Best Wrinkle Cream

Over-the-counter wrinkle creams and night creams

Experts say the best wrinkle creams contain antioxidants, which are your best bet in addition to a good sunscreen during daylight hours, at preventing the fine lines and wrinkles associated with aging. There are literally hundreds of antioxidants, but some of the more notable ones include vitamins C and E, green tea, coenzyme Q10, and grapeseed and soy extracts. Antioxidants work to stabilize free radicals (unstable oxygen molecules produced by pollution, stress and the sun) that attach themselves to cells and result in the breakdown of skin-plumping collagen.

Although it is unlikely that antioxidants can reverse the signs of aging, studies show that they can work as a shield against these environmental detriments to prevent the skin damage that results in sagging, fine lines, wrinkles and discoloration. Be aware that antioxidants begin to break down in the presence of oxygen and sunlight. Therefore, it is imperative that products containing these ingredients are packaged in containers that limit their exposure to air and light. For this reason, experts suggest looking for antioxidant wrinkle creams packaged in opaque bottles or tubes with pump dispensers or small openings, rather than wide-mouthed, clear containers.

Overall, we found products from the Olay Regenerist line to be among the most popular wrinkle creams containing a variety of antioxidants. Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum (*Est. $20 for 1.7 oz.) is chosen as the best more often than any other wrinkle cream, by both experts and consumers. It is praised for its luxurious texture and feel on skin, which comes from the silicone (a substance derived from minerals found in sandstone, clay and granite) in the formula. Silicone also serves to increase the water content of the skin and impart moisture. Paula Begoun, skin-care expert and author of "Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me," says that Olay's Regenerating Serum "contains a fairly broad complement of beneficial ingredients for all skin types." These ingredients include antioxidants in the form of vitamin E and green tea (which protect skin from the damaging effects of the environment) as well as niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that can "reduce water loss and increase hydration levels," according to Begoun, reviving parched or dull-looking skin.

Users at TotalBeauty.com (a beauty website that hosts a large database of user reviews), Amazon.com and Drugstore.com also give Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum high marks. Several users note improved appearance and texture of skin, but say that results come with consistent daily usage of the product over the course of at least three weeks. Other reviewers claim to see a slight reduction in fine lines around the eyes as well as reduced pore size and age spots. Then again, some users say this lightweight serum made no difference at all. Differences in results may vary greatly based on skin type, condition and the combination of other products used. Most users, however, agree that Olay Regenerist Regenerating Serum leaves skin soft and that makeup goes on smoothly over it (most likely due to the high silicone content). Regenerist Daily Regenerating Serum is also available in a fragrance-free formula (*Est. $20 for 1.7 oz.), which is otherwise identical.

If you want something that feels thicker and more like a night cream, Olay Regenerist Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream (*Est. $20 for 1.7 oz.) contains the similar ingredients as the Regenerating Serum, but in a thicker base. Deep Hydration Regenerating Cream also receives high marks from users at TotalBeauty.com and Drugstore.com. Both products can be used simultaneously, but the cream contains fragrance which may irritate sensitive skin.

Another antioxidant-based wrinkle cream that has garnered a lot of attention is Elizabeth Arden's Prevage Face Advanced Anti-Aging Serum (*Est. $155 for 1.7 oz.). Editors at InStyle and Health magazines praise the formula for containing the well-regarded antioxidant idobenone, which some say is the most powerful antioxidant available. Paula Begoun is skeptical, though. She says that the research used to make such a claim is weak and only compared idebenone to a handful of antioxidants, although there are hundreds available. The research also didn't compare the ingredient to a cocktail of antioxidants -- something that experts have long believed to be the best option. Begoun points out that several well-made products are available for a fraction of the cost. That being said, Prevage has an elegant formula that feels great on the skin. Begoun praises it for including good-for-skin ingredients such as glycerin, green tea, sodium hyaluronate and algae. Users at TotalBeauty.com and MakeupAlley.com say that it leaves skin soft, evens out their complexions and leaves skin luminous. Some say that it reduces the appearance of fine lines, as well, but that is true of most well-formulated moisturizers -- at least on a temporary basis. A few say that Prevage Anti-Aging Serum can be irritating for those with sensitive skin.

It's important to note that all anti-wrinkle creams take time. Before you decide whether a wrinkle cream is working for you, experts suggest sticking with the formula for at least 12 weeks and using it according to manufacturer directions. Experts say that because most wrinkle creams don't include sunscreen, you should apply them at night. For daytime use, you either need to apply separate sunscreen or use a daily facial moisturizer with sunscreen. That's because protecting your skin from sun will do more to prevent wrinkles than anything else. For more information about facial moisturizers for daytime use, see our report on facial moisturizers.

Retinol-based wrinkle creams are effective but can be irritating

Retinol is the scientific term for vitamin A. This ingredient has been proven to increase the production of skin-plumping collagen, thus increasing the firmness and elasticity of skin and softening the depth and overall appearance of wrinkles over time. Additionally, retinol is a potent antioxidant that helps to counteract the effects of free radicals. In over-the-counter wrinkle creams, it is listed as retinol, retinyl palmitate or retinylaldehyde. These are not as strong as prescription-strength creams, but do work in a similar manner.

Over-the-counter retinol creams won't produce results as quickly, and they aren't as effective for more prominent lines and wrinkles, but they cause less irritation than prescription creams. That being said, retinol can be irritating to some with sensitive skin. Several reviewers recommend using it every other day to begin with and easing yourself into a daily regimen. Retinol can also cause sun sensitivity. For this reason, dermatologists say it's crucial to use a broad spectrum sunscreen (containing at least SPF 15) during daylight hours. Additionally, retinol compounds begin to degrade in the presence of light and air. For this reason, experts recommend looking for anti-aging skin treatments that are packaged in opaque containers and avoiding products in clear or wide mouthed bottles and jars.

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream -- Night (*Est. $13 for 1.4 oz.) is a longtime favorite among reviewers because it's affordable and it works. It contains a moderate amount of retinol along with a notable amount of antioxidants (green tea and two forms of vitamin E), all in a moisturizing base. Begoun says, "It is definitely one of the better retinol products at the drugstore," due to its high content of quality ingredients at its affordable price point.

Consumers at MakeupAlley.com, TotalBeauty.com and Drugstore.com agree. Several praise the wrinkle cream for being an excellent value and insist that it produces noticeable results in the form of a more even skin tone and a smoother texture. Several users also say that the Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream does an excellent job of moisturizing skin and reducing the occurrence of acne breakouts. While some users maintain that Neutrogena does nothing to improve the appearance of wrinkles, others say that it does indeed soften fine lines, making them less noticeable. Experts say that it can take up to two months, however, to see noticeable results with an over-the-counter wrinkle cream. For more obvious results, a prescription-strength formula may be needed. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream -- Night is fragrance-free and oil-free, but it may be a bit too thick and heavy for oily skin types. Like nearly all wrinkle creams, it doesn't contain sunscreen, so it's best as a night cream. A similar formula that contains sunscreen is also available, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream SPF 15 (*Est. $13 for 1.4 oz.).

Olay Professional ProX Deep Wrinkle Treatment (*Est. $45 for 1 oz.), on the other hand, is a lightweight formula with a "silky, thin" texture, according to Begoun. In addition to retinol, this cream also contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that helps skin stay hydrated. Antioxidants in the form of tocopherol acetate, or vitamin E, add to the effectiveness of ProX Deep Wrinkle Treatment. User reviews at Drugstore.com, Amazon.com and TotalBeauty.com are sparse, but mostly positive. Several notice improved skin texture and evened skin tone but comments are mixed when it comes to wrinkle reduction. While several users think that Olay minimizes fine lines, nearly as many say that they saw no noticeable results. Results can vary greatly based on condition of the skin, amount and depth of wrinkles, and the combination of other products used. Olay Professional ProX Deep Wrinkle Treatment is more expensive than most drugstore creams, so it might make sense to try something cheaper first.

Temporary wrinkle fillers

Several products on the market claim to instantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles by filling in deep lines at the same time as treating skin for long-term benefits. Good Housekeeping magazine is skeptical, however. Editors say, "Instant fillers can smooth skin, but most are little more than glorified moisturizers." Many manufacturers tout hyaluronic acid -- an ingredient that is often used in injectable fillers -- but experts say that it cannot penetrate the skin deep enough to have a long-term effect on fine lines and wrinkles. It does, however, bind water to the skin giving it a smoother, plumper look -- if only for the day. Experts are quick to point out, though, that most moisturizers do the same. If you want to try a temporary filler, Good Housekeeping magazine recommends RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Filler (*Est. $21 for 1 oz.), but editors don't say anything about its benefits and we didn't find many user reviews for it, or any other temporary filler.