Buying guide for best anti-aging creams
No matter how well you care for your skin, it’s going to change as you get older. Wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and sagging skin can all crop up over time due to repeated facial expressions, exposure to the sun, and other environmental factors.
Unfortunately, there isn’t any fountain of youth out there that can restore your skin to the condition it was in when you were in your 20s – but the right anti-aging cream can definitely help.
A good anti-aging cream can help your skin look smoother, brighter, and firmer, restoring that coveted youthful glow. Not all anti-aging formulas deliver on their promises, though.
That’s why it’s so important to know which ingredients to look for and which type of formula works best for your skin type.
At BestReviews, we never accept products from manufacturers, so you can trust that our recommendations are completely unbiased.
We conducted in-depth research that allows us to pass along the info you need to choose the best anti-aging cream for your needs.
If you’re ready to buy an anti-aging cream, check out the product list above for our top recommendations. For general information on anti-aging creams, continue reading this shopping guide.
A lot of anti-aging creams come in serum form. We pay attention to serums in our research because they are lightweight and suitable for oily and acne-prone skin.
We look for anti-aging creams with active ingredients that target fine lines and wrinkles such as retinol, hydroxy acid, vitamin C, peptides, tea, and grape seed extract.
We look for anti-aging creams that contain SPF and can therefore be used during the day to help prevent sun damage.
We keep an eye out for vegan anti-aging creams, those that are not tested on animals, and those with all-natural ingredients.
Niacinamide is an active ingredient we look for because it helps improve sagging skin, quenches dryness, and prevents skin from losing water.
Because many anti-aging ingredients are sensitive to air and light, we consider each product’s packaging. Opaque containers are often preferred to help keep active ingredients intact.
When researching anti-aging creams, we include night creams, which tend to have the thickest and heaviest formulas. These creams contain ingredients that are sensitive to sunlight and are designed for use only at night.
We research how long it takes for consumers to start noticing results. Typically, if using the product daily, results should be evident in four to eight weeks.
We look for anti-aging creams that don’t contain parabens and are fragrance-free.
We take note of anti-aging creams with retinol, thinking about which consumers might find success with it and which consumers might have a skin sensitivity that prevents them from using it.
Who should use anti-aging cream?
In most cases, the visible signs of aging begin to appear when a person is in their 30s. For maximum benefit, you should begin using an anti-aging cream at this time (or even earlier), and you should continue to use it as you age.
The sooner you start using anti-aging products, the better results you’re likely to see. For this reason, some people begin using anti-aging cream in their 20s.
Keep in mind, however, that anti-aging creams tend to be very moisturizing. If you still have oily or acne-prone skin, it’s important to choose a lighter formula to prevent breakouts.
Did you know?
It’s normal for your skin to tingle slightly when you apply anti-aging creams that contain retinol.
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Which anti-aging cream formula is right for you?
Anti-aging creams typically come in one of three formulas: serum, moisturizer, or night cream. Keep in mind that you can use more than one type of anti-aging cream in your skin care routine. In fact, you may want to use different products with different active ingredients so you get the most anti-aging benefits possible.
Anti-aging serums
Serums tend to be the thinnest, most lightweight anti-aging cream formulas.
They typically don’t contain heavy moisturizing ingredients, so they absorb easily into the skin.
They’re the best option for oily or acne-prone skin.
"If you’re applying anti-aging cream around your eyes, use your ring finger to tap it in. The ring finger is the weakest finger, so it won’t pull on the delicate skin under the eyes as much."
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Anti-aging moisturizers
Moisturizers have a thicker, heavier consistency.
They contain moisturizing ingredients in addition to anti-aging ingredients, so it may take a couple of minutes for them to absorb fully into the skin.
They often contain SPF to protect your skin from sun during the day.
They work best for normal, combination, or dry skin.
Anti-aging night creams
Night creams are the thickest, heaviest anti-aging cream formulas.
They contain intense moisturizing ingredients in addition to anti-aging ingredients, so it takes several minutes for the cream to absorb fully into the skin.
They often contain ingredients that can make the skin sensitive to the sun because the products are designed to be used at night.
They work best for normal, combination, and dry skin, as well as individuals who have more obvious signs of aging.
Did you know?
Nighttime anti-aging creams are usually more potent than daytime formulas, so you don’t need to apply too much. Use a pea-size amount for your entire face.
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Which active ingredients are best for your skin issues?
As you consider your options, look for the following additives in the ingredients list.
Retinol: Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A that helps speed cell turnover. It can help target fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, dark spots, and overall dullness. It’s usually considered the most potent anti-aging ingredient, but it can be very irritating.
Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C can help prevent and repair sun damage. It helps boost collagen production to reduce wrinkles and firm the skin, and it can lighten skin discolorations.
Hydroxy acids: Hydroxy acids include alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids and work as exfoliants. These acids remove the top layers of dead skin and stimulate new skin growth for a smoother and brighter complexion.
Peptides: Peptides are amino acids that can help heal the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Coenzyme Q10: This coenzyme can help protect the skin from sun damage and works especially well for fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes.
Tea extracts: These are another set of potent antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea is the most common type of tea extract found in anti-aging products. It can help stimulate collagen production.
Niacinamide: A powerful antioxidant that’s a derivative of vitamin B3, niacinamide prevents the skin from losing water and can help boost its elasticity.
Grape seed extract: An antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, grape seed extract can help heal the skin and fight wrinkles.
For your safety
It’s best to use anti-aging creams that contain retinol at night because retinol breaks down in the sun and can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.
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Anti-aging creams contain a variety of active ingredients that target a range of skin concerns. It’s important to choose a product that addresses your particular issues. The following list suggests which types of ingredients are right for various beauty problems.
Fine lines and wrinkles
Retinol
Hydroxy acids
Vitamin C
Peptides
Tea extracts
Grape seed extract
Dark spots
Sagging skin
Retinol
Peptides
Tea extracts
Niacinamide
Dullness
Retinol
Hydroxy acids
Vitamin C
Dryness
Rough texture
Fine lines around the eyes
"Many of the active ingredients used in anti-aging creams, such as retinol and vitamin C, are fairly potent and can irritate the skin. If your skin is sensitive, start by using the cream only a couple of times a week. This will give your skin time to get used to the ingredients so you can eventually increase frequency."
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Which type of anti-aging cream packaging should you choose?
Squeeze tubes and pumps
Most anti-aging creams come in a squeeze tube or pump-style packaging. That keeps air from getting into the product and degrading the active ingredients, but it doesn’t always allow you to remove the most precise amounts of the cream.
Tub-style containers
Some anti-aging creams come in tub-style containers, so you have to scoop out the product with your fingers. You control how much cream you take out, but the product comes into contact with the air, which can degrade the active ingredients. You can also transmit germs to the jar when you stick your fingers inside it.
Opaque packaging
Many anti-aging ingredients, such as retinol and vitamin C, are not only sensitive to the air but to light as well. That’s why it’s important to choose opaque packaging, such as plastic or dark glass.
Anti-aging cream prices
Anti-aging creams vary in price based on their ingredients and container size, but you can typically expect to spend between $8 and $150.
For a budget-friendly anti-aging cream with less-potent active ingredients, you’ll usually pay between $8 and $18.
For a mid-range anti-aging cream with more potent active ingredients, you’ll usually pay between $20 and $45.
For a luxury anti-aging cream with high-quality active ingredients, you’ll usually pay between $50 and $150.
Did you know?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help prevent and repair sun damage. It can also lighten skin discolorations and help boost collagen production to reduce wrinkles and firm the skin.
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Tips
Anti-aging creams may contain some fairly potent active ingredients, such as retinol. Do an allergy test before using any cream by applying a small dab on the inside of your elbow or wrist. Wait 24 to 48 hours. If there’s no reaction, you can apply the cream to your face.
The only way to see real results from an anti-aging cream is to use it consistently. Establish a routine for using the cream, and apply it regularly.
When you’re applying anti-aging cream, don’t forget your neck and chest. These areas can show signs of aging just as easily as your face.
It’s a good idea to apply moisturizing anti-aging cream to damp skin. That will help lock in the moisture for more intense hydration.
When you’re using anti-aging cream during the day, wait for the cream to absorb fully before applying makeup.
To get the best results from an anti-aging cream, always use it in conjunction with sunscreen. The SPF will help prevent future signs of aging.
FAQ
Q. When should I start using an anti-aging cream?
A. Many dermatologists recommend using anti-aging cream as early as your 20s to help curtail the signs of aging. However, anti-aging products are typically designed for drier skin, so if your skin is still fairly oily, opt for a lighter formula, such as a serum.
Q. Do any of the ingredients in anti-aging cream cause irritation or other side effects?
A. Some anti-aging creams contain extremely potent ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin or cause certain side effects. For example, retinol can cause dryness, redness, and flaking when you first start using it. For this reason, it’s best to start slow and only use the product a few times a week in the beginning. As your skin adjusts to the ingredients, the irritation will subside, and you can increase the usage.
Q. What about anti-aging cream with fragrance? Should I use it or avoid it?
A. Some anti-aging creams are scented with artificial fragrance to make them more appealing. However, if you have sensitive skin, the fragrance could irritate it. Opt for a fragrance-free formula to ensure that it works with your skin.
Q. How long does it take to see results from anti-aging cream?
A. It depends on the product and what skin concerns you have, but in most cases, you should start to see some results from your cream within four to eight weeks. The effects are usually fairly subtle, so you may wish to take “before” and “after” photos to help you spot the differences.
