Your skin can look incredible at any age.
Aging is a gift—but it’s not always easy on our skin. Clinical studies have shown our skin begins to change in specific ways as we age into our 40s: you might notice thinning, loss of elasticity, roughness, fine lines and wrinkles, increased dryness, and impairment of the skin barrier.1 These changes are totally normal, but not necessarily fun to see.
“Most people over 40 tend to be concerned about treating signs of aging,” says board-certified dermatologist, Geeta Yadav, MD. “Common signs of aging include fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation or dark spots caused by sun damage, and skin laxity, also known as sagging,” she says, adding that enlarged pores are also a frequent concern.
And then there’s the neck. “Everyone forgets about the neck—then boom, it’s a problem,” says board-certified dermatologist Julie E. Russak, MD.
From cult-favorite exfoliating treatments and cleansing balms to night-time facial oils and eye creams, we’ve spent countless hours researching the best anti-aging skincare products for people over 40 available today. With the help of three board-certified dermatologists, we assessed their ingredients, consistency and well they how for the areas they target. We also took several products for a spin in the real world, which helped us land on these top-performing, age-defying products.
Best Device: NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device
This handheld facial toning device is incredible—just ask Jennifer Aniston. It helps improve your facial contour and skin tone, and may actually reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, even on your neck (as long as you use it a few minutes a day at least five days a week).
Simply hold the microcurrent orbs to the skin and softly push upward around the neck, jaw, forehead, and cheekbones. The brand’s newest iteration, the Trinity+, has a boost button that superpowers the device, providing an additional 25% microcurrent for especially stubborn areas. According to the brand, real results are visible in two months (80% saw smoother, firmer skin). It is pricey though, so we only suggest getting it if you’re really going to use it faithfully.
Best for: Lifting muscles for a toned, contoured look | Frequency of Use: Five days a week
Best Mask: Hanacure The All-In-One Facial
Hanacure’s multi-action treatment mask is virtually legendary. “The philosophy is inspired by the lotus flower, which, according to the brand (and drawn from South Korean culture), freshly blooms each and every morning,” writes one Byrdie editor. “The premise for the mask: Your skin will mirror the lotus flower in that it will be ‘reborn’ with each use.” While she didn’t love the tightening effect while the mas was on, her mother who’s in her 70s couldn’t stop inspecting and praising the results. Her skin felt insanely smooth, soft, and toned, and her newfound glow was virtually glass-like.
Best for: Lifting, firming | Frequency of Use: Weekly or every other week | Size: 0.23 fluid ounces | Active Ingredients: Lotus leaf and green tea extracts | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Eye Mask: 111SKIN Sub Zero De-Puffing Eye Mask
Dr. Russak suggests using firming eye gels, like this de-puffing option from UK brand 111Skin, to help awaken eyes in the morning. “I like to use them first thing when I wake up and I’m having my morning coffee,” she adds.
You might recognize these periwinkle blue hydrogel eye masks from its celebrity clientele fanbase. The under-eye masks aren’t just Instagram-famous for their looks though—they’re known to address puffiness, dryness, and discoloration, too with seaweed and vitamin E. They also boast a peptide complex that helps strengthen the undereye area to help slow signs of aging.
Apply them before any big event (or just when you want to look well-rested) and let them sit for 20 minutes, then remove them and go about your makeup routine. You can even keep them in the fridge for an added cryo-like boost. We do wish a few more masks came in each package, considering the price tag.
Best for: Swollen, dry under eyes | Frequency of Use: As needed | Size: .2 fluid ounces | Active Ingredients: Vitamin E, seaweed extracts, and peptide complex | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Moisturizer: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
This rich cream is top of the list for Dr. Yadav and it’s one of Dr. Russak’s favorites, too. “It helps replenish the skin barrier with ceramides and other lipids to promote more nourished skin that can better retain moisture on its own,” Yadav explains. The patented moisturizer gets its 2:4:2 name from the ratio of 2% ceramide/4% natural cholesterol/and 2% fatty acids. Together, the unique trio helps to restore the skin’s barrier while also visibly addressing the appearance of skin texture, laxity, and dullness.
Unlike many similar rich creams, this formula feels lightweight and absorbs quickly. That said, some users reported it caused some irritation upon application, so if you have sensitive skin, it might be best to avoid this one.
Best for: Addressing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles | Frequency of Use: Twice a day | Size: 1.6 fluid ounces | Active Ingredients: Vitamin E, ceramides, and lipids | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Drugstore Face Cream: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Olay’s famous red jar is always a foolproof option (and typically available at your local drugstore). This updated, fragrance-free version includes niacinamide (aka vitamin B3), hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants for an even stronger and more focused approach. Niacinamide is especially beneficial: vitamin B3 has been shown in clinical studies to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce hyperpigmentation, and improve skin elasticity.2
This thick cream absorbs deeply into the skin’s surface, providing longer-lasting hydration than other creams twice its price tag. It’s also fragrance-free, so perfect for our sensitive-skinned friends, it’s not cruelty-free which we don’t love.
Best for: Deep hydration and addressing the appearance of fine lines | Frequency of Use: Twice a day | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Active Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Overall Retinol: SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0 Maximum Strength Refining Night Cream
Retinol is the gold standard in anti-aging skincare and one of only a handful of products Dr. Russak recommends to her 40+-year-old patients—particularly for addressing early signs of aging.
“Retinol is FDA-approved for fine lines and wrinkles and helps with cell turnover,” she says. SkinCeuticals’ 1.0 percent version is one of the most potent formulas you can purchase without a prescription. Retinol has a long and impressive list of proven benefits, but it can (famously) be difficult to add to your regime at first.3 Good thing SkinCeuticals added a blend of soothing extracts, including chamomile and frankincense, to help ease any potential flare-ups. That said, if you have super sensitive skin, first apply to a small, less noticeable area, and see how your skin handles it before using it all over your face. You may also have to start using it just a few times a week to build up a tolerance.
Best for: Moderate to experienced retinol users | Frequency of Use: 4 to 5 drops to clean, dry skin once a week, gradually increasing frequency to every other night, then every night as tolerated | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Active Ingredients: 1.0 percent retinol and chamomile | Cruelty-Free: No
Best Sensitive-Skin Retinol: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Dr. Yadav notes that the most beneficial retinol you can use is prescription strength under the guidance of your dermatologist. That said, prescription strength isn’t for everyone, and this award-winning SkinBetter option is a great first step for people with sensitive skin. The innovative formula combines retinoids with AHAs (gentle chemical exfoliants) for a treatment that’s designed to provide visible results (check out the before and after shots) but with less irritation.
Beyond the AHAs and retinoids, the AlphaRet Overnight Cream has a long list of calming and hydrating ingredients, including ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and green tea extract.
Best for: Sensitive skin and new retinol users | Frequency of Use: Suitable for nightly use (or every other night if you have irritation) | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Active Ingredients: Retinoid, alpha hydroxy acid, ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Hydrating Serum: Soho Skin Renewal Serum
You know see-and-be-seen hotspot Soho House? Well, the hotel group tapped one of the most progressive labs in the UK to develop a skincare line for its guests—and unsurprisingly, the results are very science-forward. Each product in the collection is focused on the mitochondria as well as the cell’s energy in the epidermis and dermis.4 Essentially, the brand’s patented complex, SohoSkin Concentrate, targets tired or aging cells and attempts to “power” them up to regulate the mitochondria.
What that means for your skin, the brand says, is less pigmentation, more stimulated collagen, and brighter and visibly even skin tone. The only downside is the consistency might feel too runny for some.
Best for: Repair and brighten | Frequency of Use: Twice a day | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Active Ingredients: Plankton and pumpkin seed extracts, peptides, collagen, and probiotics | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Vitamin C Serum For Hyperpigmentation: Dermalogica Biolumin-C Vitamin C Serum
If pigmentation, dark spots, or general skin dullness is your focus, try products rife with vitamin C. This Dermalogica vitamin C serum is a particularly effective option. The antioxidant has been scientifically shown to improve skin elasticity, radiance, smoothness, and even significantly minimize the look of wrinkles.5
The brand describes its vitamin C as “ultra-stable” — a major issue for run-of-the-mill vitamin C, where unstable formulas oxidize when exposed to air or light, rendering them ineffective. What’s more, the formula is paired with chia seed oil for a calming effect and lactic acid to accelerate skin turnover. That said, it might be a bit too much for those with sensitive skin, especially since it has a strong fragrance.
Best for: Hyperpigmentation | Frequency of Use: Just in the a.m. for sensitive skin; Twice a day for others | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Active Ingredients: Vitamin C, lactic acid, and chia seed oil | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Serum For Aging: Skin Medica TNS Advanced+ Serum
SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum bottle contains two chambers, each dispensing a different product in a single pump. One chamber includes the brand’s patented TNS-MR, a growth factor blend for “healthy skin functions,” as the brand notes. The other chamber contains a blend of botanicals, marine extracts, and peptides, which are designed to boost collagen production. In the brand’s third-party-reviewed clinical studies, patients reported looking up to six years younger after only 12 weeks of use. Patients also saw a “significant” improvement in the appearance of sagging skin after eight weeks and “progressive” improvement in satisfaction with their skin’s appearance over 24 weeks.
Obviously, we love all these study-backed results, but some may not love the product’s strong scent.
Best for: Addressing skin radiance and fine lines | Frequency of Use: Twice a day | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Active Ingredients: Peptides, marine extracts, and growth factors | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Liquid Exfoliating Treatment: Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Internet famous for its amazing ability to unclog pores, this liquid exfoliant is also designed to address wrinkles, brighten, and even out skin tone. The exfoliant’s main ingredient is salicylic acid, the most commonly used beta-hydroxy acid. BHAs are oil soluble, so they work both on the skin’s surface and within pores, making them one of the most effective exfoliants on the market today.6
This BHA-boosted formula works on two levels: first by removing dead skin cells and buildup on the skin’s outermost surface, and second, by going a bit deeper into the dermis to unclog and clear out pores. Together, the ingredients should make the skin appear more radiant, even-toned, and smoother with fine lines and wrinkles markedly diminished, according to the brand. There’s nothing not to love except that some said the product felt a little sticky.
Best for: Brightening skin, unclogging pores, and addressing fine lines | Frequency of Use: Apply two times a week at first, then increase the frequency if skin isn’t irritated | Size: 4 fluid ounces | Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid and green tea extract | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Sunscreen: Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen
“We know that unprotected sun exposure is one of the main causes of accelerated aging, so if you want to slow down the manifestation of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and skin laxity, it’s critical to protect your skin with SPF,” says Dr. Yadav. She suggests using a formula of 35 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy or you’re only outside for a brief time We love this lightweight Tatcha formula, which has SPF 50 protection, plus hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate. However, some reviewers noted the packaging can be frustrating and messy.
Best for: Protection from UVA and UVB rays | Frequency of Use: Every morning | Size: 1.7 fluid ounces | Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, red algae extract, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Eye Serum: Osea Ocean Eyes Age Defying Eye Serum
Under-eye swelling or puffiness tends to become more common as we age because the tissues around the eyes naturally weaken, including some of the muscles that support the eyelids.7 If you want to address the perfectly normal puffiness around the eyes, this rollerball eye serum from Osea Malibu offers a blend of seaweed and quinoa extracts, peptides, and hyaluronic acid to target the appearance of dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. Bonus: the cooling rollerball applicator makes massaging the delicate area simple and relaxing. The only issue we’ve found with the product is the rollerball can get stuck occasionally.
Best for: Reducing puffiness and fine lines | Frequency of Use: Twice a day | Size: 0.58 fluid ounces | Active Ingredients: Seaweed extract, peptides, quinoa extract, and hyaluronic acid | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Eye Cream For Discoloration: Isdin K-Ox Eyes Cream
Aging, genetics, allergies, lack of sleep, and dehydration can all cause dark circles under your eyes. The purple-ish hues can be stubborn to soothe, but by increasing circulation (via manual massage and circulation-boosting ingredients) and applying skincare packed with antioxidants, like darkness-reducing vitamin K, you can help improve their appearance.
The Barcelona-based brand, ISDIN, developed K-Ox Eyes specifically to ease dark circles and puffiness, with visibly brighter skin appearing within 28 days of consistent use, according to the brand. It also tightens the skin with Haloxyl and improves elasticity with hyaluronic acid. That said, the results may not be super dramatic.Best for: Addressing under-eye darkness | Frequency of Use: Twice a day | Size: 0.5 fluid ounces | Active Ingredients: Vitamin K and hyaluronic acid | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Face Oil: Furtuna Skin Biphase Moisturizing Oil
Plant-based facial oils are especially vital for 40+ skin. According to a 2018 clinical study, oils provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that heal and repair skin.8 The Furtuna Skin Biphase Moisturizing Oil harnesses the medicinal powers of botanicals grown on the brand’s private, organic farm in Sicily. The oil contains a plethora of healing ingredients, including extra virgin olive oil, the medicinal flower anchusa azurea (described as “nature’s Botox” by the brand), and soothing wild organic calendula—as well as a long list of other wild botanicals. A few drops of the oil dabbed onto the skin’s surface can visibly plump, soothe, and protect skin all day or all night long.
Best for: Plumping dehydrated skin | Frequency of Use: Twice a day | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Active Ingredients: Organic extra virgin olive oil, calendula, and olive leaf water | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Cleanser: U Beauty The Mantle Skin Conditioning Wash
U Beauty, the luxury skincare brand founded by Tina Craig, is known for its multi-purpose, effective, and science-forward formulas. The celeb-beloved line recently launched its first cleanser, which took Craig five years to perfect. The balm-like face wash is designed to double cleanse in a single step by melting away water- and oil-soluble debris—including waterproof makeup, sunscreen, dirt, sweat, and excess oil—to ensure deep purification without stripping the skin. It also helps restore and bolster the skin’s barrier with a blend of fruit AHAs, enzymes, vitamins C and E, and hyaluronic acid. We love how gentle this cleanser is on the skin, but some reviewers noted they didn’t feel clean after using it.
Best for: Gently and effectively cleansing the skin | Frequency of Use: Nightly (plus morning, if you like to cleanse in the a.m.) | Size: 5 fluid ounces | Active Ingredients: Proprietary SIREN Capsule Technology, alpha hydroxy acids, enzymes, vitamins, and humectants | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
40+-year-olds may have a similar skin type as they did in their 20s or 30s, but perhaps with a couple new concerns such as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and reduction in skin elasticity. As such, we recommend using a collection of products to tackle them, including Dermalogica’s strong vitamin C serum, Skinbetter’s gentle retinol formulation, and Tatcha’s sunscreen to help protect and improve your skin’s appearance. To really make your skincare routine a homerun, add in an eye serum such as Osea’s Open Eyes, and a protective face oil like Furtuna’s Biphase Face Oil to make your skin feel more nourished and hydrated—no matter your age.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best anti-aging skincare products on the market, evaluating them based on ingredients, benefits, results, area of use, and value. We also tested several options ourselves and consulted three dermatologists to learn more about what we should look for and avoid when it comes to these products. All this research helped us narrow down our choices to the products that appear in this list.
What to Look For in Anti-Aging Skincare in Your 40s
Exfoliants: If you’re in your 40s, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick considers exfoliating acids one of the most important anti-aging ingredients to incorporate into your routine. “As we age, skin cell turnover slows down, which can lead to a buildup of dead skin on the surface, contributing to skin dullness,” she explains. “As a result, it’s important to incorporate exfoliating ingredients like AHAs such as glycolic acid, BHAs, or physical exfoliants.” As these dissolve or sweep away dead skin cells, they can also help brighten the skin’s appearance and improve its overall tone and texture. We love U Beauty’s The Mantle Skin Conditioning Wash for its inclusion of AHAs.
- Moisturizing Elements: Moisture is important for all skin types of all ages. However, Dr. Garshick explains that our skin barrier weakens as we age, allowing for increased moisture loss, making it important for those in their 40s to use products that not only boost the skin’s overall hydration levels, but also strengthen its natural moisture barrier. “Seek out products containing hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture in, as well as barrier-boosting ingredients, such as ceramides,” she says.
- Antioxidants: Dr. Russak notes that antioxidants are vital for aging skin. Antioxidants are especially beloved because they’re known to fight some of the most visible signs of aging, including fine lines, pigmentation, and skin laxity. Some of the most common antioxidants you’ll see are vitamin E, vitamin C, green tea, and retinol. The only thing is they’re naturally unstable, which means they lose their effectiveness once the packaging is opened. Yet, many brands have engineered closures and seals that reduce the air and light interaction, making their antioxidants more effective. That’s why we love Dermalogica’s BioLumin-C Vitamin C Serum, which comes in an opaque, airtight container.
- Peptides: Another helpful ingredient to be on the lookout for is peptides, which are made of amino acids that create proteins that are vital to maintain skin strength. A loss of peptides, which naturally occurs as we age, results in a loss of firmness, textural changes, and the appearance of wrinkles. Peptide-boosted skincare, like SkinMedica’s TNS Advance+ Serum, can target that loss of firmness, tone, and volume, helping to make skin look more youthful and hydrated. 9
- Retinol: “Retinol should be in the routine of anyone in their 40s,” says Dr. Yadav. “Retinol works by triggering new collagen production within the skin,” she adds. “This is important because collagen deteriorates as we age, resulting in fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol can help slow signs of aging and correct existing concerns.” You may have been scared off of retinol in the past because you experienced or heard that it can cause skin sensitivity, but Dr. Yadav notes that many formulas today, like SkinCeuticals’ Retinol 1.0, are designed to reduce irritation, leaving skin healthier, firmer, and smoother.
- Consistency: Skin type is still an important factor when considering skincare products in your 40s and beyond. You might be experiencing hyperpigmentation and oiliness, or fine lines and dry skin. Meaning, just because a product says it’s meant for an age group doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you. A light, gel-based moisturizer might be more appropriate for an oily skin type, no matter their age. In general, Dr. Russak recommends more hydrating, thicker creams for her 40+ patients, as these richer formulas will deeply moisturize and repair the barrier—two common requests for aging skin. Our go-to richer cream is SkinCeuticals’ Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. The same goes for eye creams: a lush consistency may be too heavy during your 20s, but might just do the trick in your 40s.
FAQ
What skincare should I use in my 40s?
In your 40s, you should use a cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen, at minimum. Adding a retinol, a strong, targeted serum, and a rich eye cream and moisturizer specifically formulated for aging skin is ideal.
Is it too late to take care of my skin at 40?
It’s never too late to take care of your skin. No matter how you treated your skin previously, late is better than never, and there are many products designed to hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Can I improve my skin in my 40s?
It’s possible to not only maintain healthy skin, but improve it in your 40s. “You can certainly improve your skin as you age, so long as you’re faithful to using quality skincare products on a regular basis,” notes Dr. Yadav. “Consistency is key to seeing results.” This is especially true with products that only work with consistent usage over time, like retinol and vitamin C.
Should I use retinol in my 40s?
“Retinol is a must,” says Dr. Yadav emphatically. As mentioned above, retinol stimulates new collagen production, thus slowing the appearance of aging and other concerns, like hyperpigmentation.
What is the best face cream for a 40-year-old?
Your dream face cream is entirely personal. “It depends on your skin type, but many people find that their skin dries out after 40 and beyond,” notes Dr. Yadav. She’s personally a fan of thicker creams with ceramides and lipids to hydrate and help skin retain moisture on its own. Those with more oily skin will find lighter formulations (still with concentrated antioxidants to boost the benefits) more helpful.
How can I get glowing skin in my 40s?
Dry skin doesn’t just feel uncomfortable, but it can look it, too. Beyond just the look of dehydrated skin, chronic dryness can be a contributing factor to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, notes Dr. Yadav. A moisturizer can replenish skin, letting it naturally glow again. Bonus glow points if you tap a face oil atop of your moisturizer, too.
Also, carefully try masks and peels (again, carefully!) for a quick glow. Dr. Yadav recommends keeping these to once or twice a week. Be sure to follow the packaging instructions, too.
When in doubt, take care of yourself while taking care of your skin. “Living a healthy lifestyle, drinking plenty of water, protecting your skin from the sun, and using effective skincare formulas all go a long way towards enhancing your natural glow,” says Dr. Yadav.