of nearly five-star reviews will tell you that this non-greasy anti-aging moisturizer packs a punch. Dermatologists developed this profoundly hydrating cream for dehydrated skin on the face (including crepey skin under the eyes), but one can also use it on the body.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream boasts a patented MVE Delivery Technology to release a steady stream of hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides throughout the day and night. You’ll immediately notice an improvement in dry, crepey skin — but even more so with continued use.
Dr. Brandt Hyaluronic Facial Cream, $72
Anyone with dry, aging skin knows that if they skimp out on moisturizer just once, their parched facial features pay the price. While we don’t want to give you an excuse to become lazy with your skincare routine, this peptide-packed moisturizer keeps the skin moist and supple for an impressive 72 hours while targeting loss of tone in the process. As the product’s name implies, hyaluronic acid works to hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Cream, $88
This luxurious cream’s secret ingredient is moringa extract, which contains nourishing nutrients like vitamin C to help fade discoloration and hyperpigmentation while promoting collagen synthesis.
Hydrating ingredients in this formula include sodium hyaluronate (the salt of hyaluronic acid, which can retain 1,000 times its weight in water) and squalane. Estée Lauder’s laboratory testing found that 96% of women in the study felt they had firmer skin after just four weeks of consistently using this moisturizer.
Cetaphil Rich Hydrating Night Cream With Hyaluronic Acid, $10.99
Aging skin tends to become thin and delicate. Yet, you can rest assured knowing this gentle and cost-effective wrinkle cream has been dermatologist tested and clinically proven to be safe for sensitive skin. It’s chock-full of nourishing, non-comedogenic ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, sweet almond oil, glyceryl stearate, along with vitamin E to help ward off UV damage.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Face Cream, $215
Dr. Barbara Sturm has a cult-like following for her pricey yet effective products. Her Face Cream is a rich, highly moisturizing product with ingredients like panthenol, squalane, and shea butter, as well as several antioxidants to help protect against free radical cell damage.
The key ingredient in this moisturizer is Dr. Sturm’s signature purslane, an herbaceous plant that reportedly has regenerative properties. According to Dr. Sturm herself, “Purslane protects the DNA of the cells from age-related dysfunction, thereby maintaining the cells’ repair function and strengthening them with the natural antioxidant system contained in these compounds.”
Chanel Le Lift Crème, $170
A trusted and revered company, Chanel knows a thing or two about beauty. The Le Lift line was specifically created to target the most apparent signs of aging — wrinkles and sagging. The key ingredient of this firming face cream is dicaffeoylquinic acid, or 3.5-DA, derived from the Edulis morning glory. Chanel researchers labored for 12 years to isolate this potent extract that promotes collagen synthesis to improve skin elasticity.
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, $33.49
This anti-wrinkle cream is one of the most popular products by Olay. Also known as “The Red Jar,” Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is said to diminish wrinkles and fine lines starting day one visibly. Over time, this cream is said to leave skin hydrated, soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and firm the look of skin with plumping hydration. The key ingredients in this cream include glycerin, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate, a peptide, and niacinamide.
Tula Skincare Beauty Sleep, $64
Before we get into why this night cream truly lives up to its name, let’s talk a little bit about Tula’s mathematics: probiotics + superfoods = glow. All of the brand’s products are formulated with these ingredients to ensure that your skin’s microbiome remains balanced. Beauty Sleep is Tula’s most potent cream. It’s also formulated with alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve texture and tone, and brighten the skin’s appearance. While nothing truly replaces a solid 7-8 hours of sleep, this night cream comes pretty darn close.
Best Wrinkle Cream: The Bottom Line
What is the best wrinkle cream on the market? Overall, we suggest Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer.
The best anti-wrinkle cream need not empty your wallet. Still, it should be formulated with evidence-based ingredients like retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin C to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles effectively.
Consider your skin type and age before settling on a formula. What works in your 30s isn’t going to have the same effect in your 40s or 50s. You’ll need a more potent formula that contains additional ingredients to target the progressive signs of age.
What’s the best wrinkle cream, in your opinion? Let us know in the comments below!
FURTHER QUESTIONS
We typically start to see the first signs of age in our 30s — maybe even our 20s depending on lifestyle and skincare habits — so the answer is, the sooner, the better as prevention will make it just a little bit easier to take care of your skin later in life. Just be sure to choose an anti-wrinkle cream suitable for your age, skin type, and condition as mentioned above.
If you’re wondering if you should use a cream or a serum, the answer is “both.” Serums and creams perform different functions, and to get the optimal anti-aging benefit, they should be used together.
A serum is lightweight, water-based, and quickly absorbed into the skin. Because serums don’t contain thickeners and fats like a moisturizer, they are highly concentrated- which means they deliver a hefty dose of skin-healthy ingredients right where you need it. Serums are often called the workhorses of a skincare routine as they do the heavy lifting.
Wrinkles are a normal part of the aging process and a multitude of factors cause them. As the Cleveland Clinic notes, the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) starts to thin as we get older. The dermis is made up of elastin and collagen, which give the skin firmness and support, so as it weakens, wrinkles are more prominent.
Older skin also retains less moisture and takes longer to heal, which all contribute to wrinkles. Other factors which accelerate the aging process include sun exposure, smoking, dehydration, and repeated facial movements.
There is no single product that can solve every anti-aging concern. The best approach to skincare is a multi-prong one, using multiple types of products such as creams, serums, and spot treatments.
If you had to boil down an anti-aging skincare routine to the basics, it would include a moisturizer, sunscreen, serum, toner, spot treatment, and night cream. Still, it makes sense to identify the ingredients needed first and then find the appropriate product that contains them.
While you can certainly use two different moisturizers for day and night, it’s all up to personal preference. If you prefer to have fewer steps in your routine, you may want a cream that contains sun protection during the day. However, if you’re already using separate SPF and serums, one moisturizer may be all you need.
Wrinkles are categorized into expression lines, elastic wrinkles, gravitational folds, dry wrinkles, compression lines, and crinkle lines or atrophic crinkling rhytids.
Nothing can completely reverse deep wrinkles, but an anti-aging cream formulated with the ingredients mentioned above and prescription retinoids, glycolic acid, deep peels, dermabrasion, and laser resurfacing can minimize wrinkles’ appearance.
Dermatologists tend to prescribe a . 05% tretinoin cream for patients, which provides a good balance between optimal results and a tolerable level of dryness, peeling, and other side effects.
Sources:
“62% of Americans Use Anti-Aging Products Daily,” PR Newswire.
“Wrinkle Creams: Your Guide to Younger-Looking Skin,” Mayo Clinic.
“Do Retinoids Really Reduce Wrinkles,” Harvard Health Publishing.
“Hyaluronic Acid: A Key Molecule in Skin Aging,” US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.
“Wrinkles and Aging Skin,” Cleveland Clinic.