Our top picks fade signs of aging.
There’s lots to celebrate about getting older, but there’s no denying the enduring popularity of anti-aging products. Let’s be real—even the best wrinkle creams won’t make you look years younger overnight. They work best when used consistently over time (typically several weeks or months) so it’s important to be patient and realistic about your expectations. While wrinkle creams won’t work miracles, some stand out for their effectiveness at fading fine lines and improving the overall appearance of your skin.
“Look for ingredients that stimulate collagen and elastin, like retinoids, glycolic acids, and peptides,” says dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD. “And always remember to protect yourself from future sun damage with UV blockers and DNA repair enzymes.”
We conducted hours of research on the best wrinkle creams, testing several products to evaluate active ingredients, targeted benefits, and results. We also considered a range of skin types and concerns because while wrinkle reduction is a primary focus, many creams address specific issues like dryness or sensitivity. After poring over the latest research and consulting with board-certified dermatologists Dr. Madfes and Kavita Mariwalla, MD, we curated this exclusive list of the very best wrinkle creams on the market.
Best Overall
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
If we could only pick one wrinkle cream to use until the end of time, we’d go with Drunk Elephant’s A-Passioni. It checks two of Dr. Madfes’s recommended boxes (retinol and peptides) to support collagen production, boost elasticity, firm sagging skin, and—more to the point—reduce the appearance of wrinkles as well as sun damage and dark spots.23 What’s more, this all-star cream contains ceramides and nourishing fatty acids from plant oils to minimize irritation from the retinol and replenish the skin barrier.4 It also promises to deliver a plumping effect and an all-around supple, healthy-looking complexion. We love how the superfood-rich ingredients also target uneven skin tone, improving the look of dark spots over time.
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night.
Best Overall Runner-up
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
Scoring a very impressive five out of five during testing in our Lab, we had to award CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Night Cream as our overall runner-up. What we liked about this moisturizer was how much it improved our overall hydration levels and skin texture. CeraVe’s general USP is the way its formulas help to restore and strengthen the skin barrier, and this cream definitely delivers on that. This is down to a complex of biomimetic peptides, hyaluronic acid, and three essential ceramides—in essence, ingredients that help to keep your skin really soft, plumped up, and supple.
As such, this is a good choice if your skin has been particularly irritated and unhappy, and you just want to take things back to basics. Apply this each evening to help restore your skin barrier and improve overall hydration levels.
When to apply: Apply to the face and neck each evening.
Best Budget
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
On a budget? You can still get great results from an affordable formula. Case in point: RoC. Containing two of Dr. Madfes’s recommended actives (retinol and glycolic acid), this night cream resurfaces dull, dry skin while smoothing fine lines and supporting collagen production.5
“Overall, I was very happy with RoC’s Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. On top of being affordable, it didn’t irritate my skin, and I noticed a reduction in fine lines within a week,” says product tester Leigh Weingus.
When to apply: Apply to clean, dry skin (face and neck, if you like) at night.
Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Cream + Hyaluronic Acid
When it comes to over-the-counter retinol products, Neutrogena is a drugstore standby. The brand’s Regenerating Cream (which can be used daily) combines the vitamin A derivative with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to deliver plumping hydration while smoothing wrinkles.6
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night. If used in the morning, apply prior to sunscreen and makeup.
Best Overnight
SkinCeuticals Renew Overnight Dry Nighttime Face Moisturizer
This overnight cream from SkinCeuticals has an exfoliating action on the skin thanks to its key active ingredient, 10% hydroxy acid blend. This makes it a great option if you want to brighten your skin while tackling concerns such as blemishes and discoloration. We tried it out over a couple of weeks and found that it left our skin noticeably brighter and more even-looking with fewer dry patches and blemishes. Overall, our complexion just looked healthier and more youthful after using it.
Other details to note? It doesn’t have any real fragrance which is a bonus for sensitive noses, and doesn’t leave an oily sheen behind when you lie on your pillow. There’s no getting away from its higher price point, however, but if you’re in the mood to splurge, this is definitely worth the investment.
When to apply: Apply a thin layer to the face and neck each evening.
Best for Crow’s Feet
The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
If you’re looking to target crow’s feet, your best bet is a retinol eye cream, like this supremely affordable pick from The Inkey List. It hydrates and plumps with hyaluronic acid, boosts radiance with vitamin C, and, thanks to the slow-release formula, reduces the appearance of wrinkles without the irritating effects of retinol.7
When to apply: Using your ring finger, apply a dot of the product to the area around your eyes. For best results, use daily prior to applying makeup.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Plantkos Phyto A Face Lotion
If your skin doesn’t tolerate retinol well, Plantkos Phyto A is a prime choice. It contains bakuchiol, an up-and-coming plant-derived retinol alternative that offers similar effects without any redness, stinging, or irritation.8
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night. If used in the morning, apply prior to sunscreen and makeup.
Best for Dry Skin, Runner Up
ROSE Ingleton MD Skin Calming Booster
Developed by board-certified dermatologist Rose Ingelton, MD, this calming formula is ideal for those with dry skin looking to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. In addition to hyaluronic acid, this multi-tasking serum includes niacinamide to promote skin barrier health, while also reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It’s a great retinol alternative for those with dry skin who might experience flaking or irritation from retinol products.
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night. Sunscreen, moisturizer, and makeup can all be layered on top.
Best Re-Texturizing
MGSkinLabs Inc Essential Antioxidant Infusion
Developed by board-certified dermatologist, Michele Green, MD, this retinol active infuses a blend of antioxidants to help deliver plump skin with diminished visible lines and wrinkles. A pure concentration of vitamins A, C, and E help cell turnover and exfoliate skin gently overnight. We love how the formula includes botanic actives like lavender, geranium, and bitter orange to help address elasticity and texture without causing irritation. Although the product is expensive, we think it’s worth it, especially because the potent formula can be applied sparingly to achieve results.
We especially love the velvety texture of this cream that sinks into skin immediately. We also found that it helped to correct our discoloration as well as soften the appearance of lines, without irritating any areas of sensitive skin.
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin at night.
Best with AHA
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Dr. Madfes is a fan of wrinkle creams with alpha-hydroxy acids and retinoids, and this luxury formula from SkinBetter contains both. AHA is in the form of lactic acid and glycolic acid, which help retexturize your skin and address dark spots5 while the retinol gets to work on smoothing fine lines and creases.3 The price might be hard to justify, but if it’s within your budget, you can count on noticeable results.
When to apply: Apply a thin layer once a day at night. Alternate days if your skin is sensitive.
Best for Oily Skin
Olay Regenerist Night Recovery Cream
If you have oily skin, you’re probably a little weary of applying anything too rich at bedtime. This lightweight night recovery cream from Olay strikes the perfect balance with a formula that adequately hydrates the skin without leaving a greasy feeling behind. It also sinks in quickly so you won’t be left with any residue on your pillow.
We applied this in our Lab after a retinol treatment and found that it didn’t cause any pilling. We also really enjoyed how it felt to apply and our skin felt noticeably soft and smooth come the morning. This is a great everyday night cream that’s ideal for those looking for something a little lighter.
When to apply: Apply a thin layer once a day at night.
Best with Collagen
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream with Peptides and Niacinamide
Packed with collagen, peptides, and niacinamide, this sumptuous cream from First Aid Beauty is well-equipped to help your skin feel more supple and firm. We tested it out in our Manhattan Lab to see if it lived up to the hype and are happy to report that it did. After application, our skin felt immediately hydrated, smooth, and slightly dewy, and, over time, it also helped to smooth the appearance of fine lines while targeting a few stubborn dry patches on our cheeks and nose.
What’s more, it’s gentle enough to use on sensitive skin and causes no irritation at all. Our only real complaint is the jar which we found made the cream hard to get out. We’d prefer a tube.
When to apply: Apply a thin layer to the face and neck each morning and night.
Best Firming
L’Oréal Revitalift Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Night Cream
If you’re looking for a cream with a hefty dose of anti-aging benefits, consider this great option from L’Oréal. Claiming to deliver smoother, firmer skin in just four weeks, we were excited to put it to the test. It has a thick and rich texture which takes a few moments to sink in but once it does, it feels pleasant and not greasy at all. The cream’s two main ingredients are Centella Asiatica and Pro-Retinol which are clinically proven to smooth the look of wrinkles and give the skin a more supple feel. As such, we found that it left our skin feeling much softer and firmer, so we started to need less hydration in our morning routine as a result. Overall, this is a great product to have in your anti-wrinkle arsenal.
When to apply: Apply a thin layer to the face and neck each evening.
Best Splurge
Macrene Actives High Performance Extra Rich Face Cream
This cream promises to deliver the results of cosmeceutical brands with clean and green yet clinically proven ingredients and stays true to that promise with a formula comprising red algae, vitamins C and E, and coconut-based glycerides, which are all USDA Certified Organic. Added jojoba esters and coco glycerides give the cream the rich lipid texture that makes it incredibly hydrating, while copper peptide, resveratrol, and hyaluronic acid work on improving the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
We definitely felt an improvement after using it, especially regarding the tightness and texture of our skin. It also layers with other products, such as toners and serums, like a dream and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores.
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to slightly damp skin morning and evening.
How to Introduce a Wrinkle Cream Into Your Beauty Routine’
- Patch test: Even if you have used similar products before, your skin can develop sensitivities over time. Apply a small amount of the wrinkle cream to an inconspicuous area like the inner elbow or behind your ear. Wait 24-48 hours to see if there’s any redness, itching, or irritation. If not, you’re probably good to go. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, you may want to consult with a dermatologist before using a new product.
- Take your time: Don’t overhaul your entire skincare routine at once. Introduce the wrinkle cream gradually, especially if it contains strong active ingredients like retinol or AHAs. Start by using it 2-3 times a week, allowing your skin to adjust. If your skin tolerates the product, gradually increase frequency, following the brand’s directions for use.
- Apply products in the right order: Consider where the new product fits into your existing routine and how it interacts with other products. Wrinkle creams with active ingredients like retinol should be applied before moisturizers that simply hydrate. Many wrinkle creams contain ingredients that increase sun sensitivity, so always follow it with sunscreen if you use it during the day. While many wrinkle creams are formulated for nighttime use, some lightweight creams can be used morning and night.
FAQ
Do wrinkle creams work?
If you choose the right formula that contains some of the tried-and-true anti-aging ingredients we mentioned, use it diligently, and have a little bit of patience—they will work. However, it’s important to remember that, no matter what type of wrinkle cream you’re using, it’s imperative to wear sunscreen (with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection or higher) daily to ensure that sun damage doesn’t thwart your wrinkle-fighting attempts.
At what age should you start using wrinkle cream?
The age at which you start seeing wrinkles will depend largely on external and internal factors, according to Dr. Mariwalla. That being said, she says that generally speaking, your mid-20s is a good time to start an anti-aging skincare routine, including a wrinkle cream.
How do you apply wrinkle cream?
For retinoid-based creams, Dr. Mariwalla recommends applying a pea-size drop of product to clean skin by dabbing it on your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. If the product you’re using doesn’t contain a retinoid, you can use about a nickel-size amount.
How can I improve my wrinkles?
The best way to improve wrinkles is to keep your skin moisturized. Well-moisturized skin is plump skin, and wrinkles are less noticeable when skin is hydrated. Moisturizers temporarily plump the skin, making lines and wrinkles appear less visible.
How do I get rid of deep wrinkles around my mouth?
Look for active ingredients such as niacinamides, retinoids, and vitamin C—all of which can improve the skin’s texture and elasticity to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth.