Best Wrinkle Cream for 2023

Skincare routines are different for everyone. Part of the fun is finding what works for you and discovering new products. (Hello, subscription boxes!) But sometimes, finding the perfect products for your skin can feel overwhelming. Even when just looking at anti-aging skincare routines, so many fantastic options exist, including serums and wrinkle creams. 

You might be wondering just how to choose the right anti-aging cream for you with so many tempting choices. A few factors go into picking the best ones for your skin, but we’re here to help. We’ve compiled this list of best wrinkle creams to help you decide.

Best wrinkle cream overview:

• Best overall: Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
• Best splurge: La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizer
• Best for deep wrinkles: Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Serum
• Best firming: REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Cream
• Best drugstore: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream
• Best for eyes: Olay Collagen Peptide 24 Eye Cream
• Best brightening: Glowbiotics Probiotic Skincare Probiotic Multi-Brightening Anti-Aging Cream
• Best for nighttime: PCA Skin Intensive Age Refining Treatment
• Best for the neck: Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream
• Best moisturizing: Paula’s Choice Resist Intensive Repair Cream
• Best for sensitive skin: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream
• Best with SPF: CeraVe Skin Renewing Day Cream

How we chose the best wrinkle cream

To compile this list, we researched manufacturer specifications, including ingredients, skin type, and more, to create a short list of the top wrinkle creams. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best wrinkle cream for each category.

Our picks for the best wrinkle cream

Overall, our pick for the best wrinkle cream goes to Drunk Elephant. The brand’s A-Passioni Retinol Cream contains 1% retinol along with peptides for powerful wrinkle-fighting benefits. You’ll also notice more resilient, even-textured, and brighter skin thanks to these key ingredients. The cream also moisturizes because of its vitamin F and blend of oils like jojoba oil. 

This product’s price is much lower than many other anti-aging wrinkle creams, making it more affordable for many. And it packs in a ton of benefits for the price. Note that if you’re new to retinol, it’s best to slowly introduce this product into your routine, then build up as needed for daily use.

Skin type: Normal, combination, dry, oily | Main ingredients: Retinol, peptides | Application: Once a day, morning or night | Size: 1 oz

Though this anti-aging cream is definitely a splurge, its many benefits are worth it. It’s best for people with dry skin because of the brand’s ultra-nourishing Miracle Broth — a mixture of vitamins, minerals, and lime tea ingredients. You’ll notice softer and smoother skin, and you can even count on it to reduce redness. 

You’ll want to apply this cream twice per day, which will use up the product quickly. But since it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving dry skin, so we can confidently say it’s a worthwhile splurge.

Skin type: Dry | Main ingredients: Miracle Broth, lime tea | Application: Twice a day, morning and night | Size: 2 oz

This anti-aging pick offers plenty of benefits, all for a reasonable price. It’s a lightweight option and contains retinol to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on both the face and neck. While it can take up to 12 weeks to see results, we think it’s worth the wait. 

In addition to a decrease in wrinkles, you’ll also notice firmer skin that looks and feels hydrated. Keep in mind you should apply this product twice per day, so you may go through it fairly quickly.

Skin type: Normal, combination, dry | Main ingredients: Retinol | Application: Twice a day, morning and night | Size: 1 oz

This brand’s anti-aging cream fights fine lines using a plant-based retinol alternative. It also brings in red algae extract to provide a lifting effect. The cream firms the skin while fighting against free radicals and the damage they can cause. 

The price is higher than some other anti-wrinkle creams, we love that those with sensitive skin can use it without worrying about excessive irritation. Be patient while using this REN product, as it can take up to 28 days to see results.

Skin type: Unlisted | Main ingredients: Red microalgae, Bidens Pilosa (retinol alternative) | Application: Twice a day, morning and night | Size: 1.7 oz

Neutrogena is a brand available at most local stores, so it’s our pick for the best drugstore wrinkle cream. It contains retinol to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots, and the added hyaluronic acid provides moisturizing effects. 

Some reviewers mentioned that the strong formula irritated their skin, so use caution if you have highly sensitive skin. Also note that because the product contains retinol, you may need to ease into using it.

Skin type: Unlisted | Main ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Application: Twice a day, morning and night | Size: 1.7 oz

When it comes to anti-aging, don’t forget about your eyes. Olay’s anti-wrinkle cream is specifically made to minimize fine lines around your peepers while reducing puffiness and dark circles. Plus, you’ll get a full day and night of moisture.

However, the price is a little high for such a small container, and some people noted the formula made their eyes sting. That said, it’s fragrance-free, which minimizes potential irritation, so just use it cautiously to see how your skin reacts.

Skin type: Unlisted | Main ingredients: Collagen peptide, vitamin B3 | Application: Twice a day, morning and night | Size: 0.5 oz

Probiotics aren’t just good for your gut — they also help reduce inflammation while strengthening your skin. Though it’s on the expensive side, this cream offers plenty of hydration along with brightening power for dark spots. 

This product is best for people with dry to normal skin types, so you probably won’t want to reach for it if you have oily or sensitive skin. 

Skin type: Dry and normal | Main ingredients: Caffeine, probiotics, peptides, vitamin E, Actiwhite | Application: Twice a day, morning and night | Size: 1.7 oz

Applying a retinol that works on fine lines is even easier when you just leave it on overnight and let it work its magic. This formula is specifically formulated to absorb deep into your skin to maximize its anti-aging benefits. 

Beyond anti-aging, the cream reduces redness and gives you stronger skin that’s firmer and more even in tone. It’s rather expensive for a small tube, though it makes sense considering the powerhouse ingredients it contains. Take note it’s also scented, which may bother some users.

Skin type: Normal | Main ingredients: Retinol, niacinamide, orange stem cell extract, myristoyl nonapeptide-3 | Application: Once a day at night | Size: 1 oz

Give your neck a little extra attention with Neostrata’s anti-aging cream. It reduces signs of aging by helping the skin look firmer and more toned. The formula is also non-greasy, making it easier to get dressed right after applying — perfect for those days you snoozed your alarm one too many times. 

Keep in mind that if you have sensitive skin, you may want to test out a small amount first to make sure it doesn’t cause irritation. Other than that, it’s formulated for skin types that are dry, oily, or normal, so it’s a great option for a wide range of people. 

Skin type: Normal, dry, oily | Main ingredients: NeoGlucosamine, NeoCitriate, pro-amino acid | Application: Twice a day, morning and night | Size: 2.8 oz

Those with dry skin will want to reach for this highly moisturizing cream. It contains retinol to soften the look of wrinkles, while hyaluronic acid gives your skin a splash of hydration. 

The deeply moisturizing cream may feel overly heavy for some, and it could contribute to skin redness or irritation. Build up to using it twice a day, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Skin type: Dry | Main ingredients: Retinol, hyaluronic acid | Application: Once a day at night | Size: 1.7 oz

First Aid Beauty claims this anti-aging cream is safe for those with sensitive skin —it’s free of synthetic fragrances. It contains colloidal oatmeal to soothe the skin. It also promotes a softer facial texture, thanks to niacinamide and collagen. 

Meanwhile, peptides offer a smoother look that can reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Although some people don’t like to dip their fingers into the jar to get the product out, it’s much easier to use every last drop. 

Skin type: Dry, normal, combination | Main ingredients: Collagen, peptides, niacinamide, colloidal oatmeal | Application: Twice a day, morning and night | Size: 1.7 oz

Staying safe in the sun is important, and this wrinkle cream makes it easy. With built-in SPF 30, it’s both a moisturizing and anti-aging cream that contains encapsulated retinol. This two-in-one product is ideal for those on the go, as it can save you an extra step in your skincare routine. 

One potential drawback is that you’ll need to reapply it every two hours for sun protection. This can work well if you aren’t worried about smudging your makeup, like during a day at the beach or when running errands.

Skin type: Dry, normal, combination | Main ingredients: Octinoxate, zinc oxide, retinol | Application: Every 2 hours throughout the day | Size: 1.7 oz

The bottom line on fine lines

There are so many wrinkle creams out there with multiple benefits. Overall, our pick for the best wrinkle cream is the Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream. It’s a relatively affordable option that contains retinol to tackle fine lines while moisturizing and smoothing out your skin’s texture. 

How to pick the right wrinkle cream for you

Be sure to consider your skin type and your routine preferences when choosing the best wrinkle cream. You’ll also want to look into the ingredients and the benefits you can expect from a product.

Ingredients

Several ingredients are used in anti-wrinkle creams. For example, retinoids are a common ingredient that can heal sun damage while cutting back on wrinkles. Peptides are another helpful ingredient because they prompt your body to produce collagen, and they can help even out your skin’s texture. 

You may also see niacinamide, which is a form of B vitamin, in wrinkle creams. It helps your skin stay hydrated and could even increase elasticity. And you may have heard of alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, which whisk away dead skin and promote new skin cells. 

Skin type

Make sure you take your skin type into account when selecting an anti-wrinkle cream. If your skin tends to be oily, look for a cream that is designed for oily skin. On the flip side, dry skin requires extra hydration, so you might want a product with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid.

If you have sensitive skin or react to certain ingredients, it’s important to avoid products that could cause damage or irritation. Some products are hypoallergenic, which would be best for those with sensitivities or allergies to cosmetic ingredients. 

Skincare routine

In addition, you’ll want to consider how a product will fit into your skincare routine. Some anti-aging creams should be used just once daily, while others may need to be reapplied throughout the day. 

You’ll also want to look at what time of day you should apply the cream, as some products work best at night while others are meant for daytime use. Make sure an anti-wrinkle cream fits into your preferred skincare routine. That way, it’ll be easier for you to stick with it and see results.

FAQs

What’s the best wrinkle cream? 

The best wrinkle cream for you will depend on your skin’s specific needs. Overall, we like Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream because it moisturizes while fighting signs of aging.

What’s the best treatment for deep wrinkles on the face?

One of the most effective ingredients for deep wrinkles is retinol. Prescription retinol will be the most powerful, but you’ll still see benefits from drugstore anti-aging creams that contain retinol.

Is there a cream as good as Botox?

Wrinkle creams can actually work better for “static wrinkles,” which emerge due to aging. Botox, on the other hand, treats “dynamic wrinkles,” which appear when you smile or squint.