Some people may cringe when they hear the word moist, but when it comes to moisturizers, we've got nothing but love. For many, it's the final step in a skin-care routine, and whether you're looking for a lighter option to wear during the day, or a souped-up version for an overnight glow-up, we've tested countless formulas in our day-to-day work as beauty editors. Whether you've got dry, oily, or combination skin, odds are the perfect face cream for you has passed through our offices. Show
"Moisturizers are an essential part of every skin-care routine," Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City, tells Allure. "Just as our bodies require us to hydrate with water, so does our skin." While our skin appears dewier almost instantly, the real benefits show up in the long term. Idriss says that consistent use of moisturizers slows down the rate and intensity at which fine lines and wrinkles appear. This daily philosophy applies to all skin types, and not just dry skin. "Overwashing without the appropriate use of a moisturizer will actually trigger an overproduction of oil on your skin," Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Torrance, California previously explained. In short, if you don't rehydrate your skin, it will become dried-out and irritated — which then opens your skin up to a cache of troubles. "People confuse oil with hydration, so they don't properly hydrate the skin," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, noted. "We now have really great ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, which balances oil and water in the skin." Increased hydration supports a stronger barrier, she said, which then helps curb oil production. Here, we've rounded up the 27 best face moisturizers (the crème de la cream, if you will), including Allure Best of Beauty Award winners and recommendations from dermatologists to help you find the moisturizer of your dreams. All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Pricing guide
Best wrinkle cream overallSkinMedica TNS Essential Serum
The Healthline Medical Review team loves the SkinMedica line and this product in particular, calling it “worth the splurge.” TNS Essential Serum is good for all skin types and can be used on the entire face, neck, and chest. It contains antioxidants such as green tea extract and vitamins E and C, which target fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin. This serum also contains alpha-arbutin, a glycoside that lightens dark spots and brightens skin tone. The proteins and amino acids in this formula are meant to help reduce inflammation. Best deep wrinkle creamRoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
Retinol is the strongest OTC version of retinoids. These are vitamin A derivatives used to support healthy aging and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also target a slew of skin concerns, including acne, sunspots (including freckles), and other signs of sun damage. Retinol can also help improve the look of uneven skin texture and hyperpigmentation, too. This retinol cream is a big hit, with thousands of Amazon and Google reviews. Many sing its praises for supporting their aging skin, as well as treating acne and hyperpigmentation. One reviewer points out how quickly this cream worked for her acne scarring as well. One downside: This is not the choice for those with sensitive skin, thanks to some ingredients like fragrance. Sensitive reviewers echo this sentiment, with one saying she noticed tingles and burning on her sensitive skin. It’s recommended that users apply this cream to their face and neck at night for best results. Best drugstore wrinkle creamOlay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Designed for mature, dry skin, Olay Regenerist contains ingredients to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, such as hyaluronic acid, amino peptides, and vitamin E. It also contains carob extract, an antioxidant, to protect your skin from free radicals. The rich, dense cream is popular with reviewers and has a softening feel on the skin. It’s available in both scented and fragrance-free versions. Fragrance-free is the go-to choice for those with skin sensitivity or allergies. We also like that it’s a readily available drugstore option. Plus, it includes niacinamide, a type of vitamin B3. This vitamin is said to boast many skin benefits, including:
However, remember not to use niacinamide with AHAs or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). When the two are combined, they turn into niacin and can cause flushing. Additionally, avoid mixing niacinamide with vitamin C. Best wrinkle cream for dry skinDrunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream
This whipped cream — not the kind you slather on desserts — delivers and locks in deep hydration, making it a good choice for those with dry skin. It contains a blend of oils and plant-derived ceramides, also known as phytoceramides. Ceramides are a group of naturally occurring fatty acids. They help make a barrier to lock moisture into your skin, preventing irritation and dryness. This pick also uses sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, an ingredient extracted from hyaluronic acid, which is celebrated for its graceful aging support. It also contains antioxidant-rich, skin-friendly ingredient green tea to double down on signs of aging. Many Amazon reviewers love this pick. A couple point out they would prefer different packaging, and others say it’s too thick for their sensitive skin. Best wrinkle cream for sensitive skinJuice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Overnight Cream
This vegan wrinkle cream boasts some serious hydration and works to lessen the look of deep lines and wrinkles — all while using certified organic and cruelty-free ingredients. It also contains ceramides. As we mentioned, ceramides help lock moisture into your skin. Plus, olive-derived squalane hydrates and mimics your skin’s natural oils. It’s a good choice for those with sensitive skin because it’s made without:
Google reviewers are impressed. Only a few users mention they aren’t fans of the packaging or say the product is not worth the higher price, compared with similar offerings on the market. Best wrinkle cream for oily skinFirst Aid Beauty Hello Fab Coconut Water Cream
This vegan product is considered a lightweight, hydrating facial moisturizer. But along with offering a nice boost of hydration, it also targets fine lines and wrinkles. It’s infused with coconut water and electrolytes for softening and smoothing. It also has sodium hyaluronate, the popular hyaluronic acid-extracted skin care ingredient we mentioned earlier. Since it’s also noncomedogenic and oil-free, it’s a good choice for those with oily skin. Plus, the brand says this cream is suitable for sensitive skin. Many Amazon reviewers say it works well for their oily or sensitive skin, but others say there are more reasonably priced picks that work about the same. This pick is cruelty-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free. Best luxury wrinkle cream for under eyesSkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex for Dark Circles
If you’re looking for a multitasker to target dark circles and under-eye puffiness as much as crow’s feet, this eye cream from SkinCeuticals may give you the results you’re looking for. It contains dimethicone, a type of silicone that fills in fine lines, improving texture. It also has moisturizing glycerin, a highly effective humectant, and it’s free of alcohol and dyes. Users report seeing a positive difference in dark circles, puffiness, skin firmness, and elasticity over 2 to 3 months of twice-daily use. Although it comes at a higher price point, reviewers point out it’s worth the splurge. This product is meant for average or dry skin. It may be too rich for oily or acne-prone skin. Best drugstore wrinkle cream for under eyesNeutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream
The active ingredient in this noncomedogenic gel cream is hyaluronic acid, which helps keep skin plumped, hydrated, and looking wrinkle-free. This Neutrogena gel cream is a great choice for those with average to oily skin and fine lines. Plus, it’s free from oil, dyes, and fragrances — a bonus for oily or sensitive skin types. Users love that it absorbs quickly, without leaving a greasy feel. Unlike heavier eye creams, this product is light enough to use under makeup without smudging. Best wrinkle cream for deep wrinkles under eyesJurlique Nutri-Define Supreme Eye Contour Balm
This balm targets deep wrinkles and promises to improve firmness and brightness around the eye area. According to Jurlique, this pick uses alfalfa seed extract and lupine protein to target the look of under-eye puffiness. Google reviews for this product are glowing. Users love the fast, smoothing effect and the way the applicator works. Just apply a small amount of the cream to the ball of the applicator and gently smooth it around your eye area. One older Google reviewer, however, says she had an allergic reaction to the natural formula. Best firming wrinkle cream for neckStriVectin TL Advanced Light Tightening Neck Cream
The neck is one of the first areas of the face to show aging. This pick has more than 3,000 Google reviews. Most of them say it’s worth trying. Many users give this product high marks for tightening and firming skin on the neck and chest. It also helps minimize the appearance of horizontal fine lines on the throat and reduce the look of crepey skin. If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first. Some users say the product causes a temporary burning sensation, and one Amazon reviewer mentions she had an allergic reaction. The brand recommends that you apply this cream twice daily — once in the morning and once at night — in upward, circular massaging motions. Best organic wrinkle cream for neckJuice Beauty Stem Cellular Lifting Neck Cream
This neck cream is made with certified organic ingredients. It includes peptides to promote collagen production, possibly leading to firmer-looking skin. It also contains algae, which the brand says is to help tighten and smooth the fragile skin around the neck. And it has vegetable squalane, vitamin E, and vitamin C to help with tone and texture. Google and Amazon reviewers are mainly blown away by this neck cream. Only a small group says they didn’t notice huge results. The brand suggests applying this product by gently massaging it in upward strokes on the neck. Like the other Juice Beauty product on our list, this product is vegan, cruelty-free, and cuts out a lot of additives, which is nice for those with skin sensitivities. Best wrinkle cream for handsClarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream
This rich, moisturizing treatment for hands and nails helps hydrate the skin on your hands and strengthen your nails, with shea as a key ingredient. Other ingredients focus on lightening age spots and strengthening nails. What this product won’t do is protect your skin from the sun, so don’t use it as a substitute for sunscreen. This pick has more than 3,000 ratings on Google, with many loving the results. Others don’t love the scent or say the product didn’t work for their hands and nails. Best wrinkle cream for menKiehl’s Age Defender Moisturizer
Skin is skin. But if you’re looking for facial skin care products marketed to men, Kiehl’s has a line of options, including this moisturizer. It contains caffeine, which can help reduce under-eye bags and brighten skin tone. It also has flaxseed oil for smoothing fine lines and softening irritated skin. This cream smells great and is very thick. Start with using a small amount — a little goes a very long way. Best wrinkle cream with sunscreenCeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream
Not all wrinkle creams are created equal, but reviewers say this affordable day cream from CeraVe is just as good as some of the more expensive products on the market. Ceramides and hyaluronic acid work together to provide hydration while niacinamide targets hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin. Best sustainable wrinkle creamIndie Lee Retinol Alternative Cream
This retinol cream is formulated with natural a retinol alternative to improve the appearance of elasticity, firmness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Paracress extract reduces the visible signs of aging while squalane and orange milk tree extract plump skin and boost moisture retention. The bottle is reusable, and Indie Lee sells refills on their site, so there’s less waste for everyone. Indie Lee formulates their products without parabens, mineral oil, sulfate-based detergents, synthetic fragrance, petroleum-based ingredients, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde, and GMO ingredients. Best wrinkle cream for hyperpigmentationPeter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Vitamin A | C | E Retinoid Treatment
This retinoid formula noticeably reduces the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. It combines 10 percent granactive retinoid vitamin A with 10 percent cosmin C and 5 percent vitamin E. Reviewers love that it absorbs nicely and doesn’t leave the face feeling greasy after application. Best wrinkle cream for adult acneJan Marini Bioclear Face Cream
This face cream from Jan Marini is a miracle product for those with adult acne. With a 12-percent concentration of glycolic acid combined with salicylic acid, acne doesn’t stand a chance. It works from the inside out to exfoliate and purify the pores to heal breakouts. It is also formulated with wheat proteins and arnica extract to improve the skin’s tone and texture. Here’s what to consider when shopping for a product. Active ingredientsFirst things first: You’ll want to scan your product’s label for beneficial active ingredients. Here are some common ones and what they do:
Your skin typeAs you scan ingredients lists, you’ll want to consider your skin type. If you’re looking to target wrinkles and acne at the same time for acne-prone skin, consider creams with retinol, which do just that. If you have oily skin, look for products that are lightweight and free of oils. Retinoids are also a good choice for oily skin, as they can remove some oil and help with fine lines and wrinkles. If you have dry skin, consider wrinkle creams that promise to give an extra boost of hydration. It’s still a good idea to look for noncomedogenic options, though, so all that added moisture won’t clog your pores. Got sensitive skin or combination skin? Steer clear of options that have fragrances or alcohols. If you have rosacea, you may also want to stay away from retinols and vitamin C. Vitamin C can sting when applied, and retinols can worsen rosacea. Look for products specifically made for rosacea or talk with a dermatologist for suggestions. Finally, know that heavy night creams can clog pores. No matter what type of skin you have, look for products labeled noncomedogenic to avoid this. Time constraintsBefore you buy, make sure you pick a product that you’ll use. A mistake many people make is spending oodles of money on a skin care system that contains lots of products and is more time-consuming than their lifestyle allows. BudgetThe most expensive wrinkle creams out there aren’t necessarily the best. There are options for every budget, so you don’t need to break the bank to get good results. SellersYou can avoid buying counterfeit products by checking seller reviews. The seller and the manufacturer aren’t necessarily the same. If you have any doubts, buy directly from the manufacturer in store or online, or consult a dermatologist. Allergies and sensitivitiesIf you have sensitive skin, look for a hypoallergenic product or one that’s fragrance-free.
It’s best to see a dermatologist if your skin gets irritated or sensitized after introducing any new wrinkle creams to your skin care routine. Severe acne, scarring, or other skin irritations may need prescription treatment such as oral antibiotics, topical prescription retinoids, or birth control. A dermatologist may perform an extraction for deeper cysts or acne spots that are stuck underneath your skin. Remember that your skin type can affect how products work. Using the wrong product, even when natural, can cause breakouts, worsen blemishes, or cause redness. It’s best to find out what skin type you have and build your skin care routine around that. You can also take notes on product ingredients to see if specific ingredients are causing unwanted skin reactions. Is there a wrinkle cream that really works?Yes. You may be able to decrease the appearance of wrinkles with a cream that contains ingredients like:
However, an OTC topical cream probably won’t be able to eliminate wrinkles entirely. How can I get rid of wrinkles on my face fast?Wrinkle cream may be able to help you reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your face, but it doesn’t work overnight. It may take several weeks before you start seeing results. Other treatments, like Botox or fillers, take effect more quickly — usually within a few hours to 1 or 2 weeks, depending on the treatment. What makes a wrinkle cream work the fastest?Using a wrinkle cream daily along with sunscreen may lead to faster results. If it contains effective ingredients like retinol or AHAs, you should notice a difference within a few weeks. What is best for deep wrinkles?Ingredients like retinol, antioxidants, and peptides may result in improvements for deep-set wrinkles. You may want to look into fillers, Botox, or laser skin resurfacing if you want to reverse deep wrinkles. Many creams are available at different price points and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the face, eye area, neck, and chest. Before buying, take your age, skin type, and skin care habits into account. Always remember to put on sunscreen before applying any other products in the morning. UVA rays can cause premature skin aging — even through a window. Corey Whelan is a freelance writer and reproductive health professional who specializes in health and wellness content. She has spent much of the last two decades educating people about infertility and family building options. Whelan is a science nerd, and her heroes span the gamut from Temple Grandin to her wonderful mom. She shares her life in Brooklyn, NY with her all-grown-up, fascinating children and their wacky shelter dogs. Follow her on Twitter. Breanna Mona is a writer based in Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a master’s degree in media and journalism and writes about health, lifestyle, and entertainment. What is the top rated moisturizer for mature skin?CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. ... . Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Moisturiser for Dry Skin. ... . SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. ... . Vichy Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream Moisturizer. ... . La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer. ... . OLAY Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Fragrance-Free. ... . EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 44.. What is the best skin care for 70 year old woman?Wash with a gentle, fragrance-free, moisturizing bar soap, cleanser, or body wash. Doing so will help soothe rather than dry your skin. Moisturizing ingredients that can help reduce dryness include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and lanolin. Use warm (not hot) water.
What is the best skincare line for antiShop our readers' top picks below!. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream, $14+ ... . Pond's Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer, $9+ ... . La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, $15+ ... . EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $39. ... . Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%, $20. ... . Ambi Skincare Fade Cream, $5.. What face moisturizer do dermatologist recommend?And if you need more help choosing your next holy-grail moisturizer, check out the recs from dermatologists below.. CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. ... . Senté Dermal Repair Cream. ... . Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel. ... . La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer. ... . Epara Moisturizing Face Cream.. |