The Best Anti-Wrinkle Creams Worth Trying

Do Anti-Wrinkle Creams Work?

Skin ageing is an inevitable part of life and while the right skincare routine can help maintain a youthful appearance and boost your confidence in later life, there are limits to the capabilities of topical skincare when it comes to reversing photoageing.

Free radical damage, collagen decline and dehydration - caused by the loss of hyaluronic acid levels – are the primary mechanisms behind the visible signs of ageing. Preventing damage from UV rays with daily use of a sunscreen is a great way to slow down skin ageing. However, some hero ingredients are proven to boost hydration, collagen production, firmness and radiance.

When choosing an effective wrinkle cream, look for clinical studies that showcase its efficacy, testimonials and reviews. Check that they contain ingredients known to target signs of skin ageing.

Which Ingredients Reduce Winkles?

Understanding beneficial skincare ingredients is crucial before selecting an effective anti-ageing treatment. Explore some of the most powerful actives, known to fight wrinkles, fine lines and loss of hydration.

• Retinol: This vitamin A derivative has a unique ability to speed up cellular renewal by altering local gene expression. The fat-soluble vitamin works well in a cream formula, but retinol serums are available . Retinol can smooth out textural irregularities, soften wrinkles and boost youthful radiance after several weeks of consistent use. Concentrations between 0.3% and 0.6% are usually effective for retinol beginners without too much irritation.
• Bakuchiol: This is a plant-based alternative to retinol, it helps speed up cellular renewal and acts as an antioxidant – fighting free radical damage.
• Hyaluronic acid: This active ingredient holds up to 1000x its weight in water, draws it and holds it in the skin for prolonged plumpness and wrinkle reduction. Hydrolysed hyaluronic acid has a powerful plumping effect. Meanwhile, medium-weight HA helps reduce water loss throughout the day. Incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum into your anti-ageing skincare routine.
• Coq10: Similarly to retinol, this ingredient accelerates cellular metabolism which can boost collagen elastin and hyaluronic acid production in the skin.
• Vitamin C: The most adored skincare antioxidant fights oxidative damage, reduces the appearance of dark spots, brightens the complexion and aids collagen formation. Read about vitamin C serums
• Peptides: Small amino acid chains can penetrate the skin’s surface and trigger new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid formation. They help moisturise and plump the skin. Their benefits are limited when applied topically. A peptide serum may be a helpful addition to your regime.
• Antioxidants: Ingredients like vitamin E help fight oxidative stress in the skin – the primary cause of ageing.
• Resveratrol: A powerful, plant-derived antioxidant which reduces the impact of free radical damage. It has the secondary benefit of improving skin texture and boosting hydration over time.

Our Moisturiser Top Picks for Wrinkles

Anti-Wrinkle Eye Creams

Periorbital wrinkles (also more unpleasantly referred to as crow’s feet) are the ones that appear around the eyes. Quite often, these can be the first to appear and can become deeper than wrinkles elsewhere on the face. Simultaneously, the skin around the eyes is delicate. Anti-wrinkle eye creams balance potent ingredients and a gentle formula for the best results. Explore our favourites.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal Ceramide Eye

This eye cream combines retinaldehyde, a potent vitamin A derivative, with ceramides to improve skin texture and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Its lightweight formula enhances skin radiance and resilience while providing hydration.

Key Ingredients:
Retinaldehyde: a powerful form of vitamin A that helps stimulate collagen production and cell turnover Bisabolol: soothing agent Hydrating squalane Vitamin E: skin-protective antioxidant Ceramides: lipid molecules that strengthen the skin barrier and retain moisture Hyaluronic Acid: provides hydration and plumps the skin
Why We Love It:
Effective anti-ageing ingredients Hydrating and barrier-repairing Non-greasy and absorbs quickly Three different strengths for new to experienced retinol users
Drawbacks:
Higher price point Strong forms of retinol can cause irritation, dryness, flaking and sun sensitivity

Perfect For: all skin types, especially those needing advanced anti-ageing care.

Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Eye Gel Cream

This eye gel cream is formulated with Caudalie’s patented Resveratrol and micro hyaluronic acid to smooth and lift the delicate eye area. It provides a refreshing, lightweight texture that combats puffiness, wrinkles and dark circles.

Key Ingredients:
Resveratrol: a powerful antioxidant that helps boost firmness and elasticity Hyaluronic acids: hydrolysed and medium-weight hyaluronic acids plump and protect the skin for all-day firmness Peptides: vegan, pro-collagen peptides are the building blocks of new collagen formation. They also boost hydration, firmness and youthful resilience Vitamin E: a necessary antioxidant which helps protect the skin from photodamage
Why We Love It:
Lightweight and non-greasy Good for reducing puffiness Antioxidant-rich cream Clinically proven to boost collagen and hyaluronic acid production for wrinkle reduction Cooling metal applicator for further reduction of puffiness Cooling gel-cream formula
Drawbacks:
May not be suitable for treating deep wrinkles

Perfect For: all skin types, especially those looking for a comprehensive anti-ageing cream.

Retinol Creams for Fine Lines & Wrinkles

Retinol is one of the key ingredients to include in your anti-ageing skincare regime. It kickstarts skin renewal and turnover but can also cause some irritation and dryness. We help you choose the perfect retinol cream for your needs.

Murad Resurgence Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

This luxurious rich cream formula delivers a potent retinol complex that works overnight to give the appearance of fewer wrinkles. It features a unique delivery system to minimise irritation while enhancing firmness and smoothing the skin.

Key Ingredients:
Retinol Tri-Active Technology: provides gradual release of retinol for improved efficacy and reduced irritation Hyaluronic acid: hydrates and plumps the skin Pro-collagen peptides: enhance hydration and radiance Niacinamide: soothing, smoothing and brightening Soothing jojoba Vitamin E: skin protective antioxidant Glycerin: hydrates and leaves a silky finish
Why We Love It:
Effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles Hydrates and improves skin texture Minimal irritation due to controlled retinol release Soothing and hydrating formula
Drawbacks:
Premium price point Visible results take patience

Perfect For: all skin types, particularly those who struggle using retinol due to skin sensitivity.

Vichy LiftActiv B3 Pure Retinol Night Cream

This overnight cream combines pure retinol with Vichy Volcanic Water and Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) to target deep wrinkles and uneven skin tone. It works to renew and strengthen the skin’s barrier while delivering lasting hydration.

Key Ingredients:
Pure Retinol: helps reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide): enhances skin tone and barrier function Volcanic water: rich in minerals to soothe and fortify the skin Soothing panthenol: reduces the irritation caused by retinol Pro-collagen peptides and hydrolysed rice protein: aid hydration, wrinkle reduction and plumpness Vitamin E: skin-protective antioxidant Rice ferment: helps soothe and repair the skin barrier
Why We Love It:
Effective anti-ageing properties Hydrates and plumps for a youthful skin glow Less irritating due to added soothing ingredients
Drawbacks:
Fragranced Added colours Pure retinol can cause some dryness, irritation and increased sun sensitivity (taper up when starting a retinol) May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin – pair with a hydrating serum

Perfect For: all skin types, especially those looking for a comprehensive anti-ageing cream.

Clarins Anti-Wrinkle Cream

Clarins is known for their specialist skincare, particularly targeting the first signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and dehydration. Look no further than the Clarins Extra Firming Day Cream if you need a daily uplift from your morning skincare routine. This day cream provides a firming and lifting effect from magical botanicals, while delivering intense hydration. It is designed to visibly smooth out wrinkles and enhance the skin's firmness in a rich cream formula.

Key Ingredients:
Oat kernel extract: barrier-boosting, soothing and hydrating effect Hyaluronic acid: hydrating and plumping effect Glycerin: skin-identical hydrator Organic harungana extract: boosts collagen production and skin density Kangaroo paw flower extract : firms and revitalizes the skin Shea butter: moisturises and protects
Why We Love It:
Provides immediate lifting and firming effects 85% saw that their skin was visibly firmed Rich and hydrating Suitable for all skin types
Drawbacks:
Might be too rich for oily or acne-prone skin Contains fragrance and colour Contains comedogenic ingredients

Perfect For: all skin types, particularly those needing firming and lifting.

Instantly Firm, Plump and Lift

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Firming Night Cream

This night cream works to plump and firm the skin while you sleep, thanks to its high concentration of Resveratrol and hyaluronic acid. It improves skin density and reduces the appearance of fine lines.

Key Ingredients:
Resveratrol: improves skin firmness and elasticity Hyaluronic Acid (hydrolysed and medium-weight): hydrates and plumps the skin Pro-collagen peptides: boost hydration, firmness and suppleness Squalane: hydrates and prevents water loss
Why We Love It:
Effective for firming and hydrating Lightweight yet nourishing Antioxidant-rich formula
Drawbacks:
Can be expensive Might be too rich for oily skin

Perfect For: normal to dry skin, especially those looking for firming and plumping benefits.

Ella & Jo Relax & Renew Night Cream

This night cream aims to relax and renew the skin overnight with a blend of rejuvenating ingredients like peptides, bakuchiol, and hyaluronic acid. It promotes skin regeneration and improves texture and elasticity while providing deep and lasting hydration.

Key Ingredients:
Squalane: hydrates and softens Bukachiol: a plant-based alternative to retinol which boosts cellular renewal Pro-collagen peptides: boosts hydration, collagen production and wrinkle reduction Hyaluronic acid: plumps, hydrates and reduces fine lines and wrinkles Niacinamide: brightens, smooths, firms and soothes skin Soothing Chamomile Extract: soothes and calms the skin
Why We Love It:
Hydrates and soothes the skin Improves skin texture and elasticity Gentle and suitable for sensitive skin
Drawbacks:
Less focus on advanced anti-ageing compared to some other skincare products

Perfect For: all skin types, particularly those with sensitive or dry skin needing hydration.

Anti-Wrinkle Cream for Men

Men tend to have denser, thicker skin that is less prone to the signs of ageing. They also often have difficulties with acne or blackheads due to larger and denser pores. Anti-ageing skincare for men should also target some common concern areas.

Clarins Men Line-Control Balm

This balm is specifically formulated for men's skin, targeting signs of ageing such as wrinkles and loss of firmness. It provides intense hydration while smoothing and reducing the appearance of fine lines, roughness and blackheads.

Key Ingredients:
Shea butter: softens, soothes and hydrates dry skin Glycerin: hydrates and leaves skin feeling soft Marrubium vulgare extract: refines skin texture and fights acne and blackheads Vitamin E: skin-protective antioxidant Oat kernel extract: reinforces the moisture barrier and soothes irritation Caffeine: reduces puffiness, redness and inflammation
Why We Love It:
Tailored for men’s skin needs Provides firming and smoothing benefits Hydrates and improves skin texture
Drawbacks:
Rich and thick texture can be too much for some Contains fragrance Pore-clogging ingredients

Perfect For: men of all skin types, especially those with concerns about wrinkles and ageing.

Sensitive Anti-Wrinkle Formula

Popular anti-ageing creams can contain common irritants such as fragrance or colour. Some potent ingredients such as retinol can be irritating to sensitive skin. It’s important to select a gentle formula such as the Biofresh Probiotic Collagen Day Cream.

Biofresh Probiotic Day Cream Collagen Expert

This day cream leverages probiotics and collagen-boosting ingredients to provide gentle anti-ageing care for sensitive skin. It helps improve skin resilience and reduce signs of ageing while soothing and protecting reactive complexions.

Key Ingredients:
Probiotics: support skin barrier and reduce sensitivity Collagen: enhances skin elasticity and firmness Hyaluronic acid: provides hydration and plumpness
Why We Love It:
Gentle and soothing for sensitive skin Collagen-boosting for improved skin firmness and wrinkle reduction Hydrating and non-irritating Lightweight and fast-absorbing
Drawbacks:
May not be potent enough to treat deep wrinkles

Perfect For: sensitive skin types, and those needing a gentle anti-ageing solution

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should You Start Using Anti-Wrinkle Cream?

The most effective way to keep wrinkles at bay is to treat them as soon as they appear. Use a clinically proven wrinkle cream to treat persistent wrinkles.

How long does it typically take to see results from using an anti-wrinkle cream?

Depending on the actives you’re using, the visible results can be immediate or take several weeks or months. Hyaluronic acid plumps skin for an immediate effect, peptides can rejuvenate your complexion overnight. Meanwhile, retinol or vitamin C can take four to eight weeks to visibly reduce lines.

How important is SPF protection in an anti-wrinkle cream?

An SPF is a crucial stage of your anti-wrinkle skincare because sun exposure is the number one cause of skin ageing. However, sun protection is especially important if you’re using a retinol cream or resurfacing acids as they increase sun sensitivity.

What anti-ageing products do dermatologists recommend?

The most effective skincare for wrinkles usually contains some kind of retinol. There are several common forms including retinal (a stronger form), pure retinol (relatively potent) and retinyl esters (gentler forms). Encapsulated retinol is a great option for sensitive skin while being highly effective against several signs of ageing.