Do wrinkle creams work?

If you choose the right formula that contains some of the tried-and-true anti-aging ingredients we mentioned, use it diligently and have a little bit of patience—they will work. However, it’s important to remember that, no matter what type of wrinkle cream you’re using, it’s imperative to wear sunscreen (with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection or higher) daily in order to ensure that sun damage doesn’t thwart your wrinkle-fighting attempts.

At what age should you start using wrinkle cream?

The age at which you start actually seeing wrinkles will depend largely on those external and internal factors that Mariwalla mentioned. That being said, she says that generally speaking, your mid-20s is a good time to start an anti-aging skincare routine, including a wrinkle cream.

How do you apply wrinkle cream?

For retinoid-based creams, Mariwalla recommends applying a pea-size drop of product to clean skin by dabbing it on your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. If the product you’re using doesn’t contain a retinoid , you can use about a nickel-size amount.

Plump, Tone, and Tighten With the Best Wrinkle Creams

Celia Shatzman

Updated on Nov 19, 2021

Medically reviewed by

Michele Farber, MD, FAAD

Board-Certified Dermatologist

Fact checked by

Michelle Regalado

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products, and articles are reviewed by healthcare professionals for medical accuracy. You can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Best Wrinkle Creams — Byrdie / Chloe Jeong

Let's get one thing out of the way—wrinkles happen. “Wrinkles are caused by a number of factors," explains New York-based dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, MD. "These factors can be internal, like age and genetics, or external, such as sun exposure, smoking, and pollution." While wrinkles are never anything to be ashamed of, if you would like to smooth out their appearance or help prevent them from forming in the first place, it's never too early to start using an anti-wrinkle cream.

When it comes to finding the best wrinkle cream for you, you'll first need to consider when you plan to use it. If you will be using it before you start your day, then you might want one with SPF; according to the American Academy of Dermatology, you'll want to reach for a moisturizer or sunscreen with at least broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection (or layer a sunscreen on top of your cream). Want to use it overnight? Pick a night cream with a heavier formula that can soak in while you snooze.

Read on for the best wrinkle creams on the market for all skin types, needs, and budgets.

In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For

3.8

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What We Like

Hydrating, anti-aging formula
Rich feel
A little goes a long way

What We Don't Like

May pill when used with other products

This beloved wrinkle cream has been earning rave reviews ever since it hit the market. Its creamy texture belies its price tag, and so do its results. Formulated with a blend of hyaluronic acid, amino-peptides, and niacinamide (vitamin B3), this cult-favorite cream works to majorly moisturize, plump skin, lift surface cells, and help smooth the appearance of fine lines. You can see wrinkles softening from the first day you use it.

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What We Like

Gentle formula
A little goes a long way
Affordable
Almost immediate results

What We Don't Like

Small bottle
Can irritate sensitive skin

This $25 Night Cream Reduced My Fine Lines Within a Week

Maximize your beauty rest with this anti-aging cream that helps to minimize the appearance of wrinkles with retinol while you sleep. According to the brand, it has been clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just 12 weeks. The formula features their exclusive combination of RoC Retinol and an essential mineral complex, which the brand says penetrates deep into the skin to smooth even deep-set lines.

Retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, is a popular anti-aging ingredient and can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Since consistent retinol use can cause sun sensitivity, it's recommended for evening use only, another reason why this night cream is a great option, followed by sunscreen during daytime hours.

RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream — Byrdie / Leigh Weingus

What Our Testers Say

"Overall, I was very happy with RoC’s Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream. On top of being affordable, it didn’t irritate my skin, and I noticed a reduction in fine lines within a week." — Leigh Weingus, Product Tester

Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Fragrance-Free Moisturizer

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What We Like

Affordable
Available with SPF 30
For all skin types

What We Don't Like

Not Byrdie Clean

This affordable option is fragrance-free and promises several benefits, including replenishing moisture, evening skin tone, enhancing brightness, visibly smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, minimizing the look of pores, and restoring firmness. The vitamin-rich formula can help fortify the skin barrier so that it’s nourished and moisturized. Because it won’t clog pores, any skin type can benefit from its use, and the formula dries down quickly and leaves a silky finish, making it perfect for before makeup or on its own.

View On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Skinstore.com

What We Like

Effective formula
Addresses crepey skin
Visually plumps skin

What We Don't Like

Contains parabens
Very expensive

A.G.E. stands for advanced glycation end-products, which is a huge part of the natural aging process. This best-selling cream helps to address just that, aiming to help slow down the loss of elasticity in the skin and boost collagen levels to keep skin looking plump. It's formulated with a 30% concentration of proxylane, 4% blueberry extract, and 0.2% phytosphingosine, and according to the brand, it can help improve the appearance of wrinkles and restore the loss of firmness. Skinceuticals also claims this cream reduces the thinning of the skin, improves texture, and restores essential nutrients and water.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic &#43; Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer

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What We Like

Contains multiple actives
Hydrating
Emollient feel

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Ask any dermatologist and they’ll tell you that retinol is the gold standard in anti-aging, so it’s an important ingredient to look for if younger-looking skin is your end goal. Intended for all skin types, this moisturizer harnesses the power of—you guessed it—retinol, along with other youth boosters. Because retinol can be irritating, this velvety-textured cream is formulated to increase moisture and enhance the quality of the skin’s barrier so that it can handle the powerful anti-ager.

Retinol doesn’t stand alone in this mixture, though; it’s paired with ferulic acid, which offers antioxidant benefits, along with the brand’s own ECG complex, made up of ellagic acid, collagen, and gallic acid. Overall, the formula can protect against free radicals, prevent sun damage, and brighten and reduce the appearance of dark spots, another prominent sign of aging.

View On Sephora

What We Like

Ideal for sensitive skin
Helps with skin turnover
Vegan formula

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Bring on the retinol! With 2.2% encapsulated retinol, this gentle yet effective formula provides multiple anti-aging benefits without the dryness and irritation of many other retinol products. It helps improve cell turnover and collagen production to improve the plumpness and tone of the skin. Plus, it also contains a gentle 2% concentration of lactic acid and can help brighten the complexion.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream

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What We Like

Protects skin
Helps even out tone
Calms redness

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Vitamin C is a key ingredient in this daytime moisturizer, which can help fight signs of aging like free radical damage, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. The formula also helps to calm the look of redness on the skin and provides a natural beta hydroxy acid, which can help brighten the complexion.

View On Sephora

What We Like

Contains retinol alternative
Ideal for sensitive skin
Not greasy

What We Don't Like

For nighttime use only

Being that retinol is powerful, some people simply cannot handle it, no matter how many products with ceramides or moisturizing ingredients they use. But now, there are retinol alternatives, like bakuchiol, which is derived from the Ayurvedic babchi herb, that are a bit less intense on the skin—especially for first-timers. In the same way retinol can help boost skin cell turnover, bakuchiol has been shown to gently slough away the top layer of dead skin to reveal the shiny new skin cells buried underneath the dullness.

Overall, the cream may minimize signs of aging, like lines and wrinkles, while also nourishing skin so that you don’t get any of the negative side effects that come along with the use of retinol. Best of all, it's gentle enough to use every night.

View On Sephora View On Net-a-porter.com View On Skinstore.com

What We Like

Soothing, hydrating formula
Firms
A little goes a long way

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, and this cream can help take that up a notch. Wake up in the morning to dewy, glowing skin, courtesy of this buttery cream that tackles dryness, fine lines and wrinkles, and a loss of elasticity. It contains vegan plant collagen, alguronic acid, Mary thistle plant, and ceramides and can help smooth and plump, minimize signs of aging, and hydrate.

View On Dermstore View On Overstock View On Skinstore.com

What We Like

Makes skin glow
Nourishing formula
Seals in moisture

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Obagi designed this cream to work specifically with your circadian rhythm, taking advantage of the fact that your skin increases its renewal and metabolic functions at night. Those eight hours of sleep you’re (hopefully) getting are prime time for skincare, so they formulated this cream to help you wake up looking refreshed and glowing, including ingredients such as shea butter, biomimetic peptides, and hydromanil. The formula helps to form a barrier on your skin to capture moisture and support cell repair.

Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream

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What We Like

Reasonably priced
Contains retinol
Smooths skin

What We Don't Like

Lower concentration of actives

Featuring Neutrogena’s highest concentration of Accelerated Retinol SA, this cream penetrates deep into the skin’s surface to minimize the appearance of deep lines. The brand claims that in just a week, it works to reveal noticeably younger-looking skin. Super hydrating, this wrinkle cream delivers a smoother, more even tone. The cream also contains Glucose Complex and hyaluronic acid and can help boost the skin’s surface activity to improve the look of wrinkles while moisturizing and revitalizing dull skin.

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Face Lifting Soft Cream

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What We Like

Used to prevent wrinkles
Lightweight
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Not for deep wrinkles

Resveratrol has been shown to work as a defense system for your skin by fighting free radicals and preventing their formation, and this lightweight cream has no shortage of it. Caudalie's resveratrol comes from their family vineyard, Château Smith Haut Lafitte, in Bordeaux, France. It's sourced from their grapevine stalks and is famed for its ability to restore visible firmness. The wrinkle cream also contains grapeseed oil, peptides, elastin, and hyaluronic acid and can help boost collagen and lift as it moisturizes. Plus, its innovative delivery system features time-release technology so that the active ingredients can work their way into the skin all day.

Perricone Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck & Chest Broad Spectrum SPF 25

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What We Like

SPF 25
Contains antioxidants
Not greasy

What We Don't Like

Strong scent

Even the most devout skincare aficionados sometimes forget to care for the skin on the neck and chest, which is why many people might see signs of aging cropping up in these delicate areas first. Give your neck and chest the attention it deserves and keep signs of aging at bay with this light-as-air, whipped moisturizer. It's specifically designed for the neck and chest to smooth lines, firm skin, and even out the skin's tone.

The formula works to minimize lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores, spotlighting alpha lipoic acid (ALA), a potent natural antioxidant and fatty acid found in every cell in the human body. It also includes vitamin B3 and Candeia Tree Extract and, according to the brand, can help boost moisture and radiance while minimizing the appearance of dark spots.

Beauty Stat Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream

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What We Like

Lightweight
Wears well under makeup
Good value

What We Don't Like

Contains silicones

This light as air moisturizer is quickly becoming a fan favorite for its soothing feel and noticeable results. The innovative formula, packed with hyaluronic acid, helps to bind moisture to the skin. It also contains ceramides, pomegranate sterols, and the ancient extract ganoderma, and according to the brand, it can minimize premature lines and wrinkles while purifying the skin. Users also rave that it plays nice under makeup. A win-win!

Eminence Organic Skin Care Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 30

View On Dermstore

What We Like

Multiple skincare benefits
Contains antioxidants
SPF 40
Organic ingredients

What We Don't Like

Formula is on the thick side

This plant-based formula hydrates and protects the skin during sun exposure while helping to brighten and fade discoloration and boost collagen production. It's formulated with a natural hydroquinone alternative, a complex formulated with African potato and tara tree extract, as well as powerful antioxidants, like bearberry extract, Swiss Alpine Plant Extracts, licorice root, and their signature BioComplex (a booster of antioxidants, coenzyme Q10, and alpha lipoic acid). Overall, the natural formula can help restore luminosity to your skin.

LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer

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What We Like

Soothing formula
Contains retinol
Affordable

What We Don't Like

Contains alcohol

Formulated with a potent combination of hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, green tea, shea butter, jojoba oil, and—of course—retinol, this cream can show wrinkles who's boss without drying out the skin. It's also said to be gentle enough for sensitive skin types, though you should still go slow if you're new to retinol.

Final Verdict

The Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream is a cult-classic that earns our vote for one of the best wrinkle creams out there. It’s also an affordable pick, but if you want to save even more, the RoC Retinol Wrinkle Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is a true standout. As the name suggests, it relies on retinol, arguably the most powerful wrinkle-fighting ingredient there is. (If you want to check out a few other retinol-based creams, the Dr. Gross Skincare Ferulic+ Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer and Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform are also solid choices.) And our best for neck wrinkles pick—because yes, you can get wrinkles below your chin, too—is the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck & Chest.

What to Look For In a Wrinkle Cream

Retinol

According to Mariwalla, these are the OG, over-the-counter anti-aging ingredient, with a proven track record of helping to stimulate collagen production to help smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Alpha-Hydroxy Acids

Not only does this category of exfoliating acids help to even out skin tone and texture, one of them in particular, glycolic acid, also has some collagen-boosting effects as well.

Peptides

There’s a whole new category of peptides that help with skin elasticity and firmness, both of which play a role in wrinkle formation, too, explains Mariwalla. Not to mention that peptides also tend to be better tolerated and elicit less sensitivity than the retinoids and acids of the world.

Vitamin C

This vitamin is a triple threat, acting as a protective antioxidant and excellent skin brightener, while also helping to stimulate collagen production for smoother, less wrinkled skin.

FAQ

Do wrinkle creams work?

If you choose the right formula that contains some of the tried-and-true anti-aging ingredients we mentioned, use it diligently and have a little bit of patience—they will work. However, it’s important to remember that, no matter what type of wrinkle cream you’re using, it’s imperative to wear sunscreen (with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection or higher) daily in order to ensure that sun damage doesn’t thwart your wrinkle-fighting attempts.
At what age should you start using wrinkle cream?

The age at which you start actually seeing wrinkles will depend largely on those external and internal factors that Mariwalla mentioned. That being said, she says that generally speaking, your mid-20s is a good time to start an anti-aging skincare routine, including a wrinkle cream.
How do you apply wrinkle cream?

For retinoid-based creams, Mariwalla recommends applying a pea-size drop of product to clean skin by dabbing it on your forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. If the product you’re using doesn’t contain a retinoid, you can use about a nickel-size amount.

These Body Toners Can Help Firm and Tighten the Skin Below Your Chin

Article Sources

Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

American Academy of Dermatology. How to Select Anti-Aging Skincare Products.
Kong R, Cui Y, Fisher GJ, et al. A comparative study of the effects of retinol and retinoic acid on histological, molecular, and clinical properties of human skin. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016;15(1):49-57. doi:10.1111/jocd.12193
Zduńska K, Dana A, Kolodziejczak A, Rotsztejn H. Antioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Application. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2018;31(6):332-336. doi:10.1159/000491755
Telang PS. Vitamin C in dermatology. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2013;4(2):143-146. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.110593
Tran D, Townley JP, Barnes TM, Greive KA. An antiaging skin care system containing alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins improves the biomechanical parameters of facial skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2014;8:9-17. doi:10.2147/CCID.S75439
Chaudhuri RK, Bojanowski K. Bakuchiol: a retinol-like functional compound revealed by gene expression profiling and clinically proven to have anti-aging effects. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014;36(3):221-230. doi:10.1111/ics.12117
Wen S, Zhang J, Yang B, Elias PM, Man MQ. Role of Resveratrol in Regulating Cutaneous Functions. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2020;2020:2416837. doi:10.1155/2020/2416837
Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253-258. doi:10.4161/derm.21923
Narda M, Trullas C, Brown A, Piquero-Casals J, Granger C, Fabbrocini G. Glycolic acid adjusted to pH 4 stimulates collagen production and epidermal renewal without affecting levels of proinflammatory TNF-alpha in human skin explants. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(2):513-521. doi:10.1111/jocd.13570

Plump, Tone, and Tighten With the Best Wrinkle Creams

Best Overall: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Best Budget: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream

Runner-Up, Best Budget: Olay Total Effects Anti-Aging Fragrance-Free Moisturizer

Best Splurge: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter

Best with Retinol: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer

Runner-Up, Best with Retinol: Shani Darden Skin Care Retinol Reform

Best with Vitamin C: Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream

Best for Dull Skin: OLEHENRIKSEN Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Crème

Best Night Cream: Algenist Genius Sleeping Collagen

Runner-Up, Best Night Cream: Obagi Hydrate Luxe

Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Cream + Hyaluronic Acid

Best for Prevention: Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Face Lifting Soft Cream

Best for Neck: Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus Neck & Chest Broad Spectrum SPF 25

Best with Hyaluronic Acid: BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream

Best Organic: Eminence Organic Skin Care Bright Skin Moisturizer SPF 30

Best for Sensitive Skin: LilyAna Naturals Retinol Cream Moisturizer

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