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The 16 Best Anti-Aging Products of 2024 to Elevate Your Inner Glow

From face oil to retinol, these formulas help address mature skin concerns

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Best Anti-Aging Products of 2023

People / Brian Kopinski

Fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, sun spots, lackluster skin — these are all common skincare concerns that creep up as we get older, whether it be due to the natural effects of aging or spending too much time in the sun without SPF. Anti-aging products exist to support the overall health of the skin as well as address some of these woes, especially when powered by the best anti-aging ingredients such as ceramides, retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. 

“There are many benefits to using an anti-aging skincare regimen, including a reduction of fine lines and wrinkles,” Georgia Smith, a cosmetic chemist and founder of Skin Sister, confirms. She notes that anti-aging products can be used as a preventative measure and to address pre-existing concerns in mature skin. “Usually anywhere from 25-plus years old is a good time to start using an anti-aging skincare regimen to slow down the process [of aging] and make skin appear more youthful.” 

Whether you’re taking preventative measures or looking for that one skincare product that will bring your youthful glow back to the complexion’s surface, there is a range of anti-aging products that can help you yield the results you want and support your skin’s health along the way. We scoured the internet, tested products, and asked top skin experts about what to look for in anti-aging products to determine the best options. 

From skincare staples like face oil and retinol cream to makeup formulas like CC cream, here are the best anti-aging products of 2024.

Who It’s Good For
  • These anti-aging eye patches have the added benefit of retinol to target fine lines and wrinkles around the eye, especially crow's feet.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • Someone looking for anti-aging eye patches they can wear in the mornings, as it’s not recommended to use retinol products during the day.

Under eye patches are a fun at-home treatment with a variety of benefits, including anti-aging. We tested the best under eye patches, and the Dr. Zion x Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Masks became a PEOPLE Tested favorite for addressing fine lines.

Made from a bio-cellulose material, they feature a potent formula that includes the addition of retinol to target fine lines around the eyes — a.k.a. crows feet — plus add a touch of brightness to the under eye area.

Size: 5-pack | Key Ingredients: Retinol, blue agave, and passionfruit extracts

Who It’s Good For
  • This luxe peptide serum supports skin texture and collagen production and is designed for dry, balanced, and combination skin types.

Who It’s Not Good For

Peptide serum is a go-to anti-aging product since it supports the skin’s texture, strength, and resilience. On top of that, peptides also help with collagen production, which decreases as we age.

For the best peptide serum, we swear by Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, which PEOPLE testers recommend for its inclusion of lactic acid. With age, the skin can start to appear more dull and lackluster, and lactic acid can help slough away dead skin cells to reveal a more radiant and glowy complexion. If you have dry, balanced, or combination skin, this is worth every penny. For those with more sensitive skin, PEOPLE Tested also recommends a more soothing formula such as the Dieux Skin Deliverance Soothing Trinity Serum.

Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, Signal Peptide Complex

PEOPLE Tip

Anti–aging skincare ingredient retinol is powerful in addressing mature skin concerns. However, it is also known to make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Triple-check the label for the recommended use and instructions for sun exposure before adding retinol to your anti-aging arsenal — and always remember to wear sunscreen!

Who It’s Good For
  • Someone shopping for a cheap yet effective anti-aging face oil that nourishes the complexion with jojoba, rosehip, and evening primrose.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • This formula is somewhat thick and feels heavier on the skin, so those looking for a lightweight product may prefer others.

When shopping for high-quality face oils, particular with anti-aging benefits, you don’t need to look beyond the shelves of your local drugstore. The impressive formula in Burt’s Bees Complete Nourishment Facial Oil is highly recommended by PEOPLE testers for mature skin types with more dry complexions and is praised for its star ingredient, rosehip, which is highly rich in antioxidants and can defend the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution and the sun’s UV rays that lead to premature signs of aging.

Size: 0.51 oz. | Key Ingredients: Rosehip, jojoba, evening primrose

Who It’s Good For
  • Those whose skin is sensitive to retinol will appreciate this high-quality anti-aging drugstore moisturizer with firming benefits.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • It's formulated with bakuchiol, which is a retinol alternative; some may prefer a moisturizer with retinol.

The best anti-aging moisturizer doesn’t necessarily need to cost a lot. Case in point: The Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Moisturizing Cream is one of the best face moisturizers with anti-aging benefits we’ve ever tried. This face cream is particularly great for someone who is more sensitive to retinol and looking to try a retinol alternative since its formulated with bakuchiol, a natural ingredient with similar benefits.

It also features vitamin E as a key ingredient which is highly nourishing, rich in antioxidants, and protects the skin from aggressors that provoke premature signs of aging. Altogether, the moisturizer firms, brightens, and smooths the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles for a more radiant and youthful glow.

Size: 1.8 oz. | Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, vitamin E

Who It’s Good For
  • This repairing retinol cream is not only good for those with dull and dry skin but also sensitive skin types due to the low retinol concentration.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • Some shoppers may need a formula with a higher concentration of retinol to see more drastic results.

If you are shopping for the best retinol cream, we love Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream, which features a low strength 0.01 percent retinol concentration, making it a better choice for more sensitive skin types. In addition to retinol, this ultra-creamy formula features hyaluronic acid to help support the skin’s moisture barrier and protect against dehydration and, ultimately, dry skin.

The formula also features a blend of antioxidants that protect the complexion from environmental aggressors, including those that trigger signs of aging, such as pollutants and the sun’s UV rays. As the last step in a skincare routine, it leaves the complexion looking radiant and rejuvenated with a touch of suppleness for a youthful appeal.

Size: 1.7 oz. | Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants

Who It’s Good For
  • This CC cream is great for those seeking an option with full coverage and skin-benefiting ingredients.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • Some may prefer a CC cream that offers lighter coverage than what this provides.

With age comes wisdom and we’ve come to know that makeup and skincare can coexist in a way that is effective and elevating to our beauty routines. This is especially true when it comes to SPF makeup. The It Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ is makeup that doubles as skincare and comes highly recommended by PEOPLE testers.

First and foremost, the formula features SPF 50+ which adds a layer of protection from the harsh sun. But, that’s not even its most impressive feature. In addition to sun protection, the full-coverage CC cream is also infused with hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, and niacinamide, which are key anti-aging ingredients that promote a more supple, youthful-looking complexion. If you’re going to wear something on your face all day, it might as well work for you — not just in looks but in performance — and this anti-aging makeup product works.

Size: 1.08 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, niacinamide

Who It’s Good For
  • This powder sunscreen provides easy re-application with added anti-aging skincare benefits.

Who It’s Not Good For

The sun is a major aggressor when it comes to anti-aging skincare, especially since it can be blamed for causing premature signs of aging. With that in mind, applying sunscreen every day is a non-negotiable — not just for looks but also for skin health and protection. That being said, slathering lotion on top of a face of makeup is a bit tricky, which is why powder sunscreens offer a great alternative.

This ISDIN Isdinceutics Mineral Brush comes highly recommended by PEOPLE testers because it’s both an effective sunscreen and an anti-aging product with key ingredients such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica, and iron oxides to keep free radicals caused by the sun, pollution, and even blue light at bay. Not to mention: It’s so easy to apply without messing up your makeup.

Size: 0.14 oz. | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, mica, iron oxides

Who It’s Good For
  • Someone looking for a dual-action sunscreen that doubles as a vitamin C serum will love this Supergoop! formula.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • At $46, it's relatively high for a sunscreen (but this is mainly due to the addition of vitamin C).

Applying a good sunscreen is the most important step in a skincare routine at any age, especially as the skin begins to mature. For the best anti-aging sunscreen, we reach for our tried-and-true bottle of Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum, a multi-tasking formula that combines the anti-aging benefits of vitamin C with the oh-so-important perk of sun protection.

Vitamin C is a popular anti-aging ingredient because it has a naturally brightening effect on the complexion, plus supports collagen production. In addition to vitamin C, this sunscreen serum also includes hyaluronic acid for added hydration, marine extract for restoring moisture and protecting against blue light, and, of course, SPF for added sun protection, making it one of the hardest-working formulas in your arsenal.

Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, marine extract, clean chemical SPF

Who It’s Good For
  • We love this lip balm for its anti-aging ingredients like peptides, as well as the hydrating and nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • This anti-aging lip balm is pricey thus won't be ideal for anyone needing something more budget-friendly.

As we age, we can start to develop fine lines around the lips and lose some of the plumpness overall, due to less collagen production. To help support the look of healthy lips, you want a really good lip balm with anti-aging ingredients, such as the PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Lip Booster.

Albeit relatively expensive, this $40 lip balm is worth every penny, thanks to its key ingredients, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and peptides. Hyaluronic acid alone is impressive with its humectant properties and ability to hold 1,000 times its weight in water. This along with the nourishing benefits of vitamin E and the collagen-supporting perks of peptides help create more plump and supple-looking lips that are well-nourished.

Size: 0.24 oz. | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, peptides

Who It’s Good For
  • Anyone needing a nighttime body cream with the added perk of retinol will appreciate this lightweight formula that's relatively inexpensive.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • Due to the added retinol, it's recommended applying this only at night; some may need an anti-aging body cream they can wear during the day instead.

In anti-aging routines, we tend to focus a lot on our faces; however, the skin on our bodies also age and can benefit from a little skincare support. For the best anti-aging body cream, we can’t recommend Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion enough — we’ve had it on rotation for over two years and cannot live without it.

Before getting into its anti-aging benefits, it must be said that this product is simply a fantastic body lotion — it’s lightweight, absorbs into the skin nicely, and is enhanced with some supremely nourishing ingredients like cocoa butter, squalane, and vitamin E. After every use, our skin feels soft to the touch with lots of hydration and stays that way overnight. The inclusion of retinol only elevates this formula even more, allowing the body skin to receive the perks of retinol, which include collagen support, firming, and brightening, since it can exfoliate the skin.

Size: 6 oz. | Key Ingredients: Retinol, cocoa butter, squalane, vitamin E

Who It’s Good For
  • In this option, you'll find a high-quality facial cleanser that is enhanced with vitamin C and has a relatively fair price for the overall value.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • This is a gel-based cleanser — some may prefer a cream or foam formula, instead.

The Insta Natural Vitamin C Facial Cleanser is one of the most popular facial cleansers on Amazon — and for good reason. This anti-aging face wash is formulated with vitamin C, which is known to support collagen production as well as brighten the complexion (a major perk when it comes to the dullness experienced with age). It also includes green tea, which is rich in antioxidants and can help protect the skin from free radicals.

On top of that, it’s deeply nourishing with aloe vera, and soothing thanks to the addition of chamomile. With an impressive blend of ingredients, the hydrating cleanser can not only wash away the day’s dirt and debris but also create a skincare foundation for dry skin, leaving the skin soft and supple and priming it for the application of serums and creams.

Size: 6.7 oz. | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, green tea, chamomile, aloe vera

Who It’s Good For
  • This splurge-worthy creamy cleanser softens the skin with jojoba seed oil and offers a creamy, rich, and soothing formula.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • At $75, it's a relatively pricey option, and some may be looking for something more budget-friendly.

When it comes to the best anti-aging cream cleanser, we can’t get enough of the RéVive Cream Cleanser. Though it will set you back $75, trust us when we say it’s worth the luxe price tag if you can swing it. This splurge-worthy skincare formula is elevated with jojoba seed oil which provides deep nourishment to lackluster skin and targets signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles as well as dehydration. Use it along with your skin-tightening cream for a real anti-aging boost.

Formulated to preserve the skin’s natural moisture barrier while also relieving it of the day’s dirt and debris, this cream cleanser has a rich yet soothing formula that also targets skin irritation and redness and acts as a primer for the rest of your skincare lineup.

Size: 6 oz. | Key Ingredients: Jojoba seed oil

Who It’s Good For
  • We appreciate this retinol-infused eye cream that helps diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles while also addressing dark circles.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • Anyone more sensitive to retinol, or someone looking for a more budget-friendly anti-aging eye cream, may prefer others on this list.

The Dr. Brandt Bright This Way 24/7 Retinol Eye Cream is a fairly new product launch from the brand and already has a devoted fan base who swear by it for addressing fine lines and dark circles.

According to the brand, the lightweight eye cream underwent a clinical study in which 100 percent of participants saw an improvement of wrinkles after only two weeks. Formulated with retinol, this eye cream focuses on cellular turnover while supporting deep hydration with the addition of glycerin, a natural humectant that draws in moisture and prevents water loss.

Size: 0.5 oz. | Key Ingredients: Retinol

Who It’s Good For
  • This luxe lactic acid serum targets dull, lackluster skin while also helping prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • Others may prefer other anti-aging ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and niacinamide or need something more budget-friendly.

We’ve tried a lot of anti-aging serums but always go back to this one. The Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment is a potent formula designed to relieve the skin of dullness, support collagen production, and even out the complexion all while targeting fine lines and wrinkles.

The lactic acid serum works to slough away dead skin cells in a way that is gentle enough for sensitive skin types while also reversing other pesky skincare woes. With the inclusion of licorice, lemongrass, and aloe, the luxe serum also provides a lasting boost of hydration, evens out the look of hyperpigmentation, and revives suppleness for an overall youthful-looking glow.

Size: 1.7 oz. | Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice, lemongrass, aloe

Who It’s Good For
  • This dermatologist-recommended vitamin C serum has the added benefits of vitamin E and ferulic acid.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • It's relatively pricey, so those looking for a more budget-friendly option, other products may be a better fit.

The SkinCeuticals is a total splurge but well worth it if you're looking for an effective vitamin C serum —especially for those with maturing skin. Created with vitamin C along with vitamin E and ferulic acid, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic has a cult following amongst dermatologists and beauty editors alike, thanks to its highly effective formula.

As a vitamin C serum, it works to brighten the skin’s tone and protect it from oxidative stress. Add in a dose of vitamin E and ferulic acid, and you have a concoction that also neutralizes free radicals, replenishes skin lipids, and diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles while firming up the complexion.

Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: Vitamin c, vitamin E, ferulic acid 

Who It’s Good For
  • Someone shopping for an overnight face mask with firming benefits that supports elasticity and deeply nourishes the skin will love this option.

Who It’s Not Good For
  • More traditional anti-aging masks that don't require all-night wear may be preferred by some.

Ditch your moisturizer (for the night) and treat your complexion to a revitalizing overnight face mask. The Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask is our top pick because even after one use you’ll notice a difference in the way your skin looks and feels. The star ingredient in this formula is black tea, which boosts the skin’s elasticity and helps to create a firming effect on the complexion for a more refreshed look.

It also includes impressive anti-aging ingredients such as belle de nuit extract for rebalancing the skin, hyaluronic acid for providing deep hydration and supporting the moisture barrier, and elasticity peptide which supports elasticity and gives the complexion a little more pep in its step. With all of these powerful skin enhancers working together, the treatment rejuvenates, soothes, moisturizes, and firms with a sculpting effect.

Size: 1 oz. | Key Ingredients: ​​Hyaluronic acid, elasticity peptide, belle de nuit extract, black tea

How to Pick the Right Anti-Aging Products

Ingredients 

“Look for anti-aging products that contain active ingredients that have been shown to be effective in improving the appearance of aging skin,” says Dr. Viseslav Tonkovic-Capin, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and editor at DermBoard. He recommends using anti-aging products that contain such ingredients as retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids. Argireline serums have also been shown to help smooth out dynamic wrinkles.

Sunscreen 

If you don’t already have a good, high-quality sunscreen (like the Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum), Dr. Tonkovic-Capin says to invest in one and also look for products like daytime moisturizer and makeup that incorporate SPF in their formulas. “Sun exposure is the most detrimental cause of skin aging, so it’s important to choose products that contain sun-protective ingredients,” he explains. In addition to SPF, sun protective ingredients also include antioxidants like vitamin C, which can protect the complexion from environmental aggressors that impact aging, including the sun’s harmful UV rays and pollution. You can easily add some warmth to your complexion with a sweep of a bronzer stick.

Skin Type 

“Consider your skin type when shopping for anti-aging products as some products may be too harsh for sensitive skin, while others may not provide enough moisture for dry skin,” says Dr. Tonkovic-Capin. To make things easier, he recommends choosing products that are specifically formulated for your skin type, such as a facial moisturizer for oily skin, to avoid irritation or other issues.

If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, a board-certified dermatologist and author of Beyond Soap, says be weary of retinol as it can be irritating to the complexion. She also recommends products that are fragrance-free (especially if using potent ingredients like retinol) since “fragrance can often add to irritation.” 

Price 

With many beauty products, when high-quality and potent ingredients are involved, your skincare bill can add up quickly, so it’s important to also look at the price and where you can invest. “Anti-aging products can range from a few to hundreds of dollars per bottle,” says Dr. Tonkovic-Capin. He adds that, while price doesn’t always indicate effectiveness, it’s important to consider your budget and how much you’re willing to spend — after all, you’ll eventually need to restock. 

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Do any creams actually get rid of wrinkles?

    The efficacy of any beauty product is subjective, and not all anti-aging creams are created equal, which means not all of them will target the look of wrinkles. According to Dr. Tonkovic-Capin, some creams, especially formulas with retinol (like the Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream) can eliminate fine wrinkles over several months of use. “Still, no cream will eliminate all wrinkles,” Dr. Tonkovic-Capin adds. 

  • When should I start using anti-aging products?

    “The introduction of cosmeceuticals that target aging can be started at any age, but generally we recommend them around 25 to 30 years of age,” says Dr. Skotnicki. However, some circumstances — such as where you live — can influence when to start using anti-aging products. “If you live in a major city where pollution is high or live near the equator where the UV index is higher, starting an anti-aging product should occur even earlier due to the increased oxidative stress associated with pollution and UV exposure, which are the main drivers of skin aging,” Dr. Skotnicki adds.

  • Are there any side effects from using retinol?

    When new to retinol, Smith says that most people will experience some slight skin irritation and even breakouts; however, this usually subsides after a month of use. “Retinol binds to receptors in the skin and this leads to activation of skin turnover [which] can lead to dryness and skin irritation,” Dr. Skotnicki further explains. Retinol can also make your skin more sensitive to the sun and is therefore recommended that you use it like a night cream and apply sunscreen during the day.

  • Is it possible to use too much anti-aging product?

    “You can’t overdo anti-aging lotions and creams, but it is possible to use too much retinol,” says Smith. For over-the-counter retinol formulas, she recommends starting gradually one to two times a week, then increasing as your skin adapts. “If you use a retinol-based product as well as a chemical exfoliation product together, you are also over-doing it and most likely stripping your skin’s natural barrier, creating skin issues like irritation.”

Take Our Word For It

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. With a decade of beauty writing under her belt, Jessie is no stranger to anti-aging products and has spent her entire career interviewing top dermatology experts to learn more about the best ingredients and formulas. When researching the best anti-aging products, Jessie leaned on her beauty industry experience as well as insight from PEOPLE testers and skin experts to find the best options in every category. As a result, she curated a list of the best anti-aging products from face oil to retinol cream and beyond.

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