Achieving dewy, youthful skin takes dedication all year long, and the best wrinkle creams should be part of your daily skincare routine. During fall and winter, when dryness and harsh weather set in, it’s especially important to hydrate your skin well. Dr. Cheryl Karcher, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, explains that effective anti-aging creams help keep skin hydrated and looking young by protecting the skin barrier and providing moisture.
Vogue’s Top Wrinkle Creams:
– Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced – $185 at BLUEMERCURY
– Best for Deep Wrinkles: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream – $30 ($22, 27% off) at AMAZON
– Best With SPF: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 – $140 at AMAZON
Dermatologist-recommended anti-aging creams also help protect skin from environmental damage in any season. Dr. Karcher notes that many include SPF, antioxidants, and DNA repair enzymes to strengthen the skin barrier, which is especially helpful during colder months when dry air—both outdoors and from indoor heating—can strip moisture. A high-quality cream becomes essential for maintaining hydration when moisture levels drop.
However, not all anti-aging products are equally effective. Dr. Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology in New York City, says that the results depend on the active ingredients. While creams can’t replace treatments like Botox or fillers, the right ones can gradually improve the look of wrinkles.
So, what are the best anti-aging ingredients, and which creams work like a fountain of youth? Dermatologists share their picks for keeping skin soft and smooth for as long as possible.
In This Article:
– Do anti-aging wrinkle creams really work?
– A dermatologist’s tip for choosing an anti-aging cream
– What anti-aging ingredients to look for
– When to start using an anti-aging cream
– When to apply it in your skincare routine
– Dermatologist recommendations for treating wrinkles
– How anti-aging creams compare to in-office treatments
– Can they prevent wrinkles?
– What causes wrinkles?
– How often to use an anti-aging cream
– What to look for in a cream
– How we tested
– Meet the skin experts
Best for Deep Wrinkles: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream – $30 ($22, 27% off) at AMAZON
Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden tested this cream and loves it. It’s an editor favorite, thanks to its blend of retinol, glycolic acid, squalane, and shea butter, making it gentle for retinol beginners. Kiana calls it her top drugstore retinol and notes that trusted dermatologists frequently recommend it. She experienced no purging and found it easy to use, now suggesting it to anyone new to retinol.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, glycolic acid, squalane, shea butter
Skin Benefits: Reduces the look of deep wrinkles overnight, promoting firm, smooth, and radiant skin.
How to Apply: RoC advises applying it to the face at night.Apply to your face and neck at night. The brand suggests using it every other night, then gradually increasing to nightly use as your skin adjusts. Always follow up with sunscreen in the morning.
Best For: Deep wrinkles, dry skin, combination skin, dull skin
Size: 1.0 fl. oz.
Love It: Widely available and affordable
Leave It: Not very hydrating on its own
Best With SPF: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30
Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden tested this cream.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 – $140 at AMAZON
Why We Love It: With SPF 30 for broad-spectrum protection, this algae-based cream is recommended by dermatologists for sagging, wrinkled skin. Dr. Corey L. Hartman, an Alabama-based board-certified dermatologist, praises it as an elegant formula that reduces fine lines and wrinkles while improving firmness. Enriched with botanical and algae extracts, it includes chlorella to soothe, padina pavonica for hydration, ginkgo biloba for antioxidants, mimosa to tone, and rose for calming and a light scent. This moisturizer-sunscreen hybrid has a lightweight gel-cream texture with a silky finish, making it an ideal makeup base. Read our full review for more.
Key Ingredients: Ginkgo biloba, chlorella, padina pavonica, rose, mimosa
Skin Benefits: Deeply hydrating, it protects against UV damage and is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in as little as 14 days.
How to Apply: Use every morning as the final step in your skincare routine.
Size: 1.6 oz.
Love It: Provides broad-spectrum sun protection
Leave It: Some find the fragrance too strong
Best Nighttime Wrinkle Cream: Olay Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer
Olay Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer – $34 at AMAZON
Vogue’s beauty shopping writer Concetta Ciarlo tested this product.
Why We Love It: Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi recommends this drugstore retinol for its ingredients and results. It combines Olay’s proprietary retinoid complex with niacinamide and amino peptides to revive and rejuvenate the skin, and it’s fragrance-free.
Key Ingredients: Retinoid complex, niacinamide, amino peptides, vitamin B3
Skin Benefits: Penzi notes that it penetrates deeply to address fine lines, wrinkles, smoothness, brightness, firming, dark spots, and pores, while also hydrating and supporting the skin barrier.
How to Apply: Apply to cleansed skin at night until absorbed, and use SPF in the morning.
Best For: All skin types
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Love It: Rejuvenates overnight, fragrance-free, dye-free
Leave It: Can take time to absorb
Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream – $77 at AMAZON, NORDSTROM, DERMSTORE
Why We Love It: Retinoids are known for boosting cell turnover and collagen to smooth fine lines, but they can irritate sensitive skin. This cream uses a gentle phyto-retinol blend that includes retinol with ferulic acid to enhance effectiveness, plus soothing rambutan and bakuchiol. It has a thick, cushiony texture that dries to a silky finish, offering a luxurious way to start using retinol.Retinoids.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, phyto-retinol blend
Skin Benefits: This cream is designed to address signs of sun damage like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and rough, dry skin. With regular use, it helps achieve a softer, more hydrated look.
How to Apply: Apply morning and evening to clean, dry skin. For best results, use after a serum and daily peel to help other skincare products absorb better. Since it contains retinol, which increases sun sensitivity, always follow morning use with sunscreen.
Best For: Consistent use can reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the forehead, between the eyes, and around the mouth in as little as two weeks.
Size: 2.0 fl. oz.
Best Drugstore Wrinkle Cream: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
$37 $21 (43% off) AMAZON
Vogue’s beauty writer Concetta Ciarlo tested this cream.
Why We Love It: This affordable option features retinol and hyaluronic acid to plump and refresh the skin. Its light-stable retinol allows day and night use, but sunscreen is still recommended in the morning. Hartman notes it’s a great drugstore retinol, though some may dislike the fragrance—there’s a fragrance-free version available. It applies smoothly and absorbs quickly.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid
Skin Benefits: Retinol works on fine lines, dullness, and dark spots for a more youthful appearance, while hyaluronic acid adds extra moisture.
How to Apply: Use a pearl-sized amount on the face and neck twice daily.
Best For: All skin types
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Love It: Suitable for day and night use
Leave It: The scent may not appeal to everyone
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced
$185 BLUEMERCURY
Why We Love It: Cosmeceuticals, which blend cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, are gaining popularity for their ability to repair skin from within using active ingredients. SkinCeuticals offers scientifically backed anti-aging products comparable to professional treatments, and this cream is a top choice for 2025.
Key Ingredients: 18% concentrated proxylane, 4.25% wild fruit flavonoids, 0.1% glycyrrhetinic acid, 3% hepes, 1% niacinamide
Skin Benefits: These powerful ingredients combat aging caused by glycation, which weakens collagen. Regular use smooths wrinkles and improves firmness and plumpness.
How to Apply: Apply to face, neck, and chest twice daily as the final step in your routine, followed by sunscreen in the morning.
Best For: All skin types
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Love It: Repairs skin deeply with strong ingredients
Leave It: Some users report pilling
Best Lightweight: La Prairie Skin Caviar Hydro Emulsion
La Prairie Skin Caviar Hydro Emulsion
$415 NORDSTROM
Why We Love It: A new release from the renowned Swiss brand, La Prairie…Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer, Kiana Murden, recommends La Prairie’s Skin Caviar Hydro Emulsion. She highlights its blend of caviar micronutrients, new caviar hydroessence, and the brand’s Exclusive Cellular Complex, which work together to boost skin cell activity and repair. Hyaluronic acid and shea butter help maintain moisture. Murden also praises its lightweight texture that absorbs easily and layers well under makeup. Dr. Jacqueline Hill, La Prairie’s director of strategic innovation and science, states that clinical tests show the cream reduces wrinkles in count, depth, and volume for firmer, younger-looking skin.
Key ingredients: Caviar hydroessence, exclusive cellular complex, caviar micro-nutrients
Skin Benefits: Hydrates, strengthens the skin barrier, firms
How to Apply: Use morning and night after cleansing. Apply a small amount to fingertips and massage into face and neck (avoiding eyes). Let it absorb fully and follow with SPF in the morning.
Best For: Normal-to-oily skin types seeking anti-aging benefits without heaviness.
Size: 2.36 oz
Love It: Silky finish, quick absorption
Leave It: Some may find the lightweight texture less luxurious than other La Prairie products
Best Neck Cream: Valmont V-Lift Neck Cream
Valmont V-Lift Neck Cream – $340 at SSENSE
Why We Love It: Valmont, a favorite among spa insiders, offers high-end Swiss skincare. The V-Lift Neck Cream tightens, smooths, and firms the neck while contouring the face. It suits all skin types and features C-Drone Peptide Technology, combining vitamin C and peptides to boost collagen. Dr. Kseniya Kobets notes that while it contains DNA and RNA fragments, its tightening effect comes from film-forming polymers. Moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, urea, shea butter, and petrolatum help soften and hydrate the skin.
Key ingredients: C-Drone Peptide Technology, DNA and RNA particles, glycerin, urea, shea butter, petrolatum
Skin Benefits: Tightens, lifts, moisturizes, softens, hydrates
How to Apply: Massage a small amount from neckline to jawline morning and night. For best results, use with V-Lift Serum, V-Lift Cream, and V-Lift Eye, applying the neck cream last.
Best For: Reducing signs of aging on the neck, such as wrinkles and crepiness, and improving the appearance of jowls by tightening the lower face.
Size: 50 ml
Love It: Rich, melting texture
Leave It: The luminous finish may not suit those preferring a matte look
Dermatologists’ Pick: Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream – $135 at SKINBETTER
Why We Love It: This cream is highly recommended by dermatologists for its effectiveness and gentleness. It’s a great retinol option for those with sensitive skin, providing gentle exfoliation. Experts note that even reactive skin types can use it without issues, making it easy to incorporate into any routine.This product features Skinbetter’s patented AlphaRet technology, which blends retinoic acid with alpha hydroxy acids. The formula includes retinoic acid, the most active form of retinol, along with lactic acid for hydration and brightness. Glycolic acid is also added to improve skin texture.
Key Ingredients: AlphaRet technology, retinoic acid, alpha hydroxy acids, lactic acid, glycolic acid
Skin Benefits: Peptides in the formula help build collagen and support skin structure, while antioxidants combat free radical damage for healthier skin. It’s housed in a ceramide-rich base that moisturizes and prevents dryness, enhancing its smoothing effects.
How to Apply: Use at night on the face, steering clear of the eye area.
Best For: Dullness, uneven texture, oily, combination, or sensitive skin
Size: 1.0 fl. oz.
Love It: Moisturizing and gentle
Leave It: Not as widely available as other products
Do Anti-Aging Wrinkle Creams Work?
While they can’t reverse time, a high-quality cream helps maintain skin’s smoothness, plumpness, and firmness, supporting graceful aging. Look for ingredients that address your specific needs, like niacinamide for oil control, vitamin C for brightening, or retinol for cell renewal. Consistency is crucial, as results aren’t instant. Pairing with a good facial sunscreen protects collagen and elastin from damage.
A Dermatologist’s Tip for Choosing an Anti-Aging Cream
Dr. Kristina Collins advises selecting a cream based on your skin type and goals rather than marketing. Her tips include:
– For dry skin: Choose a rich moisturizer with peptides and ceramides.
– For acne-prone skin: Opt for lighter formulas with retinol or bakuchiol.
– For sensitive skin: Use fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested products to reduce irritation.
Key Anti-Aging Ingredients
Dr. Collins highlights retinoids as the gold standard for boosting collagen and cell turnover. Peptides, niacinamide, and antioxidants like vitamin C improve firmness and tone, while hyaluronic acid and ceramides aid hydration and barrier function.
Vitamin A: Retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, are essential for skin health and anti-aging, second only to sun protection.
Exfoliating Agents: Low-dose AHAs, such as glycolic acid, gently exfoliate to smooth wrinkles. Regular exfoliation and hydration lead to less texture, more radiance, and a youthful bounce.
SPF: The top anti-aging tip is consistent use of sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect collagen, elastin, and maintain youthful skin.”Low. ‘No matter which wrinkle cream you use at night,’ says esthetician Taylor Worden, ‘if you don’t apply SPF during the day to protect your skin, you’re wasting your time and money.'”
Growth Factors: Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist in New York and New Jersey, explains the appeal of this popular ingredient. ‘Growth factors act as signaling molecules to boost collagen production, which helps reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles,’ she says. Plus, growth factors are generally well tolerated by all skin types.
Peptides: Dr. Garshick also suggests peptides for those aiming to minimize fine lines and wrinkles. These short chains of amino acids tighten the skin by stimulating collagen. Additionally, peptides like argireline or matrixyl can improve the appearance of expression lines by blocking neurotransmitter release. ‘Peptides are suitable for all skin types but may be especially beneficial for those who can’t tolerate retinol or have sensitive skin,’ notes Dr. Garshick.
Vitamin C: Dermatologists widely agree that this brightening antioxidant belongs in almost any anti-aging routine. By shielding the skin from free-radical damage, it helps prevent collagen loss and promotes a firmer, more youthful complexion.
Hyaluronic Acid: ‘This is a super hydrator that won’t feel heavy on your skin,’ says Dr. Mraz. ‘It’s excellent for helping the skin maintain hydration, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.’
When should you start using an anti-aging cream?
‘Prevention should begin in your mid-20s, when collagen production naturally starts to slow,’ advises Dr. Collins. Along with an anti-aging cream, she recommends those in their mid-20s consider using a gentle retinol or antioxidant serum. ‘Starting early helps build healthy habits and maintain long-term skin health and quality,’ she says.
When to Apply Anti-Aging Cream in Your Skin-Care Routine
According to Dr. Collins, a good rule of thumb is to apply anti-aging creams after cleansing and serums. ‘Use it before sunscreen in the morning,’ she advises. ‘At night, anti-aging creams typically come after treatment serums and before heavier moisturizers, if you use them.’
What do dermatologists recommend to treat wrinkles?
If wrinkles are your main concern, follow Dr. Engelman’s advice: ‘I usually recommend daily sun protection combined with a retinoid to boost collagen and improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.’ She adds that hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid help plump and smooth the skin, softening fine lines. For more noticeable wrinkles, Engelman suggests adding in-office procedures to your at-home routine.
Dr. Collins agrees: ‘A combination approach works best for treating wrinkles. Use topical retinoids and peptides for daily maintenance, and incorporate in-office treatments like neuromodulators, laser resurfacing, or microneedling for deeper wrinkles.’ And, she emphasizes, ‘daily sun protection is essential.’
Do anti-aging creams work as well as in-office treatments?
‘Topical products can improve texture and brightness, but in-office procedures penetrate deeper and deliver more dramatic, faster results,’ says Dr. Collins. ‘Using creams daily helps maintain and extend those professional results over time.’
Considering a professional treatment? Here are a few options explained by Dr. Idriss:
‘Botox relaxes muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers restore volume to deeper lines,’ Idriss says. ‘Resurfacing lasers [like CO2 and IPL] exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production.’Microneedling works by creating tiny, controlled injuries in the skin, which stimulates collagen production and improves texture over time.
Do anti-aging creams help prevent wrinkles?
Dr. Rayva Khanna, a dermatology resident at Georgetown University Medical Center, explains that while nothing can completely prevent wrinkles, anti-aging creams can help. They often contain active ingredients that boost collagen and slow the development of fine lines. Her key advice? Choose a cream with a retinoid. Retinoids, which come from Vitamin A, encourage skin renewal, increase collagen, and improve pigmentation. They are among the most researched anti-aging ingredients.
What causes wrinkles?
Dr. Deanne Mraz, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, notes that wrinkles fall into two categories: static and dynamic. Static wrinkles are visible even when your face is relaxed, while dynamic ones appear with facial movements, like smile lines around the eyes when you grin. Wrinkles also result from natural collagen and elastin loss over time, along with genetics and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, diet, and skincare habits.
How Often to Use an Anti-Aging Cream
According to Dr. Collins, most anti-aging creams can be applied once or twice daily, depending on your skin’s tolerance and the product’s formula. Retinoids should be introduced slowly, starting with application every other night.
What to Look for in an Anti-Aging Cream
Dr. Collins recommends looking for proven ingredients like retinol, peptides, antioxidants, and SPF, while avoiding heavy fragrances or drying alcohols that can irritate the skin. She suggests opting for dermatologist-developed or clinically tested formulas for reliability and effectiveness. Dr. Tanya Kormeili, a board-certified dermatologist, advises using a moisturizer that restores the skin barrier and provides protection, especially in winter. She recommends avoiding harsh acids and drying agents, and instead choosing products with bases like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and squalene, along with active ingredients such as peptides, growth factors, and vitamins.
How We Tested
Our product testing and reviews take a comprehensive approach to offer well-rounded recommendations. We rely on Vogue’s network of experts, including dermatologists and estheticians, to identify top products they use with clients. Combining their insights with editorial standards, we evaluate wrinkle and anti-aging creams based on ingredients, texture, finish, and the skin concerns they address. We test each product personally, incorporate expert advice, and consider user feedback to determine our recommendations.
Meet the Skin Experts
– Dr. Nava Greenfield: A board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
– Dr. Corey L. Hartman: A board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
– Dr. Hadley King: A board-certified dermatologist in New York City, specializing in cosmetic and medical dermatology.
– Dr. Elyse Love: A board-certified dermatologist in New York City, focusing on medical and cosmetic treatments with a holistic approach to skin health.Candace Marino, known as The LA Facialist, is a celebrity facialist in Beverly Hills.
Dr. Lauren Penzi is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, focusing on both medical and cosmetic dermatology.
Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, based in San Diego, is a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology.
Taylor Worden is a celebrity esthetician and the founder of Taylor Worden Skin in New York City.
Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City.
Dr. Shereene Idriss is a board-certified dermatologist who founded Idriss Dermatology in NYC and also created the Dr. Idriss skin-care line.
Dr. Saami Khalifian is a double board-certified dermatologist at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, California.
Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical Center.
Dr. Deanne Mraz is a board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist, as well as an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University of Medicine.
Dr. Cheryl Karcher is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
Dr. Kristina Collins is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon in Austin, Texas.
Dr. Tanya Kormeili is a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica, California.
Dr. Rayva Khanna is a dermatology resident at Georgetown University Medical Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and natural FAQs about top dermatologistapproved wrinkle creams for 2025
Beginner General Questions
1 What makes a wrinkle cream dermatologistapproved
It means the formula has been reviewed or recommended by skin doctors for its safety effectiveness and use of proven ingredients
2 What are the most important ingredients to look for in a 2025 wrinkle cream
Look for retinoids peptides hyaluronic acid vitamin C and niacinamide These are the gold standards for fighting wrinkles
3 Im new to antiaging creams Where should I start
Start with a gentle retinol or a peptide cream and always use a daily moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher Sunscreen is the most important antiaging step
4 How long does it take to see results from a wrinkle cream
Youll typically need to use it consistently for 4 to 12 weeks to see visible improvements in skin texture and fine lines
5 Do I need a prescription or are there good overthecounter options
There are excellent overthecounter options For stronger faster results a dermatologist can prescribe more potent creams like tretinoin
Benefits HowTo Questions
6 Whats the main benefit of using a dermatologistrecommended cream over a regular one
You get a formula backed by scientific evidence so youre not wasting money on products that dont work Theyre more likely to deliver real results
7 Can these creams completely erase my wrinkles
No they cant erase deep wrinkles completely but they can significantly reduce the appearance of fine lines improve skin texture and prevent new wrinkles from forming
8 Whats the best way to apply wrinkle cream for maximum effect
Apply a peasized amount to your clean dry face and neck in the evening Gently pat or smooth it on avoiding the delicate eye area
9 Should I use wrinkle cream in the morning or at night
Most powerful wrinklefighting ingredients are best used at night because they can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight
Common Problems Solutions