11 Derm-Approved Anti-Aging Products Byrdie Editors in Their 20s, 30s, and 40s Buy on Repeat (2024)

TL;DR

We suggest using a trio of products that prevent, hydrate, and effectively treat signs of aging. Prevention products such as a good SPF and potent antioxidant serums containing vitamin C or E (like SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic) help protect skin from environmental stressors. Hydration, specifically in the form of nourishing creams with ceramides (like CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion), helps keep skin looking plump and youthful. And finally, retinol products (like Shani Darden's Retinol Reform) can effectively treat fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

Our Top Picks

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

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." Keep in mind that if the rest of your skincare routine contains harsh acids, this cleanser might be too much.

Benefits: Exfoliates, improves skin tone and texture | Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, AHA, apple fruit extract | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Dermatologists agree that retinol smooths fine lines and wrinkles and serums tend to be more powerful (aka fast-acting) than creams. This hydrating pick from Shani Darden, ranked one of our best retinol serums for exfoliation, uses 2.2% encapsulated retinol to deliver effective anti-aging results without the irritation caused by many other retinol products. It also contains lactic acid, which helps illuminate and smooth skin (aka you get long-term and immediate results). 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.

Benefits: Exfoliates, improves skin tone and texture | Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, vitamin E, ferulic acid | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

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. It also helps protect the skin from environmental stressors, such as pollution

Haley 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. Vitamin C is a volatile ingredient and can oxidize fast, so we recommend keeping the bottle tightly sealed as much as possible.

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

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.

It's 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: Protects skin from UVA and UVB rays | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We can preach the benefits of sunscreen until we’re blue in the face, but we’ll let you hear it straight from a 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 due to it potentially not being reef-safe, but is otherwise legal worldwide.

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

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

A night cream is always a good idea for reducing signs of aging since it works while you sleep. This anti-aging face cream from L'Oréal Paris is designed for those 55 and older (there are variations for those 35+ and 45+) but anyone serious about their anti-aging routine can stock up on the drugstore favorite. Loaded with calcium B5 and glycerin, the formula can firm up sagging skin, improve skin texture, and promote a youthful glow. Slather this cream on 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—she just really loves how soft her skin feels and how smooth it looks after use. At between $10 and $15, 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.

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

There’s no need to shell out big bucks on a facial moisturizer—look for one that’s fairly simple, like this one from CeraVe. We recommend it for sensitive skin types as it's made with super gentle ingredients that shouldn't cause any irritation even if you use it daily. “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 it hydrated. Some say it can pill under makeup, so we suggest letting it soak into your skin before layering makeup on top.

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

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 in the skin and body. It's a humectant—meaning it has an incredible ability to attract moisture and hold it in the skin—and it can retain up to 1000 times its weight in water, making it an ideal part of any anti-aging skincare routine.

This serum from Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare features hyaluronic acid in a professional strength formula that helps seal moisture into the skin for firmer, smoother, and softer results. Since dryness can cause skin to look more aged than it actually is, 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: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

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 which hydrates and offers antioxidant protection to help counteract the damage caused by free radicals.

Formulated with a brand-patented technology, the fast-penetrating serum 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.

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

Skincare products take time to work their magic, especially if you're using them to target wrinkles and sagging skin. However, there is one product that works in minutes (although temporarily)—Peter Thomas Roth's viral Instant FirmX Temporary Eye Tightener. 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. 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, and firm the look of under-eye bags and wrinkles.

Benefits: Smooths, illuminates | Key Ingredients: Lotus flower extract, red algae, lotus seeds | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This multi-benefit mask from Fresh smooths, hydrates, and imparts a natural dewy glow to skin of all ages in just five minutes. It's perfect if you have dull, textured skin and are looking for a quick fix. Designed with a superstar blend of kombu seaweed, red algae, and lotus seed powder, it gently buffs and refines the skin while keeping it hydrated. It is fragranced and has exfoliating beads though, so if you have sensitive skin, you may want to steer clear of this one.

FAQ

• At what age should I start using anti-aging skincare products?

  Once you’ve hit adulthood, it’s never too early to start using 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. At a younger age, you can focus more on moisturizing properly and using sun protection versus using ingredients designed to minimize fine lines since you likely won’t have many yet.

• What's the most effective way to mitigate 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."