You can be in your 20s and dolloping on SPF daily. Or, you can be in your 50s and want to know how to mitigate the appearance of fine lines. The common link? The desire to focus on anti-aging — and it begins with a skincare regimen that works for you.
“In addition to moisturizing, wrinkle creams are meant to target specific signs of aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity,” Lauren Penzi, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MCDS Dermatology on Long Island, told the New York Post. “They contain specific ingredients that stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture or reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
While supplementary ingredients vary to add to the creaminess or bounciness of a moisturizer, there are a few key ingredients to scope out when wanting to relinquish wrinkles.
“Retinol is the gold standard ingredient in wrinkles creams, addressing skin texture and tone, fine lines and wrinkles, and to enhance collagen production for overall skin improvement,” Howard Sobel, MD, clinical attending dermatologic surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital, told The Post. “Hyaluronic acid helps to plump the skin, locking in moisture and strengthening the skin barrier for younger-looking skin. Niacinamide, vitamin C and bakuchiol increase skin-brightening, bringing more radiance to skin, too.”
Ahead, we outlined the best wrinkle creams — all approved by our team of board-certified dermatologists. Plus, check out our in-depth FAQ section for more anti-aging tips and what to know.
Click to jump to a specific category:
- Best Wrinkle Cream Overall
- Best Value Wrinkle Creams
- Best Wrinkle Creams Worth the Splurge
- Best Creams for Deep Wrinkles
- Best Wrinkle Creams with Retinol
- Best Wrinkle Creams with SPF
- Best Wrinkle Creams for Acne-Prone Skin
- Best Wrinkle Creams for Dry Skin
- Best Wrinkle Cream for Oily Skin
- Best Wrinkle Creams for Sensitive Skin
- Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Best Wrinkle Cream Overall
Olay Regenerist Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer
“The Olay Regenerist Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer contains a blend of its proprietary retinoid complex, along with niacinamide and amino peptides, that help to revive and rejuvenate the skin.” Dr. Penzi explains. “It penetrates deep into then skin surface to address many concerns including fine lines and wrinkles, smoothness, brightness, firming, dark spots and pores.”
Moreover, it also hydrates the skin and help to maintain the natural skin barrier, with Olay being Penzi’s “favorite drugstore brand for retinol.”
We’ve also tried this product and love how it’s suitable for any age — in your 20s or in your 60s alike (yes, our moms have stolen this tub!)
Dr. Sobel also recommends this wrinkle cream as it “contains a combination of wrinkle-reducing peptides, retinol and niacinamide to improve the look of pores, brighten dark spots and improve skin elasticity,” much to what Penzi echoes as well.
Best Value Wrinkle Creams
Sonage Skincare Refixation Sans Retinol Crème
“If retinol is too harsh or irritating for your skin, try the Sonage Skincare Refixation Sans Retinol Crème,” Nazanin Saedi, MD, board-certified dermatologist, told The Post. “It’s formulated with bakuchiol — a gentle, plant-based, alternative to retinol — that delivers similar benefits to retinol, but without the irritation and sensitivity.”
Additionally, this formulation also includes ceramides and peptides to help protect and hydrate the skin and boost collagen production.
The INKEY List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer
“This is a remarkably affordable moisturizer that helps nourish and balance skin with squalane while helping to gently smooth wrinkles with bakuchiol,” Ryan Turner, MD, board-certified NYC dermatologist and co-founder of TRNR Skin, told The Post.
It’s also a suitable option for normal skin (when your skin is not dry nor oily, for the most part). It also helps target uneven texture in addition to anti-aging.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream
“This anti-wrinkle face cream with retinol and hyaluronic acid helps to both moisturize and smooth out the skin,” Penzi notes, recommending the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream.
More benefits? It’s just shy of $30 when you order it online and it’s also fragrance-free to appeal to sensitive skin.
La Roche-Posay Substiane Riche Anti-Aging Cream
“This is a daily anti-aging cream for mature skin that combats signs of skin laxity and helps replenish skin’s bounce,” Penzi says. “This intensely moisturizing formula helps skin feel firmer and tighter.”
The La Roche-Posay Substiane Riche Anti-Aging Cream also contains shea butter for an enhanced soothing feel while helping to prevent skin sagging simultaneously.
L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream
“The L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renewal Midnight Cream is an overnight cream with antioxidants and Vitamin E,” Penzi explains, recommending the wrinkle cream. “It helps to repair the skin barrier at night when skin is most receptive to recovery.”
Above all, it also helps to smooth wrinkles and firm and improve radiance. More than 1,000 shoppers are hooked on this formula on Amazon alone, thanks to how it aids in mitigating puffy under-eyes, too.
Best Wrinkle Creams Worth the Splurge
Dr. Brandt Needles No More Wrinkle Smoothing Cream
“The Dr. Brandt Needles No More Wrinkle Smoothing Cream is an injectable-inspired skincare solution designed to target and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines,” Penzi highlights, recommending the product as a splurge worth making. “It’s formulated to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, provide hydration and improve the overall texture of your skin.”
Moreover, its key ingredients include lactic and glycolic acid and neuropeptides, among others.
ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology
Two of our dermatologist experts recommend the ALASTIN Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology — a splurge, but worth it. “It includes ALASTIN’s TriHex Technology and peptides to help support and boost the production of collagen and elastin,” Dr. Saedi says. “It also contains niacinamide to help hydrate and protect the skin.
Sobel likes how it “helps brighten and lift [the] skin while addressing other visible signs of aging,” with a combination of silver mushroom, niacinamide and collagen-building peptides.
BABOR Triple Pro Retinol Renewal Cream
“The BABOR Triple Pro Retinol Renewal Cream uses three types of retinol to address hyperpigmentation and wrinkles,” Sobel shares, recommending the luxe cream. “Its plant-based bakuchiol refines skin texture and improves skin firmness.”
Saedi also recommends the same wrinkle cream, as it’s packed with anti-aging ingredients. “Retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A), bakuchiol (a vegan, plant-based alternative to retinol) and niacinamide” are all checkmarks in this formulation’s favor.
Revision Skincare DEJ Daily Boosting Serum
“This feels very lightweight, almost silky and absorbs quickly,” Saedi says, recommending the Revision Skincare DEJ Daily Boosting Serum. “It leaves your skin feeling soft and hydrated, and you’ll notice softer lines after regular use.”
We personally love Revision Skincare, too, and the quality is noticeable the second it’s topped onto your skin. “I like to use this in the morning as an alternative to a thicker moisturizer when my skin needs a boost of hydration, but it’s thirsty enough for something more,” she adds.
Best Creams for Deep Wrinkles
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream
“The Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream is a powerful overnight cream with actives like retinol and swertia flower that visibly minimize wrinkles and restore your skin’s smooth texture,” Penzi says. She also notes that results can be seen in as little as one to two months.
What’s more, its Retinol Tri-Active Technology is said to help fight lines and wrinkles more quickly than usual as fast-acting retinoids are characteristic of its proprietary blend.
StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Wrinkle Recode Moisture Rich Barrier Cream
“This is a great option for someone looking to fight wrinkles as it treats existing skin damage with retinol while defending it against future damage with SPF 30,” Dr. Turner shares, recommending the product.
The StriVectin Anti-Wrinkle Wrinkle Recode Moisture Rich Barrier Cream is also one Sobel stands by, as it “deeply hydrates with shea butter and ceramides that plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Because it contains pumpkin seed oil, fatty acids and antioxidants, you’ll experience a trifecta of skin elasticity-improving ingredients as well.
Clinique Smart Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Age Transformer Duo
“This formula features multiple peptides to help repair and renew skin, gentle AHA lactic acid to help resurface and a blend of plant extracts and caffeine to help provide a temporary tightening effect,” Turner shares, recommending the Clinique Smart Clinical MD Multi-Dimensional Age Transformer Duo.
Just shy of $75, its a pretty dense cream that makes it a top choice to help relinquish deep wrinkles when used consistently.
Best Wrinkle Creams with Retinol
Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment
“In addition to retinol, the Paula’s Choice CLINICAL 1% Retinol Treatment contains soothing oat, willow bark and licorice extracts, making it ideal for sensitive skin,” Penzi shares, highlighting the product as a quality, retinol-leading ingredient.
Additionally, it also contains a triple peptide blend that enhances its efficacy in fighting signs of aging. With consistent use, you’ll notice firmer-looking skin as well.
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
“This product contains 1.0% retinol in its formulation to help increase its efficacy but take care when integrating it into your routine, perhaps starting every other night,” Turner advises. “It also is boosted with peptides to amplify the wrinkle-fighting results.”
Not to mention, we can’t shy away from Drunk Elephant. Read our full brand review for more on why the brand is worth it, along with our review to the new Bora Barrier Repair Cream.
Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion
Penzi swears by the Gold Bond Age Renew Retinol Overnight Body & Face Lotion because it’s “one of the few options that is meant for both body as well as face.” Specifically, it has a powerful retinol and peptide complex that exfoliates to support the skin’s renewal process.
“It has seven intensive moisturizers and three vitamins that provide 24-hour hydration, and works to infuse moisture-rich nutrients with your skin while you sleep,” she adds.
For more options, check out our guide to the best body lotions.
IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-in-Cream
“This product contains two forms of retinol, both traditional retinol and encapsulated retinol, the latter of which absorbs more slowly into skin to penetrate more deeply to deliver advanced results,” Turner explains. As a whole, it applies more lightweight than some others due to its second-skin, serum feel.
To make this formulation even more spectacular, you’ll appreciate how it contains skin-boosting ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin B5 and vitamin E — in addition to superstar ingredient retinol.
Best Wrinkle Creams with SPF
RoC MULTI CORRECTION Even Tone + Lift Chest, Neck & Face Cream with SPF 30
“This product has a lovely, lightweight formula that can be used on the face, neck and chest area,” Penzi shares, explaining how the versatility of the RoC MULTI CORRECTION Even Tone + Lift Chest, Neck & Face Cream with SPF 30 can even double as a neck cream.
“It improves the appearance of sagging, dryness, dull skin tone and wrinkles while boosting overall radiance,” she adds. “It contains SPF 30 to protect against future sun damage as well.”
Unlike the others, Penzi recommends applying this product in the morning. “It’s great for someone who is short on time and wants to apply an all-in-one product that can be used daily to moisturize, protect and prevent aging on the face, chest and neck,” she says.
Best Wrinkle Creams for Acne-Prone Skin
Peter Thomas Roth Ultimate Solution 5 Multitasking Moisturizer
“I like that this product contains multiple AHAs to help brighten and smooth skin as well as peptides to promote firmness and elasticity, plus moisturizing ceramides and plant oils,” Turner says, recommending the Peter Thomas Roth Ultimate Solution 5 Multitasking Moisturizer.
The golden question: Why is it suitable for acne-prone skin? Because this formulation contains salicylic acid, it’ll help quell any blemishes and help fade acne scars.
We also recommend picking up the brand’s Max Vitamin D-Fense Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 ($42) to follow this wrinkle cream. Prevent and protect.
Olay Age Defying Night Cream
“If you have inflamed or acne-prone skin, try this,” Saedi recommends. “Olay’s Age Defying Night Cream contains niacinamide (vitamin B3), glycerin, vitamin B5 and Vitamin E.”
That said, this wrinkle cream will pull moisture into the skin, calm down inflammation, and help with cell turnover. “The vitamin E will soothe any active inflammation,” Saedi concludes.
Best Wrinkle Creams for Dry Skin
Sonage Skincare A Plus Longevity Complex
The Sonage Skincare A Plus Longevity Complex is one Sobel recommends, as it’s jam-packed with vitamin A, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C to “moisturize, brighten your skin’s complexion and plump the skin as an end result.”
What’s more, it’s said to provide “intense, continuous hydration” because of its hyaluronic acid inclusion, making it a suitable pick for dry skin.
OLEHENRIKSEN Dewtopia 5% AHA Firming Night Crème
“In this formula, a five percent blend of AHAs glycolic and lactic acid help to gently resurface skin while you sleep, while nourishing shea butter helps you wake up to moisturized, plumper skin,” Turner explains, recommending the OLEHENRIKSEN Dewtopia 5% AHA Firming Night Crème.
We’ve had the opportunity to try this formulation on our dry skin and it’s *fantastic* (not to mention, OLEHENRIKSEN is one of the best skincare brands we reviewed). Truly, it’s worth every penny — and its anti-aging benefits make you feel good about your purchase, too.
Best Wrinkle Cream for Oily Skin
Jack Black Line Smoother 8% Glycolic Acid Treatment Oil-Free Moisturizer
If you’re looking for a fairly priced wrinkle cream that contains zero traces of oil and is gentle on the skin, the Jack Black Line Smoother 8% Glycolic Acid Treatment Oil-Free Moisturizer is one of our expert’s top picks.
“The star of this moisturizer is glycolic acid, which is one of my favorite AHAs for resurfacing the skin,” Turner notes, recommending the product. “It’s also oil-free, making it ideal for oily and acne-prone complexions.”
Best Wrinkle Creams for Sensitive Skin
CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream with SPF 30
CeraVe is a solid drugstore find by a brand many dermatologists have recommended to patients — including Turner.
“It contains encapsulated retinol and nourishing ceramides, which help protect against the potentially irritating effects of retinol while shielding skin from future damage with SPF 30,” he notes. Not to mention, we’ve loved the brand every time we’ve tried its soothing formulations.
Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Creme
“The Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Creme is formulated to protect against the damaging effects of free radicals and also firms and moisturizes for softer, smoother skin,” Penzi says. This anti-wrinkle face moisturizer is enriched with antioxidants, vitamin E and beta-carotene to help boost the skin’s overall feel.
More, this anti-wrinkle face cream is one of the best for sensitive skin, as Penzi tell us, and “can be used alone or under makeup.”
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Cream
“Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Cream is formulated with peptides to strengthen the skin, as well as algae extract that aids in collagen formation,” Sobel explains.
Based on our testing, Clinique is one of the best brands for sensitive skin (with a reputation as such) and always whips out formulas that apply gently and smoothly onto the skin’s surface.
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Fragrance-Free Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
Behold, a wrinkle cream for less than $25: the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Fragrance-Free Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer.
“This Revitalift moisturizer feels incredibly nice on the skin and combines three of my favorite anti-aging ingredients: pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C!” Saedi shares. “It will hydrate, plump, protect and help improve the signs of aging.”
Above all, Saedi says it’s “a good choice for sensitive skin types because it’s unscented, paraben-free, dye-free, and allergy-tested.”
Best Eye Cream for Wrinkles
Grande Cosmetics GrandeREVIVE Brightening Eye Cream with Wrinkle Defense
If you’re looking to buy a new eye cream with a focus on anti-aging and helping to mitigate those wrinkles, we have our expert-recommended pick for you.
“The GrandeREVIVE Brightening Eye Cream hydrates, illuminates and reduces puffiness with a peptide blend of Hexapeptide-11, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1,” Sobel explains.
Additionally, it even helps protect against the harmful effects of blue light (aka, a miracle worker if you look at a screen for the majority of the day).
An FAQ on Wrinkle Creams
Ahead, our team of board-certified dermatologists best explain what to look for in a quality wrinkle cream, how to use them and more.
What ingredients should I look for in a wrinkle cream?
“The most common ingredient for wrinkle creams is topical retinoids, which tend to exfoliate the skin and also stimulate collagen over time,” Keniya Kobets, MD, director, cosmetic dermatology, and assistant professor, dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein, told the New York Post. “Vitamin C and its derivatives have also been proven to stimulate collagen and elastin in the skin. Other ingredients like copper peptides also can be used for anti-aging.”
More, hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid tend to increase hydration the skin and make the skin appear more plump — and, most importantly, help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Be sure to note that topical retinoids and some vitamin C derivatives can be irritating and should be using caution with sensitive skin and dry skin, per Dr. Kobetts.
Oh, and we didn’t forget about superstar ingredient, retinol. “Retinols help to increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Penzi says. “It’s not ideal for those with dry or sensitive skin, as these can be drying and irritating with initial use, especially depending on strength or formula.
Editor’s note: Based on our testing, start with a small concentration of retinol, ideally 1%.
“Skin sensitivity is a major factor that determines which ingredients you incorporate into your anti-aging routine,” Turner adds. “If you have very sensitive skin, look for products with low concentrations of these actives when starting to add them into your regimen; you may want at first to avoid retinol altogether starting with other actives or consider starting a retinol alone and build up your skin’s tolerance.”
How to apply wrinkle cream step by step, per dermatologists
After cleansing and applying your skin serum of choice, apply wrinkle cream to the forehead, cheekbones and chin using circular movements in a lifting motion, according to Sobel. “Additional cream can be added to the neck and décolleté in an upward sweeping motion,” he adds.
According to Saedi, a moisturizer or wrinkle cream should be the last step of your skincare routine. “It will seal in the benefits of any serums or ingredients you applied before it,” she adds. “The total amount you use should be about the size of a quarter.”
How often should I apply wrinkle cream?
“For best results, wrinkle cream should be applied at least once daily yet may be used twice daily pending the active ingredients and their concentrations,” Turner advises. “Look for a product that also contains sunscreen for morning use.”
Penzi echoes the same sentiment. “Ideally, wrinkle creams should be applied once daily, but because they often contain powerful active ingredients, it’s possible that daily can be too strong or irritating; about four times per week may be more realistic, especially for those with dry, sensitive skin.”
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