While aging is completely natural, using a high-quality moisturizer helps with overall hydration and improving skin texture and tone over time. As a writer and editor who frequently covers skincare, I set out to determine the best moisturizers for aging skin by consulting experts, researching top brands and tapping our beauty team for recommendations. After extensive research, our top pick is the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, an editor favorite that's packed with antioxidants and essential lipids to moisturize and restore skin elasticity. For affordability, it's hard to beat the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which features glycerin and hyaluronic acid to boost your skin's protective barrier.
When choosing the right formula, consider the key ingredients, your skin type and primary concerns; you'll also want to pay special attention to the active ingredients listed on the product. "Hydrators like peptides, ceramides, vitamin C, niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate are all beneficial," says aesthetician Alexandra Wagner. And if your skin is sensitive, it's ideal to avoid formulas with heavy fragrance, alcohol or parabens, which can be aggravating and cause dryness. Below, find the best face creams for aging skin that hydrate and nourish for a glowing, youthful complexion.
How We Chose The Best Moisturizers For Aging Skin
To narrow down options for the best face creams for aging skin, our beauty team tapped into our market knowledge and extensive testing experience, highlighting products and brands that offer nourishing, effective formulas.
- All the products selected for this story were reviewed and approved by Forbes Vetted deputy editor Jane Sung, who oversees the beauty and grooming category and has two decades of experience covering everything from the best LED face masks to the best laser hair removal devices.
- We evaluated key ingredients -- such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin C -- in our top picks to ensure they cater to various skin types and concerns.
- Texture is another important factor that we took into consideration. While many of the picks on our list are creams, we explain the most common textures below.
- The experts we spoke with made recommendations based on their professional experience, while customer reviews were examined for standout product traits. As everyone's budget looks slightly different, we included a wide range of prices.
- Forbes Vetted team members shared their firsthand experience with some picks. Sung considers the Yoé Ympossible Cream, Dieux Instant Angel and the Doctor Rogers Face Cream longtime favorites, while editor Kara Cuzzone is a fan of the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2.
What To Consider In A Moisturizer For Aging Skin
There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best anti-aging moisturizers. Here's what to keep in mind, based on experts' advice.
Skin Type
As with most skincare products, you should first consider your skin type since it can vary even as you age. If you have dry skin, consider a thicker cream like the Doctor Rogers Face Cream, which contains hydrating actives like squalane, glycerin and shea butter. Alternatively, the Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery Lotion has a medium-weight texture and might work better for those with oily complexions.
Ingredients
Our experts agree that certain ingredients are most beneficial in a moisturizer for aging skin. Hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the body, is a popular active that's good at retaining water -- and thus good at keeping your skin hydrated. "Look for moisturizers that contain ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which acts like a sponge to pull in hydration to the outer skin layer," says Zeichner. Other ingredients to prioritize include peptides, ceramides, vitamin C, niacinamide, retinol and alpha hydroxy acids to target a brighter and more youthful appearance.
Formula And Texture
Skin can become drier with age, but that doesn't necessarily mean thicker formulas are better. The right texture -- from a lotion to a heavier cream -- can be key to delivering the best combination of ingredients. The climate where you live and the current season can also determine the best formula for your skin. For example, you might need a heavier moisturizer in the colder months to combat dry, windy conditions.
- Lotions: Compared to creams, most lotions have a thinner and lighter texture. They're helpful for those with oily or combination skin that may not need the intense hydration of a cream.
- Creams: Those with dry or mature skin will benefit most from a cream, which has a thicker, more luxurious texture. Creams often have a higher oil concentration to keep skin deeply moisturized and supple.
- Balms: Balms are thicker than both lotions and creams, containing plant oils or waxes (such as beeswax) to hydrate, soothe and heal the skin. If you have severely dry or chapped areas, a balm can provide better relief than other consistencies.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted beauty and grooming team has published dozens of expert-led stories dedicated to skincare.