7 Best Wrinkle Creams of 2026, Tested by Dermatologists and Beauty Editors

ProsAvailable in three strengths for customized treatmentsContains gentle ingredients that help prevent skin irritationConsCan be slightly irritating to retinol newbiesRetinol is the holy grail of anti-aging ingredients since it helps stimulate collagen production which results in a plumper, more youthful appearance. SkinMedica has this dermatologist-approved ingredient in spades and unlike other wrinkle creams, you can pick from multiple retinol strengths: 0.25 for beginners, while 0.5 and 1.0 are for the most advanced anti-aging benefits. "Once your skin fully adjusts to retinol, you'll want to try more potent concentrations so you continue to see results," suggests Dr. Yadav.Beyond retinol, this wrinkle cream is also formulated with SkinMedica's PhytoShield Complex, a proprietary formula of antioxidants that improve skin texture and minimize irritation. To help combat any inflammation your skin may experience, the wrinkle cream's formula also includes magnolia bark extract."SkinMedica is a brand I've trusted for years, and their retinol product is, in my opinion, the gold-standard on the market," says Underwood. "I love that it comes in multiple strengths, so you can customize the treatment strength, whether you're a retinol newbie or a seasoned user, like myself."Underwood says that the formula itself is pretty creamy and moisturizing—a major plus for these types of products—making it a solid choice for normal to dry skin. You'll still need to layer a serum or moisturizer underneath for extra hydration and to prevent potential redness, flaking, and sensitivity. Once your skin becomes used to the low retinol concentration, you can eventually skip the extra step."I noticed results from consistent use after about six weeks—and I've been using this product off and on for years," Underwood says. "My horizontal lines have definitely been softened and my skin is glowy and refined. This is worth every cent."Also, our biggest tip with using this wrinkle cream is to begin twice weekly to avoid any potential flaking or redness typically associated with retinol use, then graduate to nightly use. Apply in the evening after cleansing and toning and before applying your moisturizer.More: Best Retinol CreamsSkin typeAll skin typesActive ingredientsRetinol and PhytoShield ComplexSize1 ozProsThe cream has a light texture but is still hydratingFragrance-free, making it a welcome treat for someone with a sensitive nose like myselfConsI initially experienced light pilling, but once I exfoliated my skin the pilling stoppedIf you aren't looking to break the bank on a wrinkle cream, Neutrogena's Rapid Repair wrinkle cream is a solid choice, Dr. Yadav says. "I like this product from Neutrogena because it’s a concentrated, yet gentle formula that is also easy to find and has an accessible price point."In addition to fighting fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots using retinol (found in many pricier alternatives), the cream is also formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin, which plumps it up and smoothes the look of lines. Typically, retinol is used at nighttime to avoid irritation, but Neutrogena actually advises using this wrinkle cream twice daily. I was a bit nervous about these instructions, but since my skin is used to retinol and I liberally reapply broad-spectrum sunscreen, I decided to give it a shot.After slathering on a pearl-sized amount to my freshly cleansed face and neck, I noticed my skin looked more radiant after a few days. With regular use, my smile lines and even some acne-related dark spots also looked less obvious. It also contains similar ingredients to pricer wrinkle creams, including Skinmedica, Dr. Dennis Gross, and Lancôme, but at a fraction of the cost.One thing to keep in mind is that it isn’t the most cosmetically elegant. Don’t get me wrong. Neutrogena performs well, especially for the price, but I found the cream pills more frequently on my skin than pricier options. That said, as long as I regularly use a face exfoliant then the pilling is relatively minimal.Skin typeAll skin typesActive ingredientsHyaluronic acid and retinolSize1.7 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsCreated by a board-certified dermatologist to be gentle on the most sensitive skinLong-lasting hydration for an instantly plumped appearanceConsSkip if you are used to a higher concentration of retinolCaring for sensitive skin can be a real drag since redness, itching, stinging, peeling, and dryness can commonly occur. Thankfully, dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross, MD, created a sensitive skin-friendly wrinkle cream that's safe for retinol beginners.How? It's infused with Phyto-Retinol Blend that combines retinol with bakuchiol, rambutan, and ferulic acid to help minimize the retinol uglies that would normally leave skin red and itchy. "That means you get a powerful cocktail of line-minimizing ingredients with pretty much no irritation—a huge plus in my book," says Underwood, who loves this moisturizer because it absorbs into his skin beautifully, leaving it hydrated and plump.Given Underwood's glowing review and my general love of other Dr. Dennis Gross products, I gave this wrinkle cream a shot. It's a soft, semi-thick cream that spreads across my skin like butter on warm toast. My face is definitely glowing whenever I apply this face cream.Since I frequently test new beauty products, my skin has become quite reactive. But, I haven't experienced any irritation on my skin since incorporating this epic face cream into my routine. After just two weeks of twice daily use, I noticed my smile lines and hyperpigmentation began to disappear. These spots are normally very stubborn and can take months to vanish, so I was pretty surprised to see speedy results.That said, you probably won't love this face cream if you're already using a prescription-strength retinoid, like tretinoin, because your skin is used to a quicker exfoliation process. This wrinkle cream combines a super gentle retinol and a plant-based alternative, while prescriptions work much faster but with the risk of irritation. Still, my retinoid–related redness and dryness have practically disappeared since using this soothing face cream, making it a must-have in my routine. I'll continue reaching for this moisturizer when I don’t apply my prescription retinoid cream so my face can still enjoy the hydrating and light brightening effect in the summer without the flakes or itching.Skin typeAll skin typesActive ingredientsRetinol, bakuchiol, ferulic acid, and rambutanSize2 ozProsContains two potent anti-agers, glycolic acid and retinolCan fade dark spots as well as soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinklesConsCan only be used at night, and may make your skin sensitive to the sunIf you're looking for a tried-and-true performer, you've found it here. "Retinol is the most effective over-the-counter wrinkle fighter and RoC is a pioneer in the use of this ingredient," Underwood says. He likes this night treatment because it's a great non-irritating option that's also infused with glycolic acid to minimize the appearance of dark spots.With regular use, you'll notice a more radiant complexion, and deep wrinkles will begin to smooth. It'll take about 12 weeks of daily use before you (and those lucky enough to be around you) will notice visible results. And don't worry about over-exfoliation: RoC contains glycerin and dimethicone for instant skin hydration.It is important, though, to limit your usage of this product to nighttime only, just as it says on the instructions (you're a rule follower, right?). Because it contains both retinol and glycolic acid—two powerful active ingredients that refine skin texture—this could make your skin extra sun-sensitive if you use it during the day. Sunburns? No thank you. So be sure to slather on your go-to face sunscreen, such as my all-time favorite one from Isdin that helps reverse sun damage.Best Night CreamSkin TypeAll skin typesActive ingredientsRetinol, glycolic acidSize1.0 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowOlay's Regenerist moisturizer is made with one of the smoothest and creamiest formulas on the list—I love massaging it on. The best part? Hyaluronic acid gives my face instant hydration, which is a welcome year-round treat.Shea butter is a superstar moisturizer that is like a refreshing glass of water for dry skin and helps maintain dewiness. The antioxidant-rich ingredient helps calm irritation and is even safe for someone with nut allergies because it’s made entirely of fat, according to Cleveland Clinic. Niacinamide, also known as vitamin B-3, helps boost skin cell turnover so skin is extra firm and glowy. Also in there: antioxidants to help fend off the free radical damage caused by air pollution, sun exposure, and smoke that can lead to weaker collagen and cause wrinkles. Free radicals can also cause redness, dryness, and eczema, Dr. Dennis Gross previously told WH.For me, the rich texture is a winner because it's completely non-greasy, making this formula ideal for dry skin, and surprisingly suitable for my oily skin. Since it's on the thicker side, it'll take a few minutes for my skin to fully absorb the cream, but I don't mind because my face looks and feels noticeably softer. I knew this cream was really working when my friends started asking what I've been using on my face—and swapping in this Olay cream was the only significant change I'd made.Underwood agrees: "Who says you have to pay a lot for an effective wrinkle cream? Not me," he says. "Olay's classic 'red jar' cream is packed with decades of anti-aging skin science."Key SpecsSkin typeNormal, dry, and combinationActive ingredientsVitamin B3 and hyaluronic acidSize1.7 ozProsLightweight texture won't clog pores or cause greasinessGentle anti-agers firm skin with no side effectsConsOn the pricey side when compared to other optionsThe greasy feel of certain skincare products can be unpleasant, but that certainly isn't Lancôme's anti-aging cream. "I often find fancy wrinkle creams to be overly fragranced and far too thick," Underwood says. "That's not the case with this cream, which has a lighter, almost whipped texture that hydrates beautifully without a hint of greasiness."Like Underwood, I found this wrinkle cream to have a whipped-like texture, and in my experience, it provides ample hydration without congesting my pores. As for the anti-aging benefits, in the short-term I've experienced a more even-toned complexion and my fine lines are less noticeable.In the long-term Rénergie can help with lower face sagging by using a blend of potent ingredients. "It's a trifecta of active ingredients—moisturizing hyaluronic acid, line-smoothing peptides, and skin-evening niacinamide—handily tackles visible signs of aging with regular use," Underwood says. He recommends making it the last step in your nighttime routine to help prevent moisture loss.The only downside with this moisturizer is the price. However, the quality of anti-aging superstar ingredients coupled with display-worthy packaging helps justify the added cost. And FWIW, this is the only refillable option on this list. For example, a 1.7-ounce jar of Lancôme’s face cream costs $150, while a same-size refill will only set you back $130. Since each jar is estimated to last two months, you’ll save $100 a year just by purchasing the refills.Skin typeCombination and oilyActive ingredientsPeptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acidSize1.7 ozAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsFragrance-free, so someone with sensitive skin should be fine using this creamAlso recommended by the Skin Cancer FoundationConsLeaves behind a white cast on melanin-rich complexions"While not typically found in wrinkle creams, daily sun protection is crucial to prevent further wrinkles and skin damage,” says dermatologist Marie Jhin, MD. Since sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of a proper anti-aging skincare routine, Dr. Jhin appreciates the combo of broad-spectrum SPF 30 coverage with hydrating hyaluronic acid and ceramides to keep your skin moisturized and protected.This CeraVe day cream is also made with encapsulated retinol, a type of non-irritating retinol, to further smooth uneven texture and improve the look of fine lines. The ceramides also help with wrinkle prevention, since they help restore the skin's barrier.I gotta be completely honest, I didn't love this day cream because it leaves behind a white cast on my complexion, and for that reason alone, it's an automatic return for me. (For reference, I wear shade 9 in Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.) However, if you have a lighter complexion than I do, you should be fine. Here's what I do like: The thicker texture spreads surprisingly well across my face and doesn't pill when layered under my face makeup. It also doesn't make my normally oily skin look like a greasy slice of pizza. Instead, it adds more of a natural-looking luminous glow which is appreciated in the summer.Also, keep in mind you should apply this wrinkle cream at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and then every two hours for adequate sun protection. So as long as you have the time commitment and a white cast isn't a typical problem you've dealt with, then you're probs a good fit for this wrinkle cream.Skin typeAllActive ingredientsRetinol, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, octinoxate, and zinc oxideSize1.8 ozNicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site. Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.