6 Anti-Aging Creams That Really Work, According to Dermatologists (2024)

$29.48 at Walmart

Best overall

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Cream

$29.48 at Walmart

Want to look better in photos? Start by choosing an anti-aging cream that puts your best face forward, like this Rapid Wrinkle Repair, which leaves skin soft and glowing. Neutrogena touts itself as dermatologist-recommended for a reason. “They actually test the skin and have clinical trials to make sure [products] are working,” says board-certified dermatologist Edidiong Kaminska, MD, founder of Kaminska Dermatology. “As physicians, we like data; we like evidence-based medicine.”

This anti-aging cream uses retinol and hyaluronic acid to smooth out wrinkles and make the skin look plump and youthful. Further turn your face into a real-life filter with these makeup tricks to look youngerand this affordable concealer that has 110,000+ rave reviews on Amazon.

$17.44 at Amazon

Best budget

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

$17.44 at Amazon

This CeraVe anti-aging cream is known for its “ceramides,” but what exactly are those? “Ceramides protect the skin and also help to lock in moisture,” explains Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “When skin is dry, fine lines and wrinkles will be more noticeable.”

This ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid-packed product is ideal for when the temperature starts to drop and your skin starts losing moisture. It has a non-comedogenic light and non-greasy formulation, and it’s a top drugstore beauty buy and one of the best night creams doctors swear by.

$19.95 at Amazon

Best anti-aging cream on Amazon

Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer

$19.95 at Amazon

Do your skincare goals involve increased skin elasticity and improved skin firmness? Then Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is the moisturizer for you. Powered by peptides, vitamin B and hyaluronic acid, this super-hydrating formula deeply penetrates the skin and can, according to Dr. Westley, “offset dryness caused by the aging process as well as other anti-aging products.”

Bonus: This fast-absorbing, non-greasy option has an SPF 30, so it helps protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Plus, you can’t beat the price. Start with one of these affordable face serums for the ultimate budget-friendly routine.

$19.89 at Amazon

Best night cream

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream

$19.89 at Amazon

Battling deep wrinkles? More than 19,000 Amazon shoppers swear by RoC Correxion Night Cream. “It contains retinol, which reduces the look of lines and deep wrinkles while you sleep,” says Dr. Jaliman. “It helps fade dark spots and lifts and firms the skin.”

“Retinol and squalane help with fine lines and wrinkles and the shea butter and glycerin help keep skin moisturized,” she explains. There’s also vitamin C to even out skin tone and improve pigment. Now that you have the best wrinkle cream, be sure you’re starting your day with the best face wash.

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Best splurge

Beverly Hills MD Lift + Firm Sculpting Cream

Shop on Beverly Hills MD

When you think of splurging, things like first-class flights and caviar come to mind, right? Well, Beverly Hills MD’s Lift + Firm Sculpting Cream has one of these indulgences built right in: caviar extract! This luxe ingredient helps support healthy collagen and elastin levels.

The anti aging skin care formula helps tighten, firm and lift your face and neck without harsh ingredients that could lead to dry or flaky skin. When applying, be sure to massage into your skin in an upward, circular motion—the product is lightweight, but you’ll feel a subtle lifting and tightening sensation. We know it’s pricey, so check out these outfits tricks to look instantly younger—no purchase necessary.

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Best anti-aging hand cream

Cashmere Moon Whipped Hand Lotion

Shop on Cashmere Moon

The condition of your hands is often a telltale sign of your age, so whip your hands into shape with Cashmere Moon’s hydrating hand cream. The lightweight formula won’t leave your palms greasy, but will help heal cracked cuticles and knuckles thanks to the inclusion of moisturizing aloe vera and shea butter.

The formula also contains vitamin C to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and vitamin E for increased firmness. Check out more hand creams with nearly perfect reviews to add to your beauty arsenal.

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$150 at Amazon

$185 at SkinCeuticals ACD

Best clinical-strength hand cream

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Face Cream

$150 at Amazon

$185 at SkinCeuticals ACD

While the price of SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced face cream may seem steep, it justifies its cost with a formula built from 15 years of glycation research. This clinically-backed cream smooths wrinkles, firms and plumps your skin—practically reversing aging signs.

Using biologically active ingredients like concentrated proxylane, wild fruit flavonoids, glycyrrhetinic acid, hepes and niacinamide, this cream repairs skin damage from within, making it a standout secret weapon in the fight against aging.

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What to consider when buying an anti-aging cream

When selecting the best anti-aging skincare, check ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, peptides, antioxidants, niacinamide, squalene or hyaluronic acid, which indicate quality. However, combining all these ingredients isn’t always ideal since skincare should be tailored to your needs.

“One or two active ingredients in a product are fine,” says Dr. Jaliman. “An anti-aging product with two or three active ingredients does not necessarily mean it will be more effective than a product with just one.”

Next, consider your budget. You can find highly effective products under $20 at drugstores or on Amazon—price doesn’t always determine quality. Finally, know whether the product is for daytime or nighttime use to avoid sunburn, especially with ingredients like retinol that increase sun sensitivity.

Anti-aging creams are often formulated for specific areas like the neck, hands, eyes or face, while others can be used on the whole body. You might also see the term “wrinkle cream” on products with the same anti-aging purpose.

• Retinol: Promotes cell turnover and reduces wrinkles
• Hyaluronic acid: Hydrates deeply and plumps skin
• Peptides: Boost collagen production for better elasticity
• Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E brighten and protect from environmental damage
• Niacinamide: Soothes and improves skin texture
• Ceramides: Restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier

Skin type compatibility

To ensure anti-aging creams work effectively, match the product to your skin type—whether dry, oily, sensitive or combination. Certain ingredients perform better on specific types; for example, retinol suits oily skin while hyaluronic acid works well for dry skin. Brands often indicate this on packaging or websites but sometimes it may take additional research.

Look for phrases like “best for dry/oily/combination skin.” Phrases like “deep moisturizing” usually signal suitability for dry skin. You can also turn to online resources, reviews or expert recommendations to confirm if a product matches your skin type.

Effectiveness for specific concerns

Texture and absorption

Though called anti-aging “creams,” these products actually come in three textures: creams, gels and serums. Creams are thick and similar to lotions, gels are water-based with a semi-solid texture like aloe vera and serums, either water- or oil-based, are lighter and more fluid.

Richer textures like creams and gels work well for dry skin, while lighter serums suit oily or combination skin. Remember that richer products absorb more slowly than lighter formulations.

Price and budget

Effectiveness often comes down to ingredients, so generic brands can be just as effective as expensive ones if they contain the same active ingredients in similar percentages. Comparing labels is useful, especially when shopping on a budget.

Remember that skincare products expire, even if not marked. Over time, active ingredients lose potency. To avoid wasting money, buy only what you need and check expiration dates online when uncertain.

Environmental and ethical considerations

Beyond ingredients and effectiveness, also consider a product’s environmental impact and ethical standards, like cruelty-free practices. Some products use sustainable ingredients and processes, identified by certifications from organizations like the Soil Association, Nature & Progress, FSC or B Corp.

Many cosmetics are tested on animals, but cruelty-free options can be identified by certifications from PETA, Leaping Bunny or Cruelty Free International. Products labeled “vegan” are usually cruelty-free, but verifying this claim is wise as oversight can be limited.

Why you should trust us

Nicole Young, a respected lifestyle journalist and health advocate, has built a vibrant career writing for top outlets like The NY Post, USA Weekend, The Daily Mail, In Touch Weekly, Life + Style Weekly and Honeysuckle Magazine. She has also created and hosted on-air content for major networks including E! News, ABC World News Now, The MSG Network, The PIX11 Morning News, Good Day Philadelphia, Let’s Talk Live and NBC11 Atlanta & Co.

Jill Schildhouse is an award-winning travel writer and editor with 23 years of experience. She covers travel, cruises and hospitality for Reader’s Digest and frequently contributes to Travel + Leisure, Brides, TripSavvy, Insider, USA Today, Taste of Home and Southern Living.

We consulted several seasoned, highly qualified dermatologists to ensure this article was medically sound and contained only the best advice. Our expert panel includes Sapna Westley, MD (a board-certified dermatologist), Edidiong Kaminska, MD (a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Kaminska Dermatology), Debra Jaliman, MD (a board-certified dermatologist and author of kin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist) and Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD (a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology).

Sean Tirman, Content Updates Editor at Reader’s Digest, updated and contributed research to this piece. Sean has written shopping guides since 2016 and is a former associate editor at Gear Patrol.

How we chose the best anti-aging cream

As mentioned, we consulted four board-certified dermatologists while creating this anti-aging cream guide and took their recommendations seriously. We also selected products from reputable brands and weighed user reviews to gauge the average experience. With this thorough process, we confidently present our final list of the best anti-aging creams available.

FAQs

Do anti-aging creams really work?

Yes, but results depend on ingredients and consistent use.

“Anti-aging creams generally contain active ingredients that help skin cell regeneration and boost collagen production,” says Dr. Jaliman. “They improve skin texture and moisturize to plump the skin and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.”

It’s also important to take a comprehensive approach to anti-aging. Remember, “you are what you eat.” These eight foods help prevent wrinkles, and stylish accessories and chic hairstyles can make you look younger.

What ingredients are best for anti-aging?

When choosing products, look for ingredients like retinoids (vitamin A compounds that help reduce fine lines and wrinkles), vitamin C (ascorbic acid, an antioxidant that protects from wrinkle-causing free radicals), peptides (which stimulate collagen production) and niacinamide (an antioxidant related to vitamin B-3 that helps improve elasticity).

Alternatively, says dermatologist Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, bakuchiol is a gentle alternative for anyone who finds retinoids too strong. “Bakuchiol is derived from a plant native to India, which has been shown to induce collagen production, improve pigmentation and improve elasticity without causing irritation or dryness.”

When should you apply an anti-aging cream?

“You shouldn’t use products with acids and retinol simultaneously,” explains Dr. Jaliman. “If you’re using retinol, apply it at night and use acid-based products in the daytime. Using them together can cause irritation, redness and dryness.”

For the correct order of skincare products, she advises: cleanser, toner, serum and finally, anti-aging cream.

How soon do anti-aging creams work?