A great moisturizer is a vital part of any skincare routine to deliver a healthy, radiant complexion—especially for mature skin, which tends to become drier over time. When choosing the best moisturizer for aging skin, look for formulas with key ingredients that hydrate and help to improve skin elasticity and texture, such as peptides, ceramides and antioxidants like vitamin C and E. These work to seal in hydration while also targeting texture, tone and overall radiance—like our top pick, the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore.
The best moisturizers for aging skin boost hydration while also improving texture, tone and overall … [+] radiance.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailers
Before making a purchase, consider your skin type, budget and any personal skin concerns. For instance, if you have sensitive skin, it’s a good idea to avoid creams that contain alcohol, fragrance or parabens, as they can cause dryness or irritation. Ahead, find our top picks for the best moisturizers for aging skin, along with additional skincare tips from dermatologists.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Asmi Sanghvi recommends this moisturizer for its ability to address various signs of aging on multiple levels. The emollient cream is packed with essential lipids, including ceramides, natural cholesterol and fatty acids, to help restore skin elasticity and hydration. Vitamin E helps in cell repair and protects against environmental damage, and essential oils add an antioxidant boost to defend against free radical damage. The paraben-, alcohol-, fragrance- and dye-free cream is also safe for all skin types.
Fragrance-free and gentle on all skin types, this moisturizing cream is designed to restore the skin barrier. It delivers a trio of essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid using slow-release technology to hydrate skin all day, and it works as well on the face as it does the body and hands. The fast absorbing cream is allergy-tested, free of parabens and has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, so it’s gentle for sensitive skin types, too.
A potent blend of active ingredients makes this ultra-nourishing cream a great choice for dry, aging skin. Purslane extract lends anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and moisturizing benefits that work both superficially and deep within skin cells to visibly firm skin. The moisturizer also has skullcap to brighten and soothe, as well as a blend of oils and butters to hydrate.
The versatile cream is ideal as a restorative night cream but works well for daytime use, too. While it does have a thick, indulgent texture, the formula feels surprisingly light on the skin and quick to absorb. It’s admittedly a splurge, but reviewers say a little goes a long way—so the jar should last for quite a while.
It’s ideal to look for a daytime moisturizer with SPF to protect skin from further damage, and this moisturizer from Dermalogica delivers. The multitasking formula defends against UVA and UVB rays without feeling heavy or sticky. It also has a potent polypeptide blend, squalane and white tea extract to promote elasticity, firmness and long-lasting hydration. Best of all, it blends smoothly into the skin and works well under makeup.
Best Moisturizer For Sensitive, Aging Skin
Intensely Moisturizing And Clinically Tested For Sensitive Skin
Amazon
La Roche-Posay Substiane Riche
Key ingredients: Pro-Xylane, glycerin, shea butter, silica, dimethicone, prebiotic thermal spring water | Skin type: Normal, dry, combination, sensitive, oily | Size: 1.35 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $44
This intensive moisturizing cream not only helps skin look and feel firmer, but it also boosts radiance and evens tone. Glycerin and shea butter help hydrate and soothe, while selenium-rich thermal spring water sourced in France offers a dose of antioxidants. Pro-Xylane, a sugar-protein hybrid, supports collagen production and strengthens the skin barrier. The paraben-free formula is allergy- and dermatologist-tested and suitable for sensitive skin.
Best Moisturizer For Dry, Aging Skin
A Nourishing Balm For Firmer, More Radiant Skin
Amazon
Avène Retrinal Ceramide
Key ingredients: Bakuchiol, niacinamide, ceramide complex, Avène thermal spring water | Skin type: Dry, sensitive | Size: 1.3 ounces | Price per fluid ounce: $58
Formulated to firm and smooth skin, this rich balm is infused with niacinamide and an essential ceramide complex to intensely hydrate and support a healthy skin barrier. Bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to retinol, helps minimize the appearance of fine lines, while the brand’s own thermal spring water soothes, softens and calms the skin—making it an ideal combination for dry, mature skin.
Best Firming Treatment For Aging Skin
A Scientifically Proven Peptide For Younger-Looking Skin
This lightweight and non-irritating daily moisturizer has a proprietary signal peptide that’s scientifically proven to reverse skin aging at the molecular level, according to the brand. Dr. Joely Kaufman, a board-certified dermatologist and advisor to the brand, says that signal peptides are more tolerable, making them a good choice for those with sensitive or reactive skin. The moisturizer pairs the ingredient with six other active ingredients, including three sizes of hyaluronic acid to target and hydrate multiple layers of skin. It’s also fragrance-free and safe to use on all skin types.
This silky moisturizer features ingredients you might not find on other product labels, starting with eight different mushroom extracts that lend brightening, hydrating and antioxidant properties. On top of that, polyglutamic acid, or PGA, forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss and absorbs slowly into the skin for a bouncy glow, while GABA, a naturally occurring neuropeptide, reduces the appearance of fine lines and improves skin elasticity. Reviewers say it goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated all day.
To write this story, Timmons also gathered key insight and guidance from four industry experts: Heather Hickman, a licensed skin therapist and vice president of education at Dermalogica and the International Dermal Institute; Dr. Asmi Sanghvi, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City; Dr. Joely Kaufman, a board-certified dermatologist in South Florida; and Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
How We Chose The Best Moisturizers For Aging Skin
To determine the best moisturizers for mature skin, we considered the wide array of top moisturizers for this skin type and then narrowed them down based on a few factors.
We first took into account each product’s active ingredients that strengthen the skin barrier and address specific concerns, like fine lines, wrinkles and dullness.
We then made sure to include options with different consistencies, goals and features to suit every preference. We also factored in prices to allow for wider accessibility.
In addition to our insight, our experts shared recommendations based on their own experiences. We also examined customer reviews for standout product traits and real-world insights to finalize our list.
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