These Moisturizers for Mature Skin Are Basically an IRL Fountain of Youth

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I'm on the cusp of being firmly in my mid-30s, and I've got the sun damage to prove it. The silver lining here is that I'm my own best guinea pig in my hunt for the best moisturizers for mature skin, since my face—which was firmly combination and acne-prone—is now also playing host all to the dark spots, wrinkles, and fine lines that come with time and experience, too. (Even so, please let the record show that being in your 30s is awesome, and there's no way in hell I'd go back to being 24, tyvm!)

In my defense, much of it wasn't preventable, since skin goes through a lot of ch-ch-changes over time. "Collagen levels drop significantly, ceramide levels start to trend downward, and hormones fluctuate, to name a few," says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Toronto, Canada. "This combo of factors leaves skin thinner, drier, and more prone to fine lines, wrinkles, laxity, and irritation."

So really, searching for—and using—a good moisturizer for your age isn't just a matter of turning back the clock on your skin (which, while nice, does not exactly align with reality). Instead, it's more about supporting your skin as it undergoes these totally natural, normal changes, allowing it to remain radiant, supple, and healthy through the years. Time ain't got nothing on that.

With that in mind, I went through my own stash and talked to dermatologists to find out what actually works to deliver the results that'll keep your skin on point from now until forever. Scroll on to get the scoop.

A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced Anti-Wrinkle Cream

I had to give my retinoids and injectables a kiss and say goodnight while I was pregnant, so I turned to this formula to keep the lines on my forehead from getting deeper in the meantime. And wow, did it deliver: It targets the process of glycation, in which sugars in the body make your collagen and elastin fibers brittle and weak, thus destroying them—and leaving skin crepe-y and wrinkled in the process. It really did seem to slow the formation of the wrinkles and hydrated my skin, all without causing a breakout.

• Key Ingredients: Proxylane, flavonoids, glycyrrhetinic acid

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "I have been using the A.G.E. Interrupter for a while. I switched to the A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced & absolutely LOVE it! My skin feels so soft & supple. A little goes a long way."

Extreme Cream Firming & Lifting Refillable Moisturizer

I freaking love this formula, which is basically a who's who of anti-aging ingredients. It contains peptides that help lift lax, sagging skin as well as ceramides to fortify the skin barrier. It also has a bio-retinol, which is actually a plant-derived retinol alternative that increases skin's thickness over time. It all comes packaged in a "reverse" emulsion, in which water droplets are suspended in oil to give skin a glow. (That said, it doesn't feel too heavy or greasy for my naturally oily skin.)

• Key Ingredients: Squalane, peptides, ceramides

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "This has a really nice texture. It’s thicker than most products. It’s very hydrating and plumping. I like the bottle a lot. It’s very good quality. Great price for such a nice product."

Smoothing Vitamin C Eye + Expression Lines Cream

Fine, you caught me—this is *technically* an eye cream. But you can actually use it wherever you need it, like around the mouth (shoutout to my laugh lines) as well as around the eyes. It uses a super-gentle form of vitamin C, which helps spur collagen production, along with the brand's signature, plant-based hyaluronic-acid alternative. It's basically kryptonite to my lines rn.

• Key ingredients: Irish moss, vitamin C, centella asiatica

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "I love this product because it has instant benefits in addition to long term. I missed the memo on the instant blurring effect and was happily surprised to see my smile lines look softened after applying."

Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer

If you're new to peptides, here's a quick 101: These little chains of amino acids work as communicators between cells. In the skin, they basically send messages to increase hydration, amp up collagen production, and inhibit muscle movement. That's the case with the peptide blend in this cream, which smoothes expression lines via two neuropeptides that relax wrinkles.

• Key Ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, glucosamine

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "I've been using Beauty Stat Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer for at least a month now. I have noticed some relaxing of my forehead lines and crows feet. It's hydrating and moisturizing for day and night time. It works well under my makeup and the scent is nice, not too strong."

Rejuvenating Day Cream

Designed to counteract the effects of menopause on skin (see: dryness, crepiness, and deep wrinkles), this cream uses a ~secret~ blend of edelweiss, blue gentian, and centella asiatica. (By secret, I mean they're proprietary and patent-pending—so you can only find them here.) They help support skin's natural repair process for skin that looks bouncy and firm over time—but feels softer on the spot.

• Key Ingredients: Blue gentian, edelweiss, centella asiatica

• Fragrance-free? No

Glowing customer review: "Lovely consistency (dense, but not cloying, easily absorbed), the lightest scent, wonderful for extremely sensitive skin."

Moisturizing Renewal Cream Suprême Nightly Retexturizer

Kind of like your one-and-done, this formula not only moisturizes, but it ~also~ resurfaces skin while you sleep with glycolic acid. (Word from the wise: Maybe skip the retinol when you're using this one.) Still, I've loved using it in my routine since it softens my lines while addressing my hyperpigmentation—a win-win in my book. That skin-firming ability comes from the brand's bio-renewal peptide, which mimics the skin's renewal process to speed up wound healing and minimize signs of aging.

• Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, peptides, shea butter

• Fragrance-free? No

Glowing customer review: "It's really expensive but it's worth every penny! I've already gotten two other friends hooked on this cream. It lasts a long time - months! You don't have to use very much because it's very high quality and concentrated. I used to have super dry flaky skin and this product has completely changed it practically over night. I started seeing results after 2 days of use. My skin is noticeably smoother and has a vibrant glow to it. My husband even noticed! I've gotten a lot of compliments on my skin. It goes really well with their glycolic peel, which I use once a week. Would highly recommend!"

Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

For a moisturizer with "nourishing" in its name, this is super-lightweight—enough not to break me out no matter how much I slather on. (That said, the brand also makes one of my favorite moisturizers for oily skin—just saying.) What sets it apart for signs of aging: Not only does it encourage production of new elastin and collagen, but it *also* clears out the old, damaged stuff—leaving skin firm, bouncy, and looking roughly five years younger.

• Key Ingredients: Peptides, linoleic acid, vitamin E

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "This is the best moisturizer I’ve ever used. My skin feels and looks great since I’ve been using it. It’s a little expensive but you only need to use a little bit so it lasts a long time. Now that I’ve been using this, I won’t use anything else."

AlphaRet Overnight Cream

While this isn't technically a moisturizer, it's perf for my oily skin, which is prone to breakouts. New York City board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, MD is also a fan, since it's jam-packed with retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, and (to keep your skin from freaking out) moisturizers like ceramides and squalane.

I basically doused myself in it as soon as I had my baby in order to make my skin similarly baby-like. I appreciate that the retinoid is so gentle that I didn't even need an acclimation period, and it's nourishing enough that I don't need a separate moisturizer in the summer months.

• Key Ingredients: Retinoid, lactic acid, peptides

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "This is seriously left my skin clear and glowing! Just started using medical grade products and this is pricey but beyond worth it! My texture has disappeared after just 2 uses!"

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

Dr. Yadav often recommends this moisturizer to her more mature patients. "It contains three forms of lipids—ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol—to help strengthen the skin barrier and promote nourished skin, leaving it looking smoother, firmer, and more radiant," she says. Sounds good! Sign me up!

• Key Ingredients: Ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "Yes, it's pricey.. but it really works! After eyeing this cream I took the plunge and have never looked back. My face feels hydrated, healthy and luminous. I feel like it has healed my skin barrier - the big buzz word now- but yes, it does that too. I will definitely repurchase."

Moisturizing Cream

While it's not billed as an anti-aging cream, this moisturizer still does the trick for aging skin, according to New Orleans-based board-certified dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD. "It features an incredibly hydrating formula for dry skin with ceramides and hyaluronic acid at an affordable price point," she says. Plus, you can slather it on from head to toe.

• Key Ingredients: Ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "Lots of creams and lotions can add moisture to your skin but this one is truly a wonder in terms of adding moisture that lasts. As a person with 'more mature' skin I can absolutely speak to the benefit it has provided. I don't have to reapply the product every couple of hours - it leaves my skin softer, smoother, and more hydrated for the whole day. I love the fact that it is fragrance free as it does not compete with or clash with my perfume. All in all I believe this is an exceptional product that does what it says - hooray!"

SmartSkincare Creme de la Copper Moisturizing Cream

Dr. Lupo is a fan of this formula, as "it will go the distance to do actual repair in addition to hydrating." She points to its formulation with the brand's DNA cofactor technology as proof; it can identify and wipe out oxidative stressors in the skin, which is what contributes to collagen and elastin degradation. Translation: It gives your skin a ton of good stuff and clears out the rest.

• Key Ingredients: Coppper peptides, ceramides, mitosomes

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "I've used this for years and everyone thinks I'm a lot younger than I am and I owe all to this wonderful product!!"

Intellishade TruPhysical SPF 45

SPF is a non-negotiable if you want to keep your results going—so it should be part of your regimen forevs, says Dr. Nazarian. She points to this tinted SPF as her favorite, since it has a relatively high mineral SPF, peptides, and a tint that allows it to blend in easily, especially if you have a deeper skin tone.

• Key Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin C, squalane

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "I absolutely love this product. I had used the Intellishade for a number of years, but after trying the Intellishade TruPhysical I was sold on it!!! Blends perfectly into my skin and really helps to keep it hydrated and minimize fine lines. I recommend it to all of my friends."

Rapid Wrinkle Regenerating Face Cream

Neutrogena has a killer lineup of moisturizers for aging skin, according to Dr. Nazarian—especially if you're in the market for retinoids. This moisturizer pairs retinol (duh) with hyaluronic acid, which helps offset any dryness or irritation. Just make sure you use SPF in the AM, since retinol leaves skin more sensitive to sunlight.

• Key Ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "I am so impressed by how this cream has lightened the several dark spots that emerged on my face with age! I also like the feel of the cream and lack of fragrance. Great product. I'm all in. Now I'm giving it more time to see if it can also lighten the shadows under my eyes. So far it's hard to tell."

Moisturizing Skin Cream

Philadelphia board-certified dermatologist Nazanin Saedi, MD, swears by this rich, creamy moisturizer. "It’s thick, but won’t clog your pores," she says, adding that it doesn't feel greasy, sinks in quickly, and is formulated for the most sensitive skin types. For that reason, "it’s a great choice for dry, sensitive skin and will help seal in any treatments or serums that come before it," she says.

• Key Ingredients: Petrolatum

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "My mom told me about this lotion after it was recommended by her dermatologist. This is the best lotion I have ever used. It moisturizes and hydrates without feeling oily. I can use it in the morning and my skin still feels soft and hydrated later that night. And I love that it has a twist off lid to get the rest of the lotion out when the pump can’t get any more. It’s a must buy!!"

Night Cream

This formula is designed for skin lacking estrogen, which happens during menopause—and leaves it dry and lax. "It includes Empelle’s MEP Technology, formulated with snail mucin, to help restore and hydrate the skin," says Dr. Saedi, whose mother swears by it, too. "It also includes an anti-aging blend of retinol, niacinamide and peptides that will help boost collagen production and give you a brighter glow."

• Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, methyl estradiolpropanoate, grape seed oil

• Fragrance-free? Yes

Glowing customer review: "This is my hands down absolutely top of the top night cream holy grail desert island product. If I had to eliminate everything in my drawer and go down to one product at night this would be the one, for me its Vitamin C and sunscreen in the AM and retin A and this Emepelle cream at night and that just worth more than gold to me. If you are at all interested in this product it is worth your money. I had some irritation in the beginning for about a week but I pushed through and my skin just does not feel the same without it, really adds a kind of bounce and hydration I do not get with any other product including prescription skin care and what I get through my dermatologist. And Skin Store has the best deals I have found anywhere and I only purchase from Skin Store for any of the lines they carry."

Miracle Moisture 777 Ampoules

Like a bootcamp for my skin, this has a week's worth of secret sauce to deeply nourish skin. (Ohui, for the uninitiated, is a major brand in Korea that only just made its way to the US—so you can trust the tech.) It was perf for my skin in the dead of winter, effectively bringing it back to life over the course of seven days with a combination of ceramides, peptides, and peony extract, which has anti-inflammatory properties.

• Key Ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, peony extract

• Fragrance-free? No

Glowing customer review: 'The OHUI Miracle Moisture ampoule is a super luxurious, daily serum for your skin/face. The product comes in a pretty cool package, which are seven glass vials, with separate applicators, and each bottle is marked with the daily amount. Each bottle is intended to last for one week. The serum goes in very easily and absorbs into the skin quickly. After using this for a few days, I visibly noticed my face looking "healthier" in pictures, a little more even. I didn't have any adverse reactions to this serum."

Why is moisturizer so important for mature skin?

For one, your skin starts slowing down its production of hyaluronic acid and ceramides. (That's nature for you.) This leaves skin dry and even prone to inflammation, which can in turn make signs of aging even worse—trapping your skin in a not-so-fun cycle. Moisturizer can help keep that from happening.

"A good moisturizer will help reinforce the skin barrier, which both prevents transepidermal water loss and irritation caused by external factors that can trigger inflammation and skin damage, ultimately making skin more resilient," says Dr. Yadav.

FYI: Not only does your skin's production of key hydrators tank over time, but your hormones can do a number on skin, too. "Changing hormones during perimenopause and menopause also change the skin, leaving it noticeably drier and duller," says Dr. Saedi. "Moisturizers will be essential to helping your skin appear plumper and fully hydrated."

What else should you use in a skincare routine for aging skin?

In addition to moisturizer, Dr. Saedi recommends using a gentle cleanser, a vitamin C serum, and sunscreen. If you don't have a retinoid in your moisturizer, incorporate a separate one into your routine. "Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight off free-radical damage, retinoids promote cell turnover and help to boost collagen production, and sunscreen will protect your skin from sun damage," she explains.

Ultimately, "it's key to integrate ingredients that protect the skin from further damage and build up its collagen reserves," says Dr. Yadav. These do just that.

What to look for in a moisturizer for mature skin

Look for active ingredients

Vitamin C and retinoid are two home-run ingredients, but the moisturizing agents count, too. For instance, "lipids like ceramides, cholesterol, and squalane are essential for building up the 'mortar' between the 'bricks' of the skin cells in the skin barrier," says Dr. Yadav.

Consider the texture

Even though your skin is mature, you still might be dealing with excess oil (which can get worse during menopause), breakouts (still!), or extra sensitivity. For that reason, you'll want to take the formulation into account, going with a lightweight, non-comedogenic option if you're prone to adult acne and sticking with a rich, thick cream if you know your skin gets super-dry.

Meet the Experts:

• Geeta Yadav, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Facet Dermatology in Toronto, Canada.

• Mary Lupo, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New Orleans, LA.

• Nazanin Saedi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia, PA.

• Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist who practices in New York, NY.

Why Trust 'Cosmopolitan':

Deanna Pai is the interim deputy beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with more than 12 years of experience covering skincare, makeup, and beyond. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is, selfishly, an expert in moisturizers for mature skin. When she's not testing skincare formulas, she's chatting up top dermatologists to learn about everything new and innovative.

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