Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Nourishing favorites from brands like Augustinus Bader and ZIIP come expert-recommended
There are plenty of ways to treat signs of aging , but among the most effective is also the simplest: Striking the right moisture balance for your skin . Proper hydration can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and dullness, while also improving skin laxity over time. While almost any face cream can boost hydration, the best moisturizers for mature skin provide targeted, preventative treatments in a jar .
Key ingredients, such as peptides, retinoids, and others, work together to target specific concerns. “Retinoids or plant-based alternative bakuchiol improve and prevent fine lines, increase cellular turnover, improve skin texture and elasticity, and [reduce] discoloration,” dermatologist Morayo Adisa tells Bazaar . “Look for antioxidants such as vitamin C and E to help with collagen production and decrease oxidative stress. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and urea to increase skin hydration, softening the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Also, look for an emollient such as squalane or shea butter.”
Several moisturizers feature at least one of these transformative ingredients, so how do you know which one is right for you? To help narrow down your options, we asked Adisa, along with other dermatologists, for their thoughts on some of the best moisturizers for mature skin.
Neutrogena continuously proves that you don't have to spend a ton of money to reap the benefits of wrinkle-smoothing ingredients. This night cream targets the primary causes of wrinkles, uneven tone, and loss of elasticity with a firming and plumping lipid complex called Hexinol, brightening vitamin C, and moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter and glycerin.
Key ingredients: vitamin C, glycerin, hexinol
The clinical studies on this gel cream after four weeks of use are pretty impressive. Co-signed by dermatologist Hadley King , this moisturizer works at a cellular level to restimulate collagen production, diminish dark spots, and significantly smooth deep-set wrinkles.
“It contains humectants and emollients like squalane, as well as niacinamide, which improves tone and texture, and willowherb, which has senolytic properties to help promote skin longevity,” says King. The brand's proprietary combination of plant stem cells targets exosomes, energizes skin through NAD+, and decreases inflammation.
Key ingredients: squalane, niacinamide, willowherb, plant stem cells
Bring the spa home: This do-it-all hydrator makes it a breeze to give mature skin a refresher. Valmont’s Prime Renewing Pack leaves skin with a healthy glow in minutes and uses a creamy formula that reduces fine lines and wrinkles while seamlessly smoothing texture. Use a thin layer of the Pack as a quick five-minute mask, or a thicker layer for a more intensive treatment.
Key ingredients: peptides, RNA liposome, triple DNA complex
Sisley Paris's Black Rose cream is a go-to choice for beauty lovers and makeup artists alike, thanks to its excellent priming capabilities. The star ingredients, alkekengi calyx extract and padina pavonica, work in tandem to plump skin that's lost volume. There's also hibiscus flower extract and alpine rose extract, which help erase dullness, making your skin look more vibrant and glowy before you apply any makeup.
Key ingredients: black rose oil ex…
