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WHEN MEN AGE, a crinkle of crow’s feet or a sprinkle of lines may make us look “distinguished” or “rugged,” but that doesn’t mean you’re required to just accept it when you start noticing signs of aging. There are things you can do to help slow their progression, like maintaining an anti-aging skincare routine with essentials like anti-aging creams for men and face serums. At a minimum, every anti-aging routine should include three things: sunscreen, antioxidants and retinol. They’re the most studied ingredients proven to reduce and slow signs of aging.
“While it is true that the earlier you start, the better the result, it’s never too late to start caring for your skin,” says dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD. The best way to do it is to start simple. After cleansing, apply an antioxidant serum, a moisturizer, and sunscreen (or a combo like a moisturizer with SPF) in the morning, and a retinol serum at night. Other anti-aging products, like eye creams, are just icing on the cake.
What to Consider
There are plenty of anti-aging products for men on the market right now, so deciding which is best for you can be a tough task dependent on a lot of trial and error. To minimize what options make it to the test run stage, there are a couple of things to remember.
Ingredients
More than anything, the ingredients should be your primary concern, and Dr. Hartman says it boils down to three that he calls the “Holy Trinity of Skin.” The first, and most important anti-aging product, is sunscreen. “Aside from genetics, exposure to the sun is the single most important determinant of how our skin ages,” he says. “Daily sunscreen protects against ultraviolet, visible, infrared and even blue light that is emitted from our constant use of devices. If you can prevent the damage in the first place, there is less to correct later.”
After sunscreen, he recommends antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which help to neutralize collagen-damaging free radicals caused by sun exposure and other environmental factors. Third is retinol, a derivative of vitamin A, which aids in cell turnover and exfoliation. “Regular exfoliation keeps the pores from becoming clogged, boosts collagen and elastin production and helps to balance hydration levels.” Speaking of those hydration levels, moisturizing can help as well since “dryness and dehydration which accelerate the development of fine lines, wrinkles and creases,” he advises.
Size
When dealing with skincare, especially in relation to anti-aging, the size of any given container can vary drastically from product to product. Depending on your budget and how much product you tend to use (or how often), you’ll want to look for the right-sized options before investing.
How We Selected
For the past two years, we consulted with Men's Health's Grooming editors and writers on the top anti-aging products for men. These experts, including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce, have tried dozens of anti-aging creams, serums and masks to evaluate not only how effective they were for reducing wrinkles, but for also their texture, finish and long-term usuage.
Best Anti-Aging Moisturizer
Kiehl's Age Defender Cream Moisturizer
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Subtle scent that's not overpowering
Cons
- More expensive than similar options
If you want more youthful-looking skin, a stellar moisturizer should be your first concern and Kiehl’s Age Defender is one of the best options out there. Its formula features linseed extract (aka flaxseed oil) to hydrate skin, leaving it feeling lifted and rejuvenated. The cream also packs a hefty dose of caffeine to further energize skin and smooth out the look of fine lines. With added capryloyl salicylic acid, which acts to remove dead skin cells and reduce inflammation, the cream is able to keep skin firm and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Read more: Best Grooming Products for Men
Key ingredients | Linseed extract, caffeine, capryloyl salicylic acid |
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Size | 2.5 oz |
Pros
- Specifically formulated for the eye area
- Available in three strengths of retinol
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Expensive
Rub on some of this retinol-packed eye cream at night to help smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles around your eye area (goodbye crow’s feet). The retinaldehyde (a form of retinol) is specifically formulated to be used on the area’s especially delicate skin.
Key Ingredients | Retinal, squalane, ceramides, glycerin |
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Size | 15 mL |
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Pros
- Suitable for retinol beginners and most skin types
- Ceramides and peptides help strengthen skin
- Still helps reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines
Cons
- Expensive
Kiehl's is a favorite of ours when it comes to skincare so it's no surprise that the brand has a second product popping up on this list, especially for retinol newbies. When you first start using retinol, dermatologists advise starting slow and applying it only a few times a week because it can cause irritation. This version helps that beginner stage along thanks to a lower concentration of retinol to make the transition easier as well as ceramides and peptides to help strengthen and protect skin.
Key ingredients | Retinol, ceramides, peptides |
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Size | 1 oz, 1.7 oz |
Pros
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
- Protects the skin’s barrier and microbiome
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Super gentle formula may not be strong enough for extra dirty faces
This extremely gentle cleanser helps remove dirt and grime from your skin, while still protecting it. It contains prebiotic sugars to help bolster the skin’s microbiome while it cleanses because a healthy barrier and microbiome equals healthier skin that ages better.
Key ingredients | Glycerin, caprylic triglyceride, inulin |
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Size | 1 oz |
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Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream
Dr. Dennis Gross Firm & Bright Eye Treatment
Pros
- Addresses a variety of eye issues
- Contains Vitamin C
- Can be used day or night
Cons
- Expensive
The combination of lactic acid and Vitamin C in this eye cream addresses essentially every eye issue you could hope for—puffiness, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles, and sagging. It’s lightweight and fast-absorbing enough to wear during the day, too.
Key Ingredients | 3-0 Ethyl Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), lactic acid, tiger grass |
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Size | 0.5 oz |
Pros
- High concentration of niacinamide
- Targets dark spots
- Also controls oiliness
Cons
- Expensive
Niacinamide, another antioxidant, helps improve the look of dark spots and blotchy skin tone, both common signs of aging. The serum contains ten percent of the stuff (that’s a lot) and visibly improves skin tone and brightens spots with lightning speed.
Ingredients | Niacinamide, brightenyl (diglucosyl gallic acid), trans-resveratrol |
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Size | 1 oz |
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Best Pro-Retinol Moisturizer
L'Oréal Paris Men Expert Vita Lift Daily Moisturizer
Now 27% Off
Pros
- Non-greasy
- Unscented
- Contains broad spectrum SPF15
- Under $15
Cons
- May not be potent enough for some
As mentioned, retinol is one of the absolute best ingredients to look for to exfoliate skin and improve cell turnover, which can do wonders for attacking wrinkles and fine lines. Although not exactly the same as retinol, the pro-retinol in this moisturizer offers similar benefits, and for some people and situations it might be a better choice.
Still a vitamin A derivative, pro-retinol is much milder and more stable than retinol, making it less likely to irritate so it’s better for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, it will degrade much less easily when exposed to sunlight, unlike many retinol products. That being said, since retinol is far more potent, pro-retinol is slightly less effective at attacking wrinkles and fine lines. But for those with easily aggravated skin, this option from L'Oreal Paris will be a godsend, especially considering it’s also unscented.
Key ingredients | Pro-retinol, glycerin |
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Size | 48 mL |
Pros
- Suitable for all skin types
- Lightweight and quick absorbing
- Contains antioxidants
Cons
- May be too lightweight for very dry skin
This lightweight and fast absorbing moisturizer is packed with antioxidants like niacinamide and licorice root extract to protect your skin all day, but won’t leave it feeling greasy or filmy.
Key ingredients | Niacinamide, glycerin, tucuma seed butter, licorice root extract |
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Size | 3.4 oz |
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Best Exfoliator
SkinMedica Even & CorrectBrightening TreatmentPads
Now 25% Off
Pros
- Helps to even and brighten skin tone
- Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Cons
- Expensive
Exfoliation helps to clear away dead skin cells that can stick around on the surface of your skin, giving it a dull appearance and sometimes making wrinkles look worse. These pads use glycolic acid to gently slough them away and a blend of niacinamide, tranexamic acid and lotus seed extract to even skin tone and brighten dark spots.
Key ingredients | Witch hazel, glycolic acid, tranexamic acid, niacinamide |
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Size | 60 pads |
Best Retinol Patches
Peace Out Microneedling Anti-Wrinkle Retinol Patches
Pros
- Non-invasive
- Overnight use
- Reduces appearance of wrinkles, crow's feet, fine lines and 11's
Cons
- Doesn’t last as long as a traditional cream
You’ve likely heard of the benefits of getting a microneedling procedure, but these Peace Out overnight patches are far less invasive. Just pop them on a wrinkly area of concern and let the 450 hyaluronic acid microneedles take care of the rest.
Key Ingredients | Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides, Vitamin C |
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Size | 6 Patches |
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Best Mineral Sunscreen
ISDIN Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Mineral-based
- Water resistant
- Non-greasy
- Repairs existing sun damage
Cons
- Expensive
Dr. Hartman recommends this sunscreen because “not only does it contain a purely physical zinc oxide sunscreen in a lightweight emulsion formulation that guys love, but it contains DNA repair enzymes to correct damage.”
Read more: Best Sunscreens for Men
Key Ingredients | Zinc Oxide, DNA Repairsomes®, Vitamin E |
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Size | 3.4 fl oz |
Pros
- Available in scented and unscented formula
- Absorbs quickly
- Reduces appearance of wrinkles, crow's feet and fine lines
Cons
- May be too heavy for breakout-prone skin
A great night cream is essential to any effective anti-aging skincare routine, whether you’re focused on anti-aging or not. This cream is packed with skin-hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe for all-day (and night) hydration.
Key Ingredients | Aloe, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E |
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Size | 1.9 fl oz |
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Pros
- Comes in full-face and beard-friendly options
- Contains natural ingredients
- Subscription option
Cons
- Requires more time than traditional serums
Think of a sheet mask as a boost for your skincare routine—pop it on whenever your skin needs a little extra help. This anti-aging mask is packed with concentrated niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe and a variety of botanical extracts to help hydrate and protect your skin.
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, glycerin |
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Size | Pack of 4 |
Pros
- Mineral-based
- Absorbs quickly
- Doesn't leave residue behind
- Protects against blue light
Cons
- Tint may not be suitable for all skin tones
“This sunscreen contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in an elegant, moisturizing cream that won’t clog pores, feel heavy or cause a white cast even on darker skin tones,” says Dr. Hartman.
Key Ingredients | Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin |
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Size | 1.8 fl oz |
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Pros
- Targets acne, blackheads and whiteheads
- Prevents clogged pores
- Unscented
Cons
- May not be great for sensitive skin
Many retinol products can cause irritation, especially when you first start using them. Dr. Hartman recommends this one because it’s a “prescription strength retinoid that is available over the counter and is mild enough to not cause irritation, but strong enough to deliver results strong enough for a man.”
Key Ingredients | Adapalene (Vitamin A derivative) |
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Size | 1.6 fl oz |
Pros
- Targets acne, blackheads and whiteheads
- Prevents clogged pores
Cons
- Can’t use every night if you’ve never used retinol before
Prescription strength retinol products weren’t always available over the counter, but have been recommended by dermatologists for decades. Not only does retinol help with anti-aging, but it also combats breakouts, two skin issues that are not mutually exclusive.
Read more: Best Acne Face Washes
Key Ingredients | Adapalene (Vitamin A derivative) |
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Size | 1.6 fl oz |
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Pros
- Plant-based formula
- Detoxifies and decongests skin
- Anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties
Cons
- May not be suitable for oily or acne-prone skin
Prefer to go au naturel with your grooming regimen? Add this face oil from Jack Henry, which features easy-to-pronounce ingredients like tea tree oil, avocado oil, and coconut oil. Together they help even skin tone and boost collagen production.
Key Ingredients | Organic Coconut MCT Oil, Organic Avocado Ail, Organic Tea Tree Oil |
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Size | 1 fl oz |
Best Night Cream
Kate Somerville +Retinol Vitamin C Moisturizer Cream
Pros
- Contains both retinol and vitamin C
- Reduces appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Brightens and evens skin tone
- Improves skin texture
Cons
- Expensive
In the interest of simplicity, this nighttime moisturizer contains both retinol and potent antioxidant vitamin C. Just make sure to use it only at night, since retinol can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight (and always wear sunscreen during the day).
Key Ingredients | Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid, Pure Vitamin C, Wild Gooseberry Extract |
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Size | 1.7 fl oz |
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Pros
- Reduces appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
- Absorbs quickly
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May to too strong for retinol beginners
This new retinol anti-aging night cream contains more retinol than the original version (which is one of our favorites) but still has a rich, creamy fragrance-free formula that moisturizes skin and could help cut down on any potential irritation.
Key Ingredients | Retinoid Complex, Vitamin B3, Glycerin |
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Size | 1.7 fl oz |
Pros
- Lightweight
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Greasy
For those who prefer to avoid heavy or thick creams, this lightweight anti-aging gel is a perfect alternative. The gel abords quickly into skin, without leaving a film, all the while giving your face the hydration it needs to smooth out the look of fine lines,
Key ingredients | Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, lactic acid |
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Size | 4 oz |