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Chin up now, you can still prevent wrinkles in your 30s. Your skin can rejuvenate itself and produce enough collagen. Okay, maybe not as much as it used to. But there’s still plenty of time to take care of your skin and improve your complexion. The best anti-aging creams for your 30s will feed your skin with all the nutrients your skin can milk to treat and prevent wrinkles.
When anti-aging is concerned, retinol is the first ingredient that comes to mind. But remember that there are other potent active ingredients that can help you with wrinkles. Because from my experience and what I’ve seen from my friends is that we’re either too focused on one single ingredient, i.e. retinol, or the concept of anti-aging is too broad for us to get a handle on it.
But no worries. Whether you’re in your early 30s and just getting started with anti-aging creams or in your late 30s and could use some pointers, I’ve got you. I do my skincare routine for a living. And I know a thing or two when it comes to anti-aging products.
Let’s put you up to speed on the key points and navigate some of the best anti-aging creams you can use in your 30s to keep looking gorgeous.
What To Look For in an Anti-Aging Cream To Use in Your 30s
Below are the ingredients to look for in your anti-aging creams for 30s skin:
- Retinol: It regulates skin turnover and stimulates the skin into producing collagen and elastin to smooth fine lines and wrinkles.
- Exfoliants: Hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic acid resurface the skin, improve skin texture, and minimize discolorations.
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant protects the skin from free radical damage usually caused by sun exposure. It’s also majorly helpful in getting rid of uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation from sun damage.
- Botanical antioxidants: Plant-derived ingredients like resveratrol and green tea prevent free radical damage and help your skin recover.
- Peptides: They encourage collagen production.
- Sunscreen: It’s the best way to protect skin from premature aging.
So these are some of the most notable ingredients that’ll help in the most noticeable way. However, your personal preference is important too. For example, both retinol and exfoliants require some getting used to. They’re more like treatments. And they can be irritating for some people too.
Other ingredients generally work gentler. And that makes them preferable for the average 30-something who just wants a potent anti-aging cream and be done with it and not deal with potential irritation or redness.
If you’ve got the gist, ahead are a variety of options to choose from depending on your skin type and what kind of anti-aging skincare routine you’d like to follow.
The Best Anti-Aging Creams For Your 30s
Find below the best anti-aging creams for your 30s to tackle fine lines, wrinkles, textured skin, and dark spots.
1. Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme Moisturizer
Pros
Contains Argireline
Skin-hugging, non-greasy texture
Easy to layer with other products
Cons
Pricey
If you are not a fan of retinol, first of all, I get it. Sometimes it’s too much of a hassle. And as I mentioned, there are other, no-muss no-fuss anti-aging creams for your 30s to treat and prevent wrinkles. And I love this one for its extensive anti-aging blend. It’s brimming with antioxidants like vitamin C and plant stem cells to improve the skin tone without freaking your skin out.
More importantly, it contains Argireline. It’s the peptide known for having a Botox-like effect. Considering that the cream is also rich in humectants like hyaluronic acid and squalane, it practically fills in your wrinkles. So, if you’re looking for a botanically-rich moisturizer, this one helps with wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and loss of skin elasticity in the gentlest way.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin C, moringa, stem cells, caffeine
Benefits: Neutralizes free radicals, improves skin elasticity, instantly smoothes fine lines
Skin Type: All
SPF: No
Size: 1.7 oz/50 ml
2. Dr. Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream
Pros
Cream base mitigates irritation from retinol
Rich in antioxidants
Cons
Retinol concentration unknown
This is formerly known as Ferulic + Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer. The new formula still packs retinol but also has what’s commonly known as vegan retinol, aka bakuchiol. Utilizing retinol, the anti-aging cream regulates skin turnover to address issues like wrinkles, textured skin, and hyperpigmentation. And with bakuchiol, you get amplified benefits without increasing potential irritation.
And that’s not it, the cream’s got the potent antioxidant ferulic acid to neutralize free radicals, making this one an amazing anti-aging cream for your 30s to get rid of all signs of aging. With shea butter, hyaluronic acid, and squalane, its base is incredibly replenishing and moisturizing too. If you’re not new to retinol, check out these retinol creams for your 30s for more options.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, bakuchiol, ferulic acid
Benefits: Reduces lines and wrinkles
Skin Type: All except for very sensitive skin
SPF: No
Size: 2 oz/60 ml
3. Caudalie Vinoperfect Instant Brightening Moisturizer
Pros
Oil-free formula
Smells amazing
Leaves the skin looking radiant
Cons
Some might not like fragrance
This one is an antioxidant cream made with a patented ingredient, namely viniferine. It’s a derivative of resveratrol. And resveratrol is a powerful antioxidant with significant anti-inflammatory and skin-brightening benefits. And it’s ideal for anyone who is not a big fan of hardcore active ingredients that can be potentially irritating for the skin.
Plus, the cream contains niacinamide to enhance the brightening benefits while keeping in moisture. If you’ve never used Caudalie products before, you’re going to love the fact that you can improve your skin texture and tone with plant-derived antioxidants and without irritation. The anti-wrinkle cream is oil-free and perfect for oilier complexions. And it also provides moisture with hyaluronic acid, and squalane, and quenches dry and dehydrated skin.
Key Ingredients: Resveratrol, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Benefits: Brightens skin, fades hyperpigmentation
Skin Type: All
SPF: No
Size: 1.6 oz/50 ml
4. Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Moisture Cream SPF 30
Pros
Multi-tasking cream
Offers broad-spectrum SPF
Cons
Pricey
Once again, sunscreen is your most powerful weapon against aging. So this one prioritizes your skin’s protection against wrinkle-causing UV rays. But there’s more; it also makes sure your skin stays hydrated all day and has an extra layer of antioxidants to reverse existing free radical damage.
It’s made with idebenone, a synthetic version of the antioxidant coenzymeQ10, with impressive free radical scavenger properties. It’s encapsulated, so it’s released into the skin constantly throughout the day. And it also contains retinyl linoleate, a retinol ester that works slowly and gently to retexturize the skin. The cream leaves the skin plump with hyaluronic acid and gives you day-long moisture plus protection.
Key Ingredients: CoenzymeQ10, vitamin A, hibiscus extract
Benefits: Protects the skin from further damage and neutralizes free radicals
Skin Type: All
SPF: Chemical SPF 30
Size: 1.7 oz/50 ml
5. The Inkey List Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Moisturizer
Pros
Gentle formula
Affordable anti-aging cream
Cons
Results take time to show
Speaking of retinol alternatives, this is another bakuchiol cream. As a plant-derived ingredient, it’s a safer alternative to target wrinkles without the common side effects associated with retinol. It improves the skin’s elasticity and diminishes fine lines. But it doesn’t cause irritation and sensitivity like high-concentration retinol does.
Besides the anti-aging bakuchiol, the vegan retinol cream has squalane to hydrate and plump the skin. With bakuchiol’s anti-wrinkle and antioxidant benefits, this is one of the most affordable anti-aging creams for 30-year-olds. But know that the cream doesn’t have a prominent “finish”. Your skin will absorb it and that’s it. If you’re looking for a notable after-effect, so to speak, this may not satisfy your needs.
Key Ingredients: 1% bakuchiol, squalane
Benefits: Reduces lines and wrinkles without irritation
Skin Type: All, especially sensitive skin
SPF: No
Size: 1 oz/30 ml
6. Ole Henriksen C-Rush Vitamin C Gel Moisturizer
Pros
Light texture absorbs fast
Leaves the skin looking luminous
Smells amazing
Works well under makeup
Cons
Some might not like fragrance
Hyperpigmentation is one of the most common skin concerns in your 30s. It’s usually the result of years of unprotected sun exposure but can also be the result of inflammatory skin conditions. Well, vitamin C is the ultimate solution for that because it reduces melanin production and fades dark spots. Vitamin C is also a hardworking antioxidant that neutralizes the aging effects of UV and pollution.
It brightens and tightens the skin, which gives your complexion a youthful luminosity. This vitamin C moisturizer contains several forms of vitamin C for better stability and efficacy. It’s a super hydrating, lightweight gel cream that targets age spots, wrinkles, and dullness. Its citrus scent is amazing and the cream literally brightens the skin with its dewy finish. It’s suitable for all skin types but especially great for dry, dull skin. And it’s the perfect anti-aging cream to use in your 30s to clear up your skin.
Key Ingredients: Pure vitamin C, two vitamin C derivatives, vitamin B5, hyaluronic acid
Benefits: Brightens skin, boosts radiance, reduces dark spots
Skin Type: All
SPF: No
Size: 1.7 oz/50 ml
7. Neostrata Glycolic Renewal Smoothing Cream
Pros
High-concentration glycolic acid
Targets multiple skin concerns
Cons
Not beginner-friendly
You can benefit a lot from an exfoliating moisturizer as hydroxy acids help speed up skin turnover as well. In doing so, they improve your skin texture and eliminate dullness, congestion, breakouts, and fine lines. This exfoliating moisturizer contains 10% alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), glycolic and citric. It reduces acne and scarring by getting rid of dead skin cells.
AHAs also brighten the skin and even out the skin tone. If you have enlarged pores, texture irregularities, and stubborn scars, you’re going to love this. It’s oil-free and fragrance-free, so it won’t cause congestion or irritation. The cream reveals a healthier skin layer that’s smoother and brighter. But it’s not the best if you have sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: 8% glycolic acid, 2% citric acid
Benefits: Exfoliates, smoothes skin texture, removes surface discolorations
Skin Type: Normal, combination, oily
SPF: No
Size: 1.4 oz
8. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer
Pros
Affordable anti-aging cream
Instantly plumps skin
Cons
Contains fragrance
Too much silicone
With vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, and signal peptides, this is one of the best drugstore anti-aging creams for your 30s. As hyaluronic acid replenishes the skin, vitamin B3, aka niacinamide, works to keep the water in and help improve the skin barrier.
In doing so, it prevents the skin from losing moisture. Plus, it has signal peptides to stimulate collagen growth for a renewed and lifted appearance, making this one an affordable way to treat and prevent wrinkles in your early and mid-30s. As you can see, you don’t have to resort to retinol or potentially irritating actives to tackle wrinkles.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin E
Benefits: Improves firmness, skin barrier, and resilience
Skin Type: All
SPF: No
Size: 1.7 oz
9. Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Moisturizer With Ceramides
Pros
Deeply moisturizing
Nourishing formula
Plumps the skin immediately
Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
Not easy to layer with other products
With a compromised skin barrier, dry skin is more vulnerable to transepidermal water loss and free radical damage, which accelerates the formation of wrinkles. Plus, wrinkles tend to be more visible on dry skin. If you have very dry and flaky skin in your 30s, you can benefit from a thick moisturizer that’s designed to repair your skin barrier.
Face creams like these are also handy during winter. This one hydrates the skin with hyaluronic acid and seals water in with the help of ceramides. With several plant oils, it’s the best anti-aging cream for women in their 30s with dry skin. Your skin becomes stronger and can heal faster.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, green tea, botanical oil blend
Benefits: Repairs skin barrier, reduces dehydration lines
Skin Type: Dry
SPF: No
Size: 1.69 oz/50 ml
10. Origins A Perfect World SPF 40 Age-Defense Moisturizer With White Tea
Pros
High SPF
Pleasant texture
Amazing scent
Multi-tasking product
Cons
Contains essential oils
In addition to SPF 40 to guard the skin against UV irradiation, this anti-aging day cream also has several plant-derived antioxidants. The most notable of them is white tea, which is rich in polyphenols to ward off free radicals.
The multi-tasking oil-free cream repairs the skin, moisturizes it, and protects it at the same time. It’s non-comedogenic and non-greasy and is the perfect way to moisturize combination skin or oily and acne-prone skin.
Key Ingredients: White tea extract, berry extracts
Benefits: Protects the skin against free radicals
Skin Type: All except for sensitive skin
SPF: Chemical SPF 40
Size: 1.7 oz/50 ml
11. Lancome Absolue Revitalizing & Brightening Rich Cream
Pros
Leaves a glow that’s impossible to miss
Instantly smoothes skin
Fancy formula and packaging
Has a firming and lifting effect
Cons
Expensive
And lastly, and this is my recent obsession, is this glow-inducing anti-aging cream. Retinols and exfoliants have their own place, but this is for those of you who want some weight from their anti-aging creams. Let me elaborate. You won’t be able to just apply it and forget about it. This rich cream (also comes in a soft base) leaves a noticeable radiance on the skin and has immediate plumping effects.
These are for your instant gratification. But it’s also formulated with a trade-marked ingredient, Pro-Xylane, brightening rice bran oil, and antioxidant-rich rose extracts. Plus, the rich cream claims 24-hour hydration and I stand by it. Because of better moisture, my dehydration lines were practically invisible. This is very pricey but as long as you can afford it, it’s worth every penny.
Key Ingredients: Pro-Xylane, grand rose extracts, vitamin E, essential oil blend
Benefits: Instantly minimizes fine lines, boosts radiance on dull skin, provides long-lasting moisture
Skin Type: Normal, dry
SPF: No
Size: 2 oz/60 ml
So these are some of the best anti-aging creams for people in their 30s. These are to be used daily. And that limits the addition of active ingredients into the creams to a certain extent. If you need something more intense, check out our round-up of the best night creams for your 30s.
