The 11 Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin That Smooth Wrinkles, Brighten, and Improve Texture, According to Testers

Best Overall

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

$63 at Amazon $63 at Sephora $99 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Signal peptide complex, pygmy waterlily stem cell extract, soybean folic acid ferment extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This classic, beloved moisturizer offers instant gratification. According to our tester, the creamy, non-scented formula immediately makes skin feel softer and look plumper. And it lasts. After applying it before bed, she woke up with super-hydrated skin and less-visible fine lines. It works just as well as a day cream, too, as it spreads evenly, doesn’t leave a sticky residue, and absorbs nicely. She noted how well it sits underneath makeup, saying it created a smooth, moisturized base for concealer. 

The packaging is also a hit; we appreciate the hygienic pump-top bottle, which is also refillable. Plus, just one pump goes a long way. If you’re looking for a rich, dewy moisturizer that layers seamlessly into your skincare routine, we highly recommend this pick from Drunk Elephant. 

Evangelina, tester: “I love that it works immediately. My skin feels hydrated, soft, and plump.” 

Best Hydrating

SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore

$155 at Dermstore $155 at Skinceuticals.com $155 at Ecosmetics.com

Key Ingredients: Ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids, essential oil blend | Skin Type: Dry, normal, combination, and dehydrated | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Sometimes my skin drinks up moisturizer, but that hydrated feeling dissipates, and I feel like I need to apply more 20 minutes later. That’s not the case with this one, making it our favorite deeply hydrating moisturizer for mature skin. It’s a soft, yet buttery cream that spreads easily and takes a few minutes to absorb. Once it does, it leaves my skin nourished, comfortable, and glowing. I also notice that my complexion looks brighter and my skin appears plumper. Another bonus: It layers beautifully with makeup, sunscreen, or other skincare products (re: it’s not greasy). 

I have combo skin, so it works flawlessly for me. But those with acne-prone or highly sensitive skin may want to patch-test first, as it contains essential oils and fragrance, which can be irritating. That said, I adored the subtle lavender, rosemary, and peppermint scent, especially before bed.

Best Plumping

Biodance Pore Perfecting Collagen Cream

$29 at Amazon View on IHerb

Key Ingredients: Collagen, mineral water, syn-coll | Skin Type: All (hypoallergenic) | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Grab your gua sha, because this collagen-rich moisturizer provides some serious slip. It goes on thick and a little sticky, our tester reports, but feels lightweight and velvety on the skin. Since it takes a few to absorb, it’s the ideal time to do a face massage. Once absorbed, she shared that her skin looked better, with less visible pores, more bounce, and overall plumpness. 

It’s worth noting that she experienced some breakouts during this time, so if you have acne-prone skin, this may not be the best fit.

Esme, tester with combination skin and fine lines: “I would recommend this product to anyone who wants a smoother, bouncier, more even complexion.” 

Best Brightening

Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched

$78 at Sephora $79 at Nordstrom $102 at Macy's

Key Ingredients: Kombu-bounce complex (green, brown, and red algae, chlorella extract), turmeric extract, niacinamide | Skin Type: normal and dry | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

After our tester’s pregnancy glow dissipated and she was dealing with dull, postpartum skin, this rich cream helped her regain some brightness. And even if you’re not on the other side of childbirth, it proved to be an excellent way to smooth out uneven patches, improve texture, and help skin look healthier (especially with twice-daily application). The formula has a whipped texture that feels airy and softening on the skin. It absorbs well and works under makeup, since it leaves zero stickiness. If you’re sensitive to smell, know that it has a clean, floral scent (which our tester describes as “spa-like”). It also comes with a little spatula so you don’t have to put your fingers into the jar.

Lindsay, tester with combination skin: “I had a refreshed, brighter, more even look that made me excited to continue using it each day.”

Best Drugstore

L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Anti-Aging Moisturizer

$30

$20 at Amazon $30 at Ulta $24 at Target

Key Ingredients: Pro-retinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Next time you’re doing a pharmacy haul, add this seems-more-expensive-than-it-is moisturizer to your cart. It doesn’t skimp on ingredients, offering the holy trifecta: hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C, and anti-aging darling retinol. Our tester found it seamless to transition into her routine as it’s lightweight, nongreasy, and truly fragrance-free. She mainly used it as a night cream (there’s a daytime version with SPF 30). After immediate application, her skin felt supple and soft, and by the morning, it looked smoother and plumper. It is important to note that when using retinol, be sure to wear sunscreen during the day, as the skin can be more sensitive.

Cher Checchio, senior copy editor with dry, sensitive skin: “I would totally recommend this to anyone looking to add an anti-aging skincare product to their morning and/or night routine without breaking the bank. I also like that it comes in an SPF 30 version to protect against any sun damage.”

Best Noncomedogenic

Tatcha The Water Cream

$74 at Amazon $68 at Sephora $74 at Ulta

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 offers all 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. Our tester raved over instantly bouncy and dewy it made her skin, plus it plays well in the sandbox with other products (like sunscreen and makeup). While it does offer a subtle floral fragrance, it didn’t bother her. Rather, she was impressed by how easily it absorbed, how glowy it made her skin, and how “worth it” it is as a luxury cream.

Candice, tester with combination skin (not shown): “This moisturizer feels like a little luxury, in terms of how it looks and how it performs. I love the silky texture of the cream and how it makes you glow.”

Best Night Cream

Caudalie Premier Cru Moisturizer

$119 at Amazon $99 at Nordstrom $119 at Revolve

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, bio-ceramides, and shea butter | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Developing a nighttime skincare routine—especially one that’s youth-boosting—lets your skincare do the work while you rest. If you’re looking for a luxurious night cream that helps you wake up with hydrated and glowing skin, consider this one from Caudalie. It’s powered by ceramides, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid to support a healthy skin barrier and smooth lines over time. This blend of ingredients also lends an out-of-this-world softness; it feels so soft and comforting on the skin. 

Our tester was impressed by how quickly it absorbed into her skin and noticed the hydrated look it gave her after use. She also mentioned that she woke up with comfortable, moisturized skin that didn’t feel oily. 

Best Gentle

Farmacy Honey Cloud Moisturizer

$48

$44 at Amazon $48 at Sephora $20 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Hawaiian white honey, peptides, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, upcycled calendula | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, sensitive | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Often, the simplest of products gets the job done best. Such is the case with this fragrance-free, lightweight moisturizer, which is also non-comedogenic (we see you, sensitive skin types). According to our tester, it feels cool and creamy upon application, then dries down to a smooth, comfortable finish. Apply a dime-sized amount using the stainless steel spatula (a plus for hygiene aficionados), and it spreads evenly. While complexion looks refreshed and smooth immediately, the hydration may fall short for very dry skin. The upside: its texture is a light enough layer, should you need a hydration pick-me-up.

Esme, tester with combination skin and fine lines: “My skin can sometimes be sensitive, and this very light and gentle moisturizer felt soothing.” 

Best for Dry Skin

OSEA Advanced Protection Face Cream

$108 at Amazon $108 at Nordstrom $108 at Credo Beauty

Key Ingredients: Bio (plant-derived) retinol, Undaria Seaweed Extract, shea butter, jojoba and macadamia seed oils | Skin Type: Dry, mature, sensitive | Size: 1.9 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s no higher compliment than our tester saying this cream gave her a post-facial glow. She described the formula as rich, creamy, and luxurious without being too thick (basically, it’s flawless). In addition to providing lasting hydration, evening skin tone, and fine-line blurring, it creates a smooth base for makeup. Worth noting: it has what our tester describes as a “light, fresh scent,” but don’t worry, it doesn’t linger. And if you love retinol but can’t use the potent stuff right now (like during pregnancy), this formula offers a gentle, plant-based alternative.

Heidi, tester with dry skin: “After giving it a minute to absorb, the cream made my skin feel hydrated and look like I just had a facial—glowy and supple!” 

Best Makeup Base

Tatcha The Dewy Milk Moisturizer

$64 at Amazon $64 at Sephora $24 at Ulta

Key Ingredients: Prebiotic green tea extract, Zinc Hyaluronate, Japanese Purple Rice, glycerin, squalane | Skin Type: Combination, oily, normal | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Many products claim to make skin look dewy and refreshed, and this one truly lives up to the hype. Our tester was a fan of how evenly the cream-gel hybrid spread across her face, leaving no residue. Her skin felt plump and hydrated hours after application, and as a makeup artist, she loved how it created an ideal smooth base for foundation. If you’re looking for a buttery cream, this isn’t it; but for those seeking a silky layer, you’ll love it (this author also has a bottle and is quite obsessed).

Ashley, tester with combination, sensitive-leaning skin: If you want a light moisturizer that makes your skin plump and dewy with or without makeup, this is a fantastic product. It’s great for daily use (morning and evening), and works well with other products.

Best Serum-Cream Hybrid

Torriden DIVE IN Soothing Cream

$27

$26 at Amazon $27 at Sephora $27 at Sokoglam.com

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, panthenol, allantoin, witch hazel extract | Skin Type: normal, combination, oily, sensitive | Size: 3.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: yes

Whether you’re transitioning to a warmer climate or watching the first leaves bud, this lightweight moisturizer thrives in humidity. Our tester loved the gel-cream texture, which she described as feeling more like a serum in cream form. It delivers hydration without heaviness, absorbs quickly, plumps skin fast, and is completely fragrance-free. The result is a fresh, glowy complexion—no residue or grease in sight. While it won’t replace a rich night cream, it’s an excellent daytime option under SPF and makeup.

Toni, tester with combination skin that leans dry: “It feels like a water cream that gives gentle, weightless hydration. Comfortable, refreshing, and dependable.”