Retinol is also a go-to ingredient in nighttime skin moisturizers since it can help boost skin cell turnover, promote collagen production, and increase elasticity. (That said, just follow it up with a sunscreen of at least SPF 30 during the day, since retinoids can contribute to sun sensitivity.) Dr. Green also notes alpha and beta hydroxy acids, two groups of chemical exfoliants, as essentials for smoothing skin and addressing discoloration concerns. “Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acids help exfoliate the outermost layer of cells,” she says. “This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while evening out your skin tone and skin texture.”
Yes, intensive exfoliating ingredients and antioxidants are important to incorporate into a regimen tailored for mature skin, but Dr. Green says you shouldn’t forget about ingredients that can help replenish moisture. Dehydrated skin can appear with more exaggerated wrinkles and dark circles under the eye, especially if you have dry skin to begin with. Dr. Green recommends including niacinamide skin-care products, hyaluronic acid serums, and ceramide-packed formulas in your routine to reinforce the skin’s barrier and help lock in moisture.
Scroll ahead to find what dermatologists and Allure editors consider to be the best moisturizer for mature skin.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Best Overall: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex”,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”625d8383255c85fded4ce070″,”index”:0,”contentType”:”product”,”offers”:[{“offerUrl”:”https://www.nordstrom.com/s/estee-lauder-advanced-night-repair-synchronized-multi-recovery-complex-face-serum/5700327″,”price”:”$125″,”currency”:”USD”,”purchaseUri”:”https://cna.st/p/meh9fHuiYWLirz7knjuhASTgYt8JFPwA3zPqvyhxqqyUpVdWyZH77gLBTZBiiTfG4jKL8DFb9J8ZDdp3KvJ2XoXYHeAfWfqdtiYc5ZPTGXPotoqfnd7KZV9uSVUb5afsntim16iZmisLVm4fyShVjr5LNhoUqSKmRSSGWfSY6″,”sellerName”:”Nordstrom”,”countryCode”:””,”reducedPrice”:””},{“offerUrl”:”https://www.dermstore.com/estee-lauder-advanced-night-repair-synchronized-multi-recovery-complex-serum-various-sizes/12663747.html”,”price”:”$125″,”currency”:”USD”,”purchaseUri”:”https://cna.st/p/2h8zKZvUAqv9ZJXALmjZG6yxazALsV88BnPjpY79tUigu4XpW8CvFEJi8g236rQcUvd3YeAHJu8Bir52aGvuMRuf4qZuMaNUzSt5WTipBbKbKdR1gjHXYbpHCniqUSaUdoYpQ6Cd5gVaLX3RxdYZAfbHAdci24FZpjgTY693jB1AdUmbwU”,”sellerName”:”Dermstore”,”countryCode”:”US”,”reducedPrice”:””},{“offerUrl”:”https://www.ulta.com/p/advanced-night-repair-synchronized-multi-recovery-complex-serum-pimprod2016818″,”price”:”$125″,”currency”:”USD”,”purchaseUri”:”https://cna.st/p/2h8zKZvUAqv9ZJXALmjZG6yxazALsV88BnPjpY79tUigu4XpW8CvFEJi8g236rQcUvd3YeAHJu8Bir52b8aoqZDt9PfATFDPm6T7CDQ25mdj5B2jZRdSdSUuyWuNqNBHkXbEd1UbxBtpnb7AuB5TDKkTf8W4WQY47JFU2C1d6djSKfJr9t”,”sellerName”:”Ulta Beauty”,”countryCode”:”US”,”reducedPrice”:””}]}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper” orientation=”landscape”>
Best Overall: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
Why It’s Worth It: Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair has been around for a while, but according to Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College in New York, “it’s an oldie but goodie, and the all-new version has optimized the old technology without dramatically changing the texture.” She loves that this serum contains peptides and antioxidants, not to mention that it’s “quite effective at boosting hydration.”
Editor Tip: While it has “Night Repair” in its name, which refers to the brand’s exclusive night peptide, you can use it day or night. It’ll protect your skin in the daytime against environmental aggressors for up to eight hours.
Key Ingredients: Bifida ferment lysate, hyaluronic acid, peptides, squalane | Fragrance-free: Yes
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Best for Sensitive Skin: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream”,”brand”:{“name”:””},”id”:”65b2c4f6992800e6b2c58bd9″,”index”:1,”contentType”:”product”,”offers”:[{“offerUrl”:”https://www.nordstrom.com/s/ultra-facial-advanced-repair-barrier-cream/7261065″,”price”:”$48″,”currency”:”USD”,”purchaseUri”:”https://cna.st/p/2h8zKZvUAqv9ZJXALmjZG6yxazALsV88BnPjpY79tUigu4XpW8CvUhvCDQWk7v6qZJ9smU3ZY1go5wYVuHpnWtBmrWL6NFF6iRSTLb3bPrHXXmaRLZXbPYGFCUrw9fGrifwasb5CEqikuLaZZYG2BojM3Q833gVqnLigMcb2NVkyK3ivaz”,”sellerName”:”Nordstrom”,”countryCode”:”US”,”reducedPrice”:””},{“offerUrl”:”https://www.ulta.com/p/ultra-facial-advanced-repair-barrier-cream-pimprod2036682″,”price”:”$48″,”currency”:”USD”,”purchaseUri”:”https://cna.st/p/2h8zKZvUAqv9ZJXALmjZG6yxazALsV88BnPjpY79tUigu4XpW8CvUhvCDQWk7v6qZJ9smU3ZY1go5wYWVXxyuvknzdxWH2yVWLDcki5oNxnsZaDJJPGCj6uc3a8ZadHMMfcHnL6R57kit9ABBHZv284ahKYAbfsMCoV1jfU3Avuo2KGj9Y”,”sellerName”:”Ulta Beauty”,”countryCode”:”US”,”reducedPrice”:””},{“offerUrl”:”https://www.kiehls.com/skincare/face-moisturizers/ultra-facial-advanced-repair-barrier-cream/WW0231KIE.html”,”price”:”$48″,”currency”:”USD”,”purchaseUri”:”https://cna.st/p/2h8zKZvUAqv9ZJXALmjZG6yxazALsV88BnPjpY79tUigu4XpW8CvUhvCDQWk7v6qZJ9smU3ZY1go5wYWWPctQ4525C3mNhpQGyneSTm1H971K7q2B5c7owaEpJK6wYtAUPei1FNPwd9yLDDv7q6p4nDmBpRX629qVN42DmLcYPe4iVoyMx”,”sellerName”:”Kiehl's”,”countryCode”:”US”,”reducedPrice”:””}]}” data-testid=”GallerySlideWrapper” orientation=”landscape”>
Best for Sensitive Skin: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream
Why It’s Worth It: For those seeking relief fast, consider Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Advanced Repair Barrier Cream, which works instantly to soothe and support the skin’s protective moisture barrier. Despite its balm-like ability to comfort skin, the silky moisturizing cream sinks in quickly and can be used to ease the discomfort caused by eczema, wind burns, and even in-office procedures. Its finish, too, is more dewy than greasy.
Editor Tip: The 2023 Best of Beauty Award-winning formula is so gentle that you can use it on the eyes and lips in a pinch.
Key Ingredients: Colloidal oatmeal, beta-glucan | Fragrance-free: Yes
