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According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), people will experience various skin changes as they age. One of these changes is the development of wrinkles. While skin wrinkles are a natural part of aging, and it is not necessary to reduce their appearance, some people may prefer to.
This may occur due to exposure to UV light, the natural effects of gravity over time, and certain habits like smoking. Research states that adult females who smoke increase their risk of moderate to severe wrinkles by three times. Males who smoke double their risk.
Some people may choose to use wrinkle creams to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. This article looks at some of the best wrinkle creams available online, discusses when people can start using wrinkle creams, and answers some frequently asked questions.
- Best retinol formula: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream | Skip to review
- Best anti-irritant: Alastin Renewal Retinol | Skip to review
- Best skin-plumping effect: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream | Skip to review
- Best night cream: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream | Skip to review
- Best for reducing expression lines: Revision Skincare Revox 7 | Skip to review
- Best for combination skin: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer | Skip to review
- Best for dark circles: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex | Skip to review
- Best with SPF: CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream with SPF | Skip to review
- Best eye cream: The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream | Skip to review
- Best for males: Hims Goodnight Wrinkle Cream | Skip to review
- Best fragrance-free: Paula’s Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum | Skip to review
Below, we list some of the best wrinkle creams in 2023.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best retinol formula: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
- Price: around $37
- Size: 1.7 ounces (oz)
- Key ingredients: retinol, hyaluronic acid
This product from Neutrogena contains retinol, which may help to reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and wrinkles. The hyaluronic acid helps to hydrate the skin, and reviewers comment on its smoothing and softening effect.
The product contains fragrance, so it may not suit individuals with sensitive skin. It may be more suitable for individuals with balanced skin.
Neutrogena recommends individuals apply a pearl-sized amount twice a day to the face and neck.
Pros
- Neutrogena claims the retinol has a high concentration
- some reviewers say their skin felt softer and smoother, but their wrinkles did not change
- gentle enough for daily use
- dermatologist approved
Cons
- fragrance may not suit those with sensitive skin
- some reviews comment on skin irritation
Best anti-irritant: Alastin Renewal Retinol
- Price: around $56
- Size: 1 fluid ounce (fl oz)
- Key ingredients: retinol, oat extract, silver mushroom, hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone, co-enzyme Q10
This product contains oat extract and silver mushroom. These ingredients contain anti-irritants and antioxidants, including hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone and co-enzyme Q10, to help soothe sensitive skin.
The formula also contains retinol encapsulated in a solid lipid. According to Alastin, this helps improve the delivery of retinol while helping the skin produce collagen.
The formula is noncomedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores and is hypoallergenic. It is suitable for all skin types.
Alastin recommends individuals apply one pump to the face every evening.
Pros
- formula is anti-irritant, hypoallergenic, noncomedogenic
- contains antioxidants
- suitable for all skin types
Cons
- expensive in comparison to competitors
- more limited online reviews than other products
- some reviewers suggest the formula may be a little too gentle for their skin
Best for a skin-plumping effect: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
- Price: around $145
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
- Key ingredients: bionymph peptide, vitamins C and E, rosehip oil, hyaluronic acid, frangipani flower extract, camellia oil, aloe vera, shea butter
This product from Charlotte Tilbury contains bionymph peptide. According to the company, this ingredient helps give the appearance of plumper and smoother skin.
Additional ingredients and their reported benefits include:
- Vitamins C & E: For brightening and evening out skin tone.
- Rosehip oil: For revitalizing and balancing skin.
- Hyaluronic acid: For hydrating the skin.
- Frangipani flower extract: For moisturizing the skin and providing a calming fragrance.
- Camellia oil: For hydrating and nourishing.
- Aloe vera: For calming, smoothing, and moisturizing the skin.
- Shea butter: For nourishing and softening.
Charlotte Tilbury does not state which skin type this product is best for.
The company recommends applying the product to the face and neck using its tap 5-minute facial massage technique. However, Charlotte Tilbury does not suggest how frequently a person should apply it.
Pros
- ingredients may help provide the appearance of plumper-looking skin
- some reviewers comment on skin feeling soft and smooth after use
Cons
- very expensive in comparison to competitors
- no guidance on how frequently a person should use it
- some reviewers mention the product caused skin reactions
Best night cream: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
- Price: around $21
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredients: retinol, shea butter, glycerin
This product from RoC is designed for individuals to use every night. RoC says the skin is most receptive to repair and renewal at night.
It claims that this cream can reduce deep wrinkles by up to 50%, based on an 8-week clinical study. However, RoC does not provide access to this study.
The cream contains retinol and a mineral complex, as well as shea butter. RoC claims the product is nongreasy and noncomedogenic.
According to the company, it is suitable for all skin types.
A person should apply this at nighttime to the face and neck on a daily basis.
Pros
- suitable for all skin types
- claims to reduce deep wrinkles by up to 50%
- cheaper than many competitors’ products
- many reviewers found the product effective
Cons
- only for use at nighttime
- some buyers found the cream’s scent too strong
- others claim the cream caused a burning sensation around the eyes
Best for reducing expression lines: Revision Skincare Revox 7
- Price: around $150
- Size: 0.5 fl oz
- Key ingredients: seven peptides
This serum uses a variety of peptide ingredients to soften the appearance of seven types of expression lines around the eyes, forehead, and mouth.
Revision calls out palmitoyl hexapeptide-19, acetyl hexapeptide-8, and acetyl hexapeptide-3 as ingredient highlights. These all work to reduce the appearance of lines. Other peptides aim to make the skin appear firmer, smoothed, and toned.
The company writes that the cream works well in conjunction with in-office treatments, meaning it may suit people who have facial treatments and procedures done.
According to the company, it is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
The company recommends individuals apply one pump to their expression lines twice daily.
Pros
- suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin
- specifically targets expression lines
- many reviews comment on the effectiveness of the product
- may work well with in-office facial treatments
Cons
- expensive in comparison to competitors
- 0.5 fl oz size is smaller than most competitors
- some buyers found the formula watery and did not notice improvements in their skin
Best for combination skin: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Moisturizer
- Price: around $28
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Key ingredients: vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, amino peptides
According to Olay, this product is suitable for those with combination skin. Olay also suggests it is suitable for oily and balanced skin and those with dryness, uneven texture, or sagging.
It contains vitamin B3 for retaining moisture, removing dull skin, and aiding skin regeneration. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin, and amino peptides help the skin look smoother and firmer.
The cream is fragrance-free.
Olay recommends using this cream morning and night. However, it does not give any guidance on how much a person should use.
Pros
- product is fragrance-free
- more affordable than many competitors
- the product is free from parabens, phthalates, and synthetic dyes
Cons
- the company does not recommend how much a person should use
- some buyers found the cream made their skin peel
- others experienced breakouts and little improvement in their wrinkles
Best for dark circles: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex
- Price: $105
- Size: 15 mililiters (mL)
- Key ingredients: flavonoid and synergistic peptides complex, blueberry extract, proxylane, optical diffusers
SkinCeuticals manufactures this eye complex that aims to reduce the appearance of dark circles, “crow’s feet,” and puffiness.
The key ingredients and their benefits include:
- Flavonoid and synergistic peptides complex: For reducing dark circles and eye bags.
- Blueberry extract: An antioxidant and anti-glycation, this aims to prevent the appearance of wrinkles.
- Proxylane: For restoring water and nutrients to the skin.
- Optical diffusers: Optical diffusers disperse light to reduce the appearance of dark circles and dullness.
The company says it is suitable for dry and balanced skin and is free from alcohol and dyes.
SkinCeuticals advises individuals to apply this cream under the eyes and in the brow area once or twice daily.
Pros
- suitable for dry and balanced skin
- may help reduce dark circles, puffiness, and crow’s feet
- suitable for use around the eyes, which is not a guarantee with other products
Cons
- expensive in comparison to some competitors
- some reviewers say it is not suitable for those with sensitive skin
- others claim it may cause eye and skin irritation
Best with SPF: CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream with SPF
- Price: around $26
- Size: 1.8 oz
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, encapsulated retinol, ceramides 1, 3 & 6-II
This skin-renewing day cream from CeraVe comes with a broad-spectrum SPF of 30. Sunscreen is one of the
It contains hyaluronic acid for moisturizing and encapsulated retinol to improve skin texture and reduce wrinkles. It also contains three essential ceramides to restore and maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier.
It is fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores.
CeraVe does not specify which skin types this product is best for.
The company recommends applying the cream 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying every 2 hours.
Pros
- cheaper than some competitors
- contains SPF 30, so can help protect the skin from sun damage
- fragrance-free and noncomedogenic
Cons
- only suitable for daytime use
- the company does not specify the skin type this cream is best for
- some negative customer reviews mention that the cream pills and leaves a white cast on the skin
Best eye cream: The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
- Price: around $13
- Size: 0.5 fl oz
- Key ingredients: 3% vitalease retinol
This eye cream from The Inkey List contains 3% vitalease retinol, which the company states can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The Inkey List says this retinol is in a slow-release formula to reduce the risk of irritation often associated with retinol. It also promotes collagen production.
According to the company, it is suitable for all skin types.
The Inkey List recommends individuals use a small amount in the afternoon or evening, 1–2 times a week to begin with. They can then gradually increase their use based on skin tolerance.
Pros
- very affordable
- the retinol is in a slow-release formula to reduce irritation
- suitable for all skin types
- it may encourage collagen production
Cons
- small tube size in comparison with competitors
- many reviews mention poor quality and watery formula
Best for males: Hims Goodnight Wrinkle Cream
- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, shea butter, baobab seed extract, caffeine
- Price: around $14
- Size: 1 fl oz
Hims manufactures a wrinkle cream specifically for males. It aims to provide deep hydration to the skin, and includes ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, shea butter, baobab seed extract, and caffeine. Hims writes that locking in moisture can reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
The formula has a natural almond scent. It is also suitable for vegans and is cruelty-free.
It is suitable for all skin types.
Hims recommends a person massage 1–2 dime-size dabs onto the chin, cheeks, forehead, and neck at nighttime.
Pros
- suitable for all skin types
- more affordable than many competitors
- suitable for vegans and is cruelty-free
Cons
- the scented formula may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin
- some negative customer reviews mention a strong, unpleasant scent and a lack of visible results
- its main aim is to hydrate the skin over targeting wrinkles
Best fragrance-free: Paula’s Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
- Price: around $45
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredients: retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E, squalane
This product from Paula’s Choice is fragrance-free.
It contains stabilized retinol for reducing signs of aging. It also contains vitamins C and E for brightening and hydrating the skin. Paula’s Choice writes that squalane — also present in the formula — is rich in antioxidants to help soothe the skin.
The company says it is suitable for oily, combination, dry, and balanced skin. It may also suit those with sensitive skin due to the lack of fragrance, but the company does not specifically recommend it for sensitive skin.
Paula’s Choice recommends a person apply a few drops twice a day to the face, neck, and eye area.
Pros
- the formula is fragrance-free and may suit those with sensitive skin
- suitable for most skin types
- some customer reviews say it works well once the product absorbs into the skin
- more affordable than some competitors
Cons
- some reviewers found the product felt greasy or did not absorb well
- some reviews mention a poor pump design
- not specifically recommended for sensitive skin
Below, we compare each wrinkle cream in this article for price, ingredients, and more.
| Price | Size | Key ingredients | Skin type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutrogena | around $37 | 1.7 oz | • retinol • hyaluronic acid | balanced |
| Alastin | around $56 | 1 fl oz | • retinol • oat extract • silver mushroom • hydroxymethoxyphenyl decanone • co-enzyme Q10 | all skin types |
| Charlotte Tilbury | around $145 | 1.7 fl oz | • bionymph peptide • vitamins C & E • rosehip oil • hyaluronic acid • frangipani flower extract • camellia oil • aloe vera • shea butter | no recommendations from the company |
| RoC | around $21 | 1 fl oz | • retinol • shea butter • glycerin | all skin types |
| Revision Skincare | around $150 | 0.5 fl oz | 7 peptides | • all skin types • sensitive |
| Olay | around $28 | 1.7 oz | • vitamin B3 • hyaluronic acid • amino peptides | • oily • balanced • dry |
| SkinCeuticals | $105 | 15 mL | • complex of flavonoids and synergistic peptides • blueberry extract • proxylane • optical diffusers | • dry • balanced |
| CeraVe | around $26 | 1.8 oz | • hyaluronic acid • encapsulated retinol • ceramides 1, 3 & 6-II | no recommendations from the company |
| The Inkey List | around $13 | 0.5 fl oz | 3% vitalease retinol | all skin types |
| Hims | around $14 | 1 fl oz | • hyaluronic acid • shea butter • baobab seed extract • caffeine | all skin types |
| Paula’s Choice | around $45 | 1 fl oz | • retinol • vitamin C • vitamin E • squalane | • oily • combination • dry • balanced |
Skin aging is a natural process that affects everyone as they get older. It is not essential for a person to use wrinkle creams as they age, but some people may prefer to do this if they want to reduce the appearance of their wrinkles.
The AAD recommends people start an aging support skin care routine in their 40s and 50s.
If they wish, people can begin using wrinkle creams as early as their 20s. However, there is limited evidence to suggest that starting to use these creams earlier in life is beneficial.
Learn more about when to start using aging support products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Other factors a person should consider in a wrinkle cream include:
- Ingredients: A person should look for key components in aging support products, including retinol, peptides, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and moisturizing ingredients. These ingredients may be beneficial in decreasing the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of skin aging.
- Intended area: If a person would like to reduce wrinkles on their face and neck, they should ensure the product is suitable for use in this area. This is particularly true if a person wants to reduce wrinkles around the eyes, as the skin in this area is delicate, and products should always be safe for use around the eyes.
- Skin type: Some products may not be suitable for all skin types. Often, the manufacturer lists the skin types the product may suit best. In addition, a person with sensitive skin may wish to avoid fragrances or strong formulas.
- Cost: Some skin care products can be very expensive. A person should consider their budget and how frequently they may need to purchase the product.
In this section, we answer some common questions about wrinkle creams.
Do wrinkle creams work?
There is limited recent scientific research to suggest whether wrinkle creams work. However, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence showing people find success with these products.
2019 research concludes that retinol, a key ingredient in many wrinkle creams, significantly reduced wrinkle surface area and dark spots. However, the researchers state that some participants mentioned facial scaling and stinging.
What causes wrinkles?
Wrinkles are a natural part of skin aging. Skin collagen and elastin decrease by
Some factors can cause premature wrinkling, including:
- sun exposure
- smoking
- repetitive facial expressions
- an insufficient diet
- excessive alcohol consumption
- lack of exercise
- lack of a skin care routine
How often should I use an anti-wrinkle cream?
Manufacturers usually provide guidance on how frequently to apply wrinkle cream. However, in general, a person should apply it twice a day, morning and evening.
People may wish to use wrinkle creams as they age to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. However, skin wrinkling is a natural part of aging, and using wrinkle creams is not essential.
A person can begin using wrinkle creams at any age. However, the AAD recommends individuals have an aging support skin care routine from their 40s and 50s if they wish.
A person should consider ingredients, cost, and skin type when buying a wrinkle cream.