11 Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists

There’s an ongoing debate about what age group represents “mature” skin. Some say it starts in your mid-to-late thirties, while others report it’s your forties. Regardless of which group you fall into, one thing is for sure: you always need a good moisturizer, no matter what your age, since your skin is always changing. As you get older — as you enter that mature skin zone — those changes start to show up in different ways, which means the products you use become every more important.

“As skin gets older, it loses collagen and elastin and becomes thinner,” explains Dr. Anne Truitt, board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, CA. That collagen loss happens due to falling estrogen levels — which, of course, impact many other areas of your life as well. As far as your skin, Dr. Truitt explains, the dip in collagen “makes the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) greater, meaning water that evaporates daily from the skin.”

These changes can make your skin look tired and dull, and also result in increased moisture loss. Wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and uneven pigmentation can start to show up as well. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a moisturizer for mature skin that can rehydrate and firm up your skin and effectively combat these shifts — especially once perimenopause and menopause arrive.

Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin at a Glance

• Best Overall: Tata Harper Calming Cream, $130
  Best for Menopausal Skin: Versalie Max the Moisture Hydrating Facial Moisturizer, $24
• Best for Dry Skin: Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Replenishing Moisturizer, $35
  Best for Aging: Elemis Pro-Collagen Anti Aging Marine Cream, $94
  Best Non-Greasy Moisturizer: Tula 24-7 Moisture Intense Ultra Hydrating Day & Night Cream, $58
  Most Affordable Moisturizer: La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30, $24
  Best Firming Moisturizer: Erno Laszlo Firming Cream, $125, was $140
  Most Popular: SkinCeuticals Daily Moisture, $74
  Best Moisturizer for Smoothing: Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Firming Cream, $120
  Best Editor-Approved Moisturizer: Shani Darden Skin Care Moisture Boost Plumping Serum, $78
  Best Splurge Moisturizer: RéVive Skincare Moisturizing Renewal Cream Suprême, $195

What to Look for in Moisturizers for Mature Skin

When it comes to selecting a moisturizer for mature skin, Dr. Truitt suggests more of a cream (an emollient) as opposed to a thin lotion — though it’s worth noting that more moisturizers are becoming lighter in consistency while remaining effective due to their ingredients. She also recommends seeking out products with retinoids to build collagen, vitamin C for antioxidants, glycolic acid for gentle exfoliation, and niacinamide for its anti-inflammatory properties, glycerin, and ceramides. “I also recommend a moisturizer twice a day that has hyaluronic acid as it is the water-loving component of the skin and helps to draw moisture,” she adds.

What to Avoid in Moisturizers for Mature Skin

While there aren’t too many ingredients to avoid when shopping for moisturizers for mature skin, Dr. Truitt explains that ones with vitamin C and glycolic acid may be too strong for daily application for some patients. You should also skip moisturizers with too many ingredients and alcohol contents since they can draw hydration out of the skin and leave it irritated.

With all that said, you can shop the best moisturizers for mature skin ahead.

QVC and Versalie are Flow Space sponsors, however, this article was independently written by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.

Best Moisturizers for Mature Skin