The Best Anti Aging Moisturizer Products for Youthful-Looking Skin

Hydrated, moisturized, and protected skin is the key to slowing down the hands of time. But if another year has passed and your standby beauty products are starting to leave you high and dry, it’s time to fast-forward to a new routine. Drinking enough water is vital, but it’s not the only path to getting your glow back. Adding the best anti aging moisturizer to your beauty routine will take you to the next level, so we’re sharing our age-defying picks and how they’ll hit the rewind button on your skin.

What Makes a Great Anti Aging Moisturizer

Moisturizer is part of an essential skincare routine that comprises gentle cleansing, applying treatments, and wearing sunscreen. Your basic moisturizer focuses on relieving dryness, whether it comes naturally, from a skin condition like eczema, or from external factors like winter climates and frequent washing.

A moisturizer that promotes a youthful appearance is like getting the overachieving version of a standard lotion by combining effective skincare ingredients that target your aging concerns. The right anti aging moisturizer offers the following benefits:

• Plumping hydration – Water, aloe vera, and humectants that draw and retain water allow for deep, lasting hydration and improved skin texture.
• Supple surface moisture – Natural oils and waxes soften skin and eliminate tightness.
• Supported skin – The combination of emollients, water, and ceramides strengthens the skin’s surface for increased firmness and resilience.
• Bonus beneficial ingredients – Based on your skin type, ingredients like peptides, vitamins, squalane, sunscreens, AHAs, and the like offer improved tone and clarity, more collagen production, antioxidant and UV protection, and reduced wrinkles and fine lines.

If this sounds like a lot of ingredients to learn about, that’s because there’s rarely a one-size-fits-all when choosing the best anti aging moisturizer. Start with recognizing whether your skin is dry, oily, normal, or combination, and if it’s sensitive or not. Then it’s time to choose. What are some of the best products out there? There’s much to discuss, so let’s dive right in.

Choose Your Standout Anti Aging Moisturizer

For Combination and Oily Types – It may seem counterproductive for those blessed with extra sebum to moisturize, but the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas to balance and control oil production. Okay, so technically, the Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream Hydrating Moisturizer is also suitable for normal skin types. But we love it for oily and combination skin because of its lightweight finish and ability to hydrate deeply.

With PTR’s anti aging moisturizer, you’ll take the reins by achieving deep, long-lasting hydration from a patented combination of 30% hyaluronic acid and Pentavitin®. Plus, hydrolyzed silk and ceramides will have your skin feeling soft, supple, and, best of all, not greasy.

Normal to Dry Richness – No one likes the dry skin struggles of flakiness, irritation, and tightness. That’s why SkinMedica’s Dermal Repair Cream has several superficial and penetrative ingredients to provide ultimate hydration and moisture.

This rich, water-based cream nourishes skin with a balanced blend of vitamin E and fatty components like squalane, sunflower seed oil, and soybean oil. And aloe vera juice, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol (or provitamin B5), and algae extract get deep into the layers of skin to quench thirsty skin. Look no further if you want to get everything plus the kitchen sink in your daily moisturizer for dry skin.

2-in-1 Serum and Moisturizer – Save time with an anti aging moisturizer packed with a serum’s skin-supporting ingredients. There are lots to feature about the firming and toning power of Perricone MD’s Neuropeptide Firming Moisturizer. First are the peptides, the building blocks of protein that stimulate collagen production and soothe inflamed skin, making it great for sensitive types.

Then there’s DMAE, a natural compound that, like collagen, is produced in the body and is shown to improve firmness with extended use. Lastly, there’s glycolic acid, an acne-fighting alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that gently exfoliates pores for a bright, clear complexion. This trifecta of skincare ingredients, along with creamy moisturizing factors, result in diminished fine lines and wrinkles, even tone, and a healthy glow.

Built-in Sunscreen – The AAD says to protect our skin from UV damage that accelerates aging and potentially causes skin cancer. But not any sunscreen will do unless it’s water resistant, has a minimum SPF of 30, and will guard against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.

With IMAGE Skincare’s MD Restoring Daily Defense Moisturizer SPF 50, you get a combined anti aging moisturizer, doctor-recommended protection, and then some. In addition to the mineral-based sun defense, there are several antioxidants for more protection against the elements and various humectants to prevent skin from drying out. This heavy hitter is surprisingly lightweight and will save you a skincare step before stepping out for the day.

Specialized Moisturizers

Your Own Instagram Filter – It may sound like we’re kidding, but Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant Firmx Temporary Face Tightener really gives you temporary social media-like results in this unique formula that lives up to its name. Come for the daily skin-smoothing boost from PTR’s own Firm-A-Tite™ blend of oxygen, silicon, and seaweed, and stay for lasting, vitamin-packed hydration and protection.

It takes a little practice to get the most out of its comfortably tightening, pore-minimizing effect. But in about five minutes, you’ll notice a marked youthful difference that’ll make you wonder if magic is real.

For Ultra-Sensitive Skin – Some individuals cannot try products without risking a skin reaction, even when using the gentlest anti aging moisturizer. PCA Skin CliniCalm 1% is a therapeutic ointment that tames inflamed, itchy and irritated skin with its 1% concentration of hydrocortisone. While it can be combined with your favorite moisturizer, this comforting balm comes with its own blend of emollient lipids that softens skin and hyaluronic acid for increased hydration. Hydrocortisone formulas are an over-the-counter medication for temporary use, so always follow directions and consult with your doctor if you have concerns or are under treatment for a skin condition.

Build Your Routine

If you’re yearning for a complete beauty overhaul, the learning doesn’t have to stop here. Using the best anti aging moisturizer is just one component to getting healthy, vibrant skin. So take a pause and visit our Beauty Resource Center to learn how to build the best skincare routine, complete with serums, cleansers, and sunscreens (and more!) to get your skin to where you want it to be.