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10 Best Moisturizers for Aging Skin: Turn Back the Clock
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If you’re looking to slow down the signs of aging skin, read on for our recommendations on the best hydrating moisturizers.
As your skin sags, wrinkles appear, and your skin becomes dry, your self-esteem might suffer as well. It is a natural part of aging, but there are products available to slow it down.
One type of product is a moisturizer for mature skin, which provides hydration while offering several other anti-aging benefits.
Discover how a moisturizer could help your aging features and which one is the best for tackling your specific skin issues.
Top 3 Moisturizers for Aging Skin
- Boosts skin’s natural collagen production
- Reduces lines and wrinkles
- Firms and smooths skin
- Improves the appearance of stretch marks
- Restores skin elasticity
- Protects against everyday skin stressors
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Helps the skin retain moisture
- Helps to fade dark spots
- Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
- Balances oil production while hydrating skin
- Reduces inflammation
10 Best Moisturizers for Aging Skin
#1 XYZ Smart Collagen Cream: Best overall
- Boosts skin’s natural collagen production
- Reduces lines and wrinkles
- Firms and smooths mature skin
- Improves the appearance of stretch marks
- Restores skin elasticity
XYZ Smart Collagen Cream is a revolutionary skincare product that delays the signs of aging to preserve your skin’s natural beauty.
Although collagen provides structure and elasticity to the skin, the production of the protein gradually declines as we age, which can leave your mature skin more fragile, thinner, and prone to wrinkles. XYZ Smart restores the balance between collagen production and breakdown, therefore helping your skin maintain its youthfulness.
What’s so unique about this vegan collagen cream is that it’s produced from natural plant extracts, whereas most collagen is derived from animal sources.
Lead sap from the South African Bulbine frutescens plant is the main ingredient, which has been shown to naturally increase collagen production while slowing collagen breakdown.
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Ingredients sourced from organic, sustainably-grown plants
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Clinically proven results
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Dermatologist approved
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100% vegan
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Can take up to 12 weeks to see the results
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Limited availability
#2 Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream: Best vegan
- Protects against everyday skin stressors
- Strengthens the skin barrier
- Helps the skin retain moisture
All of Drunk Elephant’s luxury products are designed to be used simultaneously, which reduces your skincare routine to just one step. So, if you’re looking for a way to save time yet still get all of the anti-aging benefits, then we’d recommend giving the Lala Retro Whipped Cream a go.
Infused with 6 African oils, the blend contains anti-inflammatory marula, as well as antioxidant-rich fermented green tea to tackle the signs of aging.
The omega acids and plant ceramide complex also replenish the skin’s protective barrier, ensuring it can defend itself against damage from pollution, UV rays, and other environmental toxins.
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Suitable for all skin types
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Contains no silicones
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Fragrance-free
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Vegan and cruelty-free
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May clog your pores
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Some customers find the product dispenser difficult to use
#3 Hers Rx Skin: Best for oily skin
- Helps to fade dark spots
- Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
- Balances oil production while hydrating skin
- Reduces inflammation
Hers Anti-Aging Rx is a cream that can be customized exactly to your skin’s needs.
Simply start by telling Hers about the current state of your skin, your goals, and your medical history, and a healthcare provider will provide a recommendation on the treatment that is right for you.
The wrinkle cream’s main active ingredient is tretinoin, a retinoid that increases skin cell turnover to smooth fine lines on the face, neck, and under the eyes. This is supported by niacinamide, an anti-aging form of vitamin B3 that reduces inflammation, protects the skin barrier, and reduces hyperpigmentation.
As the Anti-Aging Rx is a powerful product, you may experience irritation, redness, flaking, and peeling in the first few weeks as your skin adjusts to the prescription-strength ingredients.
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Developed with dermatologists
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Powerful, prescription-strength cream
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Treatment is tailored to your unique needs
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Takes 3 months to see the full results
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Need to build up a tolerance for its strength
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May cause irritation, itching, redness, and dryness
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Unsuitable for those pregnant or breastfeeding
#4 SkinCeuticals A.G.E Interrupter Advanced: Best for hydration
- Addresses the glycation process that ages skin
- Smooths 5 types of wrinkles
- Provides 24-hour hydration for dry skin
- Might reduce fine lines and deep wrinkles
SkinCeuticals A.G.E Interrupter Advanced is an anti-aging cream that tackles the process of glycation. It does this by targeting 5 types of wrinkles to improve the texture and appearance of the skin, including crow’s feet, glabellar wrinkles, forehead wrinkles, nasolabial folds, and marionette wrinkles.
Containing a blend of blueberry and pomegranate extracts, these antioxidant compounds protect the skin from pollution while also smoothing wrinkles. This allows SkinCeuticals to offer an at-home alternative to skin-tightening, anti-aging beauty treatments, and injections.
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Paraben, alcohol, and dye-free
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TSA-approved
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Backed by 15 years of research and expertise
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Relatively expensive
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Not cruelty-free
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May irritate sensitive skin
#5 SkinBetter InterFuse Treatment Cream: Best for firming effect
- Improves the appearance of sagging skin
- Provides a layer of moisture to help the skin glow
- Boosts skin resiliency
- Smoothing, firming effect
SkinBetter InterFuse is a treatment cream that uses patented technology to nourish all 5 types of collagen present in the skin cells. This leaves skin feeling firmer, smoother, and more youthful in just 8 weeks.
The cream is made with a unique blend of peptides, which support a more lifted and contoured look while smoothing surface lines. It also contains Mediterranean olive extract, providing antioxidant protection against UV damage and reducing skin redness.
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Dermatologist tested
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Cruelty-free
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Contains no parabens, fragrances, or dyes
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Quite expensive
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May not be moisturizing enough for extra dry skin
#6 Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Daily Moisturizer: Best budget moisturizer
- Evens skin tone
- Minimizes the appearance of pores
- Visibly firms and smooths
- Hydrates and brightens the skin
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Budget-friendly option
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Oil-free formula
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Fragrance-free
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Only designed for oily or combination skin
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Some complaints that it smells like sunscreen
Olay’s Total Effects Daily Moisturizer provides 7 anti-aging benefits in 1 small, budget-friendly package: it replenishes, smooths, brightens, hydrates, evens skin tone, minimizes pores, and visibly firms.
The cream contains a unique VitaNiacin blend, which combines vitamins E, B5, and B3 to protect against free radicals, fight inflammation, and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier. It also contains green tea antioxidants that contribute further to the anti-inflammatory effects.
#7 Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream: Best for uneven skin texture
- Gives smooth skin texture
- Provides dull skin with a hydrated glow
- Defends against environmental stressors
- Proven emollients revive the skin’s barrier
With retinol as its star ingredient, Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream is described as an “anti-aging superstar.” Retinol absorbs into the middle layer of the skin, where it helps to neutralize free radicals and boost collagen production. This reduces the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and enlarged pores.
The rich texture hydrates and renews dry skin and can be used at night as the last step in your skincare routine. If applied during the day, be sure to wear at least an SPF 30 sunscreen on top to protect yourself from UV damage.
As first-time users may find their skin becoming dry, itchy, and irritated with retinol, Paula’s Choice includes a low-strength 0.01% concentration of the ingredient in their cream. This is enough for you to experience the benefits of retinol without the side effects.
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Ultra-creamy and luxurious formula
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Research-backed
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Fragrance-free
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Retinol may cause some irritation
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May not be suitable for oilier skin types
#8 CeraVe Moisturizing Cream: Best for restoring the skin’s barrier
- Restores the skin’s protective barrier
- Moisturizes dry, scaly, or flaky mature skin
- Non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula
- For the face and body
With its rich yet non-greasy formula, the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream works quickly to restore the skin’s protective barrier. This provides a smooth, supple, and healthy feel for skin that was previously dry, flaky, and uncomfortable.
It does this with the help of ingredients like ceramides, lipids that make up the natural skin barrier. Other key ingredients include hyaluronic acid, along with their MVE Delivery Technology which continually releases moisturizing ingredients.
Don’t worry if you have particularly dry or sensitive skin, as CeraVe created this product alongside dermatologists, and it is also accepted by the National Eczema Association.
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Developed alongside dermatologists
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Fragrance-free
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Accepted by the National Eczema Association
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Might be too greasy for oily skin
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Too heavy to wear under makeup
#9 Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream SPF30: Best with SPF
- Takes a multi-targeted approach to aging
- Defends skin against UV rays with SPF 30
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Moisturizes to combat rough textures and dull skin
Whether you’re looking for a super moisturizing cream or sunscreen, Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream does both. UV rays from the sun can cause premature wrinkling of the skin, so this product tackles this with its SPF 30 broad-spectrum protection.
The Multi-Corrective Cream contains beech tree extract, an antioxidant sugar known for its plumping and firming abilities. Another key ingredient is sodium hyaluronate which, like hyaluronic acid, helps to hydrate and replenish skin elasticity.
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Suitable for all mature skin types, including sensitive skin
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A small amount of cream goes a long way
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Versatile product that can also be used as sunscreen
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May be discontinued soon
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Fragrance may not appeal to all
#10 Stripes Dew As I Do: Best for menopause symptoms
- Specially formulated for menopause and perimenopause
- Improves skin barrier function for good hydration levels
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines
- Evens out and brightens skin tone
Stripes is a brand that believes in aging well, with ease, and with pride. That’s why their Dew As I Do cream provides a solution to help those struggling with menopause symptoms, including dryness, dullness, and loss of firmness.
Their moisturizer delivers an innovative combination of ecotine and squalane, along with vitamins B, C, and E, to brighten the complexion. Ecotine helps to treat dryness caused by inflammation, while squalane works as an antioxidant and hydrating treatment.
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Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin
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Lab-tested
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Hormone-free and dermatologist approved
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Vegan and cruelty-free
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Too greasy for oily skin types
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Might cause allergic reactions
Comparison Table
Ingredients sourced from organic, sustainably-grown plants
Clinically proven results
Dermatologist approved100% vegan
Suitable for all skin types
Contains no silicones
Fragrance-free
Vegan and cruelty-free
Developed with dermatologists
Powerful, prescription-strength cream
Treatment is tailored to your unique needs
Dermatologist tested
Cruelty-free
Contains no parabens, fragrances, or dyes
Dermatologist tested
Cruelty-free
Contains no parabens, fragrances, or dyes
Budget-friendly option
Oil-free formula
Fragrance-free
Rich, ultra-creamy, luxurious formula
Research-backed
Fragrance-free
Developed alongside dermatologists
Fragrance-free
Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
A small amount of cream goes a long way
Versatile product that can also be used as sunscreen
Hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin
Lab-tested
Hormone-free and dermatologist approved
Vegan and cruelty-free
Can take up to 12 weeks to see the results
May clog your pores
Some customers find the product dispenser difficult to use
Takes 3 months to see the full results
Need to build up a tolerance for its strength
May cause irritation, itching, redness, and dryness
Unsuitable for those pregnant or breastfeeding
Quite expensive
May not be moisturizing enough for extra dry skin
Quite expensive
May not be moisturizing enough for extra dry skin
Only designed for oily or combination skin
Some complaints that it smells like sunscreen
Retinol may cause some irritation
May not be suitable for oilier skin types
May not help those with oily skin
Too heavy to wear under makeup
May be discontinued soon
Fragrance may not appeal to all
Too greasy for oily skin types
Might cause allergic reactions
How We Picked the Products
To decide which products were going to make it into our top 10, we rated them in 4 different categories. This helped us come to the conclusion that the number 1 moisturizer for mature skin is the XYZ Smart Collagen Cream, as it scored highly against the following factors:
Quality
The best moisturizers should come from high-quality, natural sources with good organic ingredients. Most of the products we’ve recommended are formulated for sensitive skin, approved by dermatologists, and tested in laboratories to ensure their quality.
Price
A high price doesn’t always indicate better quality, which is why our list includes a great budget option. However, many of the best moisturizers contain high-quality ingredients that may be expensive to source, meaning you’re often likely to get what you pay for.
Brand reputation
Reputable brands are trusted in the skincare industry by dermatologists and customers alike. We, therefore, looked at a wide selection of reviews before making a decision.
Effectiveness
If a product is effective, it will be clinically proven to fight the signs of aging. This means that the ingredients used in each moisturizer should be backed by research from reliable sources and tested by third parties.
FAQs
Although they can’t completely stop aging, many anti-aging creams are effective in slowing down the signs of aging by improving the skin’s appearance.
Moisturizers provide hydration to the skin, preventing it from becoming dry and keeping it soft, plumped, and full, with fewer fine lines and wrinkles.
Ingredients that encourage the production of collagen and keep skin moisturized are ideal for slowing down the aging process, including vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid, and peptides.
A Word From a Dermatologist
Aging is a natural process that can leave your skin looking dull, dry, and saggy. Although we can’t stop this from happening, there are things that you can do to delay aging and keep your skin feeling healthier for longer.
Establish a regular morning and evening skincare routine, using products with hydrating ingredients such as fatty acids, retinol, peptides, collagen, and vitamins.
To further protect your skin health, you should, therefore, also be sure to wear sunscreen, quit smoking, take regular walks, stay hydrated, take care of your mental health, and eat a range of antioxidant, anti-aging foods.
If you’re unsure of what to do, speak to a dermatologist, who can provide you with a treatment plan and further recommendations for your skin type.
Conclusion
From products that boost collagen production to those designed for menopause, there are a variety of great moisturizers on the market that can slow down the signs of aging.
The product that comes out on top is the XYZ Smart Collagen Cream, which preserves the skin’s natural youthfulness by replenishing collagen stores and restoring the structure of the skin.
