The 13 Best Anti-Aging Creams for Glowing, Youthful Skin, Tested by InStyle

Best Overall

Murad Retinal ReSculpt Cream

$98 at Nordstrom $98 at Ulta $98 at Sephora

Smooth and silky, this retinal and niacinamide-loaded cream transformed our tester’s skin with consistent use over two months, brightening her complexion, smoothing out texture issues, and making makeup application a breeze. The formula boasts two humectants that draw water into the skin, helping boost moisture levels. But the star of the show is an encapsulated retinal, which boosts collagen and elastin production without irritating the skin. Retinal (or retinaldehyde) differs from retinol in that it converts to retinoic acid in one step rather than two, which means it works faster, but may be less tolerated. However, this formula’s encapsulated version ensures a slow release, making it gentle enough for our tester’s sensitive skin.

This formula is perfect for sensitive skin types who have tried other forms of retinol without success and are looking to see visible improvements in texture, tone, and bounce. Those with very dry skin, or who live in dry climates, may need to layer an oil or moisturizer over this cream to keep skin adequately hydrated. 

Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, retinal | Fragrance-Free: No | Application: Once, nightly | Size: 1.7 oz

Erica, tester with sensitive skin: “After using this for the last two months, I can really see a better skin texture, fewer tiny lines, and more even coloration of my skin.”

Best Anti-Aging Cream with Retinol

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Retinol + Ferulic Wrinkle Cream

$82

$62 at Amazon $82 at Nordstrom $82 at Dermstore

This multitasking cream covers all the anti-aging bases with a lineup of tried-and-true ingredients, including retinol and bakuchiol, a plant-based compound that has retinol-like superpowers. Retinol, the gold standard anti-aging ingredient, helps speed skin cell turnover, fade dark spots, and keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay by supporting collagen and elastin production. Our tester loved this cream’s impressive results across the board, lauding its ability to plump, hydrate, and protect skin from environmental stressors thanks to hyaluronic acid and ferulic acid, a super-antioxidant. 

While this works for all skin types, our tester with combination skin noted the formula’s consistency: it goes on a bit thick, but absorbs quickly and ultimately feels lightweight.

Key Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan ferulic acid | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Application: Twice daily | Size: 2 oz

Allison, tester with combination skin and fine lines: “With consistent use, I have noticed my skin’s fine lines and wrinkles becoming less pronounced and more filled in. This cream has also helped to even out my skin tone and texture, even though those are my secondary concerns.”

Best Drugstore Anti-Aging Cream

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

$16 at Amazon $17 at Target $22 at Ulta

CeraVe is well-known for its affordable yet effective products, and this sensitive skin-minded cream is no exception. It delivers tons of moisture, leaving our tester’s skin glowing and hydrated upon waking. We also love that it’s fragrance-free and contains skin barrier-strengthening ceramides, which is great for battling irritation. Additionally, the cream layers well with other products—meaning you can always add another anti-aging serum underneath to amp up your results.

If your skin gets easily stressed (same), consider loading on this cream nightly—it packs a ton of hydration without inadvertently triggering irritation. Still, while it hydrates and strengthens skin, this CeraVe product is not the best option for addressing wrinkles.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, peptides | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Application: Once daily, at night | Size: 1.7 oz

Michelle, tester with aging combination skin: “This cream is great for adding lots of moisture to the skin. Although I didn’t see a difference in fine lines, moisture plays a major role in preventing wrinkles and lines, or at least minimizing their appearance, so this could be a great product to use to prevent them.”

Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream

Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye 3 Smooth and Lift Cream

$54 at Amazon $54 at Dermstore $53 at Medik8.com

UK-based Medik8’s beloved Crystal Retinal® line comes in a variety of strengths so you can “graduate” to more intense options as your skin acclimates to the Vitamin A derivative. This lightweight eye cream is made with encapsulated retinal and a host of hydrating ingredients, including squalane, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides, to help smooth the look of wrinkles. After two to three weeks of nightly use, our tester noticed the fine lines and puffiness around her eyes had improved so much that she found herself using less makeup, an accolade she had never given another eye cream. 

The cream works best for those looking for something lightweight that delivers hydration and anti-aging benefits without irritating. Do note, however, the simple tube packaging might disappoint if you prefer a metal or roller-ball tip for a cooling sensation or added de-puffing.

Key Ingredients: Retinal, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Application: Once daily, at night | Size: 0.5 oz

Mabel, tester with dry combination skin (not pictured): “I think it’s the only eye cream I’ve noticed an actual difference after using. It has lived up to its claims better than any other eye cream I’ve tried. It actually seemed to reduce my wrinkles, which I am so grateful for.”

Best Anti-Aging Neck Cream

Kiehl’s Anti-Aging Cream

$76 at Amazon $98 at Sephora $98 at Ulta

Wrinkles get a lot of attention, but laxity is a major sign of aging, too, especially on the neck, where loss of collagen and elastin leads to sagging and horizontal lines. Enter this fragrance-free, skin-firming, and plumping cream from Kiehl’s. It contains a trio of anti-aging and adaptogenic ingredients, like vitamin A, chaga mushroom, and hyaluronic acid. This cream can be used on the face and neck (our tester saw improvement in both areas), but the luxe formula is perfect for tackling your tech-neck woes. This is a smart pick for those seeking a formula with multiple benefits, since it targets more than just laxity and improves tone and texture, too.

Although this cream is perfect for nighttime use, the texture may be too thick to wear under makeup.

Key Ingredients: Phytomimetic vitamin A, chaga mushroom, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Application: Twice daily | Size: 1.7, 2.5 oz

Wendy, tester with normal to dry aging skin: “My skin feels a little firmer after using this consistently. And it’s improved the texture on both my face and neck, which is a big bonus.”

Best Anti-Aging Firming Face Cream

StriVectin Peptide Plump Collagen Cushion Cream

$79

$60 at Amazon $79 at Nordstrom $79 at Ulta

Our tester watched the fine lines on her forehead soften, and remarked that her face looked “more plump with firmness” from using this next-gen, AI-powered cream. The gel-to-cream formula is made with hyaluronic acid for immediate skin-plumping benefits, plus a proprietary Alpha 3 Peptide that signals skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin. Argireline (also known as hexapeptide 8), which mimics the effects of Botox, helps soften wrinkles, while proteoglycans boost radiance and deeply moisturize skin.  

This advanced formula appeals to those who appreciate science-driven skincare and want to reduce wrinkles, while also enhancing firmness.  We also recommend the cream for sensitive skin types, as it doesn’t contain parabens or fragrance. This cream is meant to be used both day and night, so you’ll need to layer an SPF during the daytime to protect skin from UV damage. 

Monique, tester with dry, sensitive skin: “It is a little pricey but worth it since it helps with my forehead lines. It works well under my makeup, giving my face a nice glow.”

Best Anti-Aging Cream for 40s

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Overnight Treatment

$98 at Amazon $98 at Sephora $98 at Ulta

Estée Lauder intends its users to wear this anti-aging treatment at night, and it’s so deeply hydrating that our tester still felt the effects come morning. The product earned its superlative thanks to its line-smoothing prowess, which is particularly effective at minimizing the look of forehead wrinkles. A hydrating pairing of hyaluronic and polyglutamic acid yields ultra-moisturizing benefits. Meanwhile, the biggest anti-aging boost comes from a unique peptide that works synergistically with your skin’s natural reparative and regenerative mechanisms overnight. 

Dry skin will certainly drink up this hydrating formula. We recommend it for those in their 40s or 50s who have already experienced pronounced aging, due to its effectiveness at reducing the appearance of fine lines. Do note that this ultrarich formula—packed with nourishing cocoa seed and shea butter—may be too heavy for oily or acne-prone skin.

Key Ingredients: Peptide, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Application: Once daily, at night | Size: 2.2 oz

Dawn, tester with aging combination skin: “I love that I actually saw a difference from using this product. The fine lines on my forehead appear less defined, and my skin is firmer there.”

Best Anti-Aging Night Cream

Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Cream

$152 at Amazon $145 at Dermstore $152 at Isdin.com

Turns out, melatonin is not just a pill you pop at night—it’s also a powerful antioxidant that combats skin damage caused by exposure to the sun and pollution. Coupled with an anti-aging peptide and deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid, it’s no wonder our tester found it took “decades” off her appearance, improving her overall skin quality and texture. The cream’s consistency—lusciously thick, but not at all greasy—is another huge win. And while it’s expensive, you only need to apply it once a day, at night (a winning pick for those in the market for a new night cream).

Given this formula’s hydrating properties—and how well it targets signs of aging—this is a surefire pick for pretty much anyone, though those with mature skin might appreciate it most. Because it contains fragrance, those with super-sensitive skin should take a pass.

Key Ingredients: Melatonin, carnosine, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-Free: No | Application: Once daily, at night | Size: 1.7 oz

Katie, tester with normal aging skin: “I am in love with how this product has positively improved my skin. Overall, my face is visibly smoother, my skin is supple, and the texture is soft. I’m 53 years old, and I swear I look decades younger after using this cream.”

Best Anti-Aging Cream for Dry Skin

Clinique Moisturizing Lotion+

$34 at Amazon $17 at Nordstrom $7 at Target

Created in the 1960s and reformulated a little over a decade ago, this classic best-seller still delivers a reliable, no-frills skin quench. Under-appreciated urea, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid (three humectants) bring mega-moisture into skin, while mineral oil, an occlusive, seals it in. Our tester was surprised when the lotion felt a little greasy at first, but then sank into her skin, providing hydration and a glow that lasted all day long, even during the coldest winter months. 

Dry, mature, sensitive skin meets its S.O.S. match with this silky, primrose-hued moisturizer. Because it’s fragrance-free and non-acnegenic, it’s unlikely to trigger irritation or breakouts. Also, according to the company, this lotion is safe to use as soon as one day after a non-ablative laser treatment. If you’ve ever been “stung” by your moisturizer post-procedure, you know that’s a big deal.

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, urea, lipids | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Application: Twice daily | Size: 0.5, 1.7, 4.2, 6.7 oz

Carla, tester with dry, mature, sensitive skin: “This feels like a moisture bomb for your skin that lasts all day. And this product wears so well under makeup. It makes everything that sits on top look so glowy and pretty.”

Best Anti-Aging Cream for Sensitive Skin

Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream

$24 at Amazon $24 at Sephora $24 at Beautyofjoseon.com

This product is prime proof that effective, sensitive skin-friendly creams don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. While this is a fraction of the price of some of the other winners on this list, it still delivered impressive results when combating wrinkles, plumping skin, and improving texture. It’s also thick and ultra-hydrating, thanks to a base of rice bran water, hydrating squalane, and soothing niacinamide.

Ideally, those with drier skin should save this affordable pick for their nighttime skin care routine. Given its lightweight formula, this cream should also complement those with combination skin. The slightly tacky feel makes it less ideal for use under makeup.

Key Ingredients: Rice bran water, niacinamide, squalane | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Application: Twice daily | Size: 1.7, 3.4 oz

Hira, tester with aging combination skin: “I noticed my skin looked different after consistently using the face cream; it was glowier. It smoothed out fine lines and wrinkles, making my skin look plumper and smoother.”

Best Plumping Anti-Aging Cream

Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Blur + Repair Cream

$30 at Amazon $72 at Nordstrom $72 at Sephora

One of the hallmarks of a youthful face is plump, hydrated skin. This cushiony cream is formulated with four different weights of hyaluronic acid to deliver moisture deep into the dermis, along with ceramides, shea butter, and linoleic acid to strengthen the skin barrier. It also contains a handful of peptides that work their anti-aging, skin-firming magic. Our tester praised how quickly the age-reversing moisturizer was absorbed into her skin and how dewy and plump—but not greasy—it made her skin look under a BB cream. 

This fairly priced daily moisturizer has a “light, yet somehow rich” feel, and its instant glow-giving effect makes this cream a great choice for those with combination skin. The subtle rose scent delighted our tester, but might not be ideal for those with an aversion to fragrance.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, shea butter | Fragrance-Free: No | Application: Once or twice daily | Size: 1.7 oz

Meg, tester with combination skin: “With one pump, it provides the perfect amount of cream for your face and neck, plus it comes out shaped like a little flower. I really loved knowing I was using the same amount every morning and evening.”

Best Anti-Aging Cream for 30s

Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream

$23 at Amazon $68 at Sephora $72 at Tatcha.com

Our tester raved about how luxurious this cream was, gliding beautifully across her skin with a pleasant, light scent. Loaded with hyaluronic acid, it plumps and hydrates, while also imparting a perfectly dewy glow. This cream is deeply moisturizing, still, our tester was pleasantly surprised by its lightweight feel—no tackiness or stickiness here. Bonus points for the fact that it comes in three different sizes, offering a little something for every budget and need.

Keeping your skin hydrated is a necessary step against premature aging, making this ultra-hydrating cream a great option for those in their 20s or 30s. However, those of any age who want to add a luxurious experience to their skin care routine will appreciate the rich feel, silky texture, and fresh scent of this formula. Because of its rich consistency, users with acne-prone skin should test it sparingly first to see how their skin reacts (it does carry a noncomedogenic label).

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, squalane, Japanese purple rice | Fragrance-Free: No | Application: Twice daily | Size: 0.34, 1.7, 2.5 oz

Meredith, tester with normal aging skin: “This made my skin look like it had a filter. I loved how it felt and created a nice dewy glow.”

Best Anti-Aging Cream for Minimizing Pores

Biodance Pore Perfecting Collagen Cream

$29 at Amazon $29 at Sephora $29 at Biodance.com

Glass skin past your 40s? Yes, it is possible with a cream that drenches the skin in moisture, while also minimizing pores. Packed with collagen water and collagen extract, this formula increases the skin’s hydration to help mask the appearance of wrinkles and pores. It also contains peptides, elastin, and different weights of hyaluronic acid. This whipped formula quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving behind a perfectly smooth canvas for makeup. Our tester said her skin felt soft and hydrated from the very first use.

A combo of anti-aging and skin-perfecting ingredients delivers dual benefits for those with aging skin. We also appreciate that the price doesn’t break the beauty bank.  Still, while the gentle, disappearing scent won positive marks from our tester, the light pink tint of the cream did not, and might be off-putting to anyone who prefers organic formulations.

Key Ingredients: Collagen water, elastin, peptides | Fragrance-Free: No | Application: Twice daily | Size: 1.69 oz

Joannah, tester with normal aging skin: “It absorbs well and doesn’t leave any sticky or greasy residue, so it layers beautifully with my other products without causing any texture issues.”