For many, the inevitability of impending wrinkles dawns on us at the first sight of a faint, unfamiliar crease. These lightly etched-in “wrinkle precursors” can be tricky to address: they are too soft to warrant injectable wrinkle reducers (substances that can temporarily smooth the appearance of moderate to severe lines in certain areas of the face), but they’re still unwelcome.
Topical creams can soften creases — and even help to slow down their maturation into full-blown, bonafide wrinkles. While there’s no such thing as a miracle in a bottle, we’ve sifted through a plethora of wrinkle-quelling creams and serums to bring you the ones that contain ingredients that help fade the look of furrows — at least until you’re ready to go under the needle.
Best line smoothing products
Perricone MD Neuropeptide Deep Wrinkle Serum
- Acyl-Glutathione: The Master Antioxidant Comprised of 3 amino acids, glutathione is the body’s main antioxidant and as part of a comprehensive skincare regimen can help to reduce the look of wrinkles and creases by replenishing fragile skin. Natural levels of this essential building block deplete over time, but topical application can help skin appear smoother and more youthful.
- Vitamin F Blend: Ultimate Moisture Barrier Protection Flax, chia and macadamia seed oils work over time to restore suppleness and create a healthy glow by intensely moisturizing and improving skin’s moisture barrier. Essential, yet not naturally found in the human body.
As the name suggests, the Perricone MD Neuropeptide Deep Wrinkle Serum ($185) is not a cream. Rather, it is a concentrated blend of wrinkle-plumping goodness, including neuropeptides, which can actually communicate to skin cells and coax underlying muscle contractions to soften.
PETER THOMAS ROTH Un-Wrinkle Night Cream
- A groundbreaking, anti-aging eye treatment
- Formulated with firming agents to minimize appearance of fine lines
Another neuropeptide-containing product, the PETER THOMAS ROTH Un-Wrinkle Night Cream ($56), works while you recover from the stress of the day (which may have caused the wrinkles in the first place!). Additionally, the cream contains retinol, which is one of science’s most clinically proven topical fine-line softeners.
The Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior
- HYDRATES & HELPS VISIBLY BRIGHTEN with essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; leaves skin looking luminous and radiant
- PREBIOTICS help maintain the strength of the skin’s protective barrier for a healthy-looking glow
The name says it all: The Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrior ($95) works hard to fade fine lines, thanks to collagen-spurring amino acids — without being harsh on the skin. The formula makes skin look and feel healthier from the moment you slather it on, thanks to super-hydrating hyaluronic acid.
SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum
- Next-Generation, Skin Rejuvenating Formula - A powerful peptide serum that helps target the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles and sagging skin. Enriched with TNS®-MR, an advanced formula that acts on multiple levels to help get you to your age-defying results. Suitable for all skin types.
- Key Ingredients - In this two chamber visibly firming serum, a next-generation growth factor blend helps to support healthy skin functions while an innovative peptide complex nourishes your skin. In the second chamber, Renessensce (RSC) Advanced is specifically designed to support the results of the growth factor blend, made up of a highly active blend of Marine Extract and Green Microalgae.
The SkinMedica TNS Essential Serum ($281) is a pair of powerhouse products in one. The bottle is partitioned into two chambers: The first is chock full of growth factors, while the second is loaded with antioxidants, peptides and other age-defying speciality ingredients. Slather it on and let science do the rest. It’s called the Essential serum for a reason, after all.
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream
- A powerful vitamin C serum now formulated with even more vitamin C, that visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- 50ml 1.7 Fluid Ounces $78 MSRP
It’s nice to know exactly what a product promises to do; the Kiehl’s Since 1851 Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream ($58) delivers on its claims. Skin-strengthening copper and moisture-boosting calcium increase elasticity and plump dry skin, respectively. Not to mention, it’s hard to resist any of the brand’s apothecary-style packaging!