17 Wrinkle Creams for Smooth Skin in 2024

Wrinkle creams aren’t one-size-fits-all. Different products are formulated to address specific areas, such as the eyes or neck. While there may be some overlap, the creams on our list are some of the best in each category.

Keep in mind that no at-home wrinkle cream will give the same results as dermatological procedures like laser resurfacing. However, these products have happy customers backing up their claims. With popular active ingredients that work to enhance skin tone and texture, they’ll also target fine lines and wrinkles.
How do wrinkle creams work?
The way wrinkle creams work is determined by the ingredients they contain.

Most wrinkle creams work primarily by moisturizing the skin. They also contain emollients that make the skin feel smooth, plus other active ingredients.

Effective, high quality wrinkle creams add water to the skin, which is held in place by occlusives, such as oil or petrolatum. This plumps up the skin’s appearance, eliminating dryness and reducing the look of fine lines.

Some moisturizers contain humectants like glycerin, which helps skin retain moisture by pulling water out of the air.

In addition to adding moisture, some creams, such as those containing retinol, exfoliate dead skin cells and debris from the skin’s surface layer. Exfoliation makes the skin look brighter and fresher. It also enables the skin to better absorb the moisturizing ingredients in the wrinkle cream.

Retinol, a type of vitamin A, also increases collagen production. This helps reduce the occurrence of fine lines and wrinkles.

How we chose the best wrinkle creams

We chose the products below because they contain beneficial ingredients that may help improve skin tone, texture, hydration, and collagen production over time.
We got input from dermatologists and analyzed customer reviews. We also considered cost and ethical manufacturing practices.
Finally, all the products on our list have been vetted to make sure they adhere to Healthline’s medical and business standards. Read more about our process here.
Pricing guide
$ = under $25
$$ = $25–$95
$$$ = over $95

Picks of the best wrinkle creams

Best wrinkle cream overall
SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum

• Price: $$$
• Size: 1 fluid ounce (fl oz)
• Best for: all skin types
• Pro: dermatologist-owned brand
• Con: expensive
• Key ingredients: growth factor, peptides, french flaxseed, marine extract
• The Healthline Medical Review team loves the SkinMedica line and this product in particular, calling it “worth the splurge.”

TNS Essential Serum is good for all skin types and can be used on the entire face, neck, and chest. It contains antioxidants such as green tea extract and vitamins E and C, which target fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin.

This serum also contains alpha-arbutin, a glycoside that lightens dark spots and brightens skin tone. The proteins and amino acids in this formula are meant to help reduce inflammation.

Best deep wrinkle cream
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

• Price: $
• Size: 1 fl oz
• Best for: all skin types except sensitive
• Pro: treats acne
• Con: slight burning sensation, according to some users
• Key ingredients: shea butter, glycolic acid, squalane
• Retinol is the strongest OTC version of retinoids. These are vitamin A derivatives used to support healthy aging and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They also target a slew of skin concerns, including acne, sunspots (including freckles), and other signs of sun damage.

Retinol can also help improve the look of uneven skin texture and hyperpigmentation, too.

This retinol cream is a big hit, with thousands of Amazon and Google reviews. Many sing its praises for supporting their aging skin, as well as treating acne and hyperpigmentation.

One reviewer points out how quickly this cream worked for her acne scarring as well. One downside: This is not the choice for those with sensitive skin, thanks to some ingredients like fragrance. Sensitive reviewers echo this sentiment, with one saying she noticed tingles and burning on her sensitive skin.

It’s recommended that users apply this cream to their face and neck at night for best results.

Best drugstore wrinkle cream
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.7 fl oz
• Best for: dry, aging skin
• Pros: reduces the appearance of wrinkles, affordable
• Con: contains fragrance
• Key ingredients: amino peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
• Designed for mature, dry skin, Olay Regenerist contains ingredients to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, such as hyaluronic acid, amino peptides, and vitamin E. It also contains carob extract, an antioxidant, to protect your skin from free radicals.

The rich, dense cream is popular with reviewers and has a softening feel on the skin.

It’s available in both scented and fragrance-free versions. Fragrance-free is the go-to choice for those with skin sensitivity or allergies. We also like that it’s a readily available drugstore option.

Plus, it includes niacinamide, a type of vitamin B3. This vitamin is said to boast many skin benefits, including:

• minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• lightening dark spots
• regulating oil production
• helping with acne
• protecting from sun damage
• reducing redness

However, remember not to use niacinamide with AHAs or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). When the two are combined, they turn into niacin and can cause flushing.

Additionally, avoid mixing niacinamide with vitamin C.

Best for dry skin
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.69 fl oz
• Best for: dry skin
• Pro: fragrance-free
• Con: too thick for some users
• Key ingredients: ceramides, African oil blends
• This whipped cream — not the kind you slather on desserts — delivers and locks in deep hydration, making it a good choice for those with dry skin.

It contains a blend of oils and plant-derived ceramides, also known as phytoceramides. Ceramides are a group of naturally occurring fatty acids. They help make a barrier to lock moisture into your skin, preventing irritation and dryness.

This pick also uses sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer, an ingredient extracted from hyaluronic acid, which is celebrated for its graceful aging support.

It also contains antioxidant-rich, skin-friendly ingredient green tea to double down on signs of aging.

Many Amazon reviewers love this pick. A couple point out they would prefer different packaging, and others say it’s too thick for their sensitive skin.

Best for sensitive skin
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Overnight Cream

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.7 fl oz
• Best for: sensitive skin
• Pro: hydrating
• Con: expensive
• Key ingredients: vitamin C, grape seed, fruit stem cells
• This vegan wrinkle cream boasts some serious hydration and works to lessen the look of deep lines and wrinkles — all while using certified organic and cruelty-free ingredients.

It also contains ceramides. As we mentioned, ceramides help lock moisture into your skin. Plus, olive-derived squalane hydrates and mimics your skin’s natural oils.

It’s a good choice for those with sensitive skin because it’s made without:

• parabens
• petroleum
• talc
• phthalates
• sulfates
• artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances

Google reviewers are impressed. Only a few users mention they aren’t fans of the packaging or say the product is not worth the higher price, compared with similar offerings on the market.

Best for oily skin
First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Coconut Water Cream

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.7 fl oz
• Best for: oily skin
• Pros: good amount, noticeable results
• Con: expensive
• Key ingredients: coconut water, sodium hyaluronate, licorice root
• This vegan product is considered a lightweight, hydrating facial moisturizer. But along with offering a nice boost of hydration, it also targets fine lines and wrinkles.

It’s infused with coconut water and electrolytes for softening and smoothing. It also has sodium hyaluronate, the popular hyaluronic acid-extracted skin care ingredient we mentioned earlier.

Since it’s also noncomedogenic and oil-free, it’s a good choice for those with oily skin. Plus, the brand says this cream is suitable for sensitive skin.

Many Amazon reviewers say it works well for their oily or sensitive skin, but others say there are more reasonably priced picks that work about the same.

This pick is cruelty-free, gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free.

Best luxury wrinkle cream for under eyes
SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Eye Complex for Dark Circles

• Price: $$$
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Best for: average to dry skin
• Pros: free of alcohol and dyes, noticeable results
• Cons: expensive, not for acne-prone skin
• Key ingredients: blueberry extract, proxylane, peptides
• If you’re looking for a multitasker to target dark circles and under-eye puffiness as much as crow’s feet, this eye cream from SkinCeuticals may give you the results you’re looking for.

It contains dimethicone, a type of silicone that fills in fine lines, improving texture. It also has moisturizing glycerin, a highly effective humectant, and it’s free of alcohol and dyes.

Users report seeing a positive difference in dark circles, puffiness, skin firmness, and elasticity over 2 to 3 months of twice-daily use. Although it comes at a higher price point, reviewers point out it’s worth the splurge.

This product is meant for average or dry skin. It may be too rich for oily or acne-prone skin.

Best drugstore wrinkle cream for under eyes
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream

• Price: $
• Size: 0.5 fl oz
• Best for: average to oily skin
• Pros: hydrating, free from fragrance and dyes
• Con: greasy
• Key ingredient: hyaluronic acid
• The active ingredient in this noncomedogenic gel cream is hyaluronic acid, which helps keep skin plump, hydrated, and looking wrinkle-free.

This Neutrogena gel cream is a great choice for those with average to oily skin and fine lines. Plus, it’s free from oil, dyes, and fragrances — a bonus for oily or sensitive skin types.

Users love that it absorbs quickly, without leaving a greasy feel. Unlike heavier eye creams, this product is light enough to use under makeup without smudging.

Best wrinkle cream for deep wrinkles under eyes
Jurlique Nutri-Define Supreme Eye Contour Balm

• Price: $$
• Size: 0.5 oz
• Best for: all skin types
• Pros: brightens, firms the under-eye area
• Con: some users experienced an allergic reaction
• Key ingredients: Spilanthes flower extract, horseradish root extract
• This balm targets deep wrinkles and promises to improve firmness and brightness around the eye area.

According to Jurlique, this pick uses alfalfa seed extract and lupine protein to target the look of under-eye puffiness.

Google reviews for this product are glowing. Users love the fast, smoothing effect and the way the applicator works. Just apply a small amount of the cream to the ball of the applicator and gently smooth it around your eye area. One older Google reviewer, however, says she had an allergic reaction to the natural formula.

Best firming wrinkle cream for neck
StriVectin TL Advanced Light Tightening Neck Cream

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.7 fl oz
• Best for: all skin types except sensitive
• Pro: reduce crepey skin
• Con: not for users with sensitive skin
• Key ingredients: peptides, proprietary tightening agents
• The neck is one of the first areas of the face to show aging.

This pick has more than 3,000 Google reviews. Most of them say it’s worth trying.

Many users give this product high marks for tightening and firming skin on the neck and chest. It also helps minimize the appearance of horizontal fine lines on the throat and reduce the look of crepey skin.

If you have sensitive skin, do a patch test first. Some users say the product causes a temporary burning sensation, and one Amazon reviewer mentions she had an allergic reaction.

The brand recommends that you apply this cream twice daily — once in the morning and once at night — in upward, circular massaging motions.

Here’s how to do a patch test

• Apply a small amount of product to the inside of your forearm.
• Wait 2 days to see if you experience an adverse reaction, such as redness, itchiness, irritation, or blistering.
• If you do have a reaction, immediately wash the area with soap and warm water. Discontinue use of the product immediately.
• If no signs of reaction appear after 2 days, be sure to check the area again after 4 days for signs of a delayed reaction. If you don’t have a reaction after 4 days, the product is likely safe to use on your skin.
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Best organic wrinkle cream for neck
Juice Beauty Stem Cellular Lifting Neck Cream

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.7 fl oz
• Best for: sensitive skin
• Pros: firms the neck, great for sensitive skin
• Con: takes some time to notice results
• Key ingredients: vitamin C, peptides, algae
• This neck cream is made with certified organic ingredients. It includes peptides to promote collagen production, possibly leading to firmer-looking skin.

It also contains algae, which the brand says is to help tighten and smooth the fragile skin around the neck. And it has vegetable squalane, vitamin E, and vitamin C to help with tone and texture.

Google and Amazon reviewers are mainly blown away by this neck cream. Only a small group says they didn’t notice huge results.

The brand suggests applying this product by gently massaging it in upward strokes on the neck.

Like the other Juice Beauty product on our list, this product is vegan, cruelty-free, and cuts out a lot of additives, which is nice for those with skin sensitivities.

Best wrinkle cream for hands

Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Cream

• Price: $$
• Size: 3.5 oz
• Best for: all skin types
• Pro: hydrating
• Con: scented
• Key ingredients: shea butter, sesame oil
• This rich, moisturizing treatment for hands and nails helps hydrate the skin on your hands and strengthen your nails, with shea as a key ingredient. Other ingredients focus on lightening age spots and strengthening nails.

What this product won’t do is protect your skin from the sun, so don’t use it as a substitute for sunscreen.

This pick has more than 3,000 ratings on Google, with many loving the results. Others don’t love the scent or say the product didn’t work for their hands and nails.

Best wrinkle cream for men
Kiehl’s Age Defender Moisturizer

• Price: $$
• Size: 2.5 fl oz
• Best for: all skin types
• Pros: affordable, non-irritating
• Con: scented
• Key ingredients: salicylic acid, linseed extract, caffeine
• Skin is skin. But if you’re looking for facial skin care products marketed to men, Kiehl’s has a line of options, including this moisturizer.

It contains caffeine, which can help reduce under-eye bags and brighten skin tone. It also has flaxseed oil for smoothing fine lines and softening irritated skin.

This cream smells great and is very thick. Start with using a small amount — a little goes a very long way.

Best wrinkle cream with sunscreen
CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream

• Price: $
• Size: 1.8 oz
• Best for: oily, combination
• Pros: contains sunscreen, affordable
• Con: some users noticed a white cast
• Key ingredients: retinol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
• Not all wrinkle creams are created equal, but reviewers say this affordable day cream from CeraVe is just as good as some of the more expensive products on the market.

Ceramides and hyaluronic acid work together to provide hydration while niacinamide targets hyperpigmentation and brightens the skin.

Best sustainable wrinkle cream
Indie Lee Retinol Alternative Cream

• Price: $$
• Size: 1.5 oz
• Best for: all skin types
• Pros: cruelty-free, paraben-free
• Con: expensive
• Key ingredients: rambutan, orange milk tree extract, squalane
• This retinol cream is formulated with natural a retinol alternative to improve the appearance of elasticity, firmness, fine lines, and wrinkles. Paracress extract reduces the visible signs of aging while squalane and orange milk tree extract plump skin and boost moisture retention. The bottle is reusable, and Indie Lee sells refills on their site, so there’s less waste for everyone.

Indie Lee formulates their products without parabens, mineral oil, sulfate-based detergents, synthetic fragrance, petroleum-based ingredients, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde, and GMO ingredients.

Best for hyperpigmentation
Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Vitamin A | C | E Retinoid Treatment

• Price: $$
• Size: 1 oz.
• Best for: combination, oily skin
• Pro: feels light
• Con: not moisturizing enough for dry skin
• Key ingredients: retinoid vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C
• This retinoid formula noticeably reduces the look of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. It combines 10% granactive retinoid vitamin A with 10% cosmin C and 5% vitamin E.

Reviewers love that it absorbs nicely and doesn’t leave the face feeling greasy after application.

Best for adult acne
Jan Marini Bioclear Face Cream

• Price: $$
• Size: 1 oz
• Best for: oily skin, acne-prone skin
• Pros: heals breakouts
• Cons: expensive
• Key ingredients: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, azelaic acid
• This face cream from Jan Marini is a miracle product for those with adult acne. With a 12% concentration of glycolic acid combined with salicylic acid, acne doesn’t stand a chance.

It works from the inside out to exfoliate and purify the pores to heal breakouts. It is also formulated with wheat proteins and arnica extract to improve the skin’s tone and texture.

How to choose a wrinkle cream

Here’s what to consider when shopping for a product.

Active ingredients

First things first: You’ll want to scan your product’s label for beneficial active ingredients. Here are some common ones and what they do:

• Retinol: Retinol is the OTC form of retinoids. Retinoids, or vitamin A derivatives, are a popular ingredient mainly used to remedy signs of aging and acne. Retinoids help skin cells turn over faster, and they boost the production of collagen and elastin.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is thought of as one of the top ingredients available for mature-looking skin. It helps skin stay smooth and offers a glowing effect. It also protects skin from free radicals. Free radicals are unbalanced oxygen molecules that damage skin cells, triggering wrinkles and breaking down collagen.
• Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs): This term refers to a group of plant- and animal-derived acids. There are actually seven different types of AHAs commonly used in skin care products. AHAs are mostly used to gently exfoliate. But they’re also known for other benefits, like encouraging collagen and blood flow, brightening skin, preventing acne, reducing the appearance of scars and age spots, and more.
• Peptides: Peptides are amino acids that structure specific proteins the skin needs. For example, collagen has three polypeptide chains, so increasing peptides can encourage skin to make collagen. This could possibly lead to more youthful, firmer-looking skin.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 is an antioxidant. It has many benefits, one of them being lowering oxidative damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays, smoke, and pollution. It can also reduce the depth of some wrinkles.

Your skin type

As you scan ingredients lists, you’ll want to consider your skin type.

If you’re looking to target wrinkles and acne at the same time for acne-prone skin, consider creams with retinol, which do just that.

If you have oily skin, look for products that are lightweight and free of oils. Retinoids are also a good choice for oily skin, as they can remove some oil and help with fine lines and wrinkles.

If you have dry skin, consider wrinkle creams that promise to give an extra boost of hydration. It’s still a good idea to look for noncomedogenic options, though, so all that added moisture won’t clog your pores.

Got sensitive skin or combination skin? Steer clear of options that have fragrances or alcohols.

If you have rosacea, you may also want to stay away from retinols and vitamin C. Vitamin C can sting when applied, and retinols can worsen rosacea. Look for products specifically made for rosacea or talk with a dermatologist for suggestions.

Finally, know that heavy night creams can clog pores. No matter what type of skin you have, look for products labeled noncomedogenic to avoid this.

Time constraints

Before you buy, make sure you pick a product that you’ll use. A mistake many people make is spending oodles of money on a skin care system that contains lots of products and is more time-consuming than their lifestyle allows.

Budget

The most expensive wrinkle creams out there aren’t necessarily the best. There are options for every budget, so you don’t need to break the bank to get good results.

Sellers

You can avoid buying counterfeit products by checking seller reviews. The seller and the manufacturer aren’t necessarily the same. If you have any doubts, buy directly from the manufacturer in store or online, or consult a dermatologist.

Allergies and sensitivities

If you have sensitive skin, look for a hypoallergenic product or one that’s fragrance-free.

Tips for using wrinkle creams

• Use sunscreen: Wrinkle creams don’t take the place of sunscreen. Always use sunscreen in addition to your facial cream when you’re planning on being in the sun. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which blocks both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays can cause premature skin aging.
• Follow the product’s directions: Some wrinkle creams are meant to be used specifically at night or during the day. Others are designed for twice-daily use.
• Consider how much to use: You may have to experiment with the amount of cream that you use. Too much, and your skin can’t absorb it and will feel greasy. Too little, and you may not reap the full benefits. Try using a small dab at first and see how your skin responds.
• Go easy on retinoids: When it comes to retinoids, more isn’t better. You only need about a pea-size amount to cover your whole face.
• Apply with care: Even creams that are designed for the eye area should be used carefully so that they don’t get into the eye and cause stinging or irritation.
• Store it properly: You can store most wrinkle creams in a medicine cabinet or shelf in the bathroom, even if it gets humid.
• Keep an eye on the date: Don’t use a cream that’s past its expiration date. Also, don’t use the product if the scent changes, as this may mean that it’s gone bad.
• Check the packaging: There’s some frustration in the beauty world over the way certain products are packaged and how it affects the product’s effectiveness and shelf life. For example, with retinol and vitamin C items, it’s important that the product is packaged in tinted or dark glass bottles. When these products are exposed to light, air, and heat, they can quickly become degraded. Keep your eyes open for brands that use dark, tinted bottles with airless pumps to get the best results and shelf life out of your product.
• Give it time: Even the best wrinkle cream doesn’t provide immediate, dramatic results.

Other tips for wrinkle prevention

As with so many things, preventing wrinkles is the best “cure.” You can’t stop the aging process, but you can protect your skin from damage by using sun protection and avoiding tanning beds.

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays damage skin by reducing its elasticity. This accelerates photoaging, causing the skin to become wrinkled, leathery, and dull. It can also cause skin discoloration and thinning. Protecting your skin from the sun year-round can help protect it and significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer.

Smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol to excess both contribute to skin aging and wrinkles. Quitting smoking and reducing your alcohol intake will not only support your health, but it will also protect your skin from premature aging.

Eating nutrient-rich, whole foods, including vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables, supports skin health. So does exercising consistently.

In addition to making healthy choices, remember that it’s never too early to moisturize skin regularly.

If you have oily skin or are prone to acne, choosing the right type of moisturizer can help your skin retain elasticity and reduce wrinkles.

And, of course, cleanse your skin daily to remove makeup and debris.

When to see a doctor or dermatologist

It’s best to see a dermatologist if your skin gets irritated or sensitized after introducing any new wrinkle creams to your skin care routine.

Severe acne, scarring, or other skin irritations may need prescription treatment such as oral antibiotics, topical prescription retinoids, or birth control. A dermatologist may perform an extraction for deeper cysts or acne spots that are stuck underneath your skin.

Remember that your skin type can affect how products work. Using the wrong product, even when natural, can cause breakouts, worsen blemishes, or cause redness. It’s best to find out what skin type you have and build your skin care routine around that. You can also take notes on product ingredients to see if specific ingredients are causing unwanted skin reactions.

Frequently asked questions about wrinkle creams
Is there a wrinkle cream that really works?

Yes. You may be able to decrease the appearance of wrinkles with a cream that contains ingredients like:

• retinol
• vitamin C
• AHAs
• peptides
• CoQ10

However, an OTC topical cream probably won’t be able to eliminate wrinkles entirely.

How can I get rid of wrinkles on my face fast?

Wrinkle cream may be able to help you reduce the appearance of wrinkles on your face, but it doesn’t work overnight. It may take several weeks before you start seeing results.

Other treatments, like Botox or fillers, take effect more quickly — usually within a few hours to 1 or 2 weeks, depending on the treatment.

When is the best time to start using wrinkle cream?

It’s important to remember that “wrinkle cream” is not a scientific term — any product can call itself a wrinkle cream.

Rather than focusing on just using a wrinkle cream, it’s important to implement a consistent skin care routine that includes cleansing and moisturizing. Wearing sunscreen and using sun protection should also be a part of this routine.

That being said, skin changes over time. The moisturizer you use as a teen or young adult may not provide enough nourishment for your skin as you age. Continuing to evaluate your skin’s needs over time will help you determine the type of product best suited to you at any age.

How do you apply wrinkle cream?

Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some wrinkle creams may dry out or sting your skin if used too often or incorrectly.

Only apply wrinkle cream to freshly washed skin. You may get better results if your skin is slightly damp.

A 2017 studyTrusted Source made up of 20 women looked at the effects of a skin massaging device. It found that massaging skin care products into your skin may make them more effective.

Applying wrinkle cream with an upward motion is often recommended — though, be careful not to pull or tug on your skin, especially around the eye area.

What makes a wrinkle cream work the fastest?

Using a wrinkle cream daily along with sunscreen may lead to faster results. If it contains effective ingredients like retinol or AHAs, you may notice a difference within a few weeks.

What is best for deep wrinkles?

Ingredients like retinol, antioxidants, and peptides may result in improvements for deep-set wrinkles. You may want to look into fillers, Botox, or laser skin resurfacing if you want to reverse deep wrinkles.