Best anti-ageing creams for youthful skin in 2024
Boasting an impressive 90k five-star ratings, this budget-friendly anti-ageing cream deserves to be at the top of your list.
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It is a privilege to grow old, we all know that. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t want to, shall we say, do what we can to stop those classic signs of ageing.
You know, the fine lines, rough texture, dark spots and dullness of skin that happens when you grow older. We could certainly do away with that.
And a good skincare routine can help you. No, it can’t magically turn back time (sorry to say, there's no product that can do that) but anti-ageing skincare and wrinkle creams can actually help reduce and minimise those telltale ageing signs.
Naturally, we had to go out and find the very best for you – with a few of the shopping team’s own personal favourites thrown into the mix.
Our top pick just so happens to be one of the most affordable of the bunch, the Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream.
It's on sale right now at Amazon for $26.99, down from $59.99 - that's a saving of over 50 per cent off!
The anti-ageing retinol cream has impressive reviews, with over 90,000 five-star ratings on Google and is constantly named the "best moisturiser". Reviewers say that it gives them a "youthful glow" and "wrinkles soften after use".
Read on to discover the best anti-ageing products and wrinkle creams to work into your daily skincare routine, including those for sensitive skin types.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR'S PICK: BEST PREMIUM ANTI-AGEING CREAM
Fresh Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream, $155 at Sephora
Why we love it: While it doesn't contain retinol, it offers very similar effects without irritation.
What to consider: High price tag and may feel too thick for some.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 50mL
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Acting Editor
My skin has simply been loving the Fresh Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream this winter. It’s a rich, velvety anti-ageing cream which is particularly great for those with sensitive skin as it doesn’t contain any retinol (which can be irritating to some!). Instead it uses Fresh’s exclusive BT Matrix (a retinol-like blend), which works hard to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles all while being super gentle on the skin.
Thanks to ingredients like Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid and Squalane, this cream also provides plenty of hydration and moisture, helping boost firmness and plumpness which my skin has been in desperate need of this winter.
It’s a thick cream and errs on the oilier side, so I have been using at night to let it really sink in and work its magic. Once absorbed, I don’t find it leaves any greasy residue. It’s truly been a lifesaver for my dry dehydrated skin. Plus, it has a lovely light black tea scent which I am a big fan of.
EDITOR'S PICK: BEST AFFORDABLE ANTI-AGEING CREAM
Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream, $28.95 (down from $59.99) at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: The Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream is Olay's most advanced, award-winning and best-selling anti-ageing wrinkle cream.
What to consider: The scent may be overpowering for some.
Formulation: Rich cream formula | Skin types: All skin types, including oily skin types | Size: 50g
What You Need To Know
Made to lift, firm and sculpt skin, Olay’s Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream is packed with niacinamide, amino-peptides and hydra-firming complex, which all work together to improve skin texture and skin discolouration, soften fine lines and deep wrinkles, plump skin and accelerate skin cell turnover.
It's racked up well over 90,000 five-star ratings on Google Reviews, with many calling the Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream the "best moisturiser" and a "game changer in the skincare world".
“Used many wrinkle creams over the years, but find this one keeps my wrinkles at bay, definitely can tell the difference when I’m not using it,” wrote one glowing review.
“I love it! It works, everyone says how come I don't have any wrinkles,” another wrote.
BEST ANTI-AGEING CREAMS AND BEST WRINKLE CREAMS
Lancôme Renergie HPN-300 Peptide Cream, $190 at Myer
Why we love it: Countless happy reviewers report their skin looks and feels more hydrated and nourished.
What to consider: Some users note that it has a strong fragrance.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 50mL
What You Need To Know
Formulated with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and over 300 types of peptides, this luxuriously silky smooth wrinkle cream helps reduce fine lines and deep wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, skin texture and skin elasticity as well as fade dark spots.
Compared to the brand’s popular Renergie Multi-Lift Cream, this newest cream by Lancome works faster and harder to visibly increase skin cell turnover and improve skin discolouration.
It’s definitely a bougie option for your skincare routine but there are over 1800 five-star reviews on the Lancome website raving about its “effective” anti-ageing effects, with one declaring it “youth in a bottle”.
Another satisfied customer wrote: “OMG, this is a miracle! I have been using it for two weeks, and my skin is already tighter, my wrinkles are less noticeable, and it feels smooth. I will definitely continue using this.” It’s hard to argue with that.
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Cream, $130 at Myer
Why we love it: This fragrance free formula is suitable for all skin types.
What to consider: Formulated with shea butter, so it may feel heavy on the skin for some.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 50mL
What You Need To Know
The ultra nourishing Clinique Smart Clinical Repair cream is the ultimate wrinkle cream to enhance your skin texture and improve skin discolouration. It contains key ingredients like hyaluronic acid, shea butter and peptide complex, which boost the skin’s natural collagen production, strengthening the dermal structure, keeping it plump and supple, while smoothing all those fine lines.
Fragrance free, plus allergy and dermatologist tested, it suits a wide range of skin types including combination skin, oily skin and very dry to dry skin.
Attracting a 4.4 out of 5 star rating on Google from over 6,400 reviews, this wrinkle cream is a popular choice with shoppers who rave about how effective it is and how much of a difference they notice in their skincare routine.
"It's like a powerhouse of anti-aging goodness," wrote one reviewer. "I've noticed a significant improvement in the appearance of my skin. The fine lines seem to be less noticeable, and my skin feels firmer and smoother."
RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream, $21.99 at RoC Skincare
Why we love it: This wrinkle cream promises to even skin tone and improve the appearance of deep set wrinkles.
What to consider: The Roc Retinol Correxion cream may be irritating for sensitive skin types.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types, including oily skin and combination skin types | Size: 30mL
What You Need To Know
Like many similar wrinkle creams, Roc's Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is designed to reduce deep lines and even increase skin cell turnover through regular nightly use.
The Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream is a powerful night treatment, formulated with retinol and other hydrating ingredients like glycerin and shea butter to give you a more radiant appearance and increase collagen production.
Say goodbye to dead skin cells and hello to a smoother and more firmer appearance in the morning.- just make sure you limit sun exposure during the day.
Immortal Cream, $112 at O COSMEDICS
Why we love it: Packed with loads of active ingredients to transform the skin.
What to consider: High price tag.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 50g
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Acting Editor
I have been a big fan of Aussie skincare brand, OCosmedics, ever since I was recommended the brand by a facialist last year. I have been slowly working my way through their suite of products - highly recommend their B3 Plus serum - but have found my new favourite child in their Immortal Cream. It’s their number one selling hydrator and with good reason. It contains a lot of active anti-ageing ingredients like OCosmedics signature V8 Peptide Complex, as well as mega doses of Vitamin C, to create a cream that helps fade fine lines and wrinkles. It’s a creamy texture that is not too thick so feels lovely on the skin, absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a greasy finish. With regular morning and night uss, my skin feels firmer, smoother and brighter - a big win in my books!
Plump Fiction Anti-Ageing Moisturiser, $139 at Sephora
Why we love it: This plumping moisturiser is both vegan and cruelty-free.
What to consider: Because of the style of packaging, you can't work out how much product you have left.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 50mL
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
This wrinkle cream from leading cosmetic doctor Naomi McCallum does exactly what the name suggests, leaving you with gorgeously firm and hydrated skin.
After three weeks of use my skin was noticeably plumper and I felt like my usual dehydration lines around my eyes weren’t as prominent. It also layers super well under other skincare products and makeup.
Plump Fiction is ideal for anyone wanting to combat anti-ageing with peptides, hyaluronic acid and plant epidermal growth factors targeting fine lines and improving skin elasticity.
Caudalie Premier Cru Anti Aging Moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid, $178 at Sephora
Why we love it: This moisturiser is backed by 10 years of research.
What to consider: High price point.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 50mL
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Acting Editor
This is hands down the most luxuriously rich and ultra hydrating wrinkle cream I’ve ever tried, which I shouldn’t be too surprised about considering it’s from French skincare brand Caudalie.
Formulated to correct the eight signs of ageing – deep fine lines and wrinkles, firmness, volume, elasticity, dark spots, hydration, radiance – after using this cream for the past month, my skin feels so hydrated and soft.
Its creamy and thick texture feels so nice on the skin - thanks to the added shea butter - and although not technically a night cream, I’ve been slathering it on right before bed so I can wake up with plump and glowing skin.
It’s so good that my partner has also been using it after noticing how bright and firm my skin is! He’s also found after using the cream that his skin is softer and suppler. He loves it so much, I’ve had to ban him from using it too frequently otherwise it will be gone before we know it. Highly recommend if you’re looking to splurge on a anti-ageing moisturiser.
BEST ANTI-AGEING EYE CREAMS
La Roche-Posay REDERMIC R Anti-Aging Eye Care, $49.99 at Priceline
Why we love it: This eye cream is a non-greasy texture that sits great under makeup.
What to consider: Strong formulation for an eye cream, always patch test before first use.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types, especially those with sensitive skin | Size: 15mL
What You Need To Know
Slowly releasing retinol to smooth the delicate skin around the eye area, this anti-ageing eye cream from popular French brand La Roche-Posay is a cult favourite. It's made for sensitive skin types and is designed to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
There’s over a hundred five-star reviews on the La Roche-Posay website, with reviewers calling it the “best wrinkle serum ever!”.
“Noticed smoother skin and less wrinkles in two days!” they satisfied reviewer added.
Another wrote: “I’ve used this product now for two weeks and notice a difference. My light wrinkles under and on the outside of my eye have diminished and look much smoother, finer giving a more youthful look. While not a miracle cure I do think this product along with a balanced skincare routine is excellent.”
Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel, $96 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Great at de-puffing the delicate under eye area and improving the look of dark circles.
What to consider: Some users didn't report a big change to their fine lines and wrinkles.
Formulation: Gel | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 15mL
Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, news.com.au checkout Partnerships Writer
I have previously reviewed Dermalogica’s Awaken Peptide Eye Gel - and I’m still using it and still love it. I’m a long-time user of Dermalogica’s products as I find them effective and reasonably priced. Plus, they offer a variety of skin treatments to try as your skin’s needs change. So now, as a working sleep-deprived mum, I get quite baggy under my eyes, especially in the morning. However, just a small amount of this gentle gel-like eye cream morning and night, depuffs the bags and makes me look a little more fresh and vibrant! Bye bye to dark circles and add this eye cream to your shopping cart.
Dr Naomi Catfish Blurring Eye Cream, $119 at Sephora
Why we love it: This hard-working eye wrinkle cream is vegan and cruelty-free.
What to consider: Some users feel the texture of the formula does not work with the packaging.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 15mL
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
In the last few years I’ve developed fine lines under my eyes and while I know that ageing is normal (and a privilege) it’s something I’ve felt self-conscious about at times, as my makeup now doesn’t sit quite as well as it used to.
Catfish Blurring Eye Cream not only smooths out your fine lines instantly thanks to its balm texture (making it a great under-eye makeup primer), but with consistent use I’ve noticed an improvement in the appearance of my fine lines and wrinkles in general.
The only downside is the price, $119 for 15ml (or $89 for 10ml). It is at the more expensive end, but a little really goes a long way – you really only need the tiniest amount.
It’s also the best performing eye cream for targeting fine lines that I’ve used and I’ve tried a lot. So if it’s a concern of yours and within your budget, I can’t recommend it enough.
BEST ANTI-AGEING CREAMS AND BEST WRINKLE CREAMS FOR THE NIGHT
Why we love it: Packed with an expert combination of glycolic acid and lactic acid to transform the skin.
What to consider: High price point.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: Dry skin | Size: 50mL
What You Need To Know
Looking for a night cream that pairs the benefits of both glycolic acid and lactic acid? Look no further than the Alpha-H After Hours AHA Moisturiser with 5% Glycolic Acid and 2.5% Lactic Acid. This luxe resurfacing night cream is set to transform your skin while you get your beauty sleep.
It's a rich, creamy formula that apart from the glycolic acid and lactic acid, is enriched with squalane and a bunch of skin-loving ceramides to also support your skin's moisture barrier.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream, $32 (down from $55) at Amazon Australia
Why we love it: Great for first time retinol users.
What to consider: Can sometimes be hard to get your hands on.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 48g
What You Need To Know
The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream is formulated with 0.13% pure retinol and hyaluronic acid to fight fine lines, deep wrinkles and dark spots, all while keeping your skin feeling nourished, soft and hydrated. It's ideal for use morning and night and sits at an affordable price point - it's priced just over $50 but you can usually grab it on sale.
Five-star rating Amazon customers have said the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair cream 'actually works" with a "really nice texture" that "absorbs quickly".
Why we love it: Key ingredients include the powerhouse trio of retinol, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to minimise dark spots.
What to consider: May not be ideal for oily skin and combination skin types.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: Most skin types | Size: 50mL
What You Need To Know
If you prefer your skincare routine to be as simple as possible then this retinol cream from L’Oreal will be right up your alley.
Key ingredients include anti-ageing holy grails retinol, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to intensely hydrate the skin, protect your skin's moisture barrier, all while minimising the appearance of dark spots.
Reviewers on the L’Oreal website have said this wrinkle cream provides “instant plumping and hydration”.
“While I use both retinol and niacinamide regularly I’ve never tried a product that contained both those key ingredients – and what a difference it makes in how hydrating it is! I’d definitely recommend this to new users of retinol as the addition of niacinamide really offsets the usual drawbacks and side effects of using retinol,” one shopper advised.
Beauté Pacifique Super 3 Booster Night Cream, $104 at Adore Beauty
Why we love it: Potent night cream that delivers real results.
What to consider: Texture may be too thick and rich for some, especially those with oily skin and combination skin.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: Dry skin | Size: 50mL
What You Need To Know
From cult Danish beauty brand, the Beauté Pacifique Super 3 Booster Night Cream contains two forms of stable vitamin A which target uneven texture and pigmentation, while the addition of squalene helps to hydrate your skin.
It also contains Propolis Cera Water Extract which has natural antimicrobial properties. 100 per cent of Adore Beauty customers who purchased the cream would recommend it, with one five star review describing it as a “fabulous product that does what it says”.
BEST ANTI-AGEING CREAMS AND BEST WRINKLE CREAMS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Evereden Nourishing Baby Face Cream, $58 at Sephora
Why we love it: Specifically formulated for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin.
What to consider: Texture may be too thick for oily skin and combination skin types.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: Sensitive skin and dry skin | Size: 50mL
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
Don’t let the name of this moisturiser fool you – this moisturiser is ideal for those with sensitive skin who are looking to fight signs of ageing. Designed to deeply nourish skin without irritating it, ingredients like sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil and calendula work together to protect your skin barrier and lock in hydration. This moisturiser performs better than other creams twice its price and left my skin feeling calm, hydrated and deeply nourished after applying. It’s ideal if your skin is having a bit of a freakout, you need to protect your skin's moisture barrier or if you need some hydration during the colder months.
Habitual Beauty Nourishing Moisturiser, $100 at Sephora
Why we love it: Packed with ceramides, vitamin E, squalene and niacinamide to restore the skin.
What to consider: High price point.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: Sensitive skin and dry skin | Size: 50mL
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
This moisturiser has to be one of my absolute favourites I’ve tried in the last 18 months. It has a luxe, thick texture and gorgeous natural scent. While thick in texture it absorbs into my skin quickly making it ideal as both a night and day cream. It’s also a great option for women that are pregnant or breastfeeding that need to stay away from retinol but still want something active to help fight signs of ageing. It has ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C and vitamin E to help improve skin texture and tone, while hyaluronic acid, squalene and ceramides help to soothe and hydrate your skin.
AHC Youth Focus Cream, $89 at Myer
Why we love it: The milky gel texture is designed to feel super lightweight and lovely on the skin.
What to consider: High price point for a retinol cream.
Formulation: Gel | Skin types: Sensitive skin and dry skin | Size: 50mL
Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, news.com.au checkout Acting Editor
I am monstrously behind but it’s only in recent months that I’ve jumped on the K-beauty bandwagon and I’m so mad about myself that it’s taken me so long. In general, Korean skincare focuses much more on prevention than “fixing” issues and I am finding the products are gentler on the skin.
I’ve been using this AHC anti-ageing cream for the past month and it’s super gentle and does not irritate the skin at all. The wrinkle cream is fragrance free, has a lovely texture and sinks into the skin nicely. It’s formulated with “pro-retinal 11x” which is AHC’s unique retinal delivery system which helps improves the skin’s moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It’s definitely left my skin feeling fresher and dewier, and I've noticed a reduction in my dark spots.
BEST ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS AND BEST WRINKLE CREAMS FOR 50-YEAR-OLDS AND 60-YEAR-OLDS
When caring for mature aged skin, you need something that's going to treat a host of anti-ageing signs and improve collagen production.
Sarah Hudson, an aesthetic practitioner and clinical educator, noted that this is the time when collagen and volume loss becomes more apparent.
"Look for a moisturiser that contains a blend of key active ingredients that work in synergy to target key concerns.”
So what to look out for? “Retinol to increase collagen production and new cell regeneration; peptides, to reduce wrinkle formation; and vitamins, such as C and E, to give dry skin the protection it needs.”
Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme Moisturiser, $175 at Myer
Why we love it: Also suitable for the delicate neck area.
What to consider: High price point.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types | Size: Multiple sizes available
What You Need To Know
This legacy brand has held a place of honour on many mother’s vanity – no doubt you know of those who swear by Estee Lauder, too, if you aren’t already one such person yet. This facial cream, their Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme Moisturizer, has thousands of shoppers giving it a five star rating.
At the heart of this wrinkle cream’s formula is Moringa Plant extract, rich with calcium, potassium, vitamin C, amino acids and Omega 3, which helps skin optimise its own natural renewal and cellular potential. Estee Lauder refers to it as “one of the most powerful anti-ageing ingredients we’ve ever discovered”.
BEST ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS FOR 40-YEAR-OLDS
Sarah advises, “In your 40s, prioritise ingredients that prevent daily moisture loss and offer protection to the skin cells, such as vitamin E.”
Other ingredients to look out for? “Peptides such as Matrixyl have wrinkle-improving properties; while Retinol helps in reducing the visible look of wrinkles, helping the skin to act like a younger form of itself.”
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream, $135 at Sephora Australia
Why we love it: This is a clinically proven retinol cream.
What to consider: May not be suitable for use in the morning.
Formulation: Cream| Skin types: All skin types | Size: 50mL
What You Need To Know
Should you be looking for a hardworking wrinkle cream that you can leave on while you sleep, this highly-rated Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream is the ideal option for those in their forties. Its Retinol Tri-Active technology boasts a fast-acting retinoid, a time-released Retinol, and a retinol booster, to get the absolute most out of every dab. Lastly, Niacinamide – a popular form of vitamin B, used to treat acne – and Picolinamide strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and softens texture.
A five-star review on the Australian skincare brand’s site, says, “Skin feels so soft and hydrated, and stays hydrated all night. Skin feels firmer and plumper.” It’s no surprise then that 83 per cent of users report noticing firmer and more supple skin in just four weeks.
BEST ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS FOR 30-YEAR-OLDS
“From the age of 30, we start to lose about one per cent of collagen per year,” Sarah says. “Choose ingredients in a moisturiser that help to stimulate collagen production, such as vitamin C. This will also give the added benefit of antioxidant protection against free-radical damage and help prevent future skin ageing – plus, it’s a natural skin brightener.”
The Body Shop vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser, $45 at The Body Shop
Why we love it: Not only is this moisturiser vegan, but it also made from 97 per cent natural origin ingredients.
What to consider: Light fragrance may be annoying for some.
Formulation: Gel | Skin types: All skin types | Size: 50mL
What You Need To Know
The vegan-friendly skincare brand is an excellent option for those who want to craft an ethical and sustainable skincare regimen. Their vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser is crafted from vitamin C-rich camu camu from the Amazonian rainforest, sesame seed oil and aloe leaf juice. There are hundreds of glowing reviews, with this five-star review from a user in her thirties summing it up best – “This moisture is so amazing. Leaves your skin smooth, it’s very light to wear.”
BEST ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS FOR 20-YEAR-OLDS
“At this stage, your oil production starts to normalise,” Sarah reassures. “So, there’s less breakouts and blackheads happening – thank goodness!”
However, people in their twenties need to keep an eye on hydration, and specifically keep an eye out for hyaluronic acid.
“Because your natural oil production starts to diminish, you can also start to experience a bit of dehydration.” Sarah’s advice? “Opt for a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid.”
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA, $22.30 at THE ICONIC
Why we love it: Affordable price point.
What to consider: Some users report it doesn't absorb well into the skin.
Formulation: Cream | Skin types: All skin types, including normal skin types. | Size: 100mL
What You Need To Know
The Ordinary has rightfully earned cult status with beauty lovers, due to its scientific, minimalist approach to skincare, and wallet-friendly price points. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA promises non-greasy hydration, courtesy of the presence of hyaluronic acid and a hydration-supporting formula designed to mimic that naturally found in the skin. Bonus? The Ordinary is an animal-testing-free certified brand, and products are made from vegan materials. Unconvinced? Former Shopping Writer Dani, swears by its wonders.
“Every morning and night I apply a pea-sized amount of The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA after cleansing and applying serums, and it’s been a lifesaver. It’s hydrating without feeling sticky or heavy, and the fact that a little goes a long way combined with a low price tag makes it one that I’ll continue to repurchase again and again for the healthiest, most glowy skin I’ve ever had.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING ANTI-AGEING SKINCARE PRODUCTS
When choosing what anti-ageing creams to include in our list, we evaluated several factors:
Age: Different age groups will require different types of skincare products and ingredients.
Budget: When it comes to skincare, you can find great products at both price points, high and low.
Skin type: To get the best out of your skincare routine, you're going to want to make sure the products you use are meant for your skin type - whether that be oily skin, dry skin, normal skin or combination skin.
Sensitive skin: Some skincare products contain fragrance, which can be irritating for sensitive skin types.
Ethics: Is using a vegan and cruelty-free product important to you?
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of products available, it’s impossible to test every one out there. To help you find the best anti-ageing creams we tested a few well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best anti-ageing skincare from premium to budget to help you find the right one for you. We also spoke to a number of beauty experts: Sarah Hudson, aesthetic practitioner and clinical educator, Dr Naomi McCullum, creator of Dr Naomi Skin, Maria Enna-Cocciolone, founder of O Cosmedics, and Dr Josh Wall, founder of skincare brand Ilumae for their expert advice in all things anti-ageing skincare.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens to our skin as we get older?
“As we age, collagen loss leads to fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin,” Sarah explains. “The loss causes our skin to lose its glow and luminosity, also causing pores to dilate and appear more open.”
“Collagen and elastin fibres that allow the skin to stretch deteriorate, causing skin to sag, and as the skin thins, blood vessels become visible, leading to a flushed red or pink tone on the face.”
“Older skins retain less water, and the natural Hyaluronic Acid found in the skin reduces. This causes skin to become thinner and drier making it more susceptible to irritation and sensitivity.”
What are anti-ageing beauty products and how do they work?
There are two main types of anti-ageing beauty products for at home use: skincare products and devices.
“Devices work in different ways to skincare. For example, LED masks delivers photons to the skin and photoactivates the skin cells enabling them to repair and function more efficiently eg fibroblasts will become more efficient at synthesising collagen,” says Dr Naomi.
“For skincare, each anti-ageing ingredient works in its own way to have an impact on skin ageing,” she says.
Maria notes that a “key focus for anti-ageing skincare is collagen and elastin and supporting the skin’s ability to produce enough of these proteins to reduce both the appearance and onset of fine lines and wrinkles.”
WHAT ARE THE KEY INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS?
According to Sarah, there are some vital ingredients across anti-ageing creams that one should look out for, though formulas will diverge as the skin ages.
“A moisturiser should act as a protective barrier, locking in hydration,” says Sarah. “Barrier-repairing ingredients, such as ceramides, treat underlying dryness; humectants, such as Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid, help to hydrate the surface of the skin.”
For Dr Naomi, her top three ingredients to look out for are “retinol, vitamin C and niacinamide” but adds that “there are many others we love to use in formulations.”
As for Maria, she says vitamin A is a “must for all skin types” – especially for “age prevention, correction, and management”.
“It’s crucial to choose the right type of vitamin A based on your skin health and age,” she says.
AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I START USING ANTI-AGEING BEAUTY PRODUCTS?
“Prevention is key to ageing gracefully. By focusing on maintaining healthy skin and using good quality actives, you can effectively slow down and reduce the signs of ageing,” says Maria. “It’s never too early to start prioritising skin health for a youthful and radiant complexion.”
Dr Naomi notes that some of the best anti-ageing ingredients, like retinol and niacinamide, are also very useful in acne treatment.
“So customers use them from when they are young teens, but for a different purpose,” Dr Naomi says. “For use for anti-ageing, we would recommend waiting until a customer is an adult.”
DO ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS REPLACE THE NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS?
Unfortunately not.
“Think of homecare like your diet,” says Maria. “you can be a regular at the gym and exercise all the time, but results won’t come with a poor diet in between. Similarly with homecare and in-clinic treatments your skin health results will only improve with a combination approach of an active, tailored homecare routine and regular in-clinic treatments guided by a skin expert.”
She says, “This approach is the fastest, best and truthfully only way to meeting your skin goals faster and maintaining them long-term.”
Dr Naomi agrees, recommending people do “at-home care and in-clinic care together”.
“It’s so important to have great at-home care to enhance the results of your in-clinic treatments and vice versa. An exception to this rule might be that doing regular home LEDs may reduce the need for in-clinic LEDs,” she says.
“Both options have different goals, functions and risks. Patients have to choose what’s right for them in each respect. Some patients will choose to only do at-home skincare as they do not want to have more invasive procedures.”
What is wrinkle cream?
According to Dr Josh, a wrinkle cream is one that "contains a retinol or retinal. Without this cell-turnover trigger, you’re not going to be rejuvenating the skin at a cellular level. That needs to happen in order for wrinkles to be treated and not just camouflaged".
Instead of masking their visibility or temporarily reducing their appearance, Josh explains wrinkle creams need to "actively reduce wrinkles". And that's where vitamin A comes in.
There are two types of vitamin A - retinols are the weaker form, and then you can go a step further with retinals, which are the enhanced, faster-acting form of retinol
"Retinal enhances collagen production and increases elasticity and firmness, all of which treats existing wrinkles. It’s a powerful antioxidant, so it protects skin from oxidisation, and it promotes faster cell turnover. Usually a person’s skin cells turnover every 28 days, on average, but retinols speed this up, retinals, even faster," Dr Josh said.
Do wrinkle creams still exist?
Wrinkle cream is a term that's not as commonly used in Australia and Dr Josh said it is "debatable" whether wrinkle creams still exist.
"Are there creams that target wrinkles by stimulating collagen, and decreasing inflammation that leads to aging? Yes... a true wrinkle cream can be preventative, because it can improve not only the skin’s appearance but also the skin quality."
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