11 Derm-Approved Anti-Aging Products That Actually Work on Dark Spots, Fine Lines, and More

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A collage of anti-aging skincare products we recommend on a beige background

Byrdie / Jaclyn Mastropasqua

In the world of beauty products, there’s perhaps no category more saturated than the anti-aging market. Serums, eye creams, and lotions galore promise to do everything from smoothing fine lines to fading dark spots—but they don't always follow through. To help you pinpoint the exact products you need in your anti-aging arsenal, we did our research and leaned on a few dermatologists for their expert opinions. While the picks were varied (don’t worry, we’ll get to those), the overarching theme was that it's best to take a three-pronged approach to anti-aging skincare, focusing on prevention, hydration, and treatment.

Prevention products (like sunscreen and antioxidant serums like vitamin C) are an integral part of any anti-aging routine, as they ward off signs of aging in the first place. Hydrating products, believe it or not, are the secret to youthful-looking skin. One of the quickest ways to achieve an ageless glow is by loading up on moisture. And finally, treatment products, like retinoids, peptides, and growth factor serums, help target specific concerns such as fine lines, texture, and dullness.

To compile this list of anti-aging products that actually work, we tapped experts for their recommendations and tried a few highly-rated products for ourselves. We considered proven active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, in addition to other factors like how well the formulas settle into skin, how efficient they are at plumping and hydrating fine lines, and how effective the results are over time. After considering dozens of options, we landed on these top-rated picks.

Best Cleanser

SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser

SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser With Glycolic Acid

Dermstore

What We Like
  • Refreshing and mild

  • Gently exfoliating

  • Smooths skin tone and texture

What We Don't Like
  • Shouldn't be used in a routine with a lot of acids


SkinCeuticals is known for its gentle yet effective approach to skincare, and the brand's Purifying Cleanser is no exception. It's a gel formula that gets slightly foamy when it comes into contact with water. Glycolic acid helps the formula double down on dirt and debris, leaving the skin feeling refreshed and clean, while glycerin helps illuminate dull skin tone and restore moisture

Scottsdale-based dermatologist Dr. Jen Haley says this is one of her go-to face washes, and she recommends it to patients often. "The alpha-hydroxy acids in this formula remove dead skin cells and unclog pores for a blemish-free complexion," she explains. "It also helps to absorb active ingredients in the products you use afterward." Just keep in mind that if the rest of your skincare routine contains harsh acids, this cleanser might be too much.

Who It's For

If your skin feels super dirty by the end of the day or you wear a lot of makeup frequently, this cleanser will make sure you're feeling squeaky clean before bed without drying your skin out.

Benefits: Cleansing, exfoliating | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, glycerin | Size: 6.8 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Retinol Serum

Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum

Shani Darden Retinol Reform Treatment Serum

Sephora

What We Like
  • Improves tone and texture

  • Reveals radiant, more youthful-looking skin

  • Potent formula with multiple actives

What We Don't Like
  • Might still be too strong for super sensitive skin types

Dermatologists agree that retinol smooths fine lines and wrinkles, but it's important to find one that's the right strength for your skin. This hydrating formula from Shani Darden, ranked one of our best retinol serums for exfoliation, uses 2.2 percent encapsulated retinol to deliver effective anti-aging results without experiencing the irritation caused by many other retinol products. It also contains lactic acid, which helps illuminate and smooth skin, so you can get both long-term and immediate results. Keep in mind that you might have to ease into using it (which is common if you’re new to retinol) so you don't irritate your skin too much.

Who It's For

If dullness is your biggest complaint when it comes to aging skin, we recommend this powerful serum that can address both issues. It works quickly to address signs of aging and an uneven skin tone, with extra hydration for a balanced complexion.

Benefits: Exfoliates, improves skin tone and texture | Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, AHA, apple fruit extract | Size: 6.8 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Vitamin C Serum

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Bluemercury

What We Like
  • Antioxidant-rich formula

  • Keeps the skin protected

  • Illuminates and firms

What We Don't Like
  • Can oxidize quickly

Of all the antioxidant serums out there, this is arguably the tried-and-true derm favorite, and New York-based dermatologist Dr. Daniel Belkin agrees. “It has both vitamin C and E, which the body cannot produce on its own, and ferulic acid, an antioxidant that improves the efficacy of the other two,” he says of the formula.

Haley is a fan, too, applauding the trifecta of specific antioxidants. She also uses it daily. “These antioxidants help reverse and prevent DNA damage caused by the environment, aging, and sun exposure,” says Dr. Belkin, a win both for the appearance and health of your skin.

Who It's For

This is a great serum to have in your arsenal if you have yet to deal with signs of aging and are more in the prevention phase. It protects your complexion from environmental free radicals to keep the skin looking youthful and healthy.

Benefits: Exfoliates, improves skin tone and texture | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid | Size: 1.1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Eye Cream

SkinBetter Science InterFuse Treatment Cream

SkinBetter Science InterFuse Treatment Cream Eye

SkinBetter

What We Like
  • Designed specifically for under eye skin

  • Has caffeine to depuff and illuminate

  • Hygienic pump bottle

What We Don't Like
  • May take some time to show noticeable results

The thin skin around your eyes is the most susceptible to signs of aging, so a dedicated eye cream is an anti-aging essential. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum says she “could not live without'' this multitasking option, which she applies twice daily. “It contains neuro-calming peptides to relax crow's feet, vitamin C, which provides antioxidants and skin illuminating effects, caffeine to depuff, and humectants for intense hydration,” she tells us. 

Who It's For

We think this is a great pick for those who have sensitive eyes or under-eyes because it doesn't contain retinol (which can be irritating for the ultra-delicate area) like the majority of other anti-aging eye creams. You'll still get the same results, though—under-eyes that are free of wrinkles and fine lines.

Benefits: De-puffs, hydrates, illuminates | Key Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, caffeine | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best SPF

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Dermstore

What We Like
  • Dermatologist-recommended

  • No white cast on all skin tones

  • Non-comedogenic

What We Don't Like
  • Contains octinoxate

We can preach the benefits of sunscreen until we’re blue in the face, but we’ll let you hear it straight from the pro: “A broad-spectrum SPF is essential to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and, of course, skin cancer,” says Nussbaum, who raves about this formula. “It contains transparent zinc oxide, which is extremely effective at blocking rays but also gentle enough for sensitive skin. Plus, it’s oil-free and won’t cause breakouts,” she explains. And speaking of sensitive skin, it also has niacinamide to calm any redness and inflammation. The only caveat: It contains octinoxate, a chemical sunscreen ingredient that has been banned in Hawaii but is otherwise legal worldwide.

When we added the sunscreen to our daily routine, we loved that it felt hydrating and gentle, and it rested well under our makeup without pilling. It didn't leave a greasy residue and felt pretty much non-existent on our skin.

Who It's For

If you have oily or combination skin and find that applying sunscreen makes your skin incredibly shiny by the end of the day, this is a great option that you'll want to reach for time and time again. The matte but hydrating finish makes it easy to wear every single day.

Benefits: Protects skin from UVA and UVB rays | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate | Size: 1.58 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Read Full Review: EltaMD's UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Is a Lightweight Dream

Anti-aging skincare cream smeared on back of hand

Kelsey Clark/Design by Cristina Cianci

Best Night Cream

L'Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Moisturizer

L'Oréal Paris Wrinkle Expert 55+ Moisturizer

Amazon

What We Like
  • Lightweight feel that absorbs quickly

  • Non-greasy

  • Incredibly hydrating

What We Don't Like
  • Unhygienic container

This anti-aging face cream from L'Oréal Paris is designed for those 55 and older (there are variations for those 35+ and 45+), though anyone serious about their anti-aging routine can stock up on the drugstore favorite. Loaded with calcium B5 and glycerin, the formula can strengthen sagging skin, improve smoothness, and promote a more youthful glow. Slather this cream onto your face as the last step in your skincare routine before heading to bed. Come morning, you'll find your skin is softer to the touch.

I got this cream for my mom last year, and she swears it's the only thing that makes a difference in her skin. She's gone through countless tubs of this formula and isn't even 55 yet—she just really loves how soft her skin feels and how smooth it looks after use. At less than $10, it's incredibly affordable, and she loves that she can use as much as she wants as frequently as she wants without worrying about splurging on refills.

Who It's For

This is the perfect no-frills pick for those who don't love having an extensive skincare routine but want to get the anti-aging process started. You can most likely find it at your local drugstore, and it's definitely affordable enough to purchase again and again.

Benefits: Hydrates, smooths, strengthens | Key Ingredients: Calcium B5, Glycerin | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Daytime Moisturizer

CeraVe AM Facial Lotion SPF 30

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

Amazon

What We Like
  • Formulated with multiple hydrating components

  • Contains SPF 30

  • Oil-free, won't leave a shiny finish

What We Don't Like
  • Can pill under certain makeup products

There’s no need to shell out big bucks on a moisturizer—look for one that’s fairly simple, like this one from CeraVe. “I have been using this moisturizer to increase hydration without causing breakouts," Nussbaum says. "It contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to hydrate and minimize redness." Best of all, it has SPF 30 to protect your skin from the sun's rays (and prevent further aging), all while keeping your skin hydrated. Some say it can pill under makeup, so make sure you let it soak into your skin before layering makeup on top.

Who It's For

We recommend this for sensitive skin types as it's made with super gentle ingredients that shouldn't cause any irritation even if you use it daily.

Benefits: Hydrates, protects | Key Ingredients: Zinc, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides | Size: 3 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Hydrating Serum

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster

Nordstrom

What We Like
  • Helps skin retain moisture

  • Vegan and cruelty-free formula

  • Absorbs quickly

What We Don't Like
  • Somewhat runny texture

You've probably heard of hyaluronic acid before. But if you haven't, here's a quick breakdown: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule found in the skin and body. It's a humectant—meaning it has an incredible ability to both attract moisture and hold it in the skin. In fact, hyaluronic acid can retain up to 1000 times its own weight in water, making it an ideal part of any anti-aging skincare routine. This serum from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare features a professional strength formula that helps seal moisture into the skin for firmer, smoother, and softer results.

Who It's For

Dryness can lead to skin that looks more aged than it actually is, so if you deal with dry or rough skin this is a great serum to have in your arsenal. It deeply hydrates the complexion for skin that looks glowy and youthful.

Benefits: Hydrates, helps skin retain moisture | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Antioxidant Serum

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Amazon

What We Like
  • Protects the skin against radicals in the environment

  • Shows noticeable results

  • Strengthens skin barrier

What We Don't Like
  • Small amount for the price

Antioxidants are universally recommended as top-notch topical ingredients by the derms we spoke with; look for them in serums to get the most bang for your buck (they’re more concentrated than creams or lotions). We love this one in particular, which touts hydration and antioxidant protection to help counteract the damage caused by free radicals

Formulated with a brand-patented technology, this fast-penetrating serum from Estée Lauder can minimize signs of aging by repairing damage and boosting collagen. A few drops help defend the skin against environmental aggressors (which also age the skin more rapidly) for up to eight hours.

Who It's For

This is a popular anti-aging heavy hitter, so it's what you'll want to reach for when you want to get serious about protecting and preserving your skin’s health. Its potent formula can address all signs of aging, so it's a good pick if you're already seeing them appear.

Benefits: Hydrates, helps skin retain moisture | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Quick-Fix

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Tightener

Peter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Temporary Eye Tightener

Sephora

What We Like
  • Fast acting

  • Tightens, firms, and smooths

  • Only have to use a small amount

What We Don't Like
  • Can pill underneath makeup

Skincare products take time to work their magic, especially if you're using them to target wrinkles and sagging skin. Thankfully, there is one product that works in minutes (although temporarily)—Peter Thomas Roth's viral Instant FirmX Temporary Eye Tightener. The magic formula contains a blend of the brand's unique Firm-A-Tite which is made of skin-tightening silicates and seaweed extract. It also contains a signature peptide complex and plant proteins to tighten, firm, and smooth the look of under eye bags and wrinkles.

Who It's For

If you have prominent eye bags and need a way to hide them temporarily, you're in luck with this product. All you have to do is spread a pea-sized amount of the serum and wait five minutes to dry for a smooth under eye area.

Benefits: De-puffs, temporarily tightens eye wrinkles | Key Ingredients: Seaweed extract, silicates, peptides, alfalfa extract, lupine protein | Size: 1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Mask

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask

Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Rescue Mask

Sephora

What We Like
  • Only have to keep on for five minutes

  • Softens skin texture

  • Has illuminating properties

What We Don't Like
  • Strong fragrance

This multi-benefit mask from Fresh smooths, hydrates, and imparts a natural dewy glow onto skin of all ages. Designed with a superstar blend of kombu seaweed, red algae, and lotus seed powder, it gently buffs and refines the skin while simultaneously keeping it hydrated. Just keep in mind that it's fragranced and has exfoliating beads, so if you have sensitive skin, you may want to steer clear of this one.

Who It's For

If you have a rough skin texture and are looking for a quick fix, this mask will get you hydrated again in as little as five minutes. It's also a great pick for adding some liveliness to dull skin.

Benefits: Smooths, illuminates | Key Ingredients: Lotus flower extract, red algae, lotus seeds | Size: 3.3 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Where We Stand

To get the most out of an anti-aging skincare routine, it's best to focus on three main camps: Prevention, hydration, and treatment. Prevention products like a good SPF and potent antioxidant serums containing vitamin C or E (like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic) help fend off signs of aging. In addition, hydration, specifically in the form of nourishing creams with ceramides (like CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion), helps keep skin plump and youthful. And finally, retinol products (like Shani Darden's Retinol Reform) can effectively treat fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

How We Researched

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Finally, we took expert recommendations and insights from dermatologists using products in this category into consideration when curating our final selections.

What to Look for in an Anti-Aging Product

  • Vitamin C: An antioxidant powerhouse, vitamin C (which is the main ingredient in the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic), is directly involved with collagen production in the body. Vitamin C is beneficial in anti-aging products for several reasons: It protects skin from environmental stressors, promotes the production of collagen, and can fade dark spots, which contribute to the appearance of aging skin. Products containing vitamin C can irritate very sensitive skin, so be sure to start out using a low concentration if your skin is reactive.
  • Retinoids: Retinoids are a category of ingredients, and retinol is a type of product from the retinoid family that is used for lines and wrinkles (and is available over the counter). Retinol (such as the Shani Darden Retinol Reform Serum) functions as an antioxidant that regulates oil production, boosts the production of collagen, and helps increase the speed of cell turnover. “Using a well-formulated and stable product with retinol will visibly reduce the appearance of sun damage, brown spots, lines, wrinkles, and large pores. It can stimulate the metabolism of skin cells and encourage collagen production,” adds celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau.
  • Hyaluronic acid: Even though hyaluronic acid (like in the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydration Booster) doesn’t exactly turn back the clock, it is a powerful moisturizer that can hydrate skin and, in turn, help smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It absorbs quickly and can make skin look plump and hydrated. It’s a key ingredient used in fillers, the dermal injectable used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
FAQ
  • At what age should I start using anti-aging skincare products?

    Once you’ve hit adulthood, it’s really never too early to begin with anti-aging skincare. It’s recommended for anyone in their twenties or older, and the sooner you start, the more on track you’ll be to stave off wrinkles. Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate, for example, is a good serum to try out, particularly if you have dry skin. At a younger age, you can focus more on moisturizing properly and keeping out of the sun versus using ingredients designed to minimize fine lines since you likely won’t have many yet.

  • Can you reverse skin aging?

    The best thing you can do to keep your skin looking glowing and healthy is to moisturize your face morning and night. Beyond that, using sunscreen is also key. Ideally, you should apply sunscreen every day, even if you don’t plan on going out in the sun for a long period of time. "We are exposed to ultraviolet and infrared light every day that produces free radicals in our skin," board-certified dermatologist Dr. Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, explains, "These free radicals inhibit collagen production and decrease our elastin. This leads to premature aging, wrinkling, brown spots, and sagging."

Why Trust Byrdie

Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. While she is not a dermatologist, it just so happens that many of the derms’ favorite anti-agers on this list are some of her top picks, too.

Caitlyn Martyn is a staff commerce writer at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty. An avid product tester, Caitlyn likes to try the latest and greatest in makeup, skincare, and wellness to let readers know what’s worth it and what’s not. She has tried several products on this list, including picks from brands like Shani Darden, CeraVe, SkinCeuticals, and Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare.

They both consulted trusted experts to conduct more research for this article. Those experts include:

  • Dr. Jen Haley, a dermatologist in Scottsdale, AZ.
  • Dr. Daniel Belkin, a dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University.
  • Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, a New York City-based dermatologist specializing in non-invasive aesthetic rejuvenation.
  • Renée Rouleau, an award-winning skincare expert and celebrity esthetician.
  • Dr. Diane Madfes, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in dermatology and dermatologic surgery, utilizing cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art machinery. 
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.
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  2. Mukherjee S, Date A, Patravale V, Korting HC, Roeder A, Weindl G. Retinoids in the treatment of skin aging: an overview of clinical efficacy and safety. Clin Interv Aging. 2006;1(4):327-48. doi: 10.2147/ciia.2006.1.4.327. PMID: 18046911; PMCID: PMC2699641.

  3. Smith WP. Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidJ Am Acad Dermatol. 1996;35(3 Pt 1):388-391. doi:10.1016/s0190-9622(96)90602-7

  4. Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingDermatoendocrinol. 2012 Jul 1;4(3):253-8. doi: 10.4161/derm.21923

  5. Parrado C, Mercado-Saenz S, Perez-Davo A, Gilaberte Y, Gonzalez S, Juarranz A. Environmental Stressors on Skin Aging. Mechanistic Insights. Front Pharmacol. 2019 Jul 9;10:759. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00759. PMID: 31354480; PMCID: PMC6629960.

  6. Sanadi RM, Deshmukh RS. The effect of Vitamin C on melanin pigmentation - A systematic review. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2020 May-Aug;24(2):374-382. doi: 10.4103/jomfp.JOMFP_207_20. Epub 2020 Sep 9. PMID: 33456250; PMCID: PMC7802860.

  7. Pullar JM, Carr AC, Vissers MCM. The Roles of Vitamin C in Skin Health. Nutrients. 2017 Aug 12;9(8):866. doi: 10.3390/nu9080866. PMID: 28805671; PMCID: PMC5579659.

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