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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
Texture changes, dark spots, crepey skin, and moisture loss are ordinary effects of aging. We're all for embracing getting older, but the fact is there's still a substantial market for anti-aging products, namely, wrinkle creams. So in the spirit of supporting all types of skincare journeys, we're here to help you find the best ones.
Byrdie Researched & Approved
Because it packs a potent punch with retinol and peptides, Drunk Elephant’s A-Passioni Retinol Cream tops our list of wrinkle creams. If you’re looking for a less pricey product, we recommend RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream for its resurfacing results.
According to dermatologist Diane Madfes, MD, wrinkles are a result of sun damage, sagging skin, and loss of elasticity. As such, the most effective products for treating them will directly address the causes. Deep wrinkles—those furrows most often noticed around your eyes, mouth, and on your forehead—are more stubborn, but they can be treated, too.
"Look for ingredients that are going to stimulate collagen and elastin, like retinoids, glycolic acids, and peptides," says Madfes. "Remember to protect from future sun damage with UV blockers and DNA repair enzymes."
Scroll down for the best wrinkle creams available today.
Best Overall: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
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Ulta
Noticeable results
Calms inflammation
Air-tight pump
Fragrance-free
Expensive
Small amount
What do buyers say? 1,200+ Sephora reviewers rated this product 4.2 stars or above.
If we could only pick one wrinkle cream to use until the end of time, we'd go with Drunk Elephant's A-Passioni. It checks two of Madfes's recommended boxes (retinol and peptides) to support collagen production, boost elasticity, firm sagging skin, and—more to the point—reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
What's more, this all-star cream contains ceramides and nourishing fatty acids from plant oils to minimize irritation from the retinol and replenish the skin barrier. It also promises to deliver a plumping effect and an all-around supple, healthy-looking complexion.
A-Passioni is undoubtedly expensive. Nonetheless, we stand behind it not only as one of the best Drunk Elephant products but arguably the best wrinkle cream out there today.
Price at time of publish: $28
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night.
Active Ingredients: Retinol, peptides, plant oils, ceramides, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
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Amazon
Affordable
Resurfacing
Noticeable results
Small amount
On a budget? You can still get great results from an affordable formula. Case in point: RoC. Containing two of Madfes's recommended actives (retinol and glycolic acid) this night cream resurfaces dull, dry skin while smoothing fine lines and supporting collagen production.
Price at time of publish: $30
When to apply: Apply to clean, dry skin (face and neck, if you like) at night.
Active Ingredients: Retinol, squalane, glycolic acid, vitamin C | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
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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
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Cream + Hyaluronic Acid
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Ulta
Affordable
Hydrating
Plumping
Contains synthetic fragrance
When it comes to over-the-counter retinol products, Neutrogena is a drugstore standby. The brand's Regenerating Cream (which can be used daily) combines the vitamin A derivative with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to deliver plumping hydration while smoothing wrinkles.
Price at time of publish: $26
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night. If used in the morning, apply prior to sunscreen and makeup.
Active Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best With Peptides: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
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Amazon
Affordable
Supports collagen production
Improves elasticity
Contains synthetic fragrance
Madfes recommends wrinkle creams with peptides as they help strengthen the skin while improving firmness and delivering a lifted look. To take it a step further, Olay blends amino acids with niacinamide (vitamin B3) to boost collagen production and radiance on photoaged skin. Use it at night to wake up to the best results.
Price at time of publish: $26
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, at night.
Active Ingredients: Peptide complex, amino acids, niacinamide | Skin Type: Mature | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
What Our Testers Say
"Each morning, I woke up with hydrated skin, and no retinol-induced flakey patches." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best Daytime: CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream with Sunscreen
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Amazon
Affordable
Replenishes skin barrier
Air-tight pump
Reviewers note it's hard to blend
Some would argue the best wrinkle cream is sunscreen, as it helps prevent lines from appearing in the first place. That's why we love CeraVe's Renewing Day Cream, which contains a gentle dose of line-correcting retinol, SPF 30 protection from the sun's damaging rays, and barrier-replenishing ceramides to boot. Use it prior to makeup to allow the product to sink into your skin.
Price at time of publish: $26
When to apply: Apply to clean, dry skin, in the morning (and feel free to layer another SPF on top before applying makeup to ensure you get the most potent sun protection).
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate, zinc oxide, encapsulated retinol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Skin Type: Oily, combination, sensitive, mature, balanced | Size: 1.8 oz | SPF: 30 | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Overnight: Specific Beauty Radiance Repair Night Treatment
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Hydrating
Boosts radiance
Non-irritating
Expensive
Before you hit the sack, slather on a thin layer of this reparative night cream. It contains wrinkle-reducing retinol, radiance-boosting antioxidants, and squalane to moisturize while keeping irritation at bay.
Price at time of publish: $65
When to apply: Apply to skin at night after washing and applying serums.
Active Ingredients: Retinol, squalane, niacinamide, licorice root extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Crow's Feet: The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream
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Sephora
Affordable
Non-irritating
Boosts radiance
Small amount
If you're looking to target crow's feet, your best bet is a retinol eye cream, like this supremely affordable pick from The Inkey List. It hydrates and plumps with hyaluronic acid, boosts radiance with vitamin C, and, thanks to the slow-release formula, reduces the appearance of wrinkles without the irritating effects of retinol.
Price at time of publish: $12
When to apply: Apply a dot of the product using your ring finger to the area around your eyes. For best results, use daily prior to applying makeup.
Active Ingredients: Slow-release retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Skin Type: Balanced, mature, combination | Size: 0.5 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Neck: bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Neck Cream
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Ulta
Retinol alternative
Non-irritating
Hydrating
Expensive
Contains synthetic fragrance
You don't necessarily need a designated cream for your neck, but if it helps you remember to moisturize below the chin, we're all for it. This one—which is best used at night on clean, dry skin—contains Bidens pilosa extract, a plant-derived retinol alternative that's been shown to offer similar wrinkle-reducing effects.
Price at time of publish: $52
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin on the neck at night.
Active Ingredients: Bidens pilosa extract, peptides, squalane, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Repairative: Priori DNA Intense Recovery Cream
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Amazon
Prevents photoaging
Boosts radiance
Dermatologist-recommended
Expensive
Dermatologists love this formula. "Priori DNA Intense Recovery Cream contains DNA repair enzymes, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C," Madfes tells Byrdie. As mentioned, DNA repair enzymes can help prevent photoaging—but this doesn't mean you can skip the sunscreen.
Price at time of publish: $113
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night. If used in the morning, apply prior to makeup and don't forget sunscreen (which can also be applied prior).
Active Ingredients: DNA repair enzymes, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Tightening: Yeouth Retinol Moisturizer
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Amazon
Affordable
Non-irritating
Fragrance-free
Small amount
For a tightening effect, reach for this wallet-friendly moisturizer. It combines two of Madfes's recommended ingredients for wrinkles (retinol and peptides), plus soothing green tea and plumping hyaluronic acid.
Price at time of publish: $15
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night. If used in the morning, apply prior to makeup.
Active Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid, green tea, peptides | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Firming: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer
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Courtesy of Sephora
Supports collagen production
Replenishes skin barrier
Dermatologist-developed
Expensive
Dr. Dennis Gross combines anti-aging retinol with bakuchiol and rambutan, resulting in a boost in collagen production to improve elasticity, minimize wrinkles, and deliver visibly firmer skin.
Price at time of publish: $75
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night. If used in the morning, apply prior to sunscreen and makeup.
Active Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, ferulic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Plantkos Phyto A Face Lotion
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Thirteen Lune
Natural formula
Supports collagen production
Calms inflammation
Expensive
If your skin doesn't tolerate retinol well, Plantkos Phyto A is a prime choice. It contains bakuchiol, an up-and-coming plant-derived retinol alternative that offers similar effects without any redness, stinging, or irritation.
Price at time of publish: $67
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night. If used in the morning, apply prior to sunscreen and makeup.
Active Ingredients: Bakuchiol, niacinamide, vitamin C, gotu kola, ​​Schisandra sphenanthera | Skin Type: Mature, sensitive, balanced, oily, combination, acne-prone | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dry Skin: BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream
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Lightweight
Wears well under makeup
Replenishes skin barrier
Expensive
Small amount
Thirsty complexion? Go with BeautyStat. It calls on hyaluronic acid to draw moisture from the air, bind it to your skin, and keep it hydrated for hours on end. Not only that, but ceramides replenish the skin barrier and support its moisture mantle. The lightweight formula is also great under makeup.
Price at time of publish: $50
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night. If used in the morning, apply prior to sunscreen and makeup.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, probiotics | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Dry Skin, Runner Up: ROSE Ingleton MD Skin Calming Booster
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Contains hydrating ingredients
Promotes skin barrier health
Calming formula
Expensive
Developed by board-certified dermatologist Rose Ingelton, MD, this calming formula is ideal for those with dry skin looking to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. In addition to hyaluronic acid, this multi-tasking serum includes niacinamide to promote skin barrier health, while also reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It's a great retinol alternative for those with dry skin who might experience flaking or irritation from retinol products.
Price at time of publish: $70
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night. Sunscreen, moisturizer and makeup can all be layered on top.
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best With Glycolic Acid: Skinergy Beauty Skin Guardian Moisturizer
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Skinergy Beauty
Gently exfoliating
Calms inflammation
Contains organic ingredients
Expensive
Madfes is a fan of glycolic acid for wrinkles, as the AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid) sloughs off dead cells to reveal smoother skin underneath. This moisturizer also replenishes the skin with plant oils and calms inflammation with soothing ingredients like aloe, green tea, and reishi.
Price at time of publish: $48
When to apply: For best results, apply at night (the product could pill under makeup).
Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, plant oils, reishi mushroom, aloe, green tea | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Dermatologist-developed
Gently exfoliating
Non-irritating
Expensive
Developed by board-certified dermatologist, Michele Green, MD, this retinol active infuses a blend of antioxidants to help deliver plump skin with diminished visible lines and wrinkles. A pure concentration of vitamins A, C, and E help cell turnover and exfoliate skin gently overnight. We love how the formula includes botanic actives like lavender, geranium, and bitter orange to help address elasticity and texture without causing irritation. Although the product is expensive, we think it's worth it, especially because the potent formula can be applied sparingly to achieve results.
Price at time of publish: $150
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, at night.
Active Ingredients: Retinol, vitamins A, C, EÂ | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
What Our Editors Say
"This formula has a velvety texture that sinks into skin immediately. I love how it helps to correct discoloration as well as soften the appearance of lines, without irritating my sensitive skin." — Jill Di Donato, Senior Commerce Editor
Best For Wrinkles and Puffiness: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
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Ulta
Dermatologist-developed and tested
Gently exfoliating
Can be used daily
Contains fragrance which could be irritating
This dermatologist-developed and dermatologist-tested product contains retinol—a true powerhouse—and is accessible and available over the counter at drugstores everywhere. We love how the formulation is both deeply moisturizing and also gentle, so it can even work for daily use.
Price at time of publish: $29
When to apply: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean, dry skin, either morning or night. If used in the morning, apply prior to sunscreen and makeup.
Active Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is Drunk Elephant A-Passioni, a brilliant moisturizer containing line-reducing retinol, collagen-supporting peptides, and barrier-replenishing ceramides. For a more affordable pick, consider a drugstore favorite, RoC Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, which combines retinol with resurfacing glycolic acid.
Meet the Expert
Diane Madfes, MD, PC, is a board-certified dermatologist and attending physician at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Her New York City practice, Madfes Aesthetic Medical Center, specializes in facial rejuvenation, fillers, chemical peels, and general skin care.
Kavita Mariwalla, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon with over 18 years experience in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
What To Look for in a Wrinkle Cream
Retinol
According to Kavita Mariwalla, MD, Byrdie Beauty & Wellness board member, this over-the-counter anti-aging ingredient has a proven track record of helping to stimulate collagen production to help smooth fine lines and deep 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 the formation of wrinkles and deep wrinkles, 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 radiance-booster while also helping to stimulate collagen production for smoother, less wrinkled skin.
Why Trust Byrdie
Theresa Holland is a seasoned beauty writer and skincare devotee. She considered dozens of products for this roundup, researched peer-reviewed journals, and consulted our testing insights. Our product testers tried some of the top-rated products for weeks at a time, taking note of how well they delivered results as well as any extra product features. As a long-time retinol user, Theresa has tried a handful of items on this list, including Drunk Elephant, RoC, Neutrogena, Dr. Dennis Gross, Olay, Yeouth, CeraVe, and The Inkey List.
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