15 Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin to Target Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Editor's tip: For the full SkinCeuticals effect, try out the brand's Skin System. It's a three-piece kit containing the intensive moisturizer alongside two of the brand's best-selling antioxidant serums: the ever-popular C E Ferulic and nighttime Resveratrol B E serum.

Key ingredients: proxylane, niacinamide, flavonoids | Fragrance-free: no | Who it's for: anyone in need of intense moisture

Best Plumping Cream: BeautyStat Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer

Why it's worth it: A quick primer on peptides: These chains of amino acids are in charge of carrying out key functions within cells, such as telling them to boost collagen production. In BeautyStat Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer, two peptides help relax facial muscles—similar to botulinum toxin (a.k.a. botox)—to smooth lines and tighten lax skin. Meanwhile, moisturizing ingredients like polyglutamic and hyaluronic acid leave skin smoother and plumper on the spot.

Editor's tip: Use this facial moisturizer in the morning and night to get the most out of the formula.

Key ingredients: peptides, glucosamine, polyglutamic acid | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it's for: people who want a collagen boost

Best Serum: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

Why it's worth it: Estée Lauder's Advanced Night Repair has been around for a long time, but according to Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College in New York, "It's an oldie but goodie, and the all-new version has optimized the old technology without dramatically changing the texture." She loves that this serum contains peptides and antioxidants, not to mention that it's "quite effective at boosting hydration." Plus, the serum isn't oily, which we love.

Editor's tip: While it has "Night Repair" in its name, which refers to the brand's exclusive night peptide, you can use it day or night. It'll protect your skin in the daytime against environmental aggressors for up to eight hours.

Key ingredients: Bifida ferment lysate, hyaluronic acid, peptides, squalane | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it's for: people who prefer serums to creams

Best Luxurious Retinol: Revision Skincare D.E.J. Night Face Cream

Why it's worth it: Dermatologists swear by this night cream, which pairs 0.25% retinol with bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative) to double its line-smoothing power. The Revision Skincare D.E.J. Night Face Cream is a favorite of board-certified dermatologist Sejal Shah, MD, who uses it as the final step in her evening routine. You can also count Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, CT, as a fan—using it around her eyes. "I'm very particular about eye creams, but this one has been in my routine for quite some time," she says.

Editor's tip: For fans of this face cream, it comes in a retinol-free version that's designed for daytime.

Key ingredients: retinol, vitamin C, peptides | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it's for: retinol-seekers

Best Affordable Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum

Why it's worth it: Florida-based board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Tung, MD, says drugstore-favorite RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum can address the dreaded trifecta of skin issues: fine lines, enlarged pores, and even mild acne. "Retinol, when combined with antioxidants, magnesium, and zinc, can improve texture and brighten the appearance while minimizing pores," she says. After a few weeks of use, your skin looks more radiant and smoother.

Editor's tip: The brand pairs the retinol in this formula with its proprietary mineral complex, which includes magnesium aspartate, zinc gluconate, and copper gluconate, to help boost its efficacy.

Key ingredients: retinol, allantoin, sunflower seed oil | Fragrance-free: no | Who it's for: people with uneven texture

Best for Oily Skin: Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream

Why it's worth it: A good moisturizer for oily skin can be hard to find, but Shani Darden's Hydration Peptide Cream manages to beat the odds. The oil-free formulation won't clog pores and delivers firming peptides alongside squalane, niacinamide, and ceramides to support skin barrier function. "It's the first really nourishing moisturizer I've used that hasn't triggered a breakout, and it leaves my skin noticeably smoother and softer," says Allure contributor Deanna Pai, who uses it morning and night.

Editor's tip: Use it in the evenings after the brand's best-selling Retinol Reform serum for a one-two punch against signs of aging.

Key ingredients: peptides, squalane, ceramides | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it's for: people with breakout-prone skin

Best for Dry Skin: Dr. Few Moisture Complete

Why it's worth it: The Allure office is buzzing with praise for Dr. Few's curated skin-care lineup. One of the stars? Moisture Complete. This rich cream intensely hydrates courtesy of green tea and locks in moisture via coconut oil and shea butter. Along with additions like hibiscus and aloe leaf juice, these powerhouse ingredients also soothe and guard the skin from free radicals. Dr. Few's products are formulated with proprietary HydraPep Botanical Complex peptides and antioxidants for firmer, plumper skin.

Editor's tip: If you have sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin—or want a lighterweight moisturizer for daytime—Dr. Few developed Moisture Complete Sheer with a deionized water base for a more breathable formula.

Key ingredients: green tea hydrosol, shea butter, coconut oil, hibiscus hydrosol | Fragrance-free: no | Who it's for: people with very dry skin

Best with SPF: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Why it's worth it: Another favorite among dermatologists and Allure editors, EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 is a multitasking workhouse. This hybrid sunscreen offers impressive broad-spectrum sun protection (critical for everyone but especially for those who use retinoids in the evening) and nourishes skin with a blend of vitamin E, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid. The hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic formula is transparent—meaning there's no telltale white cast—and it's designed not to exacerbate acne-prone skin types.

Editor's tip: If you're searching for another moisturizing sunscreen, Dermstore provides a handy guide to help you find your perfect match.

Key ingredients: zinc oxide (9%), octinoxate (7.5%) vitamin E, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it's for: people who spend time in the sun

Best Splurge: SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex

Why it's worth it: What's in the secret sauce of the admittedly pricey SkinMedica TNS Recovery Complex? A lot, beginning with growth factors, which San Diego-based board-certified dermatologist Sabrina Fabi, MD, says can increase collagen production and thicken skin overall. This formula also contains glycerin, an ingredient known for its moisture-retaining benefits. Dermatologists cite it as a product they religiously use themselves. Just be sure to keep the bottle away from direct sunlight because it can negatively affect the product's efficacy.

Editor's tip: The formula doesn't have an especially pleasant scent, but don't let that deter you from giving this thing a spin.

Key ingredients: growth factors, antioxidants, cytokines | Fragrance-free: no | Who it's for: people with crepey skin

Best Day Cream: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer

Why it's worth it: Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure that the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer is one of her go-to products for much-needed moisture replenishment. "It contains skin-firming peptides, lactic acid to balance excess oil gently, and is rich in antioxidants like vitamin C," she said. (Plus, it layers beneath makeup like a dream.) Along with these active ingredients, it's also worth noting that this formula contains a blend of skin-soothing additives like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, aloe vera, and allantoin.

Editor's tip: Fans of the moisturizer can spring for the jumbo-size jar. Alternatively, you can purchase refill pods for $90 a pop if you buy the 50-milliliter tub. Or, if you want to explore a lighter-weight option, try the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Water Cream, which happens to be editor-approved and one of our One to Watch recipients.

Key ingredients: peptides, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: no | Who it's for: people who layer moisturizer under base makeup

Best Night Cream: Caudalie Premier Cru Cream

Why it's worth it: What makes Caudalie's Allure Best of Beauty-winning Premier Cru The Cream so impressive is its concoction of hyaluronic acid and sugars derived from honey locusts—gasp. Dr. Green says the latter ingredient helps firm and plump the skin, targeting issues like sagging and wrinkles. This cream also contains grapeseed oil and shea butter, two lipids known for their moisturizing abilities.

Editor's tip: If you have especially dry skin, consider Caudalie's Premier Cru The Rich Cream, another Allure Best of Beauty winner.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, Viniferine | Fragrance-free: no | Who it's for: night cream-lovers

Best Healing: La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizer

Why it's worth it: The mother (or la mere, if you will) of luxury moisturizers, the La Mer Crème de La Mer is thick, resolutely hydrating, and feels as expensive on your face as it does your wallet. The moisture works to heal and tighten skin via two proprietary, symbiotic blends—Lime Tea, an antioxidant, and the sea kelp-forward Miracle Broth. You'll also find ingredients like calcium, magnesium, potassium, alfalfa, and vitamin C extracts, all of which have healing properties, care for fine lines, and lift sagging skin.

Editor's tip: Crème de la Mer entails a special application process, and we wouldn't expect any less for such a thoughtfully formulated product. Warm the cream before your fingertips to activate the Miracle Broth, and once it's translucent, press it (don't massage) gently into your face and neck. Do this morning and night and watch the results roll in.

Key ingredients: sea kelp, Lime Tea, calcium, magnesium, potassium, alfalfa, vitamin C | Fragrance-free: no | Who it's for: people with skin damage

Best for Elasticity: InnBeauty Project Extreme Cream

Why it's worth it: The InnBeauty Extreme Cream is the firming, lifting, tightening, plumping formula you've been fantasizing about. It targets loss of elasticity—something pervasive (and sometimes pretty frustrating) in aging skin—with a blend of peptides, ceramides, and a plant-based retinol alternative. You can apply the luxe formula morning and night, and it doubles as a lovely, glowy, hydrating base under makeup.

Editor's tip: Once you've worked your way through the whole bottle, you can pick up a refill cartridge to cut down on plastic use and save a few bucks.

Key ingredients: ceramides, peptides, bio-retinol | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it's for: people with sagging skin

Best for Dull Skin: Matter of Fact Age-Defying Moisturizer

Why it's worth it: Nothing tackles dullness like a hearty dose of hydration—precisely what the Matter of Fact Age-Defying Moisturizer delivers. In this cheery blue jar, you'll find all the goodies: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, and antioxidants. Its rich texture kicks off the nourishing process, and the jam-packed formula finishes the job. Watch your fine lines soften with time and your skin plump up in all the right places.

Editor's tip: The super-thickness of this product may be too rich for people with oily skin.

Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, hexylresorcinol, bakuchiol | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it's for: people struggling with dullness

Best Between Treatments: Chanel Le Lift Pro Crème Volume

Why it's worth it: The Le Lift Pro Crème Volume is just another piece of evidence that there is nothing Chanel can't do. To address age-related skin changes, this luxury formula was designed to boost volume and is gentle enough to be applied between in-office aesthetic treatments. Integral to the cream is the melipona enzymatic ingredient, derived from honey sourced in Costa Rica. It hydrates, heals, firms, and makes the moisturizer worth its price tag.

Editor's tip: This moisturizer is designed as the second step in Chanel's Le Lift Pro protocol. If you want the full treatment, start with the Le Lift Pro Concentré Contours and finish with the Le Lift Pro Masque Uniformant.

Key ingredients: melipona enzymatic ingredient, shea butter, jojoba oil, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: yes | Who it's for: people who get botox, people who want a multistep routine

Frequently Asked Questions

New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD, says that there are quite a few skin-care ingredients you should be looking for when shopping for a skin-care routine for mature skin, including skin-brightening vitamin C, which is "a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals which would otherwise cause oxidative stress to the skin and lead to premature aging," Dr. Green explains. (In other words, it's great for signs of sun damage.)

Yes, intensive exfoliating ingredients and antioxidants are essential to incorporate into a regimen tailored for mature skin, but Dr. Green says you should remember ingredients that can help replenish moisture. Dehydrated skin can appear with more exaggerated wrinkles and dark circles under the eye, especially if you have dry skin. Dr. Green recommends including niacinamide skin-care products, hyaluronic acid serums, and ceramide-packed formulas in your routine to reinforce the skin's barrier and help lock in moisture.

Varying active and inactive ingredients target different concerns and yield different results. For example, using an ingredient like retinol can help boost skin cell turnover, promote collagen production, and increase elasticity. Dr. Green also notes alpha and beta hydroxy acids, two varieties of chemical exfoliants, as essentials for smoothing skin and addressing discoloration concerns. "Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acids help exfoliate the outermost layer of cells," she says. "This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while evening out your skin tone and skin texture."

• Dhaval Bhanusali, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College in New York
• Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Rochester, NY
• Deanne Robinson, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, CT
• Rebecca Tung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Winter Have, FL
• Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Sabrina Fabi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego, CA

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.