TL;DR
SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore is our top pick because it absorbs well and promises deep hydration while providing skin a youthful glow. Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream is a close second because it can moisturize and plump skin intensely.
Aging is a beautiful thing, but change isn’t always easy. As you celebrate birthday after birthday, your priorities and routines change—and your skincare routine should, too. Aka: The moisturizer you used throughout your 20s may need an upgrade. In your late 20s, your body starts to lose about 1% of collagen per year, explains Dr. Dendy Engelman, M.D., board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic in New York City. This loss and the skin’s inability to retain as much moisture (i.e., dehydrated skin) can cause fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, and more. “Moisturizers formulated specifically for mature skin often contain ingredients that stimulate collagen production, combat signs of aging, repair the skin barrier, and provide deep hydration,” Dr. Engelman shares.
With Dr. Engelman’s guidance, we tested several moisturizers for mature skin, focusing on their ability to absorb, texture, thickness, and results. We took our findings to the web to ensure each product was well-liked, and then we used that knowledge to give you this list of the very best.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best for Dull Skin:
Best for Dry Skin:
Best Noncomedogenic:
Best for Rosacea:
BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Moisture Boost Cream at Ulta$25
Best Night Cream:
Best Moisturizer With SPF:
Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Moisturizer at Target$58
Best Overall
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore
What We Like
Combats natural loss of collagen
Absorbs well (no residue or pilling)
A little bit of the product goes a long way
What to Consider
Contains essential oils, which can irritate sensitive skin
Key Ingredients: 2% pure ceramides 1 & 3, 4% natural cholesterol, 2% fatty acids, essential oils, vitamin E, essential lipids | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This SkinCeuticals option reigns supreme. It's recommended for almost all skin types—including mature—and we thought the lightweight, gel-like formula absorbed well sans any greasiness. After testing, our oily skin looked mattified, while the dry parts looked hydrated. Dr. Engelman explains that the loss of collagen, free radical damage, and inability to hold moisture can make our skin look older, and the essential oils, lipids, and vitamin E in the formula work to combat those effects.
Chloe, tester: “My skin looked refreshed after using this product. It wasn't matte or overly dewy, more so just glowy and hydrated looking. It felt soft to the touch.”
What We Like
Encourages a healthy glow
Sanitary pump dispenser
Luxurious addition to routine
Softens skin and improves dark spots, loss of firmness, and uneven texture
What to Consider
Could be too much for oily skin
Key Ingredients:TFC8, hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed rice protein |Size:0.5, 1, 1.7 oz |Cruelty-Free:Yes
Treat yourself! We love a moment to splurge in the name of self-care, and if you're going to take the leap, do it with this Augustinus Bader cream. It's a Byrdie favorite for its extremely hydrating formula—à la the brand's patented TFC8 ingredient that reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Talk about a triple threat. Just know that if you have oily skin, this may be a little too intense for you.
Dylan, tester: "My skin feels plump and supple after applying. At first, it can be slightly thick, but it absorbs nicely and imparts a radiant glow."
Best for Dry Skin
Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream
What We Like
Hydrates skin well
Adds a dewy, glossy finish to the skin
Light fruity scent
What to Consider
Can feel sticky at first
Key Ingredients: Polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, plum, ice willowherb | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.68, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Mature skin (or any skin, really) thrives best when hydrated—Glow Recipe's Plum Pump moisturizer delivers that and more. We can thank its key ingredients that plump and brighten skin, including polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, and plum.
FYI: It was a bit sticky while applying, but it soon absorbed and left our skin looking glossy while feeling super hydrated. Another bonus? When you run out (you're going to want to use the whole bottle!), you can simply order a refill, which is a more sustainable option.
Elena, teser: “I feel hydrated, the skin looks significantly better, brighter, and glowing.
What We Like
Formula protects against acne
Absorbs almost instantly into skin
Hydrates without being sticky or oily
What to Consider
The packaging is a bit bulky
Key Ingredients: Japanese wild rose, hadasei 3 | Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination | Size: 0.34, 1.7, 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For some of us, acne never goes away, regardless of our skin's stage of life. If that's you, opt for a noncomedogenic moisturizer like this one from Tatcha. It has all of the youth-boosting benefits we're looking for: tighter pores along with smoother, plumper, and more hydrated skin that's protected from external stressors. But the best part is how lightweight the formula is. We loved how it absorbs quickly sans any sticky or oily residue.
Shannon Bauer, Byrdie's former associate editorial editor: “My skin doesn't feel oily at all; it's nicely hydrated and even a little bit dewy.”
Best for Rosacea
BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Moisture Boost Cream
What We Like
Alleviates redness
Smoothes dry patches on skin
Hydrates skin without feeling oily or greasy
What We Don't Like
Can cause subtle itchiness for a moment
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, bifidus and reishi mushroom extract, ceramides, pomegranate sterols, vitamin F | Skin Type: All | Size: 1, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
A gentle moisturizer can help comfort your skin during a pesky rosacea flare-up. This pick from BeautyStat Cosmetics moisturizes for up to 24 hours, smoothing rough patches without being too heavy or greasy. The formula's reishi mushroom extract soothes skin and combats inflammation, while hyaluronic acid locks in moisture to deliver refreshed skin.
Mike, tester: “When I put it on my face, it felt like I put a dry napkin in a puddle. My skin quickly started absorbing the product.”
Best for Body
Macrene Actives Skyros High Performance Body Lotion
What We Like
Hydrating moisturizer that can be spread all over
Thick texture that isn’t oily
Pleasant and not overbearing scent
What to Consider
Can take a bit of muscle power to rub this product in
Key Ingredients:Amino acids, hyaluronic acid, squalane, botanical blend | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Mature skin isn’t limited to just the face—it’s key to use products to help all areas of our bodies. This high-end moisturizer delivers promising results thanks to the plant-based Grecian formula that combats signs of anti-aging. Simultaneously, it feels so luxurious and buttery on the skin—during testing we noticed that a little bit goes a long way.
Stacey, tester: “My skin felt very soft and silky after the product absorbed into my skin. I could notice a hydrating quality immediately and kept wanting to use more because it felt so silky smooth on the skin.”
What We Like
Goes to work while you rest
Layers well with makeup and other skincare products
Imparts hydrated glow
What to Consider
Can leave a slight residue
Key Ingredients: TET8 patent, bio-ceramides, shea butter, micro-hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Oily | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Developing a nighttime skincare routine—especially one that's youth boosting—lets your skincare do the work while you rest. If you want a super luxurious product that allows you to wake up with hydrated and glowing skin, consider this option from Caudalie. We were impressed by how quickly it absorbed into the skin and noticed how hydrated our skin looked after using it.
Alara, tester: “I mostly wore this during my evening skin routine, and I always wake up the next morning feeling moisturized but not oily.”
Best Moisturizer With SPF
Origins A Perfect World Age-Defense Moisturizer
What We Like
Protects skin from harmful sun rays with SPF 40
No white cast
Moisturizes skin deeply
What to Consider
It can take a while to rub in
Key Ingredients: White tea | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Protecting your skin from the sun and pollutants are two keys to maintaining a youthful complexion. This sunscreen does just that thanks to SPF 40—plus so much more. The formula is rich in antioxidants, like white tea, to encourage vibrant, smooth skin. When we tested it out, we loved how it's super creamy yet lightweight and absorbant—it has a pleasant and subtle smell, too. It did wonders in protecting our skin from the sun while also making our skin softer, tighter, and plumper.
Christine, tester: "I definitely felt a difference in the texture after application; my skin was softer and smoother. It definitely looked natural and not overly oliy or greasy. I also felt a slight tightening of my skin."
What to Look for in a Moisturize for Mature Skin
- Ingredients: Dr. Engelman says to look for moisturizers that promise hydration, boost collagen and elastin, and slow down signs of aging through ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, ceramides, peptides, epidermal growth factors, and hyaluronic acid.
- Testing: “I always recommend checking if a product has undergone third-party clinical testing,” Dr. Engelman says. “This will give you a good idea of the formula's efficacy and what caliber of results you can expect (although it’s important to remember that everyone’s skin is different!).”
How We Tested Moisturizers for Mature Skin
Before recommending any product, our editors search the marketplace high and low and interview experts in the field to get guidance on what to look for and how to evaluate it. Then, we'll send products to editors and testers to assess them in real-life settings, including different climates and environments. Some products have even been tested in The Lab, our full-service New York City testing facility, where we can compare them side by side.
These moisturizers for mature skin have been evaluated by dozens of editors and testers, all with different skin types and age ranges. We compiled their feedback to give you an honest, thorough depiction of the product and why you should consider adding it to your skincare regime.
FAQ
When should people start using moisturizers for mature skin?
“It all depends on the state of your skin and what it needs," Dr. Engelman says. "You’ll know it may be time to start using mature skin moisturizers if you notice static fine lines or wrinkles (lines that don’t go away, even when your expression is neutral), laxity, and unusual dryness." Most start noticing these signs in their late 20s or 30s, or it might not happen until much later, he adds.
What should you avoid in moisturizers for mature skin?
“Avoiding harsh chemicals and added fragrances is a good rule of thumb for skincare in general, but this is especially true for those with mature skin, as their skin barrier is already more vulnerable,” Dr. Engelman says. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers and synthetic fragrances or perfumes can irritate and even damage the skin. Alcohols or any ingredients that may dry out the skin should be avoided, too.
Are there other ways to moisturize mature skin?
If you want to boost your skin's hydration, Dr. Engelman recommends building out your skincare regime. For example, start with a hydrating serum and then apply a moisturizer or facial oil over the top. “Facial oils tend to be a bit heavier than most facial moisturizers, and they usually absorb more slowly, so this can be a great step if you’re finding that your skin needs some extra, long-lasting moisture,” Dr. Engelman explains.
Meet Our Expert
We consulted a dermatologist to learn more about what to know when shopping for moisturizers for mature skin and evaluate the products we tested:
- Dr. Dendy Engelman, M.D., a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic, New York City
Why Trust Byrdie
Cullen Ormond is a freelance Byrdie writer and a longtime editor. As a tester for Byrdie, who has tried out several beauty products, she appreciates hunting for moisturizers that provide delicious hydration and a natural glow. If they help combat signs of aging, that’s a win-win.
According to ourDiversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any moisturizers for mature skin from Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us atcontact@byrdie.comand we will evaluate the product ASAP.