It is a privilege to grow old, we all know that. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t want to, shall we say, do what we can to stop those classic signs of ageing.

You know, the fine lines, rough texture, dark spots and dullness of skin that happens when you grow older. We could certainly do away with that.

And a good skincare routine can help you. No, it can’t magically turn back time (sorry to say, there's no product that can do that) but anti-ageing skincare can actually help reduce and minimise those telltale ageing signs.

Naturally, we had to go out and find the very best for you – with a few of the shopping team’s own personal favourites thrown into the mix.

Our top pick is the highly-rated Lancôme Renergie HPN-300 Peptide Cream, which has over 1400 five-star reviews calling it a “miracle” cream that’s like “youth in a bottle”. It’s hard to argue with that. It is a pricey option though so if you’re after a more affordable moisturiser, you can’t go past the popular Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel, which you can pick up on sale right now.

Read on to discover the best anti-ageing creams to work into your daily skincare routine.

HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS

With hundreds of products available, it’s impossible to test every one out there. To help you find the best anti-ageing creams and serums we tested a few well-known brands at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best anti-ageing skincare from premium to budget to help you find the right one for you. We also spoke to a number of beauty experts: Sarah Hudson, aesthetic practitioner and clinical educator, Dr Naomi McCullum, creator of Dr Naomi Skin, and Maria Enna-Cocciolone, founder of O Cosmedics, for their expert advice in all things anti-ageing skincare.

In this article

OUR TOP PICKS

TOP RATED ANTI-AGEING SKINCARE

Lancôme Renergie HPN-300 Peptide Cream 50ml, $185, Myer

What You Need To Know

Formulated with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and over 300 types of peptides, this luxuriously silky smooth cream helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles, firms up skin, improves skin elasticity as well as fade dark spots and even out skin tone.

Compared to the brand’s popular Renergie Multi-Lift Cream, this newest cream by Lancome works faster and harder to visibly regenerate skin.

It’s definitely a bougie option but there are over 1400 five-star reviews on the Lancome website raving about its “effective” anti-ageing effects, with one declaring it “youth in a bottle”.

Another satisfied customer wrote: “OMG, this is a miracle! I have been using it for two weeks, and my skin is already tighter, my wrinkles are less noticeable, and it feels smooth. I will definitely continue using this.” It’s hard to argue with that.

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Olay Regenerist Advanced Anti-Ageing Micro-Sculpting Cream 50g, $24.44 (down from $59.99), Amazon

What You Need To Know

Made to lift, firm and sculpt skin, Olay’s Regenerist Cream is packed with niacinamide, amino-peptides and hydra-firming complex, which all work together to soften fine lines, plump skin and accelerate the renewal of surface skin cells.

“Used many creams over the years, but find this one keeps my wrinkles at bay, definitely can tell the difference when I’m not using it,” wrote one glowing review.

“I love it! It works, everyone says how come I don't have any wrinkles,” another wrote.

“I am in my 50s and have dry skin. My skin feels smooth and firm. I could feel the difference in one day. Excellent product and I will be purchasing again,” a third said.

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Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Cream 50ml, $124, Myer

What You Need To Know

The ultra nourishing Clinique Smart Clinical Repair cream contains hylaronic acid and peptide complex that work to boost the skin’s natural collagen to keep skin supple and smooth fine lines.

Fragrance free and dermatologist tested, this wrinkle correcting cream is a popular choice with an average rating of 4.5 out of 2400 reviews on the Myer website.

“This is a game changer! I am almost 50 with sun damaged skin and this has reduced the fine wrinkles around my eyes and cheeks with only one use!” said one happy reviewer.

Another called it a “magic cream”, writing, “Wonderful cream made face feel soft and hydrated. Skin looks younger as fine lines and wrinkles were diminished. Nice feel after application, absorbs well and leaves face soft.”

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IT Cosmetics Hello Results Wrinkle-Reducing Daily Retinol Serum-In-Cream 50ml, $115 at Sephora Australia

Tried and Tested by Sophie Miura, Head of eCommerce Strategy and Revenue

I’ve been searching for a retinol cream that’s gentle enough to use regularly but effective enough to smooth some pesky fine lines that have started to appear around my eyes. IT Cosmetics Retinol Wrinkle Reducing Cream ticks both boxes: the gel-cream-like formula glides on and sinks into my skin in a flash and after four months of use I’ve noticed a more even, smoother complexion. Bonus points go to the pump applicator, which dispenses the perfect amount every time.

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Plump Fiction Anti-Ageing Moisturiser, $139, Dr Naomi

Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor

This moisturiser from leading cosmetic doctor Naomi McCallum does exactly what the name suggests, leaving you with gorgeously firm and hydrated skin.

After three weeks of use my skin was noticably plumper and I felt like my usual dehydration lines around my eyes weren’t as prominent. It also layers super well under other skincare products and makeup.

Plump Fiction is ideal for anyone wanting to combat anti-ageing with peptides, hyaluronic acid and plant epidermal growth factors targeting fine lines and improving skin elasticity.

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Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, from $130 at Sephora

What You Need To Know

It’s not a cream but we just had to include the best-selling Estee Lauder serum that has over 55,000 five-star ratings on Google Reviews.

This fast-absorbing retinol serum reduces visible signs of ageing, while leaving your skin feeling soft and looking totally radiant. It’s gentle enough to be used every night and the unique blend of peptides work hard while you sleep.

“If you want to invest in a skincare product – choose this one!”

Another happy customer called it the “best night serum ever”, noting “the texture is so soothing for night time”.

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The Inkey List Retinol Serum, $21 at Sephora

Tried and Tested by Madison Geros, Partnerships Manager

I love the fact that for a retinol serum it is cheap, as most retinol serums are around the $120 price point. This serum I was recommended by my dermatologist so if she swears by it so do I! It also cleared up my hormonal acne and I feel like the serum is really light and not heavy.

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BEST ANTI-AGEING EYE CREAM

La Roche-Posay REDERMIC R Anti-Aging Eye Care 15ml, $46.99 at Priceline

What You Need To Know

Slowly releasing retinol to smooth the delicate skin around the eye area, this anti-ageing eye cream from popular French brand La Roche-Posay is cult favourite.

There’s over a hundred five-star reviews on the La Roche-Posay website, with reviewers calling it the “best wrinkle serum ever!”.

“Noticed smoother skin and less wrinkles in two days!” they satisfied reviewer added.

Another wrote: “I’ve used this product now for two weeks and notice a difference. My light wrinkles under and on the outside of my eye have diminished and look much smoother, finer giving a more youthful look. While not a miracle cure I do think this product along with a balanced skincare routine is excellent.”

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Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel, $96, Oz Hair & Beauty

Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, Parenting Shopping Writer

I have previously reviewed Dermalogica’s Awaken Peptide Eye Gel - and I’m still using it and still love it. I’m a long-time user of Dermalogica’s products as I find them effective and reasonably priced. Plus, they offer a variety of skin treatments to try as your skin’s needs change. So now, as a working sleep-deprived mum, I get quite baggy under my eyes, especially in the morning. However, just a small amount of this gentle gel-like cream on that under eye area morning and night, depuffs the bags and makes me look a little more fresh and vibrant!

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Dr Naomi Catfish Blurring Eye Cream, $89 at Dr Naomi Skin

Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor

In the last few years I’ve developed fine lines under my eyes and while I know that ageing is normal (and a privilege) it’s something I’ve felt self-conscious about at times, as my makeup now doesn’t sit quite as well as it used to.

Catfish Blurring Eye Cream not only smooths out your lines instantly thanks to its balm texture (making it a great under-eye makeup primer), but with consistent use I’ve noticed an improvement in the appearance of my fine lines in general.

The only downside is the price, $119 for 15ml (or $89 for 10ml). It is at the more expensive end, but a little really goes a long way – you really only need the tiniest amount.

It’s also the best performing eye cream for targeting fine lines that I’ve used and I’ve tried a lot. So if it’s a concern of yours and within your budget, I can’t recommend it enough.

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BEST ANTI-AGEING HAND CREAM

Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Hand Treatment, $65 at Myer

What You Need To Know

Rich and nourishing, this gorgeous hand cream absorbs fast and leaves your hands feeling smoother and intensely hydrated. The fresh botanical ingredients also helps improve skin tone and minimise skin discolouration – a win for us!

With a stellar five out of five rating on the Myer website, shoppers are calling it a “perfect hand cream”.

“It is rich but not greasy at all. Very easy to apply and the smell is good,” one said.

Another agreed, writing, “The best hand cream I have ever used. I have now been using this for quite a few years now. I would never go to bed without using this hand cream, every single night. Use of course during the day if I am going out. I have incredibly smooth soft hands, due to this hand cream. It’s excellent.”

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Immortelle Shea Youth Hand Cream, $49 at L’Occitane

What You Need To Know

Combining nourishing shea butter and immortelle, L’Occitane’s anti-ageing hand cream is specially formulated for the delicate skin of hands. It will not only help reduce the appearance of ageing but leave hands feeling silky soft.

“My hand feels velvety and smooth instantly after applying the cream. It doesn’t leave greasy feels and moisturises the skin beautifully. Highly recommend this product,” one reviewer wrote on the L’Occitane site.

“This hand cream is truly impressive. I can honestly say that it has wiped ten years off the appearance of my hands. I have used several tubes and stopped for awhile, repurchased again after my hands were reverting back to normal.”

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BEST ANTI-AGEING NIGHT CREAM

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Retinol And Niacinamide Pressed Night Cream, $50.96 (down from $59.95) at Oz Hair and Beauty

What You Need To Know

If you prefer your skincare routine to be as simple as possible then this night cream from L’Oreal will be right up your alley.

Key ingredients include anti-ageing holy grails retinol, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to intensely hydrate the skin.

Reviewers on the L’Oreal website have said it provides “instant plumping and hydration”.

“While I use both retinol and niacinamide regularly I’ve never tried a product that contained both those key ingredients – and what a difference it makes in how hydrating it is! I’d definitely recommend this to new users of retinol as the addition of niacinamide really offsets the usual drawbacks and side effects of using retinol,” one shopper advised.

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Beauté Pacifique Super 3 Booster Night Cream, $104 at Adore Beauty

What You Need To Know

From cult French beauty brand, the Beauté Pacifique Super 3 Booster Night Cream contains two forms of stable vitamin A which target uneven texture and pigmentation, while the addition of squalene helps to hydrate your skin.

It also contains Propolis Cera Water Extract which has natural antimicrobial properties. 100 per cent of Adore Beauty customers who purchased the cream would recommend it, with one five star review describing it as a “fabulous product that does what it says”.

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Youth To The People Polypeptide-121 Future Cream, $107 at Sephora Australia

This moisturiser from Youth To The People somehow manages to be both intensely moisturising while feeling lightweight. It has skin loving plant proteins flax, pea and rice to help lessen the appearance of wrinkles, peptides as well as ceramides to protect your skin barrier.

The formula is also 100 per cent vegan and has recyclable packaging. Five star reviews on Sephora’s website say it is “my new holy grail” and “very hydrating”. However, some say it is better suited to use as an intensive night cream rather than during the day.

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BEST ANTI-AGEING CREAMS FOR SENSITIVE SKIN

Evereden Nourishing Baby Face Cream, $58 at Sephora

Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor

Don’t let the name of this moisturiser fool you – this moisturiser is ideal for those with sensitive skin who are looking to fight signs of ageing. Designed to deeply nourish skin without irritating it, ingredients like sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil and calendula work together to protect your skin barrier and lock in hydration. This moisturiser performs better than other creams twice its price and left my skin feeling calm, hydrated and deeply nourished after applying. It’s ideal if your skin is having a bit of a freakout or if you need some hydration during the colder months.

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Eucerin Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream, $26.23 at iHerb

This anti-ageing cream gets a big tick from us just based on the sheer number of five star reviews alone — it has an average 4.6 star rating from more than 72,000 iHerb and Google reviews.

Dermatologist recommended, this Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream is non-comedogenic and fragrance free, making it suitable for anyone with sensitive skin.

It’s packed full of antioxidants too like betacarotene, vitamin E and coenzyme Q10 which target signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles.

Five star reviews on iHerb describe it as the “best face cream I tried ever” that leaves skin “noticeably plumper and firmer”.

“Honestly, this is by far the best moisturiser I have ever used. I have really dry skin and this is very thick but doesn’t feel heavy at all after it sinks in,” one five star review reads.

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Habitual Beauty Nourishing Moisturizer, $100 at Sephora

Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, Editor

This moisturiser has to be one of my absolute favourites I’ve tried in the last 18 months. It has a luxe, thick texture and gorgeous natural scent. While thick in texture it absorbs into my skin quickly making it ideal as both a night and day cream. It’s also a great option for women that are pregnant or breastfeeding that need to stay away from retinol but still want something active to help fight signs of ageing. It has ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C and vitamin E to help improve skin texture and tone, while hyaluronic acid, squalene and ceramides help to soothe and hydrate your skin.

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AHC Youth Focus Cream 50ml, $66.75 (down from $89) at Priceline

Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, Deputy Editor

I am monstrously behind but it’s only in recent months that I’ve jumped on the Kbeauty bandwagon and I’m so mad about myself that it’s taken me so long. In general, Korean skincare focuses much more on prevention than “fixing” issues and I am finding the products are gentler on the skin.

I’ve been using this AHC anti-ageing cream for the past month and it’s super gentle and does not irritate the skin at all. The cream is fragrance free, has a lovely texture and sinks into the skin nicely. It’s formulated with “pro-retinal 11x” which is AHC’s unique retinal delivery system which helps improves the skin’s moisture and reduce the appearance of fine lines. It’s definitely left my skin feeling fresher and dewier.

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BEST ANTI-AGEING MOISTURISER

Clarins Super Restorative Day Cream For All Skin Types, $163 at Myer

What You Need To Know

Holding a 4.7 out of 5 rating from over 4400 reviews on Google, this Clarins Day Face Cream has been a firm favourite of many over the years.

An excellent lightweight cream for the all skin types, it’s formulated with organic Harungana extract and organic Gorse Extract which fights skin sagging and wrinkles, as well as evening out your complexion and minimising dark spots.

A five-star reviewer on Myer said, “Fabulous creamy restorative day cream for ageing skin.”

“People think I am younger than my age (72). I wouldn’t use anything else. Wonderful stuff!” another agreed.

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Caudalie Premier Cru Anti Aging Moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid, $160 at Sephora

Tried and Tested by Melody Teh, Deputy Editor

This is hands down the most luxuriously rich and ultra hydrating cream I’ve ever tried, which I shouldn’t be too surprised about considering it’s from French skincare brand Caudalie.

Formulated to correct the eight signs of ageing – deep wrinkles, lines, firmness, volume, elasticity, dark spots, hydration, radiance – after using this cream for the past month, my skin feels so hydrated and soft. Its creamy and thick texture feels so nice on the skin and although not technically a night cream, I’ve been slathering it on right before bed so I can wake up with plump and glowing skin.

It’s so good that my partner has also been using it after noticing how bright and firm my skin is! He’s also found after using the cream that his skin is softer and suppler. He loves it so much, I’ve had to ban him from using it too frequently otherwise it will be gone before we know it. Highly recommend if you’re looking to splurge on a anti-ageing moisturiser.

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Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Water Gel, $18.89 (down from $35) at Amazon

Tried and Tested by Edwina Carr Barraclough, Senior Manager, eCommerce Content and Strategy

This gel moisturiser gives your skin a hit of dewiness without feeling greasy. It feels like it quenches my skin immediately after it’s applied and I swear my fine lines take a back seat (if only for half an hour).

You can also buy a recyclable pod that’s filled with the gel and can easily be popped into your existing container, making this product a win for the environment too. Genius. You’ll score free shipping on this purchase from Amazon Australia, too.

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BEST ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS FOR 50-YEAR-OLDS AND 60-YEAR-OLDS

When caring for mature aged skin, Sarah recommends complex formulas that will treat a host of anti-ageing signs. “Skin is thinning, collagen and volume loss is becoming more apparent. Look for a moisturiser that contains a blend of key active ingredients that work in synergy to target key concerns.”

So what to look out for? “Retinol to increase collagen volume and new cell regeneration; peptides, to reduce wrinkle formation; and vitamins, such as C and E, to give a drier skin the protection it needs.”

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme Moisturizer 50ml, $115 at Myer

What You Need To Know

This legacy brand has held a place of honour on many mother’s vanity – no doubt you know of those who swear by Estee Lauder, too, if you aren’t already one such person yet. This facial cream, their Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme Moisturizer, has thousands of shoppers giving it a five star rating.

At the heart of this facial cream’s formula is Moringa Plant extract, rich with calcium, potassium, vitamin C, amino acids and Omega 3, which helps skin optimise its own natural renewal and cellular potential. Estee Lauder refers to it as “one of the most powerful anti-ageing ingredients we’ve ever discovered”.

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L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Cream 50ml, $95 at THE ICONIC

What You Need To Know

Beloved for its lovely texture – “natural, fresh and not greasy” – divine scent and the way it absorbs effortlessly into the skin, this highly-rated facial cream from luxury French skincare brand, L’Occitane, is our pick for best overall anti-ageing cream for fifties and beyond.

Embued with the anti-ageing properties of the Corsican Immortelle flower and Hyaluronic Acid, this decadent cream promises to encourage the skin’s natural ability to renew itself and fight the environmental influences that promote the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dryness.

Just read this review left on the brand’s site, titled “Perfect”; it says it all. “As a lady in her sixties I love how soft and bright this makes my skin feel. It softens away rough patches and makes my complexion even. I adore the light fragrance.”

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Weleda Pomegranate Firming Face Serum, $45.95 at THE ICONIC

What You Need To Know

If you’re already loyal to a night cream, you may be interested in this 100 per cent certified natural firming face serum from the brand Weleda.

From almost 100 reviews on The Iconic’s site, the Weleda Pomegranate Firming Face Serum has racked up an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. It’s been described as being “a great little addition to my beauty routine” and “very gentle”.

Made for people over the age of 40, this lightweight and fast absorbing gel uses the power of pomegranate to provide vitamins and antioxidants to the skin. In turn, after prolonged use, your skin will feel firmer and smoother, and your wrinkles will appear less visible.

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Skinstitut Moisture Defence – Ultra Dry, $56 at Oz Hair and Beauty

What You Need To Know

This moisturiser is specifically designed for mature, very dry skin. In reviews Skinstitut users say they love the brand because it’s affordable, while performing just as well (if not better) than more expensive products. Ingredients include green tea, olive oil, and oat extracts as well as the patented peptide Progeline which helps fight signs of ageing by stopping the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Five star reviews say it is “super thick, creamy and hydrating” as well as making skin feel “so soft”.

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BEST ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS FOR 40-YEAR-OLDS

Sarah advises, “In your 40s, prioritise ingredients that prevent daily moisture loss and offer protection to the skin cells, such as vitamin E.”

Other ingredients to look out for? “Peptides such as Matrixyl have wrinkle-improving properties; while Retinol helps in reducing the visible look of wrinkles, helping the skin to act like a younger form of itself.”

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream 50ml, $135 at Sephora Australia

What You Need To Know

Should you be looking for a hardworking facial cream that you can leave on while you sleep, this highly-rated Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream is the ideal option for those in their forties. Its Retinol Tri-Active technology boasts a fast-acting retinoid, a time-released Retinol, and a retinol booster, to get the absolute most out of every dab. Lastly, Niacinamide – a popular form of vitamin B, used to treat acne – and Picolinamide strengthen the skin’s protective barrier and softens texture.

A five-star review on the Australian skincare brand’s site, says, “Skin feels so soft and hydrated, and stays hydrated all night. Skin feels firmer and plumper.” It’s no surprise then that 83 per cent of users report noticing firmer and more supple skin in just four weeks.

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SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 30ml, $114 at Myer

What You Need To Know

Though not something you can lather all over your face before jumping into bed, you really don’t need to, with SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5 featuring a high concentration of pure retinol – our shoe-in for the best overall anti-ageing skincare product for those in their forties.

Promises to correct discolouration, while reducing the appearance of fine lines, breakouts and uneven skin tone have been backed by users, with emphatic reviews describing it as “one of the best retinols in the market” and “I have noticed my skin feeling and looking more youthful”.

It’s important to note, though – all users recommend working up a tolerance to this powerful product, so start out with tiny doses.

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Paula’s Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment 30ml, $89 at Paula’s Choice

What You Need To Know

This Seattle-born skincare brand has become renowned for its dedication to ingredients that have been subjected to peer-reviewed research. The research-backed, anti-ageing ingredients of this particular product? Retinol, vitamin C, and – new additions to this facial creams list – licorice extract and oat extract, tasked with soothing irritation and calming redness.

Customer review upon review attest to its brilliance, with everything from faded scarring, noticeably smoother skin tone and shrunken pores attributed to the 1% Retinol Treatment. An independent consumer panel concluded 94 per cent of users agreed their skin felt smoother, 91 per cent noticed an increase in skin’s firmness, and 85 per cent saw an improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

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BEST ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS FOR 30-YEAR-OLDS

“From the age of 30, we start to lose about one per cent of collagen per year,” Sarah says. “Choose ingredients in a moisturiser that help to stimulate collagen production, such as vitamin C. This will also give the added benefit of antioxidant protection against free-radical damage and help prevent future skin ageing – plus, it’s a natural skin brightener.”
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream 50ml, $62 at Kiehl’s Australia

Tried and Tested by Mariela Summerhays, Shopping Writer

Hey, hi, it’s me – your resident thirties-old guinea pig. Popping my two cents in for the thirties decade portion of this article, because, quite frankly Kiehl’s deserves all the shout outs for their Ultra Facial Cream. No doubt you’ve heard of this cult item, if you’re even just a little bit of a beauty lover – created with Squalane (derived from olive oil) and Glacial Glycoprotein (from Antarctic sea glaciers, if you can believe it), this supremely hydrating facial cream absorbs moisture from the air, while simultaneously improving the skin’s ability to retain it all. Just a dab goes a long way to making your entire face feel reinvigorated and its utmost best – I don’t go an evening without it. Ten out of ten, easily.

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The Body Shop vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser 50ml, $45 at The Body Shop

What You Need To Know

The vegan-friendly skincare brand is an excellent option for those who want to craft an ethical and sustainable skincare regimen. Their vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser is crafted from vitamin C-rich camu camu from the Amazonian rainforest, sesame seed oil and aloe leaf juice. There are hundreds of glowing reviews, with this five-star review from a user in her thirties summing it up best – “This moisture is so amazing. Leaves your skin smooth, it’s very light to wear.”

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Medik8 Daily Radiance vitamin C Cream, $118 at THE ICONIC

What You Need To Know

This lightweight, vegan-friendly moisturising cream – packed with the collagen-promoting, lipid soluble form of vitamin C, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate – is an easy choice for the premier anti-ageing facial cream for those in their thirties. Review upon review speaks to the antioxidant-rich formula’s ability to brighten complexions, saying, “after only a few uses I am waking up glowing which I love” and “super hydrating, lasts long and smells lovely! Definitely evens the skin tone and brightens the skin! Absolutely recommend.”

The clincher though? This anti-ageing facial cream has ben crafted to act as a sunscreen too, with powerful UV filters shielding your face from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Throw in the presence of Hyaluronic Acid – which can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water – and no wonder this facial cream has emerged as a popular option for treating signs of ageing.

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BEST ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS FOR 20-YEAR-OLDS

“At this stage, your oil production starts to normalise,” Sarah reassures. “So, there’s less breakouts and blackheads happening – thank goodness!”

However, people in their twenties need to keep an eye on hydration. “Because your natural oil production starts to diminish, you can also start to experience a bit of dehydration.” Sarah’s advice? “Opt for a moisturiser with hyaluronic acid.”
CORSX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream 100g, $23.75 at Amazon

What You Need To Know

Rich with intensely hydrating ingredients – Hyaluronic Acid and Hippophae Rhamnoides Water – this nourishing formula from CORSX is our pick for best overall anti-ageing cream for those in their twenties. Neither oily or heavy, this vegan-friendly option needs only a dab to last all day, then an added layer at night for deep-locked moisture while you sleep.

Sitting on over 700 five star customer reviews – including one titled, “Best moisturiser I’ve ever used” – and that highly desirable, low price point, adding-to-cart is a no-brainer.

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The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA 100ml, $21.30 at THE ICONIC

What You Need To Know

The Ordinary has rightfully earned cult status with beauty lovers, due to its scientific, minimalist approach to skincare, and wallet-friendly price points. The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA promises non-greasy hydration, courtesy of the presence of hyaluronic acid and a hydration-supporting formula designed to mimic that naturally found in the skin. Bonus? The Ordinary is an animal-testing-free certified brand, and products are made from vegan materials. Unconvinced? Former Shopping Writer Dani, swears by its wonders.

“Every morning and night I apply a pea-sized amount of The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors + HA after cleansing and applying serums, and it’s been a lifesaver. It’s hydrating without feeling sticky or heavy, and the fact that a little goes a long way combined with a low price tag makes it one that I’ll continue to repurchase again and again for the healthiest, most glowy skin I’ve ever had.”

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CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion PM, $23.99 at Priceline

What You Need To Know

We couldn’t do a list of moisturisers and not include CeraVe. Their Moisturising Cream has cult status thanks to TikTok but may be a little too heavy for young skin which is where their Moisturising Lotion comes in. This lightweight and quickly absorbing lotion has skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and CeraVe’s signature three ceramides which help protect against early signs of ageing.

Five star reviews on Adore Beauty praise its value for money, with one labelling it “hydration in a jar”.

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Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturiser, $85 at Sephora Australia

What You Need To Know

“So hydrating, yet so light! Literally does feel like water is penetrating and nourishing the skin and not just sealing over the top layer of your skin,” one review begins. “Have repeatedly purchased and it goes so well under makeup. Fresh, light and hydrating.”

Really, after reading so many similar reviews, all so complimentary of this cream’s hydrating abilities, we were just about ready to name this the best anti-ageing facial cream for your twenties – then learned of its ability to last up to 72 hours, and the presence of ceramides (to keep all that Hyaluronic Acid hydrating goodness locked in) and antioxidant-rich elderberry, and we had no choice. Take it from this review – “Holy Grail”.

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WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR SKIN AS WE GET OLDER?

“As we age, collagen loss leads to fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin,” Sarah explains. “The loss causes our skin to lose its glow and luminosity, also causing pores to dilate and appear more open.”

“Collagen and elastin fibres that allow the skin to stretch deteriorate, causing skin to sag, and as the skin thins, blood vessels become visible, leading to a flushed red or pink tone on the face.”

“Older skins retain less water, and the natural Hyaluronic Acid found in the skin reduces. This causes skin to become thinner and drier making it more susceptible to irritation and sensitivity.”

WHAT ARE ANTI-AGEING BEAUTY PRODUCTS, AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

There are two main types of anti-ageing beauty products for at home use: skincare products and devices.

“Devices work in different ways to skincare. For example, LED masks delivers photons to the skin and photoactivates the skin cells enabling them to repair and function more efficiently eg fibroblasts will become more efficient at synthesising collagen,” says Dr Naomi.

“For skincare, each anti-ageing ingredient works in its own way to have an impact on skin ageing,” she says.

Maria notes that a “key focus for anti-ageing skincare is collagen and elastin and supporting the skin’s ability to produce enough of these proteins to reduce both the appearance and onset of fine lines and wrinkles.”

WHAT ARE THE KEY INGREDIENTS TO LOOK FOR IN ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS?

According to Sarah, there are some vital ingredients across anti-ageing creams that one should look out for, though formulas will diverge as the skin ages.

“A moisturiser should act as a protective barrier, locking in hydration,” says Sarah. “Barrier-repairing ingredients, such as ceramides, treat underlying dryness; humectants, such as Panthenol and Hyaluronic Acid, help to hydrate the surface of the skin.”

For Dr Naomi, her top three ingredients to look out for are “retinol, vitamin C and niacinamide” but adds that “there are many others we love to use in formulations.”

As for Maria, she says vitamin A is a “must for all skin types” – especially for “age prevention, correction, and management”.

“It’s crucial to choose the right type of vitamin A based on your skin health and age,” she says.

AT WHAT AGE SHOULD I START USING ANTI-AGEING BEAUTY PRODUCTS?

“Prevention is key to ageing gracefully. By focusing on maintaining healthy skin and using good quality actives, you can effectively slow down and reduce the signs of ageing,” says Maria. “It’s never too early to start prioritising skin health for a youthful and radiant complexion.”

Dr Naomi notes that some of the best anti-ageing ingredients, like retinol and niacinamide, are also very useful in acne treatment.

“So customers use them from when they are young teens, but for a different purpose,” Dr Naomi says. “For use for anti-ageing, we would recommend waiting until a customer is an adult.”

DO ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS REPLACE THE NEED FOR PROFESSIONAL TREATMENTS?

Unfortunately not.

“Think of homecare like your diet,” says Maria. “you can be a regular at the gym and exercise all the time, but results won’t come with a poor diet in between. Similarly with homecare and in-clinic treatments your skin health results will only improve with a combination approach of an active, tailored homecare routine and regular in-clinic treatments guided by a skin expert.”

She says, “This approach is the fastest, best and truthfully only way to meeting your skin goals faster and maintaining them long-term.”

Dr Naomi agrees, recommending people do “at-home care and in-clinic care together”.

“It’s so important to have great at-home care to enhance the results of your in-clinic treatments and vice versa. An exception to this rule might be that doing regular home LEDs may reduce the need for in-clinic LEDs,” she says.

“Both options have different goals, functions and risks. Patients have to choose what’s right for them in each respect. Some patients will choose to only do at-home skincare as they do not want to have more invasive procedures.”

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Originally published as Best anti-ageing creams & serums for youthful skin in 2023

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