Best skincare products to add to your routine in your 40s, per an expert

There’s something quietly powerful about entering your 40s. The noise of your 20s has faded, and the proving ground of your 30s is behind you. Now, you know yourself — your strengths, your edges, your story. And while that self-assurance deepens with each passing year, your skin begins telling a new one of its own.

Fine lines aren’t just whispers anymore; they linger. That post-summer glow might take more coaxing. Suddenly, the products that once worked no longer do.

But let’s be clear: this is not the age of fading — it’s the age of refinement. Skincare in your 40s isn’t about chasing youth; it’s about evolving your beauty routine with the same intention and intelligence you’ve cultivated in every other area of your life. The approach becomes less reactive, more proactive. Less about “anti-aging,” more about longevity, strength and skin that reflects how good you feel. On your terms.

Yes, there’s science involved. Ingredients like retinoids, peptides, ceramides and niacinamide become critical players now, but there’s also something deeply personal. The 10-step routines? They might not make the cut anymore. What rises to the top are products that multitask, rituals that ground you, and results that speak louder than any before-and-after filter ever could.

“Skin in your 40s may start to show signs of collagen loss, dryness and uneven tone, but it really varies,” Erica Ogwumike, a dermatology resident physician and skincare content creator, shared with Post Wanted. “Everyone’s skin ages differently based on genetics, lifestyle and sun exposure; there’s no one ‘look’ at 40.”

There’s also the matter of hormones (because let’s not pretend they’re not part of the conversation). Estrogen levels begin to dip, and with them, skin can lose firmness, hydration and its once-reliable bounce. What once was oily may now feel parched. What was once smooth might feel textured. This is the decade when hydration becomes non-negotiable and resilience becomes the new radiance.

It’s not just your skin that’s more sensitive, but also your tolerance for gimmicks. You want products that work hard and work well. You want clarity in your routine, transparency in your labels, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of luxury. Because if not now, when?

The best skincare in your 40s is less about reinvention and more about reconnection. Ahead, find the best products to pick up to insert right into your skincare routine. Consider this your field guide to skincare in your 40s, because great skin isn’t tied to age, it’s tied to intention.

Best Cleanser: Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam

Sephora

Ogwumike specifically recommended a “gentle cleanser,” and the Shiseido Clarifying Cleansing Foam hits that advice head-on. In your 40s, the skin often begins to show more pronounced signs of aging, such as dullness, fine lines and uneven texture. This cleanser effectively removes impurities, excess oil and environmental pollutants without over-stripping the skin, thanks to its inclusion of purifying white clay and moisturizing ingredients. It leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean, but never tight or dry, which is a crucial quality as skin tends to become more sensitive and dehydrated.

One of the key reasons this cleanser is ideal for mature skin is its infusion of Shiseido’s InternalPowerResist technology, which strengthens the skin’s natural barrier and resilience. This is especially beneficial in your 40s when the skin’s natural repair mechanisms may begin to slow. The formula includes ingredients like Yomogi extract and rice germ oil, known for their calming and antioxidant properties. These components help maintain the skin’s moisture while supporting its ability to defend against daily stressors that accelerate aging.

It is also said to deliver a luxurious, creamy lather that elevates the daily skincare routine into a more spa-like experience, something many appreciate in their 40s when self-care becomes a more intentional practice. It’s dermatologist-tested and noncomedogenic, so you won’t have to worry about clogging pores, either.

Size: 5.6 ounces | Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, White clay

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Best Vitamin C Serum: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

SkinCeuticals

As far as vitamin C serums go, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is one of the very best. It contains L-ascorbic acid, the purest form of vitamin C, and is a splurge worth making if you’re serious about slotting a quality anti-aging product into your anti-aging routine.

After cleansing, Ogwumike recommends turning to a vitamin C serum and calls this SkinCeuticals one “her favorite.” With skincare in your 40s, ingredients like vitamin C are everything.

“Look for ingredients like retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides and antioxidants like vitamin C,” Ogwumike listed. “These help support collagen, hydration and skin tone.”

The SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic is considered a gold-standard vitamin C serum that’s especially beneficial in your 40s, when collagen production naturally declines and environmental damage becomes more evident. This powerful antioxidant formula combines 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid) with 1% vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and 0.5% ferulic acid, creating an efficacious blend that helps protect the skin against free radicals, brightens skin tone and boosts firmness.

“SkinCeuticals’ C E Ferulic is considered the gold standard Vitamin C serum (L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, ferulic acid), shown to improve firmness and photoprotection,” Brian Hibler, MD, board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC, shared.

Size: 1 ounce | Active ingredients: Pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), Vitamin E, Ferulic acid

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Best Glycolic Acid Product: Maelove Night Renewer Glycolic Acid Cream

Amazon

The Maelove Night Renewer Glycolic Acid Cream stands out as an ideal skincare solution for individuals in their 40s seeking to address early signs of aging, such as fine lines, uneven skin tone and enlarged pores. Its primary active ingredient is dermatologist-recommended for your 40s, too.

“Glycolic acid is another favorite in terms of an exfoliant to help with cellular renewal, fade pigmentation, and help brighten dull appearing skin,” Azadeh Shirazi, MD, board-certified dermatologist in La Jolla, Calif., specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology, shared. “It’s best to limit its use to 1-2 times a week to avoid disrupting the skin barrier, especially if you are using other powerful actives like retinoids.” 

This cream is formulated with 10% medical-grade glycolic acid, allowing the cream to effectively exfoliate the skin, promoting cell turnover and revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. It’s also gentle enough for sensitive skin. Soothing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, squalane, shea butter and arnica flower help to calm and hydrate the skin, reducing the risk of irritation often associated with exfoliating treatments.

Regular use can lead to a noticeable improvement in skin tone and texture, providing a more youthful and refreshed appearance.

Size: 2 ounces | Active ingredients: Glycolic acid, Squalene, Shea butter, Hyaluronic acid

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Best Antioxidant Serum: Youth to the People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum

Sephora

When I personally asked Ogwumike about what class of skincare products someone in their 40s should seek out, she automatically said antioxidant serums are the way to go. For their ability to help combat oxidative stress, they help create a hydrating layer of anti-aging nourishment and protection before slathering on your moisturizer and SPF.

The Youth to the People Retinal + Niacinamide Youth Serum stands out as an exceptional antioxidant serum for individuals in their 40s due to its potent combination of ingredients that address common age-related skin concerns. At the heart of the formulation is 0.15% stabilized retinaldehyde, a potent retinoid that effectively reduces fine lines and wrinkles, improves skin texture and enhances overall skin tone.

Different from traditional retinol, retinaldehyde is known for its faster conversion and efficacy, delivering visible results more quickly without the typical (possible) irritation associated with retinoids. Complementing the retinaldehyde, the serum incorporates 5% niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 renowned for its ability to brighten uneven skin tone, refine pores and strengthen the skin’s barrier. This synergy not only maximizes the effectiveness of the retinaldehyde but also ensures that the skin remains hydrated and resilient — exactly what to look for in your 40s.

Size: 1 ounce | Active ingredients: Retinol, Niacinamide

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Best Eye Cream: Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum

Sephora

Aside from your antioxidant serum, Ogwumike recommended a targeted eye cream. What’s lovely about the Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum is how it’s concentrated with 0.1% vegan retinol, 3% caffeine and copper peptides that target fine lines, wrinkles and helps reduce the look of puffiness.

Beyond its superstar formulation, the A-Shaba Complex Eye Serum is designed with a skin-friendly pH of 5.5 and is free from essential oils, silicones, fragrances and dyes, so it ensures a clean and non-irritating experience. It’s also lightweight, allowing you to layer it with other products in your routine (hey, perhaps some on this list) well.

For more, check out our full Drunk Elephant review.

Size: 0.5 ounces | Active ingredients: Retinol, Caffeine, Peptides

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Best Moisturizer: Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream

Sephora

With a smorgasbord of moisturizers on the market, it can be a Herculean effort to discern which is the best to use in your 40s. Like any product, formulation is a personal preference at times, though Ogwumike recommended “a moisturizer with barrier-repair ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to maintain hydration and skin resilience.”

Well, it’s your lucky day, because the Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream contains both ceramides and hyaluronic acid to quench your thirsty skin. This rich yet lightweight cream is formulated with a blend of plant-derived omega fatty acids (3, 6 and 9), ceramides and acai berry sterols, which work synergistically to replenish and fortify the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Namely, these ingredients help to lock in hydration, smooth rough texture and improve the appearance of fine lines and crepiness. The cream’s unique hybrid texture — combining the richness of a butter with the lightness of a gel — absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, providing a dewy, radiant finish. This makes it an ideal base for makeup (bonus points: no urgent need to use a primer here), ensuring a smooth application without pilling or creasing.

Size: 1.69 ounces | Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, Squalane

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Best SPF: Saint Jane Beauty Luxury Sun Ritual Pore Smoothing SPF 30 Sunscreen

Sephora

The Saint Jane Beauty Luxury Sun Ritual Pore Smoothing SPF 30 Sunscreen is a premium choice for individuals in their 40s seeking comprehensive skincare benefits. This mineral-based sunscreen combines broad-spectrum protection with nourishing ingredients like desert rose, hibiscus, jasmine and green tea. These botanicals not only hydrate and soothe the skin but also provide antioxidant protection, addressing concerns such as fine lines, loss of elasticity and uneven skin tone.

The formula’s 10% non-nano zinc oxide offers effective sun defense without leaving a white cast, making it suitable for all skin tones. And, Ogwumike specifically recommended “a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ to protect against UV damage and premature aging” for those in their 40s.

Beyond sun protection, the Luxury Sun Ritual acts as a primer and moisturizer, streamlining your skincare routine. What’s also lovely about this pick is how it contains zinc oxide, staying on the mark to what Ogwumike told us to look for in an SPF’s ingredient list: either zinc oxide or avobenzone. Its lightweight, pore-blurring texture creates a smooth canvas, enhancing makeup application or providing a flawless finish on its own.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Active ingredient: Zinc oxide

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Best Tinted SPF: EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46

Amazon

By your 40s, sunscreen should do more than just shield you from UV rays; it should actively support your skin’s evolving needs. Enter EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 46, the gold standard for anyone looking to merge serious sun protection with elegant skincare.

This cult classic doesn’t just sit on your skin; it works with it. Powered by 5% niacinamide, it calms inflammation, fades discoloration and supports a healthy skin barrier, making it a godsend for those battling hormonal pigmentation or lingering redness.

“The EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 (so higher than the minimum 30) comes as a tinted formulation with iron oxides for patients with pigmentary concerns,” Dr. Hibler shared.

The sheer, mineral-based tint isn’t makeup, but it’s just enough to blur imperfections and even tone, giving you that fresh, no-makeup look that feels effortless. Weightless and oil-free, it glides on like a serum and disappears into the skin without a trace — no chalky cast, no greasy finish and zero irritation.

It’s boosted with hyaluronic acid for a hit of hydration and lactic acid to gently smooth texture over time. Whether you’re layering it under foundation or wearing it alone on bare-skin days, EltaMD UV Clear Tinted performs like a high-end hybrid: part treatment, part tint, fully essential.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Active ingredient: Zinc oxide

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Best Cleanser for Acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser

Amazon

If dealing with acne in your 40s (yes, you don’t have to be a teenager!) the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser is a terrific product to help combat adult acne, as it effectively targets both active breakouts and underlying skin concerns. “If you’re dealing with adult acne, products with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid can also help,” Ogwumike highlighted.

Formulated with 4% micronized benzoyl peroxide, the cleanser penetrates pores to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, while its non-drying, oil-free formula ensures that skin remains hydrated and balanced.

Additionally, the inclusion of Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA) provides gentle exfoliation, removing dead skin cells and promoting smoother skin texture without causing irritation. This dual-action approach addresses both the symptoms and causes of acne, making it a great pick for mature skin that may be more sensitive or prone to dryness.

For more, check out our full La Roche-Posay review.

Size: 6.76 ounces | Active ingredient: Benzoyl peroxide

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Best Serum for Acne: Anua Azelaic Acid 10 + Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum

Amazon

If you’re navigating the evolving needs of your skin in your 40s (think: increased sensitivity, uneven tone and the first signs of sagging), the Anua Azelaic Acid 10 + Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum makes a strong case for becoming your new go-to. At the heart of the formula is 10% azelaic acid, a multitasking powerhouse known for calming redness, refining skin texture and brightening discoloration without irritation.

Paired with deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid, and bolstered by skin-soothing heroes like aloe and seven forms of centella asiatica (Cica), the serum delivers both immediate comfort and long-term clarity. It’s skincare that treats inflammation and dullness with the precision of a treatment, yet the gentleness of a daily hydrator.

For someone with acne or rosacea and discoloration in their 20s, Shirazi recommends “an azelaic acid serum with azelaic acid 10% and hyaluronic acid.” Alas, we’ve arrived here.

What elevates this serum above the rest is its elegant, fast-absorbing texture that feels more like a whisper on the skin than a treatment product. Free of heavy oils or fragrances, it layers seamlessly under moisturizer and makeup, making it an easy addition to a minimalist or multi-step routine. For women in their 40s facing the balancing act between calming hormonal flare-ups and maintaining youthful luminosity, Anua’s serum offers targeted results without compromise.

Size: 1.01 ounces | Active ingredients: Azelaic acid, Hyaluronic acid

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Best for Pigmentation: Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Night Wrapping Mask

Amazon

For anyone in their 40s dealing with stubborn pigmentation, dullness and the cumulative effects of sun exposure, the Medicube Kojic Acid Turmeric Night Wrapping Mask delivers a modern solution with the power of proven actives. This overnight treatment is powered by a brightening trifecta: kojic acid, turmeric, and retinol — ingredients long celebrated for their ability to fade dark spots and restore radiance.

Shirazi recommends kojic acid as an active ingredient for “someone with pigmentation or Melasma or breakouts with discoloration,” and the addition of turmeric only adds to your skin’s natural glow.

But Medicube goes a step further, pairing these with hydrolyzed collagen to plump and nourish, and a unique wrapping technology that creates a thin, peelable layer to seal in the benefits while you sleep. Clinical trials back its promise: users saw a 24.7% improvement in uneven skin tone in just three days, and a 33% boost in radiance after one night.

What makes this mask especially compelling for skin in its 40s is its ability to multitask without overwhelming. While kojic acid gently disrupts melanin production and turmeric calms inflammation, retinol smooths fine lines, all without the irritation typical of aggressive treatments. The peel-off texture is more than a novelty; it’s an elegant delivery system that ensures ingredients stay active and penetrate deeply.

Size: 2.53 ounces | Active ingredients: Kojic acid, Vitamin C, Retinol

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Best Neck Cream: goPure Tighten & Lift Neck Cream

Amazon

The goPure Tighten & Lift Neck Cream stands out as the best neck cream to use in your 40s because it specifically targets the visible signs of aging that often appear in the neck and décolleté area during this decade. It’s formulated with powerful ingredients like peptides, hyaluronic acid, and retinol. This cream helps improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and restore firmness. These ingredients work together to address collagen loss and sagging, two of the most common concerns for individuals in their 40s.

The product’s dermatologist-tested formula is also gentle enough for daily use, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. “A dedicated neck cream or eye cream are helpful because these ares have thinner skin without all of the oil glands present on the rest of the face, so the composition of the creams are often different and sometimes products made for the facial skin are too harsh or drying for these areas,” Hibler explained.

As far as this neck cream goes, its inclusion of antioxidant-rich botanical extracts not only helps defend against environmental damage but also nurtures the skin barrier, promoting long-term health. With consistent use, users report smoother, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin in the neck area — and it holds more than 30,000 rave reviews on Amazon to back it up.

Size: 1.7 ounces | Active ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Caffeine, Cupuacu butter

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An FAQ on Skincare in Your 40s

What does the average skin look like in your 40s?

“Collagen and elastin production naturally declines with age, so by the time you’re in your 40s, your skin is making 20-25% less than when you were in your 20s,” Shirazi said.

As a result, the skin is thinner and the skin barrier becomes weaker, which means your skin may be more sensitive or reactive to products and environmental factors. “Our skin also becomes lazier, so your cell turnover is slower, which means it takes your skin longer to renew,” she added. “It’s also making less oil than it used to, especially in women. That’s why you may notice more dullness, less glow, as well as dryness, uneven skin tone and texture.”

In your 40s, years of sun exposure start to catch up leading to more sun spots, worsening melasma and uneven skin tone. “This is also the decade when perimenopause often begins, and the resulting hormonal fluctuations can trigger unexpected acne breakouts,” Shirazi noted.

What skincare ingredients to look for in your 40s: Should a 40-year-old use retinol?

One of the most effective skincare ingredients to incorporate into your 40-something-year-old skincare routine is retinoids, as they address many of the changes happening in this decade.

“Retinoids boost collagen, fade pigmentation, speed up cell turnover, stimulate hyaluronic acid, enhance circulation and soften fine lines and texture,” Shirazi highlighted. “Retinoids can also be more irritating in your 40s due to thinner skin and a weakened skin barrier, so I teach my patients a technique called Retinol Staging to reduce potential side effects while maximizing the benefits.”

This technique is as follows. Break up your skincare routine into two stages: cleanse and moisturize early in the evening (5:00 to 7:00 p.m.) and wait until bedtime (hours later) to apply retinol/tretinoin on its own. “Your skin will be better prepared to receive this powerful skincare active when your skin barrier is optimized and hydrated,” she said. “Unlike Retinol Sandwiching, this technique doesn’t reduce the effectiveness of the retinol because the moisturizer has already been absorbed and your skin’s moisture barrier is strengthened before applying retinol on its own.”

Another powerful ingredient and antioxidant? Vitamin C, which helps protect against UV damage and environmental stressors. “It’s best to apply in the morning under a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect the skin against collagen breakdown and pigmentation,” Shirazi said. “Vitamin C also plays an important role in collagen production and helps lighten hyperpigmentation.”

Glycolic acid is another favorite in terms of an exfoliant to help with cellular renewal, fade pigmentation and help brighten dull appearing skin. “It’s best to limit its use to one to two times a week to avoid disrupting the skin barrier, especially if you are using other powerful actives like retinoids,” Shirazi said.

Other helpful ingredients include ceramides, fatty Acids and hyaluronic acid to help strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin hydration. 

Should someone in their 40s use both vitamin C and retinol?

The answer is yes, although Hibler thinks retinol is more impactful. “Studies have shown that if you consume enough vitamin C that your skin cells can be saturated, and it’s mainly to help with concerns related to hyperpigmentation, which not everyone has,” he offered. “Whereas, retinol has many more skin benefits (increasing collagen, reducing discoloration, regulating oil production, etc.), so I would prioritize this in a skincare routine if I had to pick just one.”

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Why Trust Post Wanted by the New York Post

This article was written by Victoria Giardina, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best vitamin C serums on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos of 2025. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.

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