Aging is inevitable. One day your skin is firm and elastic, and the next, you start noticing wrinkles. Fortunately, it’s never too late to start taking care of your skin. The market for men’s skincare is expanding rapidly, offering a variety of effective products. This guide highlights the top six anti-aging creams for men, based on extensive testing and research.
Summary of Recommendations
- Best Overall and Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream: Brickell Revitalizing Anti-Aging Cream
- Best Budget Pick: Geologie Retinol Night Cream
- Best for Safety: Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer
Men’s Anti-Aging Cream: Top Considerations
When evaluating anti-aging creams for men, the key criteria include efficacy, cost, safety, texture, and scent.
Effectiveness
Winner: Brickell Revitalizing Anti-Aging Cream
Brickell’s cream combines organic, botanically derived ingredients like aloe vera and shea butter with potent actives. It absorbs well and requires only a small amount for effectiveness. The product includes ingredients like DMAE, MSM, and hyaluronic acid, which help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Cost
Winner: Geologie Retinol Night Cream
Geologie’s Retinol Night Cream is cost-effective, with a one-month supply priced at $16.50 if you opt for a subscription. The price remains stable even as you increase the retinol concentration.
Safety
Winner: Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer
Blu Atlas’s Face Moisturizer contains only nine ingredients, primarily botanical extracts and oils, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. It’s free from retinoids, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
How Our Top Recommendations Compare
| Product | Cost | Size | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brickell Revitalizing Anti-Aging Cream | $40 | 2.0oz (60mL) | DMAE, MSM, hyaluronic acid |
| Geologie Retinol Night Cream | $28 | 3.3fl oz (100mL) | Retinol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid |
| Blu Atlas Face Moisturizer | $35 | 2.0oz (50mL) | Mango seed butter, seaweed extract |
| Jack Black Nighttime BAK-up | $47 | 1.7fl oz (50mL) | Bakuchiol, cannabis sativa seed oil |
| Hims Custom Rx Skincare | $58 | 0.34oz (10mL) | Tretinoin, azelaic acid, niacinamide |
| Kiehl’s Age Defender | $47 | 1.69fl oz (50mL) | Salicylic acid, caffeine |
Understanding Anti-Aging Creams
Anti-aging creams are designed to hydrate the skin and reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines. They should be used consistently over time, typically for at least four weeks, to see noticeable results.
Key Ingredients in Anti-Aging Creams
- Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrates and retains moisture, boosting skin’s water content.
- Ceramides: Fatty acids that help retain moisture and protect against germs.
- Retinol: A chemical exfoliant that promotes cell turnover and brightens skin.
- AHAs/BHAs: Exfoliants that remove dead skin cells and draw new moisture into the skin.
- Antioxidants: Protect against oxidative damage from free radicals.
- UV Protection: Ingredients that guard against sun damage.
Anti-Aging Eye Creams
Eye creams are formulated specifically for the delicate skin around the eyes. They can help reduce the appearance of crow’s feet, dark circles, and puffiness. Products like Brickell’s Restoring Eye Cream are effective and versatile for use around the eyes.
Summary of Recommendations
- Best Anti-Aging Cream Overall: Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Soft Cream
- Best Retinol Anti-Aging Cream: Paula’s Choice Clinical Treatment Cream
- Best Affordable Anti-Aging Cream: Arvesa Hydrating Wrinkle Cream
- Best Reformulated Anti-Aging Cream: Baxter of California Super Shape Men’s Anti-Aging Moisturizing Cream
- Best Value Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
- Best Everyday Anti-Aging Cream: Ursa Major Golden Hour Face Moisturizer
- Most Hyped Anti-Aging Cream: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
- Best Travel Anti-Aging Cream: Lab Series Anti-Age Max LS Lotion
- Best Peptide-Based Anti-Aging Cream: RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Supréme
- Best Korean Anti-Aging Cream: SK-II Skinpower Advanced Airy Cream
- Most Gentle Anti-Aging Cream: Symbiome The One Restorative Cream
- Best American-Made Anti-Aging Cream: Tata Harper Crème Riche
Best Anti-Aging Creams for Men at a Glance
1. Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Soft Cream
- Why it’s the best: This lightweight, fast-absorbing cream targets visible signs of aging on the face and neck. It contains vitamin A and hyaluronic acid to help with wrinkles, tone, and texture. It has an almost gel-like consistency that absorbs quickly.
- Price: $95 at Amazon
2. Paula’s Choice Clinical Treatment Cream
- Key Ingredients: 1% retinol, plant extracts like licorice and oat, and skin-firming vitamin C. Retinol is known for its powerful anti-aging properties.
- Price: $64 at Amazon
3. Arvesa Hydrating Wrinkle Cream
- Why it’s affordable: This cream features a combination of retinol and collagen to keep the skin plump and reveal younger-looking skin.
- Price: $17 at Amazon
4. Baxter of California Super Shape Men’s Anti-Aging Moisturizing Cream
- Why it’s reformulated: This gel cream works well in warm weather, absorbs quickly, and uses soy protein to increase firmness.
- Price: $31 at Amazon
5. RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream
- Value proposition: Known for its affordable and powerful anti-aging formulas, RoC’s night cream is one of the brand’s best.
- Price: $19 at Amazon
6. Ursa Major Golden Hour Face Moisturizer
- Why it’s the best everyday option: This moisturizer prevents oxidation with vitamins A, C, and E, and hydrates with fatty acids.
- Price: $47 at Amazon
7. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
- Why it’s hyped: This luxurious cream lives up to its reputation, making skin feel softer and younger after a few weeks of use.
- Price: $160 at Amazon
8. Lab Series Anti-Age Max LS Lotion
- Best for travel: This lotion has resveratrol and niacinamide and comes in a cool twist-top bottle that prevents leaks during travel.
- Price: $85 at Amazon
9. RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Supréme
- Peptide-based: This cream resurfaces skin with glycolic acid and peptides, working gently compared to retinol.
- Price: $195 at Amazon
10. SK-II Skinpower Advanced Airy Cream
- Best Korean option: This cream uses a complex of fermented herbs and florals to make skin supple and visibly firm.
- Price: $113 at Amazon
11. Symbiome The One Restorative Cream
- Gentle formula: Suitable for sensitive skin, this cream uses fermented botanicals and plant oils.
- Price: $125 at Symbiome
12. Tata Harper Crème Riche
- American-made luxury: Handmade in Vermont, this cream uses arnica, jojoba oil, and chamomile for a rich, hydrating experience.
- Price: $228 at Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Prevent Skin Aging? Establish a basic skincare routine with daily cleansing and moisturizing. Avoid excessive smoking, alcohol, and sun exposure. Maintain a healthy diet and regular exercise.
What Ingredients Are in the Best Anti-Aging Cream?
- Sunscreen: Essential for protecting against UV damage.
- Ceramides: Help retain moisture and block irritants.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Locks in water for hydration.
- Retinol: Counters dark spots, redness, wrinkles, and acne.
- Vitamin C: Reduces discoloration, neutralizes damage, and stimulates collagen production.
- MSM: Increases elasticity and improves skin texture.
When Is the Best Time to Begin Using Anti-Aging Products? Start in your early thirties to maintain youthful skin and prevent visible damage. Consistent use is key to effective results.
How Do I Apply Anti-Aging Cream? Apply a small amount of cream to clean, dry skin twice a day. Allow the product to absorb fully before applying sunscreen if used in the morning.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Anti-Aging Cream for Men? Consider skin sensitivities and choose products with suitable ingredients. Look for formulas containing retinol, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidants for comprehensive anti-aging benefits.
By maintaining a consistent skincare routine and choosing the right products, you can effectively combat the signs of aging and keep your skin looking its best.