Do Anti-Aging, Anti-Wrinkle Creams Work?
The effectiveness of anti-aging cream is based on its ingredients and how consistently and diligently you are using it. An anti-aging cream containing hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, retinoids etc., is considered adequate when used in combination with other skincare products such as sunscreen and hydrating moisturizer for the skin.
1. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream is a moisturizing face and neck cream, suitable for day and night use. It makes your skin youthful in just a week. This rich-textured anti-aging cream is dermatologically proven and is designed to fade dullness, dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines. Its potent formula contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate and rejuvenate the skin to make it appear plump and young. In addition, the presence of retinol repairs the skin surface and the glucose complex strengthens the skin barrier. This cream also makes an ideal solution for other aging concerns like crow feet, smile lines, and deep wrinkles on the forehead and cheeks. Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid Pros
Versatile For day and night For all skin types Quick action formula Non-comedogenic Paraben-free Dye-free Mineral oil-free
Cons
May not suit sensitive skin
2. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles up to 50% with the RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. This anti-aging formula also effectively minimizes deep wrinkles, dark circles, crow’s feet, and uneven skin tone. In addition, its powerful formula repairs the skin at night when the skin is most receptive. As a result, it firms the skin and makes you look younger. Key Ingredients: Retinol, AHA Pros
Non-greasy Non-comedogenic Gentle for daily use Oil-free Suitable for all skin types
Cons None
3. CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
Improve the appearance of your skin with the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream. It provides intense hydration to the skin and rejuvenates it. It softens the skin and restores the skin’s natural barrier. In addition, the anti-aging formula of the cream hydrates your skin at night when your skin is the most receptive. Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, Niacinamide Pros
Suitable for all skin types Non-greasy Smooth texture Fragrance-free Non-irritating
Cons
None
4. Kleem Advanced Retinol Moisturizer
Crafted for both men and women, the Kleem Advanced Retinol Moisturizer possesses the best anti-aging properties to boost collagen and elastin to smoothen the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, discoloration, and age spots. This moisturizer is featured with bio-actives like hyaluronic acid, 2.5% retinol, green tea, vitamin E, and jojoba oil to firm and plump the skin. It works with the help of potent vitamins and antioxidants to enhance skin texture to reveal radiating skin without being oily or clogging pores. The light texture of this cream absorbs quickly into the skin to keep it hydrated for up to 72 hours. Suitable for those over 25 years of age, this non-acnegenic cream can be clubbed with sunscreen. Additionally, it reduces hyperpigmentation and photoaging by restoring elasticity, improving collagen synthesis, and promoting blood flow. If you need more convincing, feel free to take a look at this YouTuber’s video on the merits and demerits of the product. Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E Pros
Lightweight Non-sticky Absorbs easily Lasting hydration Non-comedogenic Suits sensitive skin Non-acnegenic Paraben-free Alcohol-free Cruelty-free
Cons
Contains alcohol
5. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
The Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer is an overnight cream that boosts your skin’s hydration as you sleep. Its moisture-locking formula contains the goodness of retinol complex and vitamin B5 to work wonders on aging skin. Its super hydrating formula seeps quickly into the skin to repair its surface without causing irritation or burning. This 24-hour hydrating cream fades dullness, dark spots, enraged pores, fine lines, and wrinkles by smoothening and brightening the skin. Key ingredients: Vitamin B5, Retinol complex Pros
Quick absorption Non-irritating Fragrance-free Mineral oil-free Synthetic dye-free Phthalates-free
Cons
Feels dry
6. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max Night Hydrating Moisturizer
This Retinol 24 Max Night Hydrating Moisturizer from Olay Regenerist has a deep penetrating formula that works from within to transform the skin. The hydration-boosting properties of this moisturizer smoothen and brighten the skin. It contains retinol 24, a hydrating complex, to keep skin plump and replenished without causing greasiness. Key ingredients: Retinol 24 Pros
Deep penetrating Quick absorption Non-greasy Fragrance-free Mineral oil-free Synthetic dye-free Phthalate-free
Cons
Causes irritation
7. ClearLet Retinol Cream for Face Neck and Decollete
Boost elastin and natural collagen production with ClearLet Retinol Cream that can be used on the face and neck to fade dark spots, acne marks, wrinkles, and fine lines. This anti-aging moisturizer starts working immediately and is blended with superior quality ingredients to keep the skin hydrated. It helps in tightening and lifting. In addition, it contains hyaluronic acid to retain water in the epidermis to keep it firm and flexible while fading wrinkles and fine lines around the mouth and eyes. This natural skin moisturizer is featured with 2.5% retinol complex, aloe, shea butter, jojoba oil, green tea, and vitamin E to rejuvenate and replenish the skin. It works for both men and women to optimize hydration and repair aging skin. Key ingredients: Retinol complex, Aloe, Shea butter, Vitamin E Pros
Instant action Repairing formula Lightweight Non-staining Fragrance-free Ideal for dry, oily, and sensitive skin
Cons
Too greasy
8. InstaNatural Crepe Skin Firming Cream
InstaNatural’s Crepe Skin Firming Cream offers the best skin firming to promote healthy and youthful-looking skin. This tightening cream works by lifting saggy skin from the neck, arms, chest, legs, and decollete due to its advanced repairing formula that helps exfoliate and smoothen the skin. This firming cream contains glycolic acid that exfoliates the skin while promoting cell turnover to let you achieve a smooth and radiating complexion. The presence of caffeine enhances blood flow and prevents discoloration and puffiness. The addition of hyaluronic acid boosts collagen production and shea butter helps in skin plumping by filling wrinkles and fine lines. The ultra-hydrating formula of this repairing cream delivers optimum moisturization to restore the skin. This unisex cream is suitable for all skin types and helps in slowing down the aging signs to leave your skin firm, lifted, and smooth. Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Caffeine Pros
Exfoliating For all skin types Mineral oil-free Synthetic dye-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free Petroleum-free DEA/TEA-free Polyethylene-free Formaldehyde-free Cruelty-free A little bit goes a long way.
Cons
Unpleasant smell
9. L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Night Moisturizer
The L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Night Moisturizer has a strengthening and repairing formula that improves skin barrier to prevent aging signs like loss of firmness, wrinkles, and fine lines. This creamy yet non-greasy moisturizer contains potent wrinkle-fighting pro-retinol and Centella Asiatica to strengthen the moisture barrier and keep skin supple and hydrated. Its dermatologically approved formula is free from harsh substances and it offers a firmer and smoother look in just four weeks. Plus, its moisture-locking properties keep skin hydrated for 24 hours while enhancing its elasticity and overall appearance. Key ingredients: Pro retinol, Centella Asiatica Pros
Lightweight Non-greasy Instant action Non-comedogenic Allergy-tested Dye-free Colorant free Paraben-free
Cons
Unpleasant smell May cause breakouts
10. L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Day Cream
This Age Perfect Day Cream from L’Oreal Paris is formulated for aging and sagging skin. Its hydrating formula is featured with SPF15 to offer sun protection while soothing dryness and keeping skin moisturized for up to 24 hours. It contains soy seed proteins to increase elasticity and resilience of the skin to leave it toned and firm-looking. It additionally has a beta hydroxy acid complex to fade aging spots while being gentle and non-comedogenic. This dermatologically approved face cream is ideal for mature skin that requires instant lifting and smoothening. Key ingredients: Soy proteins, Beta hydroxy acid complex Pros
Long-lasting moisturization Non-comedogenic For mature skin Gentle formula Sun protection
Cons
Too greasy
11. Pharmapulse Neck Firming Cream
Crafted for saggy skin, this neck firming cream from Pharma Pulse is also suitable for chest and face lifting. This skin lifting and tightening cream contains natural nourishing oils like vitamin E, collagen, and retinol to prevent and reduce flabby skin and wrinkles. In addition, this nourishing and moisturizing cream offers instant results to reveal firmer and younger-looking skin. It is enriched with marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil that deeply penetrate the skin and initiate cell renewal. Key ingredients: Collagen, Hyaluronic acid, Vitamin E Pros
Instant action Deep penetration For all skin types Visible results
Cons
Feels sticky
12. HOPEMATE Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Hopemate’s Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer offers a one-stop-shop solution for wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and skin keratinization. It contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to restore the vitality of the skin. The presence of green tea and aloe prevents dryness and sun damage while soothing the skin. It additionally contains retinol or vitamin A to reduce excess sebum and maintain skin elasticity. The natural jojoba oil and papaya fruit extract, along with vitamin D, locks moisture to plump the skin. At the same time, oligopeptide activates the skin renewal process naturally and safely. Furthermore, this day and night cream quickly absorbs into the skin by buffing away dead skin and reduce the damage caused due to free radicals. Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Retinol, Papaya extract Pros
Quick absorption Exfoliating Safe formula No harsh chemicals
Cons
Causes breakouts
How To Apply An Anti-Aging Or Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Follow the below steps to correctly apply an anti-wrinkle cream: Step 1: Cleanse and dry your face. Step 2: Take an adequate amount of cream and dab it all over your skin. Step 3: Now, massage mildly while gently contouring the cream in an upwards direction until it’s properly absorbed.
At What Age Should You Start Using A Wrinkle Cream?
Your skin can start aging as early as when you are 21 years old. In some people it can be a few years later. So, it is safe to start using anti-wrinkle formulae from the age of 25 years.
What To Look For In An Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Before buying any anti-aging or wrinkle cream, consider the following factors:
Know your skin type
Anti-wrinkles creams come in different formulae for different skin types. Therefore, based on your skin type, opt for a suitable cream.
Factor insensitivities
Sensitive skin is easily prone to irritation and allergies. So, if you have sensitive skin, read the ingredient list thoroughly and opt for a hypoallergenic anti-wrinkle cream.
Retinol
Look for a retinol-based formula as it helps in repairing sun damage while fading wrinkles and fine lines.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids
Creams containing AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid fade wrinkles and fine lines while preparing your skin for proper absorption of skincare products.
Peptides
An anti-aging cream containing peptides helps in improving skin texture while stimulating collagen production to make your skin appear young and firmer.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants that combat free radicals that can cause early aging signs. Therefore, look for a cream containing vitamin C to delay aging signs.
Assessing Safety And Effectiveness
It is essential to ensure that the anti-aging cream you want to buy is safe and effective. As per FDA or The Food and Drug Administration, cosmetic products do not undergo safety and effectiveness assessment like the other drugs do; therefore, there is no guarantee whether a formula is effective or safe. However, you must manage your expectations and judge the cream based on the following factors:
Ingredients
Some products might contain two or three active anti-aging ingredients. But, it doesn’t mean that they will help in overcoming the concerns you are facing. Plus, if you plan on using several anti-aging products simultaneously, check if the ingredients may be reactive against each other.
Cost
An anti-wrinkle cream that is more costly will not necessarily be as effective. The cost should not be a deciding factor here.
Doses
OTC anti-wrinkle creams contain a very small concentration of active ingredients. Therefore, their results may not be as effective as you hope to achieve.
Usage
You might see some changes in your skin while you are continuously using a product. But once you discontinue using it, your skin might get back to its previous stage.
Side-effects
Some ingredients found in anti-aging products can cause side effects like irritation, rashes, and redness. Hypoallergenic products can be trusted to not cause any harm to your skin.
Skin differences
No one product works the same on different people. A product that is well reviewed by a friend may not be equally effective on you.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Shiboli Chakraborti, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach and has expertise in revewing and recommneding skin care products. She browsed hundreds of user reviews and conducted thorough research online to provide you with the list of the best anti-aging wrinkle creams. Apart from fading out the aging spots and wrinkles, these creams can also nourish your skin and keep it moistured. What is the difference between anti-wrinkle and anti-aging creams? Anti-aging creams help fade signs of aging, such as sagging skin, dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles, whereas anti-wrinkle creams reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. What is the best treatment for wrinkles? Some of the best wrinkle treatments include products that contain retinoids, micro-needling, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing. Can I use anti-aging wrinkle cream daily? Yes, use anti-aging cream daily to prevent premature aging and the appearance of early wrinkles. At what age do wrinkles start? Wrinkles may begin appearing around the age of 25. What is the main cause of wrinkles? The main causes of wrinkles include sun damage, smoking, and aging. Can anti-aging wrinkle cream cause acne? Yes, oily moisturizers and anti-wrinkle creams can clog pores and promote acne. Instead, opt for a non-comedogenic solution that will not clog pores and cause acne.
