12 Anti-Aging Creams That Actually Work, According to Beauty Scientists

A top performer in the GH Beauty Lab’s anti-aging night cream test, Exuviance’s light, gel-like lotion was top at reducing lines, thanks to a potent smoothing trio of glycolic acid, retinol and peptides. Lab digital imaging with the Visia Complexion Analyzer found that the formula minimized the look of wrinkles by an impressive 10%. In calculations with the Cutometer machine, which gauges skin laxity, it raised firmness 31% after four weeks.

A caveat: Some users commented that the product was a bit irritating. Multiple users marveled at the overnight results: “My face felt smoother and looked brighter in the morning after using it,” one said. Another remarked that “it did seem to make a difference on my lines and wrinkles.”

A worth it splurge, Lancôme’s luxurious cream with rose extracts, plant oils and vitamins C, E and B5 won the top spot in the GH Beauty Lab’s test of anti-aging eye treatments for firming and hydrating the eye area. The formula boosted skin firmness by 29% in four weeks and increased hydration by 41% in Lab measurements. Testers also gave it the highest marks for smoothing crow’s feet and eye area wrinkles.

“I could see a real difference in my undereye area,” a user remarked. “My eyes look brighter.” Another said: “It was effective in making my skin softer and reducing crow’s feet.” Two drawbacks: The cream didn’t absorb quickly and its scent was a bit strong for some.