Nobody can deny that aging is a privilege—additional years bring more experience, memories, and knowledge. However, the inevitable laugh lines, wrinkles, and loose skin aren’t always so pleasant. While injectables and lasers are options to consider, a good anti-aging cream may be a more accessible and less invasive solution to these skin concerns. “Anti-aging creams have multifold benefits,” says Masha Amelina, a physician’s assistant and MesoLyft founder from Massachusetts. “They can make your skin look plumper, more radiant, and luminous. When used long-term, these creams can improve the appearance and texture of the skin.” While anti-aging creams cannot turn back the clock, their illuminating and skin-smoothing properties can help you get close.
Still, with so many anti-aging creams making youth-boosting claims, how do you know which ones work? To assist, the InStyle team tested a variety of the best creams available, rating each one based on how smooth, bright, and firm it left our skin. Continue reading to learn about the best anti-aging creams that will make you look and feel great.
Why We Love It: If you’re concerned about fine lines, hyperpigmentation, or uneven texture, this multitasking cream has the solution. Our tester praised its impressive overall results, particularly its ability to plump and hydrate the skin. These properties can be attributed to the formula’s lineup of tried-and-true anti-aging ingredients, including the superstar ingredient retinol (great for stimulating collagen and smoothing wrinkles) and ferulic acid (a potent, protective antioxidant).
Who It’s For: While this is suitable for all skin types, our tester with combination skin noted that those who are both oily and dry will appreciate the consistency of this formula, which is slightly thicker at first but absorbs quickly and feels very lightweight in the end.
Worth noting: While this cream is slightly more expensive than the majority of the creams on this list, we believe it is well worth the investment.
Allison, a tester with combination skin and fine lines, says, “With consistent use, I’ve noticed my fine lines and wrinkles becoming less pronounced and more filled in.” This cream has also helped to even out my skin tone and texture, which were my secondary concerns.”
Why We Love It: CeraVe is well-known for its affordable yet effective products, and this sensitive skin-friendly cream is no different. It provided plenty of moisture, leaving our tester’s skin glowing and hydrated the next morning (and even the next day). We also like that it is fragrance-free and contains skin barrier-strengthening ceramides, which is ideal if you’re experiencing irritation. Furthermore, the cream layers well when mixed and matched with other products, so you can always add another anti-aging serum underneath to boost your results.
Who It’s For: If your skin is easily stressed out (like mine), consider using this cream nightly—it provides plenty of hydration without causing any other irritation.
It’s worth noting that, while it hydrates and strengthens the skin, it’s not the best choice for treating wrinkles.
Michelle, tester with aging combination skin: “This cream is excellent for adding moisture to the skin. Although I didn’t notice any difference in fine lines, moisture is important in preventing wrinkles and lines, or at least minimizing their appearance, so this could be an excellent product to use to prevent them.”
Why We Love It: While wrinkles receive a lot of attention, laxity is also a major indicator of aging. This option was particularly effective at firming the skin. It also improves texture and can be applied to both the face and neck. (At that point, our tester noticed improvements in both areas.) A trio of collagen-boosting vitamin A, radiance-boosting chaga mushroom, and superhydrating hyaluronic acid are in action. The creamy, luxurious texture is an added bonus.
Who It’s For: This is an excellent choice for those looking for a formula with multiple benefits because it addresses more than just laxity while also improving tone and texture.
Worth noting: While this cream is ideal for nighttime use, the texture may be too thick under makeup.
Wendy, a tester with normal aging to dry skin, stated, “My skin feels a little firmer after using this consistently. And it’s improved the texture of both my face and neck, which is a huge plus.”
