How to Choose the Best Moisturizer for Aging Skin, According to Dermatologists

The best moisturizer for aging skin works well beyond its job description. As we age, maintaining plump, dewy skin requires a regimented regime—and a moisturizer that can multitask. Most of us already know how hydrating ingredients—think humectants like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or emollients such as jojoba oil and shea butter—can work glow-inducing wonders by helping the skin attract and retain moisture.

However, the most effective moisturizers for mature skin bring something extra to the age-defying mix, deploying active ingredients like retinol, peptides, and niacinamide to help counteract sagging, wrinkles, discoloration, and more. Ahead, everything you need to know about what mature skin really means, how to put together a routine that works for your needs, and 17 dermatologist-approved formulas for the best moisturizer for aging skin.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, $185
• Best Splurge: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream, $185
• Best Budget: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, $22
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Jart Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream, $54
• Editor’s Pick: Avène Revitalizing Nourishing Cream, $42
• Best With Hyaluronic Acid: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream, $100
• Best for Antioxidant Protection: Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturizer, $54
• Best for Hydrating: PCA Skin Collagen Hydrator, $59
• Best With Collagen: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30, $110
• Best With SPF: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 Moisturizer, $79

In This Story

• What is aging or mature skin?
• What is an ideal skincare regimen for mature skin?
• What ingredients work best in a moisturizer for aging skin?
• What kind of texture is ideal in a moisturizer for aging skin?
• What is the importance of a moisturizer for aging skin?
• Ingredients to look for in a moisturizer for aging skin
• What to consider in a moisturizer for aging skin
• Meet the Experts

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

Why we love it: Powered by the proprietary (and hallowed) TFC-8 technology, Augustinus Bader’s coveted cream has been clinically proven to improve skin’s firmness, elasticity, and hydration—all while smoothing out the appearance of crow’s feet. “Mature skin is more thirsty than younger skin, and it greatly benefits from hydrating elements,” says Alicia Zalka, MD, dermatologist and founder and CEO of Surface Deep. “Bader cream contains ceramides, amino acids, vitamins, and glycerol. It’s also packed with numerous emollients, which are richly moisturizing. The end result is a ‘stew’ of skin-quenching goodness.”

• Key ingredients: TFC-8 technology, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed rice protein
• Size: 1 oz

SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

Why we love it: As skin ages, it can be subject to glycation—a process whereby excess sugars in the skin affect its structural proteins, which can weaken collagen and elastin production and contribute to fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. SkinCeuticals’ creamy balm “helps protect skin from glycation and maintain its youthful appearance,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double-board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.

• Key ingredients: Concentrated proxylanetm, wild fruit flavonoids, glycyrrhetinic acid, hepes, niacinamide
• Size: 1.7 oz

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream

Why we love it: Infused with shea butter and ceramides, which provide rich hydration, CeraVe’s night cream also “helps reverse fine lines with its peptide complex.” says Zalka. “This product feels luxurious, but at a very good price point.”

• Key ingredients: Peptides, ceramides
• Size: 1.7 oz

Avène Revitalizing Moisturizing Cream

Why we love it: “As we age, our skin becomes more dry, and naturally more sensitive,” says Ashley Magovern, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan Beach, California, and medical advisor for Dermstore. “Avène products are known for their calming, soothing properties and are the perfect pick-me-up for aging skin. Like most of their products, this one includes their proprietary thermal spring water, which softens and heals the skin.” The cream is also enriched with pre-tocopheryl, a vitamin E precursor that helps restore the skin barrier and provides antioxidant protection.

• Key ingredients: Avène thermal spring water, pre-tocopheryl, red fruit complex
• Size: 1.6 oz

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Magic Cream

Why we love it: Charlotte Tilbury’s rich, rose-scented cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E. “It hydrates and evens the complexion, and it diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Jeannette Graf, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and anti-aging expert based in New York.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, bionymph peptide
• Size: 1.7 oz

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

Why we love it: With SPF 30 to ward off sun damage, the lightweight day cream is formulated with ginkgo biloba. The plant-based ingredient is “rich in antioxidants that aid in firming the skin,” says Graf.

• Key ingredients: Ginkgo biloba, chlorella, padina pavonica
• Size: 1.7 oz

Fresh Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream

Why we love it: Fresh’s lightweight cream is made with a proprietary BT Matrix, which mimics retinol’s abilities to improve skin’s firmness and elasticity. Its other ingredients, which include ceramides and squalane, “help moisturize the skin to improve its texture, and minimize the appearance of fine lines,” notes Camp.

• Key ingredients: BT Matrix, Ceramide NP, squalane
• Size: 1.6 oz

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 Moisturizer

Why we love it: Dermalogica’s emollient daily moisturizer boosts skin’s firmness, elasticity, and hydration, while protecting it from sun damage with broad-spectrum SPF. “Anyone doing anything to improve the look and feel of their skin must incorporate an SPF into their routine,” instructs Laura Scott, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego. “Dermalogica’s SPF is a great hydrating option with SPF 50 protection, moisture, peptides, and antioxidants. It really is an incredible option as a daily moisturizer.”

• Key ingredients: Broad-spectrum SPF 50, polypeptide blend, white tea extract, squalane
• Size: 1.7 oz

Origins A Perfect World Antioxidant Moisturizer With White Tea

Why we love it: Infused with antioxidant-rich white tea, Origins’ daily moisturizer is fortified with SPF 40. According to Camp, the hydrating salve is a solid choice for protecting mature skin from UV rays, as well as from free-oxygen radicals.

• Key ingredients: White tea
• Size: 1.7 oz.

Beau Domaine The Cream

Why we love it: From Brad Pitt’s buzzy skincare brand, the whipped cream-like moisturizer contains patented ingredients that are packed with antioxidants. What’s more, “it’s rich in soothing and moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, organic olive oil, squalane, centella and green tea, plus grape water derived from a luxe French winery,” says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skincare Junkie. Plus, “the aroma always takes me back to wine country.”

• Key ingredients: GMS10, PROGR3, grape water, organic olive oil and shea butter, ayurvedic plant extract
• Size: 1.7 oz

Dr. Jart Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream

Why we love it: Murphy-Rose cites Dr. Jart’s cream as a go-to product for soothing and repairing sensitive skin. “Its namesake ingredient cica, or centella asiatica, is rich in fatty acids, vitamins, and amino acids,” she notes. “It’s perfect for nourishing mature skin and locking in moisture.”

• Key ingredients: Cica complex, allantoin
• Size: 1.69 oz

Eighth Day Intensive Moisturizer

Why we love it: Tony Nakhla, DO, medical director of OC Skin Institute in Orange County and founder of Eighth Day concocted this rich treatment in a clinical setting, infusing it with a proprietary blend of 24 peptides, growth factors, and amino acids that can turbocharge the skin’s natural healing abilities. “In addition to Peptide-rich Plasma, the Intensive Moisturizer contains copper peptide, which stimulates fibroblasts and triggers the production of collagen and elastin,” he explains.

• Key ingredients: Peptide-rich plasma, copper peptide, ceramides
• Size: 1.7 oz

Epionce Renewal Face Cream

Why we love it: “Epionce products have well-thought-out formulations and focus on barrier repair, which is critical for mature skin,” Magovern says. The brand’s renewing face cream contains hyaluronic acid and shea butter— “a nice combination for aging skin,” Magovern notes. Additionally, the formulation contains antioxidants and gentle exfoliating acids, which can help restore and protect the skin.

• Key ingredients: Beeswax, hyaluronic acid, malic acid, shea butter
• Size: 1.7 oz.

PCA Skin Collagen Hydrator

Why we love it: In addition to shea butter and hyaluronic acid, which rehydrate mature skin, PCA Skin’s emollient blend is packed with vitamins. “I love it when moisturizing formulas include vitamins C and E because these tried-and-true, evidence-based ingredients fight free-radical damage, brighten and soften the skin, and help with collagen production,” Magovern says.

• Key ingredients: Aloe vera, dimethicone, hyaluronic acid, olive oil, vitamins C and E
• Size: 1.7 oz

Fré Moisturize Me

Why we love it: The fast-absorbing cream “relies on some of my top ingredients to stimulate production of natural skin hydrators, such as rosehip seed oil, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and urea,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist. What’s more, “I love the way the product applies so easily and smoothly to the skin.”

• Key ingredients: Argania active complex, ceramides, rosehip oil, alpha-glucan oligosaccharide
• Size: 1.69 oz

Drmtlgy Peptide Night Cream

Why we love it: This medical-grade cream, which restores moisture overnight, is “a little bit thicker than basic moisturizers,” notes Nazarian. “It’s also great for mature skin because it has a blend of different peptides to repair and protect the skin, as well as several different ceramides to strengthen skin hydration.”

• Key ingredients: Peptides, ceramides, vitamin E, allantoin
• Size: 2.1 oz

Uma Absolute Anti-Aging Plump & Repair Face Cream

Why we love it: This Ayurvedic cream is infused with ingredients that target common concerns associated with aging skin, Zalka says. “Hyaluronic acid plumps thinning skin by attracting surrounding moisture; dryness is targeted by ceramides, and signs of sun damage are addressed by tumeric and lotus.”

• Key ingredients: Lotus, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, turmeric
• Size: 1.7 oz

“Our bodies produce less elastin and collagen as we get older,” Saedi acknowledges. “In fact, collagen production begins to slow as early as your mid-twenties. We start losing one percent of our collagen per year after that. By 40, collagen drops more dramatically.” As collagen and elastin decline, fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging becomes more noticeable in the skin. “Your face also loses volume as you age, and your skin will become thinner,” Saedi says.

But that’s not all. “Declining estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can also wreak havoc on your skin, contributing to dryness, dullness, thinning, and wrinkling in the skin,” Saedi says. “Lastly, sun damage accumulates over your lifetime and is one of the biggest causes of lines, wrinkles and unwanted pigmentation, also commonly referred to as sun spots.”

According to Magovern, a morning skin care regime doesn’t have to start with face wash. “Don’t cleanse if skin feels dry or overprocessed, particularly if you did a good cleanse before bed,” she instructs. However, for mature skin that is “doing well and feeling strong,” she signs off on a gentle exfoliating cleanser that contains AHAs or PHAs.

Next up, a hydrating toner is “a great way to cleanse the skin without overwashing it,” she says, noting that “water can actually act as an irritant.” Follow the toning step with a serum that contains antioxidants, such as vitamin C, to protect and restore the skin. “You can also look for a serum with chemical exfoliators,” Magovern adds. “These can help remove some of those older surface skin cells and help the skin retain its ability to hold onto moisture and bring back the glow.” A rich moisturizer, followed by SPF, caps off the ideal morning regime.

In the evening, “gentle cleansers or oil cleansers are great choices for mature skin,” Magovern continues. “I prefer a gentle cleanser at night because subsequent steps tend to include more active products.” Exfoliation can also be part of a nighttime regime one to three times a week. “It may not be intuitive, but exfoliating the skin can actually help moisturize it because it removes the surface dead cells, which make it harder for the moisturizers to penetrate and work effectively,” says Magovern. “Exfoliators also help stimulate collagen production.” For mature skin, she recommends a chemical exfoliator with gentle AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids, and PHAs, like gluconolactone, which have moisturizing and antioxidant properties.

As a second-to-last step before bed, apply a treatment serum infused with active ingredients like retinol or peptides, which encourage cell turnover and cellular repair. “Sleep is the time when the cellular machinery is actively restoring and repairing, and it’s the perfect time to give the skin what it needs to help accomplish its nighttime work,” Magovern notes.

Lastly, apply a face moisturizer that helps the skin attract and retain moisture overnight. “Occluding the skin with a moisturizer also allows the active ingredients in the previous steps to penetrate deeper and perhaps work more effectively,” she says. “The moisturizing step is important for nourishing and hydrating the skin while you sleep.”

“Hyaluronic acid and other humectants, like glycerin, are important to help attract and retain water in the skin,” says Ashley Magovern, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan Beach, California, and medical advisor for Dermstore. “But, other ingredients are important for aging skin as well. Once you attract the water, it’s important to trap it and prevent water loss.” Occlusive agents like jojoba-seed oil or shea butter help lock moisture into the skin, while ceramides—lipids that help maintain and repair the skin barrier—“are critical in a moisturizer,” Magovern says.

Additionally, “moisturizers that include retinol—or using a retinoid or retinol serum in addition to your moisturizer—can help improve the appearance of elasticity, texture, pigmentation and wrinkles,” says Nazanin Saedi, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia. “Caffeine helps plump the skin which can temporarily improve the appearance of sags and wrinkles. Other ingredients to look for would be ones that help stimulate and support the production of collagen: Peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide (vitamin B3), and growth factors.”

“As a rule of thumb, thicker consistencies are better at locking in moisture by literally creating a barrier on the skin’s outermost layer to prevent water from evaporating from the surface of the skin,” says Tony Nakhla, DO, medical director of OC Skin Institute in Orange County and founder of Eighth Day. “The more occlusive a product is, the more hydrating.”

However, hydration isn’t the only factor to consider. “The viscosity or thickness of a moisturizer is not as important to its efficacy as the active ingredient,” offers Stacey Tull, MD, MPH, board-certified dermatologic surgeon and owner of St. Charles County Dermatologic Surgery in Missouri. “Thicker moisturizers such as shea butter may not be as effective for some skin types as a thinner hyaluronic-acid-based product or an oil-based serum. Even at an older age, some people are still acne-prone and a heavy moisturizer would not be a good option for them. Likewise, someone with dry, fragile skin may benefit from a thicker, more emollient ointment or cream.”

A moisturizer for mature skin is “absolutely vital,” says Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City. She explains that one one of the key clinical markers of aging skin is its inability to create and retain moisture naturally. “Loss of moisture can make skin look more flaccid, less youthful, and dull,” Nazarian says.

Furthermore, “dry skin leads to inflammation, even if you can’t see it,” says Magovern. “Inflamed skin will not tolerate all the active skin care products that we all want to use, so it’s imperative to keep that barrier strong. Furthermore, inflamed skin will trigger your skin problems like eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea, so it’s important to keep the skin moisturized. Hydrated skin also just looks smoother, younger and brighter.” In short, she says: “There are so many reasons to moisturize.”

The best moisturizers for aging skin contain key ingredients that tackle everything from dryness to sagging and dark under-eye circles. Below, top dermatologists and a plastic and reconstructive surgeon break down the best ingredients to look for when scouting out a moisturizer that can almost appear to rewind time—or at the very least, diminish the appearance of wrinkles.

• Retinol: The star of almost any anti-aging regime, “Retinol is a form of vitamin A that accelerates skin cell turnover and stimulates collagen production,” says Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island. “[Retinol] helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.” Dr. Noelani Gonzalez, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, adds that retinol can help exfoliate the skin, thereby giving it “improved texture and glow.”
• Caffeine: Going for that bright-eyed look? Caffeine helps one feel—and indeed look—more awake. When applied topically, the skin-firming ingredient works to constrict blood vessels, Dr. Libby explains, which in doing so, “reduces puffiness and minimizes the appearance of dark circles around the eyes.”
• Peptides: Used in everything from collagen-boosting protein powders to hair-growth serums, peptides are “short chains of amino acids that signal to the skin to produce more collagen and elastin,” Libby explains. “Both collagen and elastin start to decrease in our 20s, so focusing on building more should be a priority for aging skin,” Gonzalez notes, adding that peptides are “particularly helpful for those looking to improve wrinkles and skin laxity.” Plus, peptides are generally non-irritating, making them ideal for those with sensitive skin.
• Hyaluronic Acid: As skin ages, natural water loss, damage from free radicals, and other factors can cause dryness to set in. Enter HA: “Hyaluronic acid is a skin hydrator that can bind 1000 times its weight in water, helping to attract moisture to the skin barrier to keep it hydrated and plump,” Libby explains. “Well-hydrated skin appears smoother and more radiant and can minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.” What’s more, the gentle ingredient is generally well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin.
• Ceramides: Another hydration hero, “Ceramides are naturally occurring lipids in the skin that help form the skin's barrier and retain moisture,” Libby says. “They help protect against environmental damage and prevent water loss to help maintain skin hydration and elasticity.” These, too, are typically gentle enough for use on sensitive skin.
• Vitamin C: “Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals and stimulates collagen synthesis,” Libby notes. “It also helps treat hyperpigmentation by lightening unwanted dark spots and brightening skin.” Because of its antioxidant properties, the vitamin can also bolster SPF’s ability to protect the skin from photodamage, and it’s often recommended as part of a morning skin-care regimen.
• Niacinamide: Collagen and elastin break down as part of the skin’s natural aging process, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging. As a topical antidote that’s well-tolerated by most skin types, “niacinamide is vitamin B3 which works to improve skin's elasticity,” Libby says. She adds that the multitasking ingredient can also regulate oil production, strengthen the skin barrier, even out tone, and minimize inflammation.
• Growth Factors: Dr. Catherine Chang, board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the founder of Nakedbeauty MD, recommends growth factors for patients with all skin types. Often referred to as cytokines, the naturally occurring proteins “help to increase cell turnover and increase collagen and elastin production,” Chang notes. “This will in turn help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and overall increase the skin’s firmness.”

The best moisturizers for aging skin have just the right balance of rich, hydrating texture, anti-aging ingredients, and benefits tailored to one’s individual skin type. How to choose the right moisturizer for you? “Depending on your skin type—whether you are dry, oily, normal or combination—you may opt for different ingredients and formulation types, such as gel, lotion, or cream,” says Libby.

• The best moisturizers for aging dry skin: “For dry skin, look for a rich, emollient or cream-based moisturizer with a thicker consistency to provide deep hydration,” Libby says.“Ingredients like ceramides, glycerin and hyaluronic acid are beneficial.” For those with drier skin, Chang also suggests using a moisturizer with ceramides, since the naturally occurring lipids can help strengthen the skin barrier to prevent water loss. “Peptides [are also] a great option [for dry skin] since you can boost collagen and elastin without any dryness or irritation,” Gonzalez says.
• The best moisturizers for aging oily skin: “For oily skin, look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer that won't clog pores,” Libby says. “Gel-based or oil-free formulations would be best for these skin types.” In terms of ingredients, Libby says: “Niacinamide can help balance oil production while providing hydration.” Gonzalez adds that those with oily skin generally benefit from using a moisturizer with retinol, which balances oil production while stimulating collagen synthesis.
• The best moisturizers for aging combination skin:”For combination skin, gel-cream formulations can work well to provide hydration without being too heavy,” Libby says. Gonzalez adds that those with combination skin can benefit from almost any active ingredient used to combat signs of aging, such as the aforementioned niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, or peptides. “I always recommend starting one active at a time and making sure your skin tolerates that well before moving on to the next one,” she says.

On another ingredient note, Libby says that it’s wise for those with sensitive skin to avoid potential irritants such alcohol, fragrances, and essential oils.

• Alicia Zalka, MD, is a dermatologist and the founder and CEO of Surface Deep.
• Rachel Nazarian, MD, FAAD, is board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in NYC.
• Stacey Tull. MD, MPH, is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon and owner of St. Charles County Dermatologic Surgery in Missouri.
• Brendan Camp, MD, is a double-board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York.
• Nazanin Saedi, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia.
• Tony Nakhla, DO, medical director of OC Skin Institute in Orange County, is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and founder of Eighth Day.
• Ashley Magovern, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan Beach, California, and a medical advisor for Dermstore.
• Jeannette Graf, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and anti-aging expert based in New York.
• Laura Scott, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego
• Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skincare Junkie.
• Tiffany J. Libby, MD, FAAD, FACMS, is a board-certified dermatologist and the director of Mohs Micrographic & Dermatologic Surgery at Brown Dermatology in Rhode Island.
• Noelani Gonzalez, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist, a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital, and the founder and director of Seren Dermatology and Cosmetics in New York.
• Catherine Chang, MD, is a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Beverly Hills and founder of Prive Beverly Hills and Nakedbeauty MD.