Derms Say These Moisturizers for Mature Skin Address Signs of Aging (2024)

“This product checks a lot of boxes and can be used by people with various skin types and concerns,” says Ashley McGuinness, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Chesterfield, MO. She loves its lightweight texture that also works great for sensitive skin. “It contains ceramides for moisturization,” adds Debra Jaliman, M.D., a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. “It also has niacinamide for brightening.” Plus, with both SPF and non-SPF formulations available, this moisturizer can be a nighttime or daytime staple.

What reviewers say: “ What I appreciate most about this moisturizer is its versatility. Despite its rich, hydrating properties, it’s surprisingly lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin, making it suitable for morning and evening use,” said one shopper. “Overall, it has earned its place as a staple in my skincare arsenal. Its nourishing formula, coupled with its suitability for all skin types, makes it a standout product.”

This luxury cream packs powerful ingredients that address the signs of aging, including hepes, which, according to the brand, activates natural enzymes to promote even cell turnover while hydrating. It also boasts niacinamide, concentrated proxylanetm, which works helps support skin’s integrity and tackle visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

What reviewers say: I have always had oily skin but now in my late 40’s I find my skin doesn’t retain moisture like it used to. I have never bought a product that I felt actually changed the appearance of my skin so dramatically. Firstly, I agree with other reviewers that it is a bit tacky, but living in a dry climate this is the only moisturizer that keeps me continuously hydrated without breaking me out or drying out. When I wake up my skin feels soft and supple and the overall tone and texture is greatly improved...I absolutely love this moisturizer and will continue to use it!”

“This cream contains a blend of both high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and superficial plumping,” says Dr. Zeichner. “The fragrance-free formula also contains licorice root and soybean extract to support the skin’s own hyaluronic acid production.” It’s also non-comedogenic, making it suitable for acne-prone skin. Deputy Editor Emily Goldman alternates it with her retinol evenings as a gentle, super-hydrating moisturizer. “It’s great for my sensitive skin and a little goes a long way—it’s very creamy and thick but doesn’t feel like it clogs my pores,” she says.

What reviewers say: “After using this product I got my skin elasticity back! And all of my blemishes either got dramatically better or completely went away,” said one shopper. “The product is thick but goes on lightweight and absorbs nicely into the skin overnight, still leaving you feeling hydrated in the morning.”

Dr. Jaliman’s pick for dry skin types, this cream “contains glycerin and squalane for ultra hydration. It also contains apricot kernel oil as well as olive fruit oil and other oils so it’s super hydrating.” Despite so many hydrating ingredients, its formula is lightweight and fast-absorbing for 24-hour moisture. Not to mention it comes in a variety of different sizes, including a sustainable refillable pouch, so you can cut down on unnecessary waste.

What reviewers say: “This is THE BEST facial moisturizer ever. I use it at night on my very sensitive skin and it feels amazing,” said one shopper. “No scent which is great! It’s just thick enough without leaving you looking oily or still dry.”

“This is a thick but non-greasy and fast-absorbing moisturizer that can be used on both face and body,” says Dr. McGuinness. “It’s gentle, non-comedogenic, and contains multiple ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, and dimethicone, that help moisturize and restore the skin barrier.” It has also been accepted by the National Eczema Association (NEA), making it a great choice for sensitive skin. And it’s a favorite of beauty pro Bobbi Brown.

What reviewers say: “This product is awesome. Totally absorbent. Not the least bit greasy. My skin feels soft and supple even the next day and even after a shower.”

“This moisturizer is designed to hydrate, repair, and protect the skin,” says Dr. Zeichner. “In addition to broad spectrum UV protection, it contains a combination of ceramides to repair, green tea to calm, and prebiotics to balance the outer skin layer.” It’s also non-comedogenic, lightweight, and won’t leave a white cast, unlike many sunscreens.

What reviewers say: “This is amazing! Moisturizing without being sticky. It sinks right in. It moisturizes like a heavy moisturizer but it is light as a cloud and best of all–NO SCENT!”

The slew of skin-loving ingredients and benefits make this moisturizer well worth the price. Its formula includes purslane and antioxidants to help tighten the skin and smooth uneven texture like fine lines and wrinkles. Other ingredients like skullcap and vitamin E provide a youthful glow while glycerin and avocadin nourish and hydrate the skin.

What reviewers say: “This stuff is GOLD, I have sensitive and dry skin and this cleared up my skin in a matter of days. My skin was super soft and even and consistently moisturized for the 11 days the sample lasted me.”

“This moisturizing cream contains hyaluronic acid to draw water into the skin, plumping the skin, and retinol, which can help with the tone and texture of skin with continued use,” says Dr. McGuinness. “Unlike multiple other retinol-containing products, it won’t break the bank!” Not only does its anti-aging formula target wrinkles and fine lines, but it also helps brighten dark spots and acne scars.

What reviewers say: “Bought this twice now. New record for me with a face cream. It works well if you’re consistently using it. Fine lines are less noticeable, very lightweight, and it works well under makeup. It’s a keeper!”

“This is a lighter, gel-based moisturizer that contains vitamin C and niacinamide, two ingredients that can reduce hyperpigmentation and brighten the skin, in addition to other benefits,” says Dr. McGuinness. It also includes peptides to promote natural skin cell renewal. Lots of customers love it for Its bright, citrusy scent, but proceed with caution if you’re sensitive to fragrance.

What reviewers say: “Olay always delivers and this face cream is no exception. Hydrating, brightening, and long-lasting,” said one shopper. “Wears well under makeup. Good product!”

“I love this product. It comes in tinted and non-tinted formulations. The gentle moisturizer is non-greasy and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores),” says Dr. McGuinness. “The physical barrier sun protection (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) blends well into the skin and makes it a great option for sensitive skin. It is broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB), SPF 40, and contains vitamins C and E.”

What reviewers say: “It's been hard to find a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a ghostly cast, but I found my saving grace in Tizo,” said one shopper. “Another plus is that THIS DOES NOT BREAK ME OUT! I have combination, acne-prone skin, but since I’ve switched to this sunscreen the breakouts have reduced tremendously.”

• Know your skin. “You are unique, so there’s not a one-size-fits-all all product,” says Dr. McGuinness. “When purchasing a moisturizer, you should consider your individual skin type, specific concerns, and overall budget to find the right product for you.”
• Check the ingredients. The mark of a good moisturizer is good ingredients. Dr. Zeichner says to look for three categories of ingredients: “Occlusives, like petrolatum or dimethicone, are ingredients that form a protective seal over the surface of the skin, preventing loss of water,” he says. “Humectants act like sponges to attract water and pull it into the outer skin layer. These ingredients include hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Finally, emollients are ingredients that fill in cracks between the cells in the outer skin layer and directly hydrate the skin.” Some of the best ingredients are hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides, says Dr. Jaliman.
• Consider your routine. You might need different things from your moisturizer depending on how you use it. If you tend to wake up feeling dry, consider a deep moisture-providing night cream. But if you’re looking for daytime hydration, “you should consider a product that contains SPF to protect your skin from UV-induced damage.” If you wear makeup during the day, you might also look for a daytime moisturizer with a smoothing texture.
• Prioritize the skin barrier. Remember that as you age, hormone levels shift and make it harder for the skin to lock in moisture. Dr. Gohara suggests finding a moisturizer that supports the skin barrier.