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The 22 Best Anti-Aging Moisturizers

Keep wrinkles, dull skin, and age spots at bay with these age-defying formulas.

By Katie Intner
anti aging moisturizers
Courtesy

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

  • 1
    The Rich Cream with TFC8® Face Moisturizer

    Best Pro Pick

    Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream with TFC8® Face Moisturizer

    $290 at Sephora
    Read more
  • 2
    Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream with Ashwagandha + Reishi

    Best for Calming

    Youth To The People Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream with Ashwagandha + Reishi

    Read more
  • 3
    Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

    Best Retinol Moisturizer

    Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

    Read more
  • 4
    Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

    Best for Oily Skin

    Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

    Read more
  • 5
    Hydraboost Rescue Creme

    Best Hydrating Moisturizer

    Hydraboost Rescue Creme

    Read more

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

The Rich Cream with TFC8® Face Moisturizer
1
Best Pro Pick

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream with TFC8® Face Moisturizer

$290 at Sephora
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 TypeDry, Mature
    IngredientsPatented 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

    Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream with Ashwagandha + Reishi
    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 IngredientsSqualane, Ashwagandha, Fermented Reishi
      Skin TypeNormal and Dry
      3
      Best Retinol Moisturizer

      Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

      Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
      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 IngredientsRetinol, Bakuchiol, Rambutan, and Ferulic acid
      Skin TypeNormal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
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      4
      Best for Oily Skin

      Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

      Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream
      4
      Best for Oily Skin

      Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

      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 IngredientsGinseng, squalane, glycerin
        Skin TypeAll skin types
        5
        Best Hydrating Moisturizer

        Hydraboost Rescue Creme

        Hydraboost Rescue Creme
        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 IngredientsSea whip extract, Red marine algae, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Niacinamide, Passion fruit extract
          Skin TypeNormal, Mature
          6
          Best for Mature Skin

          Yon-Ka Excellence Code Creme

          Excellence Code Creme
          6
          Best for Mature Skin

          Yon-Ka Excellence Code Creme

          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 IngredientsAvocado oil, red algae extract, Milk thistle, Vitamin A
          Skin TypesDry, Mature
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          7
          Best for Dull Skin

          Aramore Skincare NAD+ Cell Energizing Face Moisturizer

          NAD+ Cell Energizing Face Moisturizer
          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 IngredientsCaffeine, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid
            Skin TypesDry, Sensitive, Oily
            8
            Best for Brightening Moisturizer

            Paula' Choice Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer

            Ceramide-Enriched Firming Moisturizer
            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 TypeAll Skin Types
              9
              Best for Premature Aging

              Fresh Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream

              Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream
              9
              Best for Premature Aging

              Fresh Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream

              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 IngredientsSqualane, Ceramides, Pink porcelain lily, BT Matrix
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                10
                Best Daily Moisturizer

                Sisley All Day All Year

                All Day All Year
                10
                Best Daily Moisturizer

                Sisley All Day All Year

                Pros
                • Protects against UVA and UVB rays
                Cons

                  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 IngredientMarshmallow polysaccharides, Myrtle extract, Sesame seed extract, shea butter, glycerin, white willow leaf extract, Dandelion extract
                  Skin TypeAll skin types
                  11
                  Best Drugstore Pick

                  Olay Retinol 24 + Peptide Night Moisturizer

                  Retinol 24 + Peptide Night Moisturizer
                  11
                  Best Drugstore Pick

                  Olay Retinol 24 + Peptide Night Moisturizer

                  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 IngredientRetinol, Niacinamide, Amino peptides
                    Skin TypeAll skin types
                    12
                    Best Firming Moisturizer

                    Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer

                    Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer
                    12
                    Best Firming Moisturizer

                    Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer

                    Credit: .
                    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 IngredientsPeptides, Growth factors, Vitamin B
                      Skin TypesNormal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
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                      13
                      Best Moisturizer with SPF

                      Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Face Cream With SPF 30

                      Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Face Cream With SPF 30
                      13
                      Best Moisturizer with SPF

                      Lancôme Rénergie Lift Multi-Action Ultra Face Cream With SPF 30

                      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 IngredientsLip Hydroxy Acid (LHAs), Jojoba oil, Hyaluronic acid derivative,
                        14
                        Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

                        Tatcha The Water Cream

                        The Water Cream
                        14
                        Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin

                        Tatcha The Water Cream

                        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 IngredientsJapanese wild rose, Japanese leopard lily, green tea, rice, algae
                          Skin TypeOily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal
                          15
                          Best for Oily Skin

                          Dr. Diamond's Metacine InstaFacial® Emulsion

                          InstaFacial® Emulsion
                          15
                          Best for Oily Skin

                          Dr. Diamond's Metacine InstaFacial® Emulsion

                          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 IngredientsHyroxypinacolone Retinoate, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid Complex
                            Skin TypeAll Skin Types
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                            16
                            Best Retinol Cream

                            PerriconeMD High Potency Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturizer

                            High Potency Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturizer
                            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 IngredientsRetinol, Shea Butter, Squalane, Olive Oil, Jojoba
                              Skin TypeDry, Normal, Oily
                              17
                              Best Drugstore Pick

                              L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer

                              Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
                              17
                              Best Drugstore Pick

                              L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer

                              Now 29% Off
                              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 IngredientHyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C, Pro-Retinol
                                Skin TypesAll Skin Types
                                18
                                Best Gel Cream

                                La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream

                                Skin Caviar Luxe Cream
                                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 IngredientsCaviar Extract
                                Skin TypesDry, Mature
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                                19
                                Best Drugstore with SPF Pick

                                Olay Regenerist Whip Facial Moisturizer - SPF 25

                                Regenerist Whip Facial Moisturizer - SPF 25
                                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 IngredientsNiacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Amino Peptides
                                  Skin TypeNormal, Combination, Oily
                                  20
                                  Best Splurge Pick

                                  La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizer

                                  Crème de la Mer Moisturizer
                                  20
                                  Best Splurge Pick

                                  La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizer

                                  Credit: .
                                  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 TypeDry
                                  Key IngredientsMiracle Broth, Algae
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