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Best anti-ageing creams 2026: independently lab-tested
We reveal which face creams really made a difference to wrinkles and more in our comparative lab test with 300 real testers
Senior researcher/writer, focusing on health and wellbeing, with over a decade of experience in product testing and investigative research.
In this article
- Why you can trust our anti-ageing cream reviews
- The best anti-ageing creams
- The anti-ageing creams we assessed
- How we tested anti-ageing creams
- What sort of results should I expect from an anti-ageing day cream?
- Should you use an anti-ageing cream with SPF?
- What ingredients to look for in anti-ageing creams
- Our anti-ageing cream experts
There’s no shortage of anti-ageing creams promising to reverse or minimise the signs of ageing, but we wanted to find out if any actually work, and whether you have to pay more to get good results.
While no cream will work miracles, our independent lab test shows that some products do work better than others – the best reduced wrinkle depth by 25%.
And you don't necessarily have to splash out, as some cheaper creams outperformed much pricier rivals in our test.
How we test anti-ageing creams
Wrinkle reduction
We measure how much wrinkle depth has decreased after using the cream for 28 days, using a 3D face scanner
Moisturisation
We measure skin hydration levels before and after using the cream for 28 days
User experience
We asked our testers to rate hydration levels, wrinkle appearance, skin smoothness and elasticity after 28 days' use
Skin feeling
Testers also rated how their skin felt after using the cream, including any greasiness or sticky feel
Why you can trust our anti-ageing cream reviews
We don't base our anti-ageing cream reviews on opinions, or one or two people's personal experiences. We've run a full, independent comparative lab test, with 30 people testing each product for 28 days (300 testers in total).
Each tester used only one product, so there's no risk of cumulative effects from trying multiple products one after another affecting the results. And they only apply it to half their face, with a placebo product used on the other half for comparison.
Using specialist lab equipment, we measured testers' skin moisture levels, wrinkle depth and more - both before they used the cream and after 28 days' use.
In addition to these objective scientific tests, we asked testers for their opinions on the creams based on their experience of using them, from how greasy they are and how well they sink into the skin to whether they noticed a difference in how their skin looked. We also asked whether they would continue using the product given the chance. Testers didn't know which products they were using, so their opinions aren't influenced by price or branding perceptions.
Our scientific analysts then assessed the results, crunching the numbers to see which products came out best – so you know our recommendations are based on facts, not feelings.
The best anti-ageing creams
Only logged-in Which? members can view our full anti-ageing cream test results, including the top-rated products.
Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and Best Buy recommendations below, as well as our Great Value picks.
| Product category | Score | Price | Wrinkle decrease | Moisturisation | User Experience - Overall | User Experience - Skin Feeling | Packaging |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sign up to reveal Get instant access to this and all our scores and recommendations Unlock tableGet Digital access £8.99 per month, cancel at any time. Already a member? | 70% | ||||||
| 70% | |||||||
| 68% | |||||||
| 67% | |||||||
| 62% | |||||||
| 56% | |||||||
| 54% | |||||||
| 51% | |||||||
| 46% | |||||||
| 43% |
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Date published: March 2026. Overall score combines scores for each attribute tested, weighted according to overall importance. Star ratings are on a scale from 1 to 5. The more stars, the better. Star ratings represent a range of scores, which is why some products may appear to have the same rating but a different overall score. Wrinkle decrease - how effective the cream was at decreasing the wrinkle depth after 28 days of use. Moisturisation - how effective the cream was at increasing skin moisturization after 28 days of use. User experience - how the testers rated the cream on skin feeling and effectiveness overall, and their likelihood of continuing to use it at the end of the testing period. Skin feeling - how the testers rated the cream on how sticky and greasy it felt after application. Packaging - the environmental impact of the packaging and how easy it is to get all of the product out of the container (so you don't waste any). Overall score based on: 49% wrinkle decrease, 21% moisturisation, 20% User test,10% packaging.
The anti-ageing creams we assessed
The anti-ageing creams included in our assessment are listed in alphabetical order below.
Only logged-in Which? members can view our full verdict on each. Join Which? to get instant access to our test results and recommendations.
Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Day Cream for Ageing Skin
Our score and verdict Log in or join Which? to instantly reveal
Available from Amazon (£28.99 for 50ml), Boots (£38 for 50ml)
Price: £38 for 50ml
Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream
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Available from Boots (£49 for 50ml), Look Fantastic (£49 for 50ml)
Price: £49 for 50ml
Cien (Lidl) Q10 Intense Day Cream
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Available from Lidl (£1.79 for 50ml) In-store only
Price: £1.79 for 50ml
Clarins Super Restorative Day Cream All Skin Types
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Available from Amazon (£73.10 for 50ml), Boots (£86 for 50ml)
Price: £86 for 50ml
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L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Anti-Ageing + Firming Pro Retinol Day Cream
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Available from Amazon (£7 for 50ml), Boots (£14.99 for 50ml)
Price: £14.99 for 50ml
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Cream
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Available from Amazon (£12.99 for 50ml), Boots (£29.99 for 50ml), Superdrug (£14.99 for 50ml)
Price: £29 for 50ml
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Cream
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Available from Amazon (£37.49 for 40ml), Boots (£40 for 40ml) Look Fanastic (£40 for 40ml)
Price: £40 for 40ml
Rituals The Ritual of Namaste Ageless firming day cream
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Available from Look Fantastic (£43 for 50ml)
Price: £47 for 50ml
Vichy Liftactiv Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Wrinkle Firming Day Moisturiser Cream
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Available from Amazon (£36.21 for 50ml), Look Fantastic (£35 for 50ml), Boots (£35 for 50ml)
Price: £35 for 50ml
Weleda Blue Gentian & Edelweiss Contouring Day Cream
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Available from Amazon (£21.71 for 50ml), Holland & Barrett (£21.71 for 50ml)
Price: £28.95 for 50ml
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How we tested anti-ageing creams
Dr Steph Kipling, Which? science team leader, explains:
'We put 10 anti-wrinkle creams from well-established skincare brands through a series of independent lab tests to see how they compared.
'Each product was tested by 30 female participants aged 40-65 years old, with mild to moderate crow’s feet. Testers applied the product to half their face twice a day for 28 days, using a basic moisturiser on the other half as a 'control' or placebo.
'The use of a placebo on one half of each tester's face allowed us to perform the same skin hydration and wrinkle-reduction measurements across both sides and ensure that any changes were due to the use of the product rather than any other lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, lack of sleep, dehydration and so on.
'We performed skin assessment tests at the beginning and end of the trial to evaluate changes in each tester’s skin, as well as to ask for their verdict on their experience using the cream.
'Each of our 300 total triallists tested only one of the creams to avoid any cumulative effects from trialling multiple creams, and products were anonymised so they didn't know what they were testing.'
Before vs after face scans
Assessing wrinkle reduction: We used a Primos machine, which performs a 3D scan of the skin (see image, above) with a heat map overlay to show relative wrinkle depth. By comparing the measurements taken before testing started and after 28 days, we can calculate any changes in the wrinkle depth.
Moisturisation levels: We used a Corneometer to measure the hydration level of each participant's skin, both before testing began and after 28 days of product use.
Corneometers use a probe to apply a low voltage to the top few layers of skin. They measure the water content by assessing how well the skin holds an electrical charge (known as capacitance). Multiple measurements were taken across each tester's cheek, and by comparing the before and after measurements, we can determine whether hydration levels have improved.
User experience and perception: As well as the objective lab tests above, we also asked each tester to rate their experience of using the cream on a variety of subjective factors, including overall satisfaction, ease of use, texture, application, fragrance and absorption, as well as their views on how it had affected moisturisation, smoothness, elasticity and the appearance of wrinkles.
Packaging: We assessed each cream on how easy it was to use the entire contents of the product (so you can get your money’s worth) and the environmental impact of the packaging.
Why you can trust us: at Which? we're free from manufacturer and retailer influence. Find out more about our impartiality and how your support helps us to stay editorially independent
What sort of results should I expect from an anti-ageing day cream?
Anti-ageing day creams are designed to lessen the visible effects of ageing and maintain healthy skin by increasing hydration and reducing wrinkles. Most contain a mixture of moisturising ingredients to plump up the skin. Some also contain sunscreen filters, as well as peptides or other ingredients that can, in theory, help to repair the skin.
The cosmetics industry is packed to the gills with bold claims about the miraculous effects these creams can have on the appearance of wrinkles and the signs of ageing. The reality, however, is a bit more complicated.
It’s clear from our tests that some anti-ageing creams can indeed hydrate and moisturise the skin, reduce wrinkles and improve its overall appearance.
But it's important to set realistic expectations. At most, we saw a 25% reduction in wrinkle depth after 28 days of use. While that sounds impressive, it won't necessarily be very obvious to the naked eye.
So while an anti-ageing cream isn't likely to banish deep wrinkles completely, the best products can shift the dial in your favour. They can also boost moisturisation and hydration, which will, in turn, help to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Should you use an anti-ageing cream with SPF?
Many daytime face moisturisers and anti-ageing creams include SPF in their formulations, because protecting your skin from the sun is key to minimising damage that can lead to signs of ageing over time.
However, while added SPF is nice to have, Which? and the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) don’t recommend relying only on the SPF included in your daily moisturiser.
Many anti-ageing creams contain only SPF15, which is below the recommended SPF30 needed to protect against sun damage. Additionally, even if your cream contains SPF30 or higher, the amount of cream used daily is unlikely to provide sufficient coverage compared with a dedicated face sunscreen.
Instead, you should use a dedicated sun cream of at least SPF 30 in addition to your preferred anti-ageing cream to protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
In the UK, this is not generally considered necessary by experts in the winter months, when UV levels are very low. But once UV levels rise in the spring, you should take measures to protect your skin from sun exposure. For more advice and treid-and-tested recommendations, see our guide to the best sunscreen for your face.
Best sun creams: our independent lab tests reveal the sunscreens you can rely on, plus we explain SPF and UVA ratings and more need-to-knows
What ingredients to look for in anti-ageing creams
Retinoids
Retinoids are vitamin A-based and its derivatives that can encourage the production of collagen and improve fine wrinkles. However, in higher concentrations, they can have side effects such as itching, burning and peeling, and the highest-strength options are prescription-only.
Lower-strength retinoids like retinol are available over the counter and are present in some anti-ageing creams. They may still be too strong for people with sensitive skin, and they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, which is why you'll find them more often in overnight creams or serums than in day ones.
Antioxidants
These compounds protect your cells from damage and degradation. Many anti-ageing creams contain antioxidants such as vitamin E, which protects the skin from free radicals and also hydrates the skin. Vitamin E also acts as an anti-inflammatory, which will reduce swelling and redness. Some anti-ageing creams also contain vitamin C.
Another commonly used antioxidant in skincare is Co-enzyme Q10, which protects the skin from free radicals and increases the production of collagen and elastin, which can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Alpha hydroxy acid (AHA)
This exfoliating ingredient helps to induce the shedding of dead skin (desquamation) as well as cell renewal and collagen production, effectively replacing old skin cells with new ones at a faster rate while simultaneously increasing collagen synthesis. These substances are ubiquitous in skincare, and almost every cream we tested contains AHAs. They can increase sun sensitivity, which is probably another reason why many of the day creams we tested also include SPF.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) or sodium hyaluronate
As skin ages, it loses moisture. Hyaluronic acid and sodium hyaluronate are hydration-boosting ingredients that increase the skin's ability to draw in moisture from the atmosphere. Sodium hyaluronate is a sodium salt extracted from hyaluronic acid. It has a smaller molecular size than hyaluronic acid, which allows it to penetrate the skin and draw water into deeper layers.
Our anti-ageing cream experts
- James Aitchison, Which? senior researcher and writer
James has more than 10 years of experience as a product tester and editor. He has worked as a managing editor for health, lifestyle and home at Reviewed and USA Today.
At Which?, James is a senior researcher and writer in our health and wellbeing team, focusing particularly on skincare testing for our magazine and website.
As well as anti-ageing creams, he is currently testing out sleep aids, LED masks and collagen supplements.
- Dr Steph Kipling, PhD, science team leader
Steph has worked at Which? for more than a decade. She heads up our brilliant team of scientists who specialise in developing independent comparative tests for everything from collagen and electric toothbrushes to fridge-freezers.
She has overseen hundreds of product tests during her time at Which?, and knows all the best labs for when we need a independent test facility or specialist testing equipment to get to the bottom of what's best. Steph previously worked in product testing and claims substantiation for a manufacturer of hair styling tools and products, so she's also clued up on the tricks of the trade.
- Independent test facility
We don't reveal the testing laboratories we work with to protect the independence and integrity of our testing (if we did, they might be approached or pressured by brands who may want to influence results).
However, we can say that the lab we used for this test is highly experienced in running large-scale independent skincare testing.
Equally, our in-house scientists are well-versed in sourcing the right lab for the job, and we have a database of trusted labs worldwide that we turn to for testing when needed.