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2024's Top Facial Moisturizers for Wrinkles, Dryness & Sagging Skin
We share what to look for in a face cream for hydrated, youthful-looking skin.
Advertiser Disclosure
Firm, plump, hydrated-looking skin is the ultimate sign of youth. Unfortunately, our skin loses key moisture as we age—leaving it vulnerable to dryness, wrinkles, and even sagging skin.
That’s why many experts say a quality facial moisturizer is the most essential step in any skincare regimen for aging skin.
A Quality Facial Moisturizer Can:
Hydrate, moisturize, and plump your skin
Reduce the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines
Promote a firmer, tighter, healthier-looking skin barrier
Fade the look of dark spots & soften rough patches
Support smoother, even-toned, brighter-looking skin
However, not all facial moisturizers deliver these benefits. That’s why we compiled the latest research on quality moisturizers for aging skin so you can make an informed purchase.
How Facial Moisturizers Support Younger-Looking Skin
We all know that moisturizers are designed to hydrate your skin. However, many people don’t realize that the best moisturizers also help your skin retain moisture. By preventing the escape of precious hydration, your facial moisturizer keeps your skin looking plump, youthful, and glowing as you age. So, a quality daily facial moisturizer is crucial for providing and maintaining the hydration your skin needs.
However, if you’re also hoping to reduce and prevent the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, or sagging skin, then hydration alone typically won't be enough. You also need key ingredients that support the building blocks of firm, lifted, youthful-looking skin from other angles.
Here are the top ingredients to look for in a high-quality facial moisturizer that improves the look of aging skin:
Top Ingredients to Look For:
Hyaluronic AcidOften listed as Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid is a powerful hydrator that deeply moisturizes and smooths the look of wrinkles.
BakuchiolA powerful, plant-based retinol alternative perfect for all skin types that minimizes the look of wrinkles, fine lines, and uneven skin tone without the irritation of retinol.
SqualaneA skin moisturizing ingredient that visibly balances oil production, while locking in enough hydration to keep the skin looking clear, calm, and healthy.
Polyglutamic AcidAn intense hydrator that can hold up to 5,000 times its weight in moisture and works synergistically with hyaluronic acid to visibly smooth and brighten skin.
Activated Vitamin CActivated Vitamin C is a specialized form that is 50x more powerful than traditional Vitamin C, penetrating deeper into the skin with greater potency and more visible results.
Hydrating OilsGive skin a youthful glow with plant-based oils like Jojoba, Macadamia, and Olive which help your skin's moisture barrier hold in hydration.
A facial moisturizer with these ingredients will go a long way to help your skin look smoother, less wrinkled, and more youthful. But there are other things to consider before making a purchase:
What to Avoid
Synthetic Dyes or FragrancesMay cause skin irritation, clog pores, cause blemishes, and even deplete your skin of its essential nutrients and oils.
ParabensSynthetic preservatives that can affect hormone levels
Heavy Mineral OilsMay cause breakouts by preventing the skin from absorbing vital nutrients. While this oil does have moisturizing properties, it causes more harm than good over time.
PetrolatumAlso clogs pores and can't be metabolized
What Else to Consider When Buying a Facial Moisturizer
Real Results Take Time
It's important to know that dramatic changes to your skin won't happen overnight. However, wrinkles, dry skin, and fine lines can slowly become less visible if you consistently incorporate a facial moisturizer into your daily skincare routine. If you want the full effect of a quality facial moisturizer, then stick with it for at least three months to see smoother, brighter, more hydrated skin!
Product Texture
Another key to a great facial moisturizer is making sure it doesn't feel heavy or greasy on your skin. You'll be applying it every day. So, it should absorb quickly without leaving a sticky residue—leaving your skin feeling refreshed, soft, and hydrated.
Money-Back Guarantee
Americans spend millions of dollars every year for youthful skin, and they still find themselves unhappy with an apparent lack of results. It’s better—and safer—to invest in a product that offers a 100% money-back, no-questions-asked guarantee. This shows the company's faith in the potency of its product and the results you will experience.
Top 5 Facial Moisturizers Of 2024
When putting together our rankings, we consider the quality of ingredients, safety, return policies, projected effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.
Below are the final rankings from our beauty editors, complete with detailed reviews of each facial moisturizer:
1. Quench Crème: Daily Moisturizer
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Total Ranking
9.7/10
A+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Naturally derived ingredients
Noticeable results- Bakuchiol
Squalane- Sodium hyaluronate
- Activated Vitamin C
- Polyglutamic acid
- Blend of hydrating olive, jojoba, and macadamia oils
No sulfates, fillers, or synthetic components- 60-day, risk-free, money-back guarantee
- Featured in Who What Wear, The Zoe Report, E! Online, Life & Style, LA Times & Teen Vogue
CONS
- Exclusively sold in the U.S. & Canada
- Only available online
The Bottom Line
Named one of the "Best New Beauty Products" by Who What Wear, Tru Alchemy's Quench Crème is our #1 pick because of its naturally derived formula that hydrates the skin while promoting a smooth, soft, youthful appearance.
It contains nature's powerful retinol alternatives bakuchiol and quercetin, a patented version of sodium hyaluronate, squalane, activated Vitamin C, polyglutamic acid, and a botanical lipid blend of olive, jojoba and macadamia oils—as well as other ingredients that work together to visibly brighten and moisturize the skin.
Customers report that Quench Crème feels lightweight and absorbs quickly when applied, but keeps skin hydrated all day long without feeling sticky. They also noted that this versatile daily moisturizer can be used both day and night.
Quench Crème is also free of heavy mineral oils, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, petroleum, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals. And, Tru Alchemy offers a 60-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked, which shows us they stand by their product.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More2. The Dewy Skin Cream
Total Ranking
9.1/10
A-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Squalane
- Sodium hyaluronate
- Botanical extracts & oils
- Creamy, lightweight texture
- Formulated without mineral oil or synthetic fragrances
- Paraben-free
- 90-day return policy
CONS
- High price point at $68.99
- Lacks bakuchiol
- Lacks polyglutamic acid
- Lacks vitamin C
The Bottom Line
The Dewy Skin Cream by Tatcha ranks #2 on our list of top five facial moisturizers. This hydrating cream helps maintain moisture and supports dewy, refreshed-looking skin.
The Dewy Skin Cream is formulated with squalane, sodium hyaluronate, japanese purple rice, and a blend of botanical extracts and oils. However, it lacks key ingredients like bakuchiol, vitamin c, and polyglutamic acid.
Customers report the texture is creamy and lightweight and seals in moisture without leaving any sticky residue when applied.
Plus, Tatcha’s return policy includes a 90-day guarantee.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More3. Super Multi-Corrective Cream
Total Ranking
8.7/10
B+
Overall Grade
PROS
- Hyaluronic acid
- Chaga mushroom
- Formulated without mineral oil
- Paraben-free & dye-free
CONS
- Contains sodium hydroxide, a known skin irritant
- 28-day return policy
- Thick, greasy texture that sits on top of the skin
- Lacks bakuchiol
- Lacks polyglutamic acid
- Lacks vitamin C
The Bottom Line
Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream ranks #3 on our list of top five facial moisturizers. This lightweight hydrating cream helps support the skin’s moisture barrier while softening skin for a more youthful look.
Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Cream is formulated with hyaluronic acid, chaga mushroom, and vitamin A.
But, it's missing some key ingredients like bakuchiol, vitamin c, and polyglutamic acid. Many users report that this cream has a rich texture that does not absorb well and can leave skin feeling too oily if used during the day.
Unfortunately, this cream also contains sodium hydroxide, which may cause skin irritation and harsh side effects, so it may not be best for those with sensitive skin. And, unfortunately, if you're not satisfied with this product, Kiehl’s return policy only includes a 28-day guarantee.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More4. Turnaround™ Overnight Moisturizer
Total Ranking
8.1/10
B-
Overall Grade
PROS
- Vitamin C
- Squalane
- Sodium hyaluronate
- Paraben-free
CONS
- Unknown money-back guarantee
- Lacks polyglutamic acid
- Lacks bakuchiol
The Bottom Line
The Turnaround™ Overnight Moisturizer by Clinique ranks fourth on our list. This facial moisturizer is formulated with squalane, vitamin C, and sodium hyaluronate that work overnight to visibly plump, smooth, and reveal more luminous skin.
However, it's also missing a couple key ingredients: bakuchiol and polyglutamic acid. Despite this, many reviewers are fans of the silky texture and how it leaves their skin soft and glowing.
Clinique does not specify a time frame for their guarantee. So, it's unclear how long customers have before they can no longer get their money back.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn More5. Regenerist Cream
Total Ranking
7.5/10
C
Overall Grade
PROS
- Niacinamide
- Hyaluronic Acid
- Formulated without synthetic dyes & phthalates
- Paraben-free
CONS
- Thick, greasy texture clogs pores & may cause breakouts
- Only refund unopened items within 30 days
- Lacks several key ingredients
The Bottom Line
Rounding out our list is Olay's Regenerist Cream. The rich cream formula includes favorites like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, and peptides.
However, it's missing other important ingredients like squalane, bakuchiol, vitamin C, polyglutamic acid, and hydrating oils.
The formula is free of parabens, synthetic dyes, and phthalates, but it does contain fragrance so it might not be gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Many reviewers have also reported that the Regenerist Cream is too thick and greasy — causing "clogged pores and serious breakouts" to appear.
And, unfortunately, Olay only offers refunds on unopened products. So, you are no longer covered by their guarantee once you've tried the product.*
*Results are based on the Smarter Reviews Ranking System and do not necessarily reflect typical results from the use of these products. Please visit product websites for more information.
Learn MoreDisclaimer:
Smarter Reviews is owned and operated by the same company that owns certain products featured on this website, including the products ranked number one.
In addition, we receive compensation from certain companies whose products are featured on this website when you purchase a product using the links on this website.
Go back to pageOur Top 5
In addition to being featured in prominent beauty & fashion magazines, the top 5 products are always independently evaluated using the Smarter Reviews Ranking System.
What You Will Learn:
Estimated Read Time 4 Minutes
CITATIONS
- Purnamawati S, Indrastuti N, Danarti R, Saefudin T. The role of moisturizers in addressing various kinds of dermatitis: a review. Clin Med Res. 2017;15(3-4):75‐87. doi:10.3121/cmr.2017.1363
- Bhanot A, Huntley A, Ridd MJ. Adverse events from emollient use in eczema: a restricted review of published data. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2019;9:193–208. doi:10.1007/s13555-019-0284-3
- Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012;4(3):253-8. doi:10.4161/derm.21923
- Sethi A, Kaur T, Malhotra SK, Gambhir ML. Moisturizers: The slippery road. Indian J Dermatol. 2016;61(3):279-87. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.182427