Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
The 14 Best Wrinkle Creams That Are Better Than Botox
Yes, they actually do work.
Rosdiana CiaravoloGetty Images
First, let me say–there's absolutely nothing wrong with wrinkles! I like to repeat this mantra to myself in the mirror, while I ogle the frown line I've sprouted above my eyebrows. Because just like there's nothing wrong with a new line, there's also nothing wrong with being bothered by it from time to time. There are so many incredible anti-aging skincare products on the market these days, from youth-boosting retinols to night creams that plump and smooth the skin. But sometimes it can feel like you're slathering on a whole lot of nothing. So here, we assembled a team of wrinkle creams that don't just talk the talk, but actually reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
1
Best For Deep Lines
Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream RoC
Read More
2
Best For Very Dry Skin
Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched Shiseido
Read More
3
Best For Dark Spots
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Anti-Aging Face Cream Neutrogena
Read More
4
Best For Sagging Skin
Regenerist Cream Olay
Read More
5
Best For Sun Protection
Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Creme SPF 15 Estée Lauder
Read More
Is there a magic cream that will make you look like a newborn again? Nope. But using a wrinkle cream consistently can absolutely reduce lines and other signs of aging like hyperpigmentation, dullness, and loss of elasticity. Here, find the 14 best wrinkle creams that actually work.
1
Best For Deep Lines
RoC
Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Anti-Aging Night Cream
2
Best For Very Dry Skin
Shiseido
Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched
3
Best For Dark Spots
Neutrogena
Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Regenerating Anti-Aging Face Cream
4
Best For Sagging Skin
Olay
Regenerist Cream
5
Best For Sun Protection
Estée Lauder
Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Creme SPF 15
6
Best For Quick Results
Biotulin
Supreme Skin Gel
7
Best For Dry Skin
First Aid Beauty
Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream
8
Best For Hyperpigmentation
Replenix
Vitamin C Pro Collagen Serum
9
Best For Skin Texture
Kate Somerville
KateCeuticals® Total Repair Cream
10
Best For Fine Lines
Clinique
Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Serum
11
Best For Bright Skin
L'Oreal Paris
Skincare Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Face Moisturizer
12
Best For Smooth Skin
Philosophy
Anti-Wrinkle Miracle Worker+ Line Correcting Moisturizer
13
Best For Oily Skin
Kiehl's
Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Face & Neck Cream
14
Best For Supple Skin
Elemis
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Do wrinkle creams actually work?
"Yes, wrinkle creams are 100% worth the investment," says Dr. Lal. "Most wrinkle creams have ingredients such as retinol or peptides, which help regenerate damaged collagen. Retinol also helps even out skin tone and pigmentation that occurs from photoaging. They often also contain hyaluronic acid which hydrates the skin and softens fine lines. The issue with wrinkle creams is- they take time. Do not expect immediate results."
While you can see results with wrinkle creams, they may not be the same results you could see from in-office treatments. "No anti-wrinkle cream is going to take a 65 year old and reduce wrinkles enough to make them look 15 years younger," adds Dr. Ibrahimi. "One will need lasers, fillers and other procedures to achieve this. However getting started early in your 20s will certainly delay the development of wrinkles and allow one to age more gracefully."
Are wrinkle creams better than in-office treatments?
It all depends on what your skin goals are. "I liken wrinkles creams to brushing your teeth twice daily vs. in-office treatments being like the deep cleaning of your teeth one gets ideally twice a year," says Dr. Ibrahimi. "Just because you do the deep cleaning or in office procedures doesn't mean you are able to skip the daily brushing. Likewise, the daily brushing doesn't obviate the need to do in office procedures to obtain optimal skin health."
Can you use wrinkle creams preventively?
"Absolutely!" says Dr. Lal. "These creams basically help stimulate collagen beneath the surface of the skin so using them preventatively will help maintain and reduce natural collagen breakdown."
What are the best ingredients to look for in a wrinkle cream?
"The best ingredient with the most evidence by far are retinoids and retinol molecules," says Dr. Ibrahimi. "I also think growth factors and growth factor peptides are another important anti-wrinkle ingredient with solid evidence. Vitamin C and E as well as molecules that may not help stimulate collagen production but draw in water and help plump the skin such as hyaluronic acids will also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles."
Tatjana Freund Beauty Commerce Writer Tatjana Freund is a Beauty Commerce Writer, covering makeup, skincare, and haircare products and trends.