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15 Creams to Smooth Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Maybe you actually can turn back time.

Headshot of Brigitt EarleyBy Brigitt Earley
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If it's smooth, bright, glowing skin you covet—and, let's be honest, who doesn't?—there's a lot you can try. From procedures like microdermabrasion to dermaplaning and specialty serums like hyaluronic acid and retinol, there are both in-office and at-home options that provide some level of anti-aging benefits. But not everyone has the time or the budget for a multistep routine. And, thankfully, there's a simpler option: anti-wrinkle cream.

Our Top Picks

  • 1
    Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream

    Best Drugstore

    Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream

    $23 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

    Best Splurge

    Skinceuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

    Read more
  • 3
    Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

    Best for Eyes

    Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

    Read more
  • 4
    Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Serum Capsules

    Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Serum Capsules

    Read more
  • 5
    Facial in a Jar Face Cream

    Best Lightweight

    Miami Beach Bum Facial in a Jar Face Cream

    Read more

It doesn't matter where the lines are—around your eyes, adjacent to your mouth, or even down your neck—a simple wrinkle cream can help, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Of course, there a few key ingredients to look for to ensure the product you're choosing is as effective as possible. Look for retinol, peptides, and niacinamide, says Jaliman. And make sure these ingredients show up in the beginning of the ingredient list, which indicates they appear in the product in a higher concentration than other ingredients lower down on the list.

Don't rush the process, either—particularly if your wrinkles are deep and dark. "The results of wrinkle creams can take weeks to months for results to show," says Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist in NYC. "For example, when it comes to retinoids, it typically takes three to six months of regular use before improvements are apparent, with the best results occurring after six to 12 months," she explains. Other factors that can contribute to the effectiveness of wrinkles creams include your lifestyle and diet. "If you regularly smoke or drink alcohol, you are less likely to see results from the wrinkle creams," says Green.

Hoping to see those results sooner rather than later? Peep this list of hardworking wrinkle creams, all dermatologist-approved.

    1
    Best Drugstore

    Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream

    Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream
    1
    Best Drugstore

    Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Cream

    Now 11% Off
    $23 at Amazon$28 at Walmart$37 at Ulta Beauty
    Credit: Neutrogena

    It may be more budget-friendly, but this still contains a triple threat of retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, says Camp. The hyaluronic acid is a a natural humectant that plumps the skin, while the glycerin further moisturizers, says Jaliman.

    2
    Best Splurge

    Skinceuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

    A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced
    2
    Best Splurge

    Skinceuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

    Credit: Skinceuticals

    A splurge, yes, but this wrinkle cream contains antioxidants and ingredients to help stimulate the formation of glycosaminoglycans—key for supplying hydration and keeping the skin supple, says Camp.

    3
    Best for Eyes

    Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

    Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
    3
    Best for Eyes

    Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum

    Credit: Kiehl's

    This eye serum contains three wrinkle-combating ingredients: vitamin C, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, says Brendan Camp, a dermatologist in New York. And while wrinkles are no match for this potent formula, you'll get the added benefits of tighter eyelid skin and diminished dark circles, he says.

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    4

    Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Serum Capsules

    Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Serum Capsules
    4

    Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Face Serum Capsules

    Now 59% Off
    Credit: Neutrogena

    This hardworking serum contains multiple anti-aging ingredients, including retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin, says Jaliman. It's super hydrating in the moment, but also works to diminish signs of aging over time. And, best of all, it comes in capsule form, so you know exactly how much to apply.

    5
    Best Lightweight

    Miami Beach Bum Facial in a Jar Face Cream

    Facial in a Jar Face Cream
    5
    Best Lightweight

    Miami Beach Bum Facial in a Jar Face Cream

    Credit: Miami Beach Bum

    This is a lightweight, fast-absorbing face cream packed with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and vitamin C that will restore the skin barrier while keeping your skin hydrated and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, says dermatologist Martina Granara.

    6
    Best Night Cream

    Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

    Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer
    6
    Best Night Cream

    Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Moisturizer

    Credit: Olay

    Swipe on this nourishing cream right before bed for all kinds of beauty benefits, thanks to ingredients like retinol, peptides, and niacinamide, a vitamin B derivative that helps soothe the skin, says Camp.

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    7
    Best for Deep Wrinkles

    Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

    Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
    7
    Best for Deep Wrinkles

    Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

    Credit: Murad

    Because this product combines three retinol technologies with hyaluronic acid, it's an especially effective treatment for deeper, darker wrinkles around on the face, particularly around the eyes, says Green.

    8

    First Aid Beauty Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate

    Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate
    8

    First Aid Beauty Retinol Serum 0.25% Pure Concentrate

    Credit: First Aid Beauty

    This serum contains a hardworking duo of retinol and peptides to treat fine lines and wrinkles, plus plump and smooth skin, says Sonia Batra, a board-certified dermatologist and cohost of The Doctors. Benefits all further boosted by additional ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, aloe, colloidal oatmeal, and ceramides.

    9
    Best for Sensitive Skin

    Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Creme

    Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Creme
    9
    Best for Sensitive Skin

    Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Creme

    Now 17% Off
    Credit: Ole Henriksen

    When it comes to fine lines, retinol is one of the most powerful options, but it can be irritating to those with sensitive skin. If you fall into that camp, try this night cream instead. It contains bakuchiol, a gentler, plant-derived ingredient that offers similar benefits, says Camp.

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    10
    Best Brightening

    Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream Face Moisturizer

    C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream Face Moisturizer
    10
    Best Brightening

    Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream Face Moisturizer

    Now 20% Off
    Credit: Sunday Riley

    This product relies on an impressive 5 percent concentration of vitamin C to deeply hydrate, visibly brighten, and actively fight free-radical damage, says Green.

    11
    Best for Oily Skin

    Neocutis Lumiere Bio-restorative Eye Cream

    Lumiere Bio-restorative Eye Cream
    11
    Best for Oily Skin

    Neocutis Lumiere Bio-restorative Eye Cream

    Credit: Neocutis

    Because this cream is so lightweight, it's great for layering under makeup, says Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. And though it works hard to stimulate collagen growth, it's also non-comedogenic—a must for anyone with oily or acne-prone skin.

    12

    Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream

    Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream
    12

    Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Glycolic Night Cream

    Credit: Caudalie

    A combination of glycolic acid, natural papaya enzymes, and vine sap gently but effectively diminish and prevent the appearance of dark spots while exfoliating and brightening the skin, says Green.

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    13

    RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Filler

    Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Filler
    13

    RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Facial Filler

    Now 41% Off
    Credit: RoC

    Retinol, vitamins A, C, and E, and hyaluronic acid work together to combat fine lines and wrinkles, says Rita Linkner, a board-certified dermatologist, who touts this drugstore product as an especially good option for anyone with oily skin.

    14
    Best Budget

    The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

    Retinol 0.5% in Squalane
    14
    Best Budget

    The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

    Credit: The Ordinary

    When it comes to an effective retinol serum, you can't ask for much more than this formula by The Ordinary. Despite the price, it addresses a broad range of skin concerns, including fine lines and wrinkles, as well as acne and dark spots, says Shari Sperling, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey.

    15
    Best for Sun Damage

    Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

    A-Passioni Retinol Cream
    15
    Best for Sun Damage

    Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream

    Credit: Drunk Elephant

    In addition to a high concentration of retinol, this product contains a triple-peptide blend and various rich oils that smooth, firm, and strengthen the skin, says Green. Use it for fine lines and deep wrinkles, but expect it to help improve visible signs of sun damage, too, she adds.

    Headshot of Brigitt Earley
    Brigitt Earley
    Contributing Writer

    Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

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