From reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, to tackling hyperpigmentation and discolouration, the best moisturisers for mature skin can have a gamechanging effect on the face. So it's well worth finding one that you truly love and trust to help you look and feel your best.
According to Dr Kristina Collins, MD FAAD, Harvard-trained and double board-certified dermatologist, mature skin is known to be "thinner and less resilient due to the decrease in functional collagen and elastin, and bruising becomes more likely as blood vessels also become more fragile.” This is often caused by reduced collagen production, which is also known as one of the biggest factors when it comes to skin ageing. It's the exact reason why our skin loses its elasticity, which also leads to more prominent fine lines and wrinkles. Otherwise, excessive dryness also plays a big role too, so ensuring lasting hydration is key.
Enter: our edit of the best moisturisers for mature skin that will strengthen your skin barrier and brighten, lift and plump up your complexion with ease. Plus, to help ensure we've selected only the very best creams, we've consulted with a range of top dermatologists, aestheticians, and doctors along the way.
SKIP TO: What happens to our skin as we age? | Why is mature skin drier? | Which ingredients are best for mature skin? | Shop our best picks.
Best moisturisers for mature skin 2024 at a glance:
- Best overall: Medik8 Advanced Night Restore
- Best affordable: The INKEY List Bio-Active Cermide Moisturiser,
- Best according to dermatologists: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Lipid Replenishment Skincare
- Best for lifting: Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream
Medik8 Advanced Night Restore
The INKEY List Bio-Active Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturiser
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 Lipid Replenishment Skincare for Mature Skin
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Night Cream
Meet the experts:
- Francesa Otote, Aesthetics Nurse and founder of Cactus Laser Clinic.
- Emma Coleman, Dermatology Nurse Practitioner.
- Rebecca Elsdon, owner of ReSkin Clinic.
- Georgina Henry, Education Manager at Perricone MD.
- Dr Miriam Adebibe, a regenerative aesthetic doctor and surgeon.
- Cynthia Rivas, an aesthetician and skincare expert based in New York City.
- Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology.
- Dr Kristina Collins, MD FAAD, Harvard trained and double board-certified
dermatologist & surgeon.
How we test the best moisturisers for mature skin:
The GLAMOUR team has collectively trialled hundreds of mature skin moisturisers — having tested each formulation over a minimum period of a month, while keeping in mind various skin types and skin concerns. When deciding which moisturisers for mature skin were deserving of a spot in this edit, these are the particular areas that we were keen to assess:
Ingredients
Because our skin loses moisture and elasticity as we age, a good moisturiser for mature skin will be filled with clinically-proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and ceramides that replenish lost hydration, and strengthen the all-important skin barrier. According to our experts, antioxidant ingredients like niacinamide and Vitamin C are also worth looking out for, as they help combat dullness, discolouration, and hyperpigmentation — which are common complaints amongst those with mature skin. Oh, and — of course — SPF is always important.
Providing structure and strength throughout the body, collagen is a protein that plays a crucial role in stopping the skin from sagging and keeping it firm and plump. Therefore, it's definitely an ingredient we're always pleased to see included in moisturisers for mature skin — alongside peptides, which stimulate its production, and also reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
But what about retinol? Derived from Vitamin A, this powerhouse ingredient is one of the most highly recommended actives for evening out the tone and texture of the skin. However, it's definitely not an ingredient you'll want to double up on if you're already using it separately — so we've made sure to properly point out every moisturiser that contains it. Plus, it can make your skin more light-sensitive — so you'll definitely want to stock up on the SPF if you go for a formula containing retinol.
Skin concerns
What particular skin issue are you hoping to tackle? Whether you're after a trusty all-rounder, or something more targeted for a specific skin concern like rosacea or excess dryness, you'll find an option in this edit.
Type of moisturiser
You've likely got more than one type of moisturiser tucked away in your bathroom cabinet — so we've made sure this edit boasts a range of both night creams and day creams.
