We tested the best anti-aging skincare products to find what actually works

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’re starting to get your life together, but your body is starting to age — welcome. Aging can be a beautiful journey, and if you use the right products to complement your best anti-aging skin care, you can age gracefully and possibly pause the clock on youth.

We spoke with Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist with over 10 years of experience, to get the answers we’ve been searching for. What ingredients should we be looking for in our skincare products?

RELATED: Best retinol serums and creams, per derms

Garshick stressed the importance of daily sunscreen and broad-spectrum SPF, a must, as any good dermatologist would say. But she also recommends adding potent antioxidants like Vitamin C to brighten the skin, hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump, and glycolic and lactic acids to reduce dullness and promote exfoliation.

Two of the most commonly discussed terms in anti-aging skincare are “retinol” and “retinoids.” But what’s the difference? “Retinoids refer to a group of vitamin A derivatives which include retinol, retinaldehyde (retinal) as well as prescriptions like tretinoin,” Garshick explained. “Retinoids in general, including retinol, retinaldehyde and tretinoin help to regulate skin cell turnover, preventing pores from becoming clogged as well as improving overall skin tone and texture while boosting collagen production.”

Retinol is a gentler, over-the-counter option, while stronger retinoids, like tretinoin, typically require a prescription for use. While all skin types can use these products, Garshick recommends retinol to minimize irritation.

Over TikTok, we’ve found that Gen Z is obsessed with retinoids to fight wrinkles before they even appear. “We begin to lose collagen each year beginning in our 20s, so there is a role to incorporate retinol or retinoids to help prevent signs of skin aging, not just to treat the signs once they appear, ” explained Garshick, adding that teens and tweens are not in that category unless, of course, it’s for acne. However, if you’re looking for skincare in your 20s, check out our expert-backed roundup.

No matter how you choose to care for your skin, remember that you are beautiful at every age and that aging is a gift. So, enjoy our expert-curated selection of the best anti-aging face products.

Best Overall: TruSkin Vitamin C Serum

Amazon

The TruSkin Vitamin C Serum isn’t just a celeb favorite, it’s also recommended by Garshick for its powerful blend of vitamin C, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. According to Garshick, this combination works to brighten the skin while keeping it hydrated and nourished.

“It helps fight free radical damage and evens out skin tone,” she explained, adding that it “won’t leave the skin feeling greasy or sticky.”

With over 40,000 purchases in the past month alone, this serum has already made some waves. Just one use is enough to brighten the complexion and give skin a more even tone. No wonder it’s a skincare must-have.

Key Ingredients: Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (gentler on the skin than L-ascorbic acid), Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera | Size: 1 fluid ounce

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Best Tinted Anti-Aging Serum: Typology Face Serum

Typology

If you like an anti-aging product that multitasks, go with this Tinted Face Serum from Typology. It has vitamin C, which promotes collagen production and brighter skin, as well as moisturizing squalene. Best of all, the added tint blurs dark spots and pores like a foundation or B.B. cream without being heavy. Don’t be surprised if this bestseller becomes a favorite in your routine!

Kendall Cornish, our commerce editor has reviewed the brand and loves this particular product.

“My goodness do I love this face tint,” she said. “I recently got it, but it hasn’t left my makeup go-bag for two months. I trust it first thing in the morning, on nights out, and even on those even later nights when it slips my mind to wash my face. My skin adores the hydrating squalene, which is naturally occurring in our skin already, so it absorbs and hydrates for longer. That said, there’s no sheen — I have combination skin that definitely needs a powdering now and again, but I find it does less so with this stuff. I love that it soothes with aloe vera as well, but it’s the combination of wholly anti-aging ingredients that has admittedly made it a regular part of my skincare routine. I don’t go without it — and I have a feeling you might feel the same.”

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, Aloe Vera, Squalene

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Best Exfoliating: YSE Beauty Exfoliating Pads

YSE Beauty

A dull, texturized complexion can make the face look less than fresh. The remedy? Exfoliation, of course! We like these exfoliating pads from YSE Beauty. They have glycolic acid (an AHA), as well as the PHA Gluconolactone. Together they remove dead skin cells and brighten. Ectoin supports the skin’s barrier, while the pads are easy to use, giving the perfect amount of product every time. Check out the before and afters. They will make you want to add this to your anti-aging skincare routine, pronto!

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Ectoin, Gluconolactone

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Best Clean: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

Ulta Beauty

“This serum is designed to be mixed at home before first use to ensure freshness and maximum potency,” said Garshick. “It is best used once daily in the morning and can be applied to the face, neck, chest, and hands.”

The formula includes potent vitamin C (as l-ascorbic acid), vitamin E, and ferulic acid, plus fruit enzymes and extracts to help fight free-radical damage while brightening and firming the skin and improving the overall complexion.

Commerce Writer and Content Strategist, Victoria Giardina, loves this serum, calling it “the freshest serum” she’s ever used.

“I’ve tried many serums,” she explained. “Drunk Elephant’s C-Firma Fresh Day Serum is the most luxe serum in my collection thus far, it’s worth the hype because of its fresh, vitamin C infusion that feels like a million bucks.”

Key Ingredient: L-Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E

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Best Affordable Serum: Pond’s Rejuveness Skin Tightening Serum

Regarding retinol, Pond’s Rejuveness Skin Tightening Serum is recommended by NYC-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King.

“It’s formulated with retinol as well as vitamin B3 and pro-ceramides that help to support the skin barrier,” King told The Post. “Vitamin B3 helps to even skin tone and smooth skin texture.”

Retinol is a key ingredient in anti-aging skincare and works well to prevent wrinkles and smooth fine lines by increasing cell turnover and collagen production. 

Note: Do not use retinol if you’re pregnant; always consult your doctor before using new products.

Retinol should also only be used at night, as it can make your skin sensitive to the sun. Since retinol can irritate the skin, when you first add it to your nighttime skincare routine, start slow (try it once or twice per week), then increase the frequency if your skin can tolerate it. This will minimize the chances of dry skin, redness and breakouts.

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Retinol

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Best Face Powder: Supergoop! 100% Mineral (Re)setting Powder

Sephora

Combat the sun’s rays while setting your makeup flawlessly with Supergoop! 100% Mineral (Re)setting Powder, a finely milled powder that blurs imperfections, controls shine, and enhances your skin’s natural radiance — all with the added benefit of broad-spectrum SPF protection.

Key Ingredients: Mineral Zinc Oxide, Coated silica, Ceramides

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Best Retinol: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2%

Ulta

If you’re not a fan of skincare with a lot of ingredients, you probably know The Ordinary. It has a wide collection of products with one or two actives, and the Granactive Retinoid 2% is one of them. It’s creamy but absorbs fast like a water-based serum, and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. Our Updates Editor, Holly J Coley, has been using it since it hit the market a few years ago.

“I’ve tried my share of retinol products — including prescription. I always come back to this one. It’s never caused my skin to have the dreaded ‘retinol shed,’ and has kept serious wrinkles at bay through the years. There’s a variation with squalene but I prefer this one because of it’s dewy, non-greasy dry down. It’s also really gentle, so I can use it on my neck. The prescription retinol that I was previously using was too harsh for that delicate area.”

Because retinol makes skin sensitive to the light, we suggest this for nighttime use. A few drops are all you need to promote a more even texture and minimize the appearance of pesky fine lines.

Key Ingredients: Retinol

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Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer: Pond’s Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer

The Pond’s Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer is highly recommended by King.

“This daily moisturizing cream incorporates alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate the skin gently, collagen [to keep your skin youthful], as well as hydrating ingredients [to help] the skin look firmer and brighter,” Garshick explained. “It is also thought to improve the overall appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Note: Using alpha hydroxy acids in your skincare routine may cause heightened skin sensitivity. Remember always to apply sunscreen. 

“It’s a great option for moisturizing while also delivering anti-aging benefits,” King adds. 

Key Ingredients: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs), Collagen

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Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream: CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

Garshick and more than 46,000 Amazon reviewers are fans of the CeraVe Eye Repair Cream.

“This drugstore favorite uses hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help hydrate the undereye [area] while strengthening the skin barrier, helping to improve the appearance of dark circles and puffiness,” said Garshick.

“It also contains niacinamide which is soothing on the skin, plus a marine and botanical complex which helps brighten the area. The CeraVe Eye Repair Cream also uses a patented delivery system, known as MVE technology to provide long-lasting hydration.”

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide

RELATED: We spent years testing eye creams — These are the 29 best for every skin type

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Best Anti-Aging Face Wash Cleanser: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

The La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser is another fan favorite among the skincare community. It’s a daily face wash with a creamy, milky texture to help skin retain essential moisture while gently removing face and eye makeup, dirt and impurities. This facial cleanser also helps maintain your skin’s natural protective barrier and pH balance.

“This cleanser is good for anti-aging because it provides hydration to the skin, keeping it healthy and supple,” said New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Sperling.

Celebrity esthetician Nicole Caroline is also a fan of this product, particularly for those with sensitive skin, which usually goes hand in hand with anti-aging clients.

“This formula is safe for all skin types but especially sensitive skin because it’s formulated with niacinamide for soothing redness and ceramides for hydration,” Caroline said.

Maryland-based dermatologist, Dr. Chesahna Kindred, also stands by this La Roche-Posay cleanser. “I prefer cleansers that gently clean and hydrate the skin — and this cleanser does just that. It’s a great gentle cleanser at an affordable price,” Kindred said.

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic Thermal Water, Ceramide-3, Niacinamide, Glycerin

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Best Retinol Alternative: Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10%

The Naturium Azelaic Topical Acid 10% is an excellent alternative for pregnant people who can’t tolerate a retinoid or anti-aging retinol.

“This formulation also incorporates niacinamide and vitamin C to improve the overall texture and tone [of your skin], reducing hyperpigmentation, blemishes and redness — all signs that go along with aging,” Garshick said. “[You can use it] once or twice per day, and it is recommended [you follow up] with a moisturizer.”

Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide

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Best Anti-Aging Night Cream: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Night Moisturizer with Retinol

Charlotte Tilbury

Customers reported that this cream visibly toned skin and locked in moisture, thanks to ingredients like red-algae marigel, castor seed oil, and olus oil.

“Containing a time-release retinol, this overnight cream helps to boost radiance while also plumping, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” said Dr. Garshick. The added vitamin E helps keep your skin nourished and plump.

For best results, a pea-sized amount was applied to the face and neck both morning and night.

Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Retinol

RELATED: We tested 17 derm-backed night creams to find the best for every skin type

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Best SPF: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Sperling’s favorite sunscreen is the EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.

“Sunscreen is one of the most important anti-aging products to add into your daily routine!” Sperling exclaims. “This is one of my favorites, as it’s good for all skin types, including those with acne, rosacea, and sensitive skin. It’s both lightweight and hydrating.”

Page Six Commerce Reporter, Hannah Southwick, is a fan of this sunscreen, too, as are many of our Page Six staffers.

“I started using EltaMD Sunscreen after my dermatologist recommended it, and it’s been a great fit for my typically sensitive skin,” Southwick said. “So many Page Six staffers swear by it too. Bonus: it smells great.”

Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide

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Best for Mature Skin: DRMTLGY Peptide Night Cream

Amazon

“A solid product at an attractive price point, this moisturizer is rich without being too heavy – for that reason, I use it year-round, day and night!” said Oliver.

“It contains peptides important in collagen production as well as ceramides important in skin barrier function [and hydration]. Hydration is essential for maintaining a healthy, youthful appearance to the skin and this moisturizing cream ranks among the best in my book.”

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, Peptides, Antioxidants

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Best for Dry Skin: Supergoop! Daily Dose Hydra-Ceramide Boost + SPF 40 Oil

Supergoop!

Feel even more hydrated while keeping your skin protected from harmful UV rays with this Supergoop! sunscreen oil.

“In addition to offering SPF 40 protection, this hydrating sunscreen oil contains ceramides to keep the skin barrier healthy and hyaluronic acid to encourage moisture retention and hydration,” said Camp.

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Squalene

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How we tested

We tested a variety of anti-aging skincare products using a rigorous, multi-step process to evaluate their effectiveness.

Key performance indicators included wrinkle reduction, skin elasticity, hydration, pigmentation improvement, and texture enhancement

Final scores were assigned, providing a comprehensive and reliable assessment of each product’s anti-aging benefits.

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An FAQ on Anti-Aging Skincare

Ahead, find the expert-level tips and tricks before your next anti-aging skincare haul.

What are anti-aging skin care products? 

While it may be obvious, sometimes a simple definition gives a better understanding of anti-aging products.

“Anti-aging skincare products are formulated to help reduce visible signs of skin aging like wrinkles, fine lines, leathery skin and dark spots,” said Dr. Dendy Engelman, a spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation and board-certified dermatologic surgeon practicing in New York City. “They can be preventative or work to reduce signs of aging that are already there.”

What is the difference between serum, retinol and retinoid?

Board-certified dermatologist Tiffany Libby explained the difference between these three popular skincare products.

• Serums are a category of products that typically come in a liquid to a gel-like texture, containing more concentrated ingredients, formulated to be applied after cleansing onto clean skin to reap maximum benefits.
• Retinol is a retinoid typically more widely found in over-the-counter (OTC) formulations. Retinoids refer to a larger group of vitamin A derivatives that are touted for their abilities to increase skin cell turnover, smooth fine lines, treat acne, even skin pigmentation, and stimulate collagen production.
• Retinols are weaker than retinoids as they require more conversions to reach the active ingredient, retinoic acid. More potent, prescription-level retinoids like tretinoin anti-aging and adapalene (now also available OTC) have a higher level of retinoic acid.

At what age should I start investing and using anti-aging skincare products? 

While there is no perfect age to start investing and using specific anti-aging products, most experts say your 20s are an excellent time to start thinking about the long-term health of your skin.

“Start early and don’t wait for [skin] problems to arise or for changes to start bothering [for] you to commit to a skincare routine,” said NYC-based, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa K. Garshick.

“As the saying goes, ‘the best thing you can do for your skin in your 50s is wearing sunscreen in your 20s,'” Garshick said. “We begin to lose one percent of our collagen each year beginning in our 20s, and we know that the loss of collagen can contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, laxity and [the] overall textural changes in the skin.”

What is the best skincare product for aging skin?

Bottom line: of all the best anti-aging products one can use, it’s sunscreen.

“Since an estimated 90 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun, protecting your skin from these harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is the most important thing you can do in any anti-aging skincare routine,” Engelman tells The Post. “Sun damage is cumulative, so it’s never too early or too late to start practicing sun protection. Everyone — men, women and children over the age of 6 months — should use sunscreen, including those who do not burn easily or have darker skin tones.”

Adding to that, Garshick explained that sun protection (even in childhood and adolescence) can significantly impact your skin’s aging. So, committing to optimal sun protection as early as possible will ultimately be the best investment for your skin in the long run.

What is the most powerful anti-aging substance?

Retinol is one of the most powerful anti-aging substances available. According to a 2022 study published in Molecules, it’s a highly effective antioxidant, derived from vitamin A.

Some things that both natural or synthetic retinoids can do include:

• Speed up cell turnover, which produces smoother looking skin
• Stimulate collagen production
• Decreases oil production, which reduces the look of pores

Products with retinol, such as The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid 2% ($13) and Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Max Moisturizer can be purchased at drug stores and online retailers. They are not as strong as retinoids, such as Tretinoin (which one needs a prescription for), and take some time to show results. However, they’re considered effective anti-aging ingredients.

For those who find retinol irritating, seek out retinol alternatives, such as Bakuchiol or Niacinamide, which comes from vitamin B. One product with both actives recommended by Camp is Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream. It has a creamy texture, can be worn morning and night, and works to reduce the look of fine lines and blemishes.

What is the best anti-aging cream that really works?

The best anti-aging cream will be whatever works for your skin type and unique concerns. Look for ingredients known to combat the signs of aging, such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and other antioxidants that fight free radicals and promote cellular turnover.

One of the best anti-aging creams is Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpt.It has the active Niacinamide, which helps improve texture. The moisturizer is also hydrating and minimizes the look of fine lines.

Regardless of the product chosen, it’s important to always wear sunscreen, as sun rays will cause damage and premature signs of aging.

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