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My grandmothers have some of the best skin I’ve seen — at ages 79 and 81, they’ve maintained a smooth, plump visage. It makes me excited to get older knowing that that’s what I have to look forward to. Melanin aside (though that definitely helps!), both are avid moisturizers, slathering their skin in thick creams nightly. Their diligence has paid off, especially because skin needs more help with moisture as you age. That’s where moisturizers come in. As skin produces less oil and there’s a breakdown of elasticity and collagen fibers, moisturizers can help to fortify skin’s structure and also help with the overall look (hydrated skin looks more plump!).
I don’t personally have mature skin but as a beauty writer I do have lots of experience with moisturizers so I know what makes a good one. I also have lots of older women in my life who weighed in about what worked for their skin and I talked to dermatologists who have patients of all ages. That includes Dr. Marla Diakow of Schweiger Dermatology Group, who told me that the key to a good skin care routine as you age is picking “products that strengthen and thicken the dermis, provide moisture retention and barrier renewal, and are not too harsh or abrasive.”
To find out the best moisturizers for mature skin (all types and budgets), I asked Diakow and nine more dermatologists about the ones they recommend — and tested a few of their recommendations myself so I can speak to the texture and consistency. I even passed one along to my mom. My picks below.
What we’re looking for
Ingredients
A few things happen to skin as it ages. Because collagen begins to break down and skin produces less oil, new skin concerns start to crop up. That can range from dullness to wrinkling to hyperpigmentation. A good moisturizer can be helpful at addressing all of these concerns, provided you have the right combination of ingredients. According to our experts, the best moisturizers for mature skin — whether it’s for your face, body, or lips — include ingredients such as hydrating hyaluronic acid, skin-barrier-protecting ceramides, brightening niacinamide, and wrinkle-fighting retinol. Not every moisturizer will have all of them — and not every person will need all of them, either — but the experts are in agreement that these are the most common ingredients that will give the most noticeable results. We’ve noted which products contain them, with many containing a combination.
Retinol
A little more about retinol. We’ve noted when it’s included in a formula because if you’re already using a prescription retinoid, there’s no need to double up with your moisturizer. It also requires you to invest extra TLC in your skin. First, you need to use sunscreen when adding a retinol into your routine because it causes skin to be more light-sensitive. Starting a retinoid can also trigger an adjustment period for skin, marked by redness, dryness, and flaking. In other words, things tend to get worse before they get better. Lots of retinoid formulas — particularly the ones mentioned on this list — contain nourishing ingredients to address these side effects, like glycerin, shea butter, or oils. Despite the added steps to a skincare routine, it’s still the most-recommended by dermatologists for brightening skin and smoothing wrinkles. The vitamin A derivative speeds up cell turnover and encourages collagen production, which diminishes the look of fine lines and wrinkles and also helps give skin that bright, plump glow.
Consistency
Consistency is also important when picking a product. Formulas designed specifically for mature skin types tend to have a richer texture — we’ve noted whether a moisturizer is light like a serum or ultrarich and thick, so you can pick one that fits your needs and routine.
Best moisturizer for mature skin overall
Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Retinol: Does not contain retinol | Consistency: Rich cream
When thinking about the best moisturizer for most people, I chose Cerave for a few reasons. It’s a basic, inexpensive option that contains good-for-skin ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, a combination that prioritizes moisture — a must for aging skin. As we age, our hyaluronic acid levels decrease,” which can cause mature skin to become itchy or irritated, explains Dr. Noelani Gonzalez. This moisturizer notes HA as a hero ingredient, which is popular because it’s known to hold over 1,000 times its weight in water. This makes it an effective hydrator and plumper, which can make any fine lines or wrinkles a little more filled in and hydrated. It also doesn’t contain any actives and won’t conflict with any prescribed topicals or actives that might already be present in someone’s skincare routine. And if you’re someone who gets in-office treatments like facials or lasers regularly, this won’t conflict with that either. I’ve used this moisturizer a lot — on my face and sometimes my body — and though it has a rich, creamy texture, it never feels heavy or oily. It’s also a frequent dermatologist recommendation, because it’s accessible, both from a price-point perspective and in terms of availability. You can find it at pretty much any drugstore and it’s easy to find online (it’s so available that I spotted it in Heathrow at a Boots and a random pharmacy in Accra, Ghana). In addition to being packed with key ingredients, this moisturizer is also fragrance-free, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Best moisturizer for oily mature skin
Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin | Retinol: Does not contain retinol | Consistency: Lightweight gel cream
Even though I mentioned that mature skin tends to lose moisture as you age, some people continue to have oily skin throughout their life. That’s where the Neutrogena Hydro Boost comes in. The ultra-popular moisturizer (which has topped the Strategist bestseller list more than ten times) is a drugstore staple, and is a reliable dermatologist recommendation. I’ve previously said it’s the best for oily skin and most skin types overall because it ticks a lot of the boxes. Its gel-cream texture is whisper-thin and sinks in immediately but it still manages to be very moisturizing. Its texture also lends itself to layering, so it pairs easily with whatever serums and sunscreens are already in your routine. The main ingredient here is moisture-promoting hyaluronic acid, which dermatologist Joshua Zeichner describes as a “sponge to pull water into the outer skin layer to hydrate and plump and even improve the appearance of some fine lines.” It also contains glycerin, an ultra-moisturizing ingredient that Rio has previously said really should have hyaluronic acid’s publicist. Similarly to hyaluronic, it’s a humectant (it pulls water in) and protects the skin from irritation.
Best moisturizer for dry mature skin
Ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acids, natural cholesterol | Retinol: Does not contain retinol | Consistency: Ultrarich cream
When I started as a beauty writer in 2017, Skinceuticals was the favored brand among the editors. Its claim to fame is the high-quality ingredients and uniquely formulated products which deliver impressive results (and justify the price tag). This moisturizer from the brand is particularly good, and was formulated by the same chemist who went on to formulate the ultra-popular Dieux Instant Angel moisturizer. It has this ultra-plush texture that just feels expensive and glides over the skin almost like a balm. It’s fairly heavy for me to use daily (my 28-year-old skin is pretty normal on the moisture front) but I like to pick it up in the winter, or when I want an extra moisturizing face cream. The main ingredients here are lipids like fatty acids, ceramides, and natural cholesterol, along with antioxidants that help to protect skin from oxidative stress, which can contribute to fine lines and wrinkles. Skin also starts to do this naturally as you age. Dr. Julie Russak, the founder of the Russak Dermatology Group, says aging causes “our cells to become less robust and dry up and shrink.” As a result, “what we see are lines and dry skin.” Dermatologist Annie Chiu is also a fan, pointing out the vitamin E, which she says “supports cell reproduction, helps skin repair itself, and defends skin against environmental damage.” This is the kind of moisturizer that works well if you’re using powerful actives like retinoids, which are notorious for drying out the skin. Dr. Marisa Garshick recommends using it for exactly that, saying that introducing that extra moisture helps patients to better tolerate the vitamin A derivative and its side effects.
Best moisturizer for sensitive mature skin
Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, pro-xylane | Retinol: Does not contain retinol | Consistency: Rich cream
French pharmacy brand La Roche-Posay is known for its sensitive-skin formulations and antioxidant-packed products. This moisturizer is designed specifically for aging skin and contains a blend of glycerin, shea butter, and pro-xylane, a sugar-derived molecule that behaves similarly to hyaluronic acid but has the added benefit of increasing collagen in the skin. This is a big benefit for aging skin, which produces less collagen over time. It’s a favorite of dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal, who likes that it is deeply moisturizing while targeting fine lines and wrinkles.
Best less expensive moisturizer for sensitive mature skin
Ingredients: Ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin | Retinol: Does not contain retinol | Consistency: Rich cream
If you want something a bit cheaper, La Roche-Posay’s popular Double Repair moisturizer is also a good option. It doesn’t contain fragrance (a known irritant) and contains a host of the ingredients recommended by the dermatologists we spoke to, including ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide. It’s a little lighter than the Substiane Riche, but still has a luxurious, rich texture. Garshick likes this moisturizer for sensitive skin types in particular, noting the soothing, skin-barrier supporting ingredients. It also has an SPF of 30, which offers an added layer of protection and helps to protect skin from aging further.
Best moisturizer for mature skin with laxity
Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, antioxidants | Retinol: Does not contain retinol | Consistency: Cream
If you’re looking to address fine lines or loss of elasticity, you’ll want a moisturizer with a peptide — amino acids that support skin cells in performing certain functions like making more collagen. This moisturizer from aesthetician-favorite Environ comes recommended by aesthetician Raquel Medina-Cleghorn, founder of Raquel New York. It uses both hyaluronic acid, which works well for immediate plumping, and Adifyline, a peptide that increases fat-tissue volume. This creates a “dual effect,” says Medina-Cleghorn, that offers both immediate and long-term benefits. To help combat other factors that can impact skin health, like oxidative stress and UV damage, Hydro-Lipidic 3DSynergé Filler Crème contains antioxidants to protect skin.
Best moisturizer for uneven mature skin
Ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, peptides | Retinol: Does not contain retinol | Consistency: Rich cream
For anyone that struggles with dark marks or spots of hyperpigmentation, niacinamide is a must. The powerhouse ingredient helps to stop the transfer of melanin pigments to skin cells (this shows up as hyperpigmentation on the skin) and also acts as a humectant, preventing additional moisture loss in the skin. This moisturizer from Olay uses niacinamide as its hero ingredient. It’s also a favorite of my mom, who says it has noticeably transformed her skin texture and plumpness. It also contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and aloe — which work together to hydrate and soothe skin.
Best tinted moisturizer for mature skin
Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, SPF 25 | Retinol: Does not contain retinol | Consistency: Lightweight lotion
If you’d like to add a bit of coverage to smooth out the skin, this one from Clinique is a good option. It’s made with hyaluronic acid, has an SPF of 25, and comes in seven shades. The moisturizer is light enough that you don’t need an exact color match but still provides that blurring effect. “It stays in place once applied and doesn’t get caught up in fine lines, which would cause a creasing look or emphasize fine lines,” says makeup artist Jamie Greenberg. “It still looks breathable, dewy, and youthful.” It’s important to note that dermatologists recommend an SPF of at least 30, so if you’re considering wearing, you should still apply SPF as normal.
Best moisturizer with SPF for mature skin
Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, SPF 44 | Retinol: Does not contain retinol | Consistency: Lightweight lotion
This tinted moisturizer from Strategist-favorite EltaMD is a good option if you want to roll your face cream and SPF into one. It’s a multi-use product, and simultaneously offers UV ray protection and a little bit of coverage. It’s hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid and uses physical mineral blockers to filter light. Dermatologist love it too. “It has a beautiful universal tint that can blur pigment irregularities, blotchiness, or fine lines, which are common concerns in mature skin,” says Diakow. She recommends using one pump for the face, one pump for the neck and decolletage, and one pump for the back of the hands. Unlike the Clinique, it comes in a single shade, which makes it a more limited option if you have very light skin or a deeper skin tone.
Best moisturizer with retinol for mature skin
Ingredients: Bakuchiol | Retinol: Contains retinol | Consistency: Rich cream
This cream from Revision Skincare contains 0.25 percent retinol to increase cell turnover deep within the skin. The brand, which makes some of our favorite eye cream, has a reputation for efficacious formulations, and this face cream is not different. “These newer cells reflect light much better, they look healthier, and in turn revive the skin to look brighter,” says Russak. It also contains popular retinol-alternative bakuchiol, which is known for offering similar results sans irritation. Combined, bakuchiol enhances the effectiveness of retinol while still helping to minimize retinol’s skin-irritating effect.
Best (less expensive) moisturizer with retinol for mature skin
Ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, squalane | Retinol: Contains retinol | Consistency: Rich cream
For a drugstore alternative, consider RoC wrinkle night cream, which we’ve written about before. For a drugstore product, it contains a powerful blend of ingredients, including retinol, glycerin, shea butter, and squalane. For further exfoliation, it contains glycolic acid, a strong AHA that fades hyperpigmentation, fights acne, and also helps other ingredients to penetrate the skin more deeply. It’s an incredibly effective option and has tens of thousands of positive reviews, with many saying it works quickly and for a wide range of skin types.
Best nighttime moisturizer for mature skin
Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide | Retinol: Contains retinol | Consistency: Lightweight cream
Most of your skin’s reparative work happens at night, so a dedicated nighttime moisturizer can be particularly effective for reaching your skin goals. Lal recommends this one from L’Oréal Paris, which contains retinol to help with fine lines and wrinkles, and niacinamide, which brightens skin tone overall. He also likes the inclusion of hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which he says makes the retinol more tolerable and less irritating.
Best moisturizing eye cream for mature skin
Ingredients: Peptides, growth factors, glycerin, vitamin C | Retinol: Does not contain retinol | Consistency: Rich cream
Because the skin around the eyes is sensitive, ingredients like retinol can be irritating, which is why I’m recommending this eye cream from Lumiere. The rich, ultra-moisturizing cream uses growth factors (also known as polypeptides) to help with fine lines and wrinkles, which tend to be better tolerated. There’s also vitamin C, which helps to brighten the under eye area along with caffeine to reduce puffiness.
Some other moisturizers we’ve written about
Our experts
• Dr. Anne Chiu, dermatologist and founder of the Derm Institute
• Dr. Marla Diakow, dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group
• Dr. Marisa Garshick, dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology
• Dr. Noelani Gonzalez, dermatologist
• Dr. Corey L. Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology
• Dr. Hadley King, dermatologist
• Dr. Karan Lal, dermatologist
• Dr. Julie Russak, founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic
• Dr. Ainah U. Tan, dermatologist at Duly Health and Care
• Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mt. Sinai
Updated July 1, 2024: We’ve updated prices and checked stock for all products.
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