While skin changes are completely normal and largely inevitable as we age, it’s safe to say we all want to do what we can to keep our skin looking and feeling its best. The good news is there are many different ways that can be achieved, from making healthy lifestyle choices to using sunscreen on a daily basis (yes, even when it’s cloudy out).
Whether your skin care regimen is three steps or 10, everyone needs a good moisturizer. With a myriad of options on the market — from drugstore gems to luxury formulas — it can sometimes be overwhelming to determine which ones are worth your money.
That’s why Shop TODAY tapped multiple medical experts for their insight on what to look for in a moisturizer for maturing skin, along with their personal recommendations. We also included winners from our Shop TODAY 2024 Beauty Awards for best anti-aging moisturizers and a few mom-approved picks as well.
What should you look for in moisturizers for aging skin?
Because collagen and elastin levels plummet as we age, our experts say it’s crucial to look for moisturizers with ingredients that can help stimulate production of these essential proteins, as well as replenish hydration. Internal medicine physician Dr. Glenicia Nosworthy and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick recommend looking for moisturizers that contain clinically proven ingredients such as the following:
- Hyaluronic acid and glycerin to increase moisture levels.
- Retinol (vitamin A) and peptides to help stimulate collagen production.
- Antioxidants like vitamins C and E to help protection the skin from free radical damage and environmental stressors.
- Niacinamide (vitamin B3) to help with discoloration and redness.
- Ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss.
- AHAs and BHAs to promote skin cell turnover for smoother, more supple skin.
- Plant oils such as argan, grapeseed, chamomile and rosehip oils for nourishment, protection against free radical damage and soothing from redness and irritation.
“Those with mature skin may prefer a rich creamy moisturizer as opposed to a lightweight lotion or gel as this helps to lock moisture in,” adds Garshick. “Look for ingredients that draw moisture in, support and strengthen the skin barrier, as well as ones that soothe and calm the skin.”
What should you avoid in moisturizers for aging skin?
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia recommends steering clear of moisturizers that contain alcohol and fragrance. “These can cause stinging and burning when applied to inflamed skin and can further dehydrate the skin,” she says. “It’s also best to avoid heavily fragranced moisturizers as they can potentate skin irritation on an already compromised skin barrier.”
Nosworthy advises against moisturizers that contain high levels of essential oils, as they can be irritating on sensitive and aging skin. “Synthetic colors and dyes can be irritating to the skin and may cause allergic reactions,” she adds. “Choose moisturizers that are free of artificial colors and opt for products with natural or plant-based colorants.”
Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winners, tested by editors
Brightens up skin: L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
- Not greasy
- Lightweight
- Very moisturizing
- May be heavy on skin
Award: Best overall anti-aging moisturizer | Score: 5/5 | Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide
This Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner for "best overall anti-aging moisturizer" earned an impressive perfect score in all three categories. Shop TODAY’s social media editor, Kara Quill, tested this product and noticed a great improvement in her skin. Quill, who used this moisturizer in the morning and evening, said that her skin looked visibly brighter, and that the product melted into her skin quickly.
The fountain of youth: Nakery Beauty Lift-TOX Multi-Power Firming Rich Cream
- Does not irritate skin
- Lightweight
- Easy to apply
- May be a little dry
Award: Best anti-aging moisturizer | Score: 4.33/5 | Size: 2 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin C
This award-winning face and neck cream is designed to tighten and firm skin. According to the brand, this anti-aging moisturizer offers a unique texture that adapts to your skin to lift and firm sagging areas for a smoother, more youthful look. This lightweight cream is enriched with Vitamin C and is suitable for all skin types.
Skin plumping: Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream
- Very hydrating
- Lightweight
- Leaves skin soft
- May not absorb well
Award: Best new launch face moisturizer | Score: 4.83/5 | Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, oat kernel extract, aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, rose extract, hyaluronic acid, peptides
“This cream contains a combination of hyaluronic acid, peptides, vitamins C and E and glycerin to help plump the skin as well as improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Garshick. “It works to boost moisture and hydration was found to increase by 213% after just one hour.”
A bougie option: Manuka Health Eternal Renewal Regenerating Face Cream
- Pleasant smell
- Absorbs quickly
- May have thick texture
Award: Best splurge anti-aging moisturizer | Score: 4/5 | Size: 1.69 oz. | Key ingredients: Royal jelly, bee venom, MGO 800+ Mānuka honey
If you've been searching for a lavish moisturizer for your mature skin, look no further. This regenerating face cream was tested by our editors and awarded "best splurge anti-aging moisturizer." Made with royal jelly and bee venom, "this luxurious cream smoothes, enhances and richly replenishes the skin," according to the brand.
The best moisturizers for mature skin, according to experts
Versatile option: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Cream
- Good for combination-type skin
- Lightweight application
- Sticky residue left afterwards
- New formula is different
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid
While not everyone will prefer a lightweight gel cream like this one, Garshick highly recommends it for anyone whose skin doesn’t play well with richer formulas. “Containing hyaluronic acid, this water gel moisturizer is lightweight and absorbs easily while still providing long-lasting hydration,” she says. “It can be used on the face and neck and helps to lock in hydration, leaving the skin looking dewy and refreshed.”
Skin firming: Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream
- Has a nice, thick consistency
- Good for sensitive skin
- Might not absorb well
- Left a sticky, gummy residue
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, glycerin, shea butter, biotin
“Enriched with coenzyme Q10, a powerful antioxidant, this moisturizer helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while also improving skin firmness and protecting against environmental damage,” says Nosworthy of this budget-friendly buy. In addition to containing antioxidants, vitamin E and glycerin, it's also alcohol- and fragrance-free.
Sleepy-time moisturizer: CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream
- A little goes a long way
- Affordable
- Greasy texture
- Burns around eyes
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides
Rambhia loves this night cream because it’s non-comedogenic (meaning it won’t clog pores), fragrance-free and it contains both peptides and ceramides to help improve age-associated skin changes. The presence of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide also help keep the skin hydrated and calm.
Skin-healing: No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Night Cream
- Works almost immediately
- Leaves skin glowing
- Package and delivery issues
Size: 1.69 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, niacinamide
“This moisturizing cream works to hydrate and nourish the skin while also delivering peptides to the skin using the patent-pending technology, Pepticology,” says Garshick. “It can be applied to the face and neck and improves the appearance of skin tone and texture while leaving skin feeling soft and smooth.”
In addition to peptides, it also contains hero ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and an antioxidant blend, all of which work in tandem to protect and promote skin health.
Nighttime cream: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Night Cream
- Non-greasy application
- Truly hydrating
- Has an unpleasant smell
- Some had irritation, breakouts
Size: 1.7 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Niacinamide, panthenol, glycerin, shea butter
This rich, fragrance-free formula from Cetaphil specifically targets aging skin that’s sensitive and prone to redness, dryness and irritation. “The formula contains peptides to minimize the appearance of fine lines in a hydrating base of hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide,” says Nosworthy.
Say hello to retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
- Nice, smooth texture
- Truly helps with wrinkles
- Has a slight scent
- Brand issued a sunburn alert; do not wear when spending prolonged periods outside
Size: 1 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, glycolic acid, squalane, shea butter, retinol
Another pick from Nosworthy, this nourishing night cream is an amazing affordable option for those looking to try retinol without breaking the bank. “This night cream contains retinol and essential minerals to help reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, improve skin texture and promote smoother, more youthful-looking skin,” she says.
Farewell, saggy skin: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
- Skin feels softer, more supple
- Lightweight application
- Some had reactions near eyes
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, panthenol, hyaluronic acid
A favorite of Rambhia’s, this drugstore moisturizer specifically targets sagging skin around the eye, neck and jawline. “The formula is enriched with amino-peptides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate skin, improve elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” she says.
Sun protection: Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30
- Non-greasy application
- Non-comedogenic
- Irritating, dry, for some
- Package and delivery issues
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.| Key ingredients: Antioxidant blackberry complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, SPF, glycerin, shea butter
Using a moisturizer with SPF during the daytime is an excellent way to thwart the effects of UV damage and this is one of Nosworthy’s go-to recommendations. “This moisturizer contains antioxidant-rich blackberry complex and broad-spectrum SPF 30 to protect the skin from UV damage, hydrate and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Help say goodbye to fine lines: TruSkin Longevity Moisturizing Cream
- Long-lasting feeling
- Gentle, although it's retinol
- Some noticed no difference
- Has a slight scent to it
Size: 2 fl. oz. | Key ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerin, bakuchiol, aloe vera
Garhsick says this is a great option for anyone who can’t tolerate retinol (aka vitamin A). “This moisturizer contains snow algae to help slow down the aging process, as well as bakuchiol to help address fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation without irritating the skin,” she explains. “It’s especially good for those with mature skin to help reduce signs of skin aging without irritating the skin.”
Targets dark spots: Vichy Neovadiol Replenishing Firming Day Cream
- Truly firming, creamy
- A little goes a long way
- Pricey
- Packaging and delivery issues
Size: 1.6 oz. | Key ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, niacinamide, salicylic acid
“Specifically designed for peri- and post-menopause, this cream combines a blend of proxylane, cassia extract, vitamins B3-C-E, omega fatty acids and Vichy volcanic water,” explains Garshick. “This combination helps to improves the appearance of dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles, while also firming the skin and improving radiance and hydration.”
The best moisturizers for mature skin, according to moms
Grandma's favorite: NIVEA Creme
- Super soft
- Pleasant smell
- May be thick
Size: 13.5 oz. | Key ingredients: Vitamin B5
“My 83-year-old grandmother is, in her own words, ‘allergic to everything.’ She has tried the gamut of fancy anti-aging moisturizers and lotions, but they all bothered her sensitive skin — except Nivea’s creme," says production associate Audrey Ekman.
"Living in France, she’s had what most beauty professionals consider the crème de la crème of fancy beauty products available to her at the local Pharmacie, but nothing has persuaded her to give up this super effective and remarkably affordable product. Don’t mess with success, I guess... the brand has been around for over 100 years!” Ekman shares.
Cool-mom vibes: Farmacy Honey Halo Ceramide Face Moisturizer
- Very hydrating
- Lightweight
- Pleasant smell
- Very small jar
Size: 1.7 oz. | Key ingredients: Buckwheat honey with propolis and royal jelly blend, fig fruit extract and osmolytes, potent ceramide blend
“My mom just turned 50, and for as long as I can remember, she always received compliments on her skin," says editorial assistant Madison San Miguel. "Maybe it is her Latin genes, but her longtime favorite moisturizer is Farmacy’s Honey Halo. She loves that it feels smooth and creamy, and keeps her skin hydrated all day. In fact, she told me that ‘it gives me that natural glow I’m looking for at my age’ without the oily look or feel!” she explains.
Smooth operator: Ultraceuticals Ultra Calming Moisturiser Cream
- Lots of product
- Pump applicator
- Leaves skin feeling hydrated
- Small amount for price
Colorways: 2.54 oz. | Key ingredients: Sodium PCA, urea, sodium hyaluronate
"I like how light it is and that makes it good for summer," says commerce editor Vivien Moon's mother Julia Moon. "It doesn’t get too sticky which is nice but makes my skin feel smooth. It also has a lot of product in the bottle which is also good because it lasts a while," she explains.
How we chose
Shop TODAY consulted an internal medicine physician and two board-certified dermatologists to get their insight on the best moisturizers for mature skin. The products featured in this story came recommended by each of the experts.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Glenicia Nosworthy, MD, is an internal medicine physician based in Brooklyn, New York. She is the CEO and founder of Glo by Glen Facial Optimization and Nuspecies Integrative Medical Practice, specializing in cosmetic injectables, microneedling for hair loss and nonsurgical face lifts.
- Dr. Pooja Rambhia, MD, is a dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City. She has previously spoken with Shop TODAY about how to care for aging nails.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. She has previously spoken with Shop TODAY about using glycolic acid as deodorant, retinol creams and shampoos for sensitive scalps.
- Our top picks
- What should you look for in moisturizers for aging skin?
- What should you avoid in moisturizers for aging skin?
- Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winners, tested by editors
- The best moisturizers for mature skin, according to experts
- The best moisturizers for mature skin, according to moms
- Frequently asked questions
- How we chose
- Meet the experts
