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Testers With Mature Skin Say These 8 Moisturizers Smooth Wrinkles, Brighten, and Improve Texture
If Zack Morris was your teen crush, it’s time for a skincare upgrade.
Byrdie
TL;DR
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Refillable Moisturizer takes the prize as “best overall” because it instantly plumps, softens, and nourishes skin, and according to our tester, offers hydration that lasts. We’re also fans of the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer, as you can’t beat the price point to get a cream with potent ingredients, including retinol, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
It’s no secret that our skin changes with age. “As we move into our mid-30s and beyond, our skin naturally starts to lose some of its youthful bounce and glow,” explains Dr. Whitney Hovenic. “Collagen and elastin production slow down, so skin doesn’t snap back as easily, and cell turnover becomes more sluggish, leaving dullness and uneven texture as dead cells linger on the surface.”
You can still love and embrace your skin, but if you want to help soften signs of aging, products specifically designed for mature skin can be beneficial. To find the formulas that actually make a difference, we assembled a team of testers (including yours truly), all over 35 years old, to test and review the best moisturizers for mature skin. Over eight weeks, we used some of the most popular formulas available to uncover what truly smooths wrinkles, plumps skin, and brightens complexions. From a dermatologist’s favorite (hi, SkinCeuticals) to a drugstore staple with potent ingredients (looking at you, L’Oréal Paris), these are the best moisturizers for mature skin.
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How We Tested Moisturizers for Mature Skin
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We believe in using the products we recommend just like you would, which is why we prioritize testing products in real-life settings.
Products Tested: 20+ over multiple rounds of testing
Testing Period: 8 Weeks
Testers: Women over 35 with a variety of skin types and skin concerns.
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What to Look for When Buying a Moisturizer for Mature Skin
Benefits: According to Dr. Hovenic, look for formulas that both hydrate and support barrier function. “Added benefits such as antioxidants and gentle resurfacing ingredients can help improve tone, texture, and overall radiance,” she says. Additionally, consider the texture, as creamier formulas are often more effective for mature skin than lightweight gels, she notes. “While younger skin can get by with a lightweight lotion, mature skin benefits from richer, deeply hydrating formulas that strengthen the skin barrier and lock in lasting moisture.”
Ingredients: NYC dermatologistDr. Dendy Engelman is a fan of moisturizers that promise hydration, boost collagen and elastin, and slow down signs of aging through ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, ceramides, peptides, epidermal growth factors, and hyaluronic acid.
Dr. Hovenic breaks down some of these top-performing ingredients:
- Hyaluronic Acid: “Think of this as a moisture magnet, improving the appearance of fine lines and giving skin that dewy look.”
- Ceramides: “These are natural fats that form the skin’s protective barrier. As these levels drop with age, replacing them in skincare helps restore hydration, strengthens the skin barrier, and helps keep skin smooth.”
- Peptides: “Support collagen and elastin production to improve firmness and elasticity.”
- Niacinamide: “A multitasking ingredient that helps strengthen the skin barrier, keeping it hydrated and calm while reducing redness and inflammation.”
- Retinoids: “Increases cell turnover and stimulates collagen production, improving texture and fine lines.”
Testing: “I always recommend checking if a product has undergone third-party clinical testing,” says Dr. Engelman. “This will give you a good idea of the formula’s efficacy and what caliber of results you can expect (although it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different!).”
Dr. Hovenic agrees it’s a good sign when a brand invests in independent clinical testing. “This means the product has been evaluated by outside experts, not just the company that made it,” she says. “Clinical testing helps verify that the product performs as promised and can give you confidence that it’s effective and well-tolerated.”
Top Picks
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream at Sephora$99
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SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore at Dermstore$155
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Biodance Collagen Cream at Amazon$29
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Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched at Amazon$102
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L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer at Amazon$30$21
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Tatcha The Water Cream at Amazon$72
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BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Moisture Boost Cream at Amazon$50
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Caudalie Premier Cru Moisturizer at Sephora$119
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Best Overall
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
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Instantly plumps and softens skin
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Offers long-lasting hydration
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Layers well under makeup
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Refillable, pump-top bottle
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Not ideal for those looking for a super lightweight formula
Key Ingredients: Signal peptide complex, pygmy waterlily stem cell extract, soybean folic acid ferment extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This classic, beloved moisturizer offers instant gratification. According to our tester, the creamy, non-scented formula immediately makes skin feel softer and look plumper. And it lasts. After applying before bed, she woke up with a super-hydrated skin and less visible fine lines. It works just as well as a day cream, too, as it spreads evenly, doesn’t leave a sticky residue, and absorbs nicely. She noted how well it sits underneath makeup, saying it created a smooth, moisturized base for concealer.
The packaging is also a hit; we appreciate the pump-top bottle, which is also refillable. Plus, just one pump goes a long way. If you’re looking for a rich, dewy moisturizer that layers seamlessly into your skincare routine, we highly recommend this pick from Drunk Elephant.
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Evangelina, tester: “I love that it works immediately. My skin feels hydrated, soft, and plump.”
Best Hydrating
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
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Makes skin feel soft, dewy, and moisturized
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Layers well with other products
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Contains essential oils and fragrance, which might not be ideal for acneic and sensitive skin
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, essential oil blend | Skin Type: Dry, normal, combination, and dehydrated | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Sometimes my skin drinks up moisturizer, but that hydrated feeling dissipates, and I feel like I need to apply more 20 minutes later. That’s not the case with this one, making it our favorite deeply hydrating moisturizer for mature skin. It’s a soft, yet buttery cream that spreads easily and takes a few minutes to absorb. Once it does, it leaves my skin nourished, comfortable, and glowing. I also notice that my complexion looks brighter, and my skin appears more plump. Another bonus: It layers beautifully with makeup, sunscreen, or other skincare products (re: it’s not greasy).
I have combo skin, so it works flawlessly for me. But those with acneic or highly sensitive skin may want to patch test first, as it includes essential oils and fragrance. That said, I adored the subtle lavender, rosemary, and peppermint scent, especially before bed.
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Best Plumping
Biodance Collagen Cream
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Makes skin significantly plumper and bouncier
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Great slip for face massage
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Feels velvety on the skin
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Our tester did experience some breakouts while using it
Key Ingredients: Collagen, mineral water, syn-coll | Skin Type: All (hypoallergenic) | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Grab your gua sha, because this collagen-rich moisturizer provides some serious slip. It goes on thick and a little sticky, reveals our tester, but feels lightweight and velvety on the skin. Since it takes a few to absorb, it’s the ideal time to do a face massage. Once absorbed, she shared that the condition of her skin looked better, with less visible pores, more bounce, and overall plumpness.
It’s worth noting that she experienced some breakouts during this time, so if you have acne-prone skin, this may not be the best fit.
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Esme, tester with combination skin and fine lines: “I would recommend this product to anyone who wants a smoother, bouncier, more even complexion.”
Best Brightening
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched
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Brightens skin, smooths texture, and nourishes
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Spreads evenly and layers well with other products
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Comes with a spatula to scoop out cream
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Floral scent
Key Ingredients: Kombu-bounce complex (green, brown, and red algae, chlorella extract), turmeric extract, niacinamide | Skin Type: normal and dry | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
After our tester’s pregnancy glow dissipated and she was dealing with dull, postpartum skin, this rich cream helped her regain some brightness. And even if you’re not on the other side of childbirth, it proved to be an excellent way to smooth out uneven patches, improve texture, and help skin look healthier (especially with twice-daily application). The formula has a whipped texture that feels airy and softening on the skin. It absorbs well and works under makeup, since it leaves zero stickiness. If you’re sensitive to smell, know that it has a clean, floral scent (which our tester describes as “spa-like”). It also comes with a little spatula so you don’t have to put your fingers into the jar.
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Lindsay, tester with combination skin: “I had a refreshed, brighter, more even look that made me excited to continue using it each day.”
Best Drugstore
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer
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Affordable price
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Features high-performing ingredients
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Fragrance-free
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Retinol can make skin more sensitive to the sun
Key Ingredients: Pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Next time you’re doing a pharmacy haul, add this seems-more-expensive-than-it-is moisturizer to your cart. It doesn’t skimp on ingredients, offering the holy trifecta: hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C, and anti-aging darling retinol. Our tester found it seamless to transition into her routine as it’s lightweight, nongreasy, and truly fragrance-free. She mainly used it as a night cream (there’s a daytime version with SPF 30). After immediate application, her skin felt supple and soft, and by the morning, it looked smoother and plumper. It is important to note that when using retinol, be sure to wear sunscreen during the day, as the skin can be more sensitive.
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Cher Checchio, copy editor with dry, sensitive skin: “I would totally recommend this to anyone looking to add an anti-aging skincare product to their morning and/or night routine without breaking the bank. I also like that it comes in an SPF 30 version to protect against any sun damage.”
Best Noncomedogenic
Tatcha The Water Cream
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Formula is suitable for acne-prone skin
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Absorbs almost instantly into skin
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Hydrates without being sticky or oily
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The packaging is a bit bulky
Key Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, hadasei 3 | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination | Size: 0.34, 1.7, 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For some of us, acne never goes away, regardless of our skin’s stage of life. If that’s you, opt for a noncomedogenic moisturizer like this one from Tatcha. It offers all the youth-boosting benefits we’re looking for: tighter pores, along with smoother, plumper, and more hydrated skin that’s protected from external stressors. But the best part is how lightweight the formula is. We loved how it absorbs quickly, sans any sticky or oily residue. Our tester praised how well it moisturized her skin without being greasy.
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Best for Rosacea
BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Moisture Boost Cream
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Alleviates redness
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Smooths dry patches on skin
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Hydrates skin without feeling oily or greasy
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Can cause subtle itchiness for a moment
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, bifidus and reishi mushroom extract, ceramides, pomegranate sterols, vitamin F | Skin Type: All | Size: 1, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
A gentle moisturizer can help comfort your skin during a pesky rosacea flare-up. This pick from BeautyStat Cosmetics moisturizes for up to 24 hours, smoothing rough patches without being too heavy or greasy. The formula’s reishi mushroom extract soothes skin and combats inflammation, while hyaluronic acid locks in moisture to deliver refreshed skin.
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Mike, tester (not pictured): “When I put it on my face, it felt like I put a dry napkin in a puddle. My skin quickly started absorbing the product.”
Best Night Cream
Caudalie Premier Cru Moisturizer
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Keeps skin nourished and comfortable all night
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Has an ultrasoft texture
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Imparts hydrated glow
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Can leave a slight residue
Developing a nighttime skincare routine—especially one that’s youth-boosting—lets your skincare do the work while you rest. If you’re looking for a luxurious night cream that helps you wake up with hydrated and glowing skin, consider this one from Caudalie. It’s powered by ceramides, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid to support a healthy skin barrier and smooth lines over time. This blend of ingredients also lends to an out-of-this-world soft texture; it feels so soft and comforting on the skin.
Our tester was impressed by how quickly it absorbed into her skin and noticed the hydrated look it gave her after use. She also mentioned that she woke up with comfortable, moisturized skin that didn’t feel oily.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should people start using moisturizers for mature skin?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, both derms agree. “It all depends on the state of your skin and what it needs,” Dr. Engelman says. “You’ll know it may be time to start using mature skin moisturizers if you notice static fine lines or wrinkles (lines that don’t go away, even when your expression is neutral), laxity, and unusual dryness.”
Dr. Hovenic advises looking for persistent dryness, a rough or dull texture, increased sensitivity, or a “tight” feeling, even after applying moisturizer. “If your hydration only seems to last a few hours, it’s likely time to move to a richer formula that better supports your changing skin,” she shares. “For many people, this happens in their mid-30s to early 40s, though it can vary depending on genetics, lifestyle, use of active ingredients like retinoids and exfoliants, and most importantly, sun exposure.”
What should you avoid in moisturizers for mature skin?
“Avoiding harsh chemicals and added fragrances is a good rule of thumb for skincare in general, but this is especially true for those with mature skin, as their skin barrier is already more vulnerable,” Dr. Engelman says. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers, as well as synthetic fragrances or perfumes, can irritate and even damage the skin. Alcohols and any other ingredients that may dry out the skin should also be avoided.
Be careful not to over-exfoliate, says Dr. Hovenic. “Avoid harsh physical exfoliants or high-alcohol formulas that strip away natural oils, since mature skin is already more prone to dryness,” she advises, noting that exfoliating one to two times a week is ideal. “And be cautious with strong acids or retinoids, as overuse can weaken the skin barrier and lead to redness or dryness,” she adds.
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Meet Our Experts
We consulted dermatologists to learn more about what to know when shopping for moisturizers for mature skin and to evaluate the products we tested:
- Dr. Whitney Hovenic, M.D., is a double-board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in Reno, NV, as well as the co-founder of the sunscreen brand SPOOGE.
- Dr. Dendy Engelman, M.D., is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic, New York City.
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Why Trust Byrdie
Lauren Levinson is a beauty veteran, serving as the Beauty Director at Popsugar and the Editorial Director for an Allergan Aesthetics content site and Verywell Family. She enjoys helping Byrdie test and review products. Thanks to her experience and how many birthday candles she gets to blow out on her cake, she knows what works and what doesn’t when it comes to mature skin. Since skincare is a big part of her daily routine, she was eager to test a moisturizer for this article.
Cullen Ormond is a Byrdie contributor and a longtime editor. As a tester for Byrdie, who has tried out several beauty products, she appreciates hunting for moisturizers that provide delicious hydration and a natural glow. If they help combat signs of aging, that’s a win-win.
Alyssa Kaplan
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-moisturizers-for-mature-skin-8758806
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