17 Best Wrinkle Cream of 2024 Recommended by Dermatologists | Vogue

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While the best wrinkle creams can’t freeze time (if only), they can slow down its effects on the skin. “Wrinkle creams play an important role in maintaining skin health and longevity while delaying the onset of fine lines and wrinkles, " says Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City.

However, not all creams are created equal. “The effectiveness of wrinkle creams largely depends on their active ingredients,” says Dr. Shereene Idriss, board-certified dermatologist and founder of New York City’s Idriss Dermatology. “No cream is ever going to replace Botox and fillers, but wrinkle creams with the right active ingredients can help with the appearance of wrinkles over time.”

Which are the right active ingredients, exactly? And which creams contain them in just the right concentrations and combinations to keep fine lines at bay? Ahead, dermatologists share the best wrinkle creams for keeping skin soft and smooth for—if not forever—at least a little longer.

SkinCeuticals

A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

SKINCEUTICALS

DERMSTORE

REN Clean Skincare

Bio Retinoid Youth Cream

AMAZON

REN CLEAN SKINCARE

Neutrogena

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream

AMAZON

Sculpt Neck + Décolleté Concentrate

BLUEMERCURY

NORDSTROM

AMAZON

Dr. Dennis Gross

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

NORDSTROM

AMAZON

DERMSTORE

Alastin

Renewal Retinol

AMAZON

ALASTIN SKINCARE

Clinique

Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Cream

AMAZON

NORDSTROM

RoC

Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

AMAZON

Jan Marini

Transformation Cream

AMAZON

DERMSTORE

BLUEMERCURY

Epi.Logic

The Total Package Fortifying Peptide Cream

VIOLET GREY

NEIMAN MARCUS

Isdin

Age Contour Night Cream

AMAZON

DERMSTORE

Olay

Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer

AMAZON

Bliss

Youth Got This Prevent-4 Pure Retinol Deep Hydration Moisturizer

AMAZON

Charlotte Tilbury

Magic Cream

NORDSTROM

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

REVOLVE

Revision Skincare

Revox 7

AMAZON

DERMSTORE

Perricone MD

High Potency Growth Factor Firming & Lifting Eye Serum

NORDSTROM

AMAZON

Skinbetter AlphaRet Overnight Cream

SKINBETTER

Yes, wrinkle creams do actually work to smooth, plump, and firm the look of skin over time. However, experts emphasize that continual use and choosing one with a host of rejuvenating ingredients is key; and that's not all. Pair your anti-aging regimen with the best sunscreen for face to achieve all your skin goals.

When dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi must recommend a wrinkle cream, she looks for three qualities. “The most important is the type and quality of ingredients, as this will dictate efficacy in minimizing wrinkles,” she says. Next, “the vehicle [or] formulation as this will dictate if it is a good choice for your specific skin type, and third price point, as there should be an effective yet affordable option for everyone.”

Peptides, growth factors, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid are the ingredients experts say comprise the best anti-wrinkle creams, along with retinol. Here are some more important ingredients dermatologists highly recommend to minimize fine lines and wrinkles:

Worden explains that by incorporating these rejuvenating ingredients into your regimen, you can expect the following results: fewer wrinkles and fine lines; even toned skin; improved texture, dullness, and hyperpigmentation; and elasticity. Read on to discover the best wrinkle creams our expert dermatologists and estheticians have actually tested and recommend—along with important ingredient callouts and application best practices.

“If your goal is to avoid all wrinkles, I would recommend starting one when you see the first signs of wrinkles, which is usually in your 20s,” Greenfield notes. “A cream will not prevent the formation of all wrinkles, but it can boost collagen production, an important step in anti-wrinkle skin care.” As you can never be too cautious, start with one active ingredient skincare product at a time when testing new additions to your skin-care routine, instead of opting for multi-action products.

Shirazi shares a bit more helpful application guidance on using a face cream for wrinkles: “If you are starting a retinol, avoid or reduce your exfoliation until your skin gets acclimated. For those with sensitive skin, avoid a retinol with other potent actives like vitamin C or glycolic acid at the same time. Wait 2–4 weeks before adding one or the other. Some may not tolerate strong acids like glycolic or salicylic acid with a retinol. I suggest skipping the retinol the nights you exfoliate with a strong acid.”

Applying your chosen wrinkle cream isn’t much different than that of your favorite moisturizer. Generally speaking, it’ll be the last step in your skincare regimen. However, because these formulas are most often packed with potent ingredients, it’s best to apply them according to the provided instructions.

“A personalized approach combining skin-care and professional treatments is essential for optimal, long-lasting results when treating wrinkles,” says Engelman. “I typically recommend a combination of daily sun protection and a retinoid to help boost collagen and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and peptides can also help to plump and smooth the skin, softening fine lines.” For more pronounced wrinkles, Engelman recommends adding in-office procedures—more on that below—to the aforementioned regime.

According to Engelman, the best wrinkle creams are effective for enhancing skin texture, diminishing the appearance of fine lines, and maintaining skin health over time. “However, more pronounced wrinkles often necessitate more intensive interventions,” as treatments can provide more dramatic and long-lasting results compared to creams alone.

Idriss adds that a tailored combination of treatments is key for smoothing out wrinkles in a way that befits each individual’s needs. “Botox effectively relaxes muscles to diminish dynamic wrinkles, while dermal fillers restore volume to deeper lines,” she says. “Resurfacing lasers exfoliate the skin and stimulate collagen production, enhancing texture over time.” As another option, microneedling creates micro-injuries that trigger collagen production; Idriss sometimes combines this with PRP (or a platelet-rich plasma injection) for added benefits. “Ultrasound and radiofrequency therapies also stimulate collagen for lifting and tightening effects,” she says. “Consulting with a qualified, board-certified dermatologist is essential to determine the best options for your specific skin concerns.”

“Wrinkle creams can help as a preventative measure to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, especially when they contain ingredients like retinoids, antioxidants, and peptides,” Engelman says. “Retinoids are particularly effective because they stimulate collagen production and increase cell turnover, which keeps the skin looking smoother and more youthful. Antioxidants such as vitamin C also help to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV rays.” And of course, SPF reigns supreme. Idriss, who never hesitates to deliver straight-talking anti-aging advice to her 1.1 million Instagram followers, puts it this way: “The number one thing you can do for prevention is to wear the damn sunscreen!”