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By Adrian Clark , Tracy Achonwa and Jessie Atkinson
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
We'll be real with you: the absolute best anti-ageing cream for men is an SPF moisturiser in the streets and a night cream in the sheets. But there is a world of science that goes far beyond these simple grooming pillars. If you were wondering, yes: anti-ageing creams do actually work. The good ones, anyway… and only if you really commit to using them. As with building muscle in the gym or finally learning the guitar solo to “Master of Puppets”, consistency with your skincare routine is absolutely key.
Your new anti-ageing cream will work wonders over time and with regular use, but it'll be most effective applied in conjunction with a largely healthy lifestyle, one in which you prioritise a healthy diet, regular exercise, a minimal amount of stress and — we'll say it again — access to an SPF that you use daily.
If you manage to do all of that, the best anti-ageing cream for men should reduce fine lines, revitalise tired skin, reintroduce plumpness into your cheeks and potentially keep you looking younger than you actually are for as long as you and your skin both shall live. But which of the scores of oils, tinctures, creams and serums to opt for? We spoke to Harley Street face expert Yannis Alexandrides MD to find out.
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Collagen degradation can begin as early as 20 years of age, with oily skin enhancing the visible signs of collagen loss, including visible pores, fine lines and uneven overall texture. Kiehls' oil-free super multi-corrective soft cream has been specifically designed with oily and combination skin-types in mind; the perfect option for younger skin, as an early introduction to an anti-ageing regimen. Soothing and refreshing, the supercharged, gel/cream moisturiser — which can be used both day and night — repairs, replenishes and helps rebuild the skin’s foundation. Made with a trio of collagen-boosting ingredients, the pro-ageing treatment features ProxylaneGX, a multi-patented ingredient that is clinically-tested to improve the feeling of firmness, elasticity and visibly refine facial contours.
Formulated with 95.2 per cent ingredients of natural origin, Horace’s cooling and firming face gel helps to strengthen the skin and reduce the appearance of sagging. A vegan formula with a distinctive woody/amber scent, it uses two forms of hyaluronic acid which act on skin tone and wrinkles with a moisturising effect as well as protecting your complexion from external aggressors like pollution, UV and cigarette smoke.
Our natural production of collagen reduces over time (by up to 30 per cent as you near the age of 50!) resulting in a loss of elasticity and firmness for the skin. With that in mind, Caudalie has innovated and redesigned its iconic anti-ageing line with a new generation of collagen that uses sustainable and vegan revolutionary green technology. Of the many products I tried and tested that claim to lift, this day cream achieved (with regular use over a three-week period) some of the most transformative re-sculpting results. The first time Caudalie has taken inspiration from cutting edge technology from the medical world and applied it to the plant world, it offers exceptional anti-ageing benefits.
Research and scientific studies have shown us that skin renewal and cellular regeneration happens almost exclusively at night. To take full advantage of this down-time, Bynacht has created a line of über-efficient nocturnal skincare formulas that are complemented with sleep-promoting aromatherapeutic balms and oils that help you effortlessly drift into the land of nod. I found the Nocturnal Signature Anti-Age Cream delivered transformative results in helping diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, after using it for only four weeks. I also woke up feeling refreshed, with my complexion felling hydrated and ready to take on the day.
Aggressive exfoliation, UV exposure, pollution and stress-inducing harsh ingredients all take their toll on our skin-barrier health, which in turn contributes to the ageing process. Repairing and future-proofing the skin barrier doesn’t, however, need to be complicated or expensive. This daily moisturiser effectively strengthens and supports a compromised skin barrier, keeping all of the age-defence balances in check. Fragrance-free and made with 97.9 per cent naturally-derived ingredients, it's also perfect for sensitive skin-types. Due to its sensorially rewarding whipped soufflé-like texture, I found myself slathering this on both morning and night. I found it helped reduce dryness (something I have ongoing issues with); it also dials-down redness and protects skin prone to flare-ups and breakouts.
Clinically-proven to visibly lift and firm the appearance of the skin by 60 per cent, this next-level age-renewal serum makes some pretty bold claims… claims that I can substantiate. Only two weeks into using it, my best mate asked if I had indulged in any cosmetic injectables; something he has never asked me before. Supporting collagen production, it dramatically reduced the appearance of sagging, loss of volume, lack of firmness and hard-to-shift wrinkles: in short, it worked miracles. Using a patent-pending Micro Growth Factor Technology (MGF) which penetrates deeper into the skin, it creates multiple modes of action to help support the anti-inflammatory response. Suitable for all skin-types, it can also be used to complement cosmetic injectables, which, incidentally, I still haven’t had.
A specialist in skincare solutions founded on real science, real claims and real results, Indeed Labs offers budget-friendly and high-performance targeted grooming solutions. Its 3-in-1 skin-resurfacing retinol blend targets the signs of ageing while you sleep; encouraging the shedding of dead skin to smooth the look of wrinkles and fine lines, fade pigmentation and help rebuild lost collagen. A more effective, faster and gentler formulation, it uses a unique combination of two different types of retinol: slow-release, which gently resurfaces the complexion and a multi-faceted and anti-ageing ‘retinol-like’ peptide, which speeds up cell-turnover and provides the same benefits as traditional retinol but with less skin irritation or discomfort. The addition of bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative, helps alleviate rough texture and dryness. Only use at night, and follow up with SPF the next morning.
Boasting an all-in-one anti-ageing formula, Eve Lom’s Radiance repair illuminates, hydrates, firms and smoothes the skin. A vegan solution to be used both morning and night, it hydrates skin for up to 72-hrs after use. Dermatologically-tested, this serum is infused with a cocktail of potent and advanced actives. The first of these is liposome-encapsulated retinol: a more stable, gentler form of the active which stimulates collagen production with a sustained release to avoid irritation. The addition of microbiome-balancing fermented oat improves skin firmness and hydration, whilst lime-derived AHAs gently exfoliate skin, stimulating cell turnover and leading to a brighter and more radiant complexion. Made from a patented film-coating active of red algae and spiny holdback tree, its unique biomimetic mesh forms a protective barrier as it tenses to lift the skin.
Age-Rebel is your first line of defence for the early stages of the ageing process, designed to help you hold back time. An age-defying hydrator that leaves skin feeling deeply nourished, energised, and revitalised, the product is particularly beneficial for dry or dehydrated men's skin types. It’s formulated with a blend of acai, velvet horn and black oat for a superior moisture boost, golden seaweed and sea fennel which wakes tired skin up; and beta glucan and chitin to calm any discomfort or irritation. An effective safeguard to help prevent visible signs of premature ageing.
One of the first brands to introduce male-grooming products specifically formulated to tackle hyperpigmentation, this gem from Nivea Men’s new anti-ageing line helps prevent against the appearance and development of dark spots, uneven skin tone, and sun-induced skin-ageing. Ultra-light, fast-absorbing and non-sticky, it uses a combination of powerful and exclusive ingredients that provide the complexion with an instantly refreshed look and a visibly youthful and smoother appearance. A patented breakthrough technology, Luminous630, lies at the heart of this hydrator: it’s a game-changing ingredient that effectively blocks the overproduction of melanin (our skin’s natural pigment), visibly reducing dark spots and preventing their reappearance. Hyaluron, a powerful, cell-activating ingredient, penetrates through the innermost layers of skin promoting cell turnover and intense 24-hour sustained hydration. It also features an SPF 30 to help protect from any further dark spot-triggering UV damage.
This universal daily face cream fortifies the fragile skin barrier whose purpose it is to keep the good stuff (moisture, electrolytes) in and the bad stuff (pollution, free radicals, UV) out. Like a personal trainer for your face, it's infused with a powerful complex of ingredients formulated at highly-concentrated levels and aids recovery for skin that is looking a bit lacklustre and suffering with the early onset of fine lines. More of a pre-emptive treatment than a cure, I found it intensely hydrating and improved my skin’s ability to hold onto moisture throughout the day, a problem I struggle with as my skin is often dehydrated and dry. Formulated with 8 amino acids to boost resilience, 8 potent peptides to build strength, three ceramides to help bind moisture and vegan collagen to support hydration, it also features vitamin B12 which gives your skin a natural healthy glow. Vegan-friendly and light in texture it also contains antioxidant-rich vitamin E, niacinamide and panthenol to promote vitality and radiance.
Some bad news to start: as early as your mid-20s, collagen production begins to slow down, enhancing the appearance of fine lines and folds. Now some good news: this powerful targeted skin filler plumps and firms from within, providing a no-needles-necessary alternative to injectable facial fillers. Powered by RéVive’s signature bio-renewal peptide, bio volumizing peptide and painless plumping actives (to help restore the appearance of facial volume), it supports the skin’s own production of natural collagen and elastin. Promoting healthier-looking, smoother and softer skin in just four weeks, the high intensity formula is particularly good at shifting furrow lines, crow’s feet, nasal-labial folds and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t block or inhibit the pores. Apply morning and night and follow with your regular moisturiser to contour, uplift and restore volume with rapid and transformative results.
Supercharged with 7 brighteners, 9 antioxidants and a 16.5 per cent Repair Complex (which does exactly what its name suggests), this multi-functional, all-day hydrator has been designed to tackle multiple factors that lead to skin damage and premature ageing. The formula combines the concentration and potency of a treatment mask with the ease of a moisturiser, using unique time-release technology to keep you covered throughout the day. It stimulates the production of essential collagen and elastin, fades dark spots, erases signs of fatigue, and protects the skin, employing an anti-pollution shield supercharged with antioxidants, glutathione, thiotaine and more. Elsewhere, vitamin C, teprenone and palmitoyl tripeptide-5 join forces to reduce the appearance of age spots and prevent the formation of wrinkles. If that wasn’t already enough, medical-grade manuka honey offers antibacterial benefits, naicinamide brightens, caffeine energises, and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid provides round-the-clock hydration.
Uniquely stabilised for optimum potency, Crystal Retinal is clinically proven to provide transformative age-defying results. Advocating the use of vitamin C in the day and vitamin A at night, for that all-important reparative cycle, Medik8 developed this overnight formula with retinaldehyde, a next-generation form of vitamin A proven to deliver results up to 11x faster than retinol. Encapsulated in a patented crystal structure and housed in an innovative airless tube for enhanced stability, the one-of-a-kind face serum increases skin firmness and reduces visible hyperpigmentation. A plumping dose of moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid and glycerin, alongside antioxidant vitamin E, promotes a smoother-looking complexion. Available in a series of progressive strengths (1, 3, 6, 10, 20), level 6 contains 0.6 per cent of the encapsulated retinaldehyde. If you are new to using vitamin A, the best idea is to start low, go slow, and only use it at night.e
L’Oreal Paris Men Expert’s new Power Age three-step anti-ageing grooming regimen targets visible signs of maturity, like sagging, fine lines and dryness. A premium, science-backed, hyaluronic acid-powered range for all skin tones, it strengthens and encourages a more youthful-looking appearance. The non-sticky, cream-textured day cream within the range, delivers 24 hours of lasting hydration. Made with two forms of hyaluronic acid (micro and macro), to act on both the surface and deeper into the skin, it can also be used after shaving to help soothe razor burn. Hyaluronic acid is a powerful derma active obtained through biotech and made up of innovative ingredients extracted from natural raw materials. The triple action cream revitalises with a boost of hydration, smoothes and firms, and protects with a refreshing feeling; it doesn’t claim to hold back time but simply help your skin to age better.
Dermatologists will tell you that an effective SPF is the secret to eternal youth. Having been a sun worshiper when I was young — a time before this SPF intel was so widely acknowledged — I (like many) now suffer the consequences. This dual-action daily moisturiser and UV shield has been formulated to keep skin fresh, supported and protected against skin-ageing sun damage. A hero within Green People’s signature Age Defy+ collection, it features antioxidants that actively neutralises free radical activity and helps protect skin cells from premature ageing. Vegan and made with organic ingredients, I noticed that the texture is extremely light and absorbs without leaving any chalky or greasy residue; two issues I have with many UV/moisturiser hybrids on the market. Infused with a zesty citrus fragrance, it has been formulated with beech bud which increases hydration, edelweiss, which helps extend the life of skin cells and rosehip oil, which promotes cell renewal to slow down skin ageing.
Not strictly a cream per se, but worthy of inclusion on our list nonetheless (since it does the same job), Kiehls' skin-fortifying serum has been formulated to protect against the inevitable daily stressors that lead to the signs of premature ageing. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, it’s a great shout if you are specifically looking for something to tackle fine lines as a preventative rather than a cure. It works on the premise of strengthening the skin barrier, which can be weakened when exposed to city pollution resulting in a loss of elasticity and radiance. Noticeable changes (in a good way) to the surface texture of your skin are promised after four weeks of regular use.
The first brand to formulate hypoallergenic products, an SPF to specifically target the signs of ageing and the first-ever over-the-counter retinol, ROC is an iconic French brand with more than 60 years of expertise under its belt, freshly relaunched (after a hiatus) in the UK market. Its scientifically crafted and cult, vitamin C-based skincare regimen has been designed to awaken the skin and illuminate. Multi Correxion Revive & Glow Gel Cream is the lighter of two moisturisers within this specific line, delivering a light and non-greasy blend of antioxidant-rich vitamin C, shea butter and fruit extracts. Formulated for dry and dehydrated skin, it helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles, promotes brighter, firmer-looking skin and shields with 24-hour hydration and protection. Oil-, paraben- and sulphate-free, it uses a proprietary ten per cent vitamin C blend, ascorbic acid (with complementary antioxidants), nonapeptide-1 and complimentary moisturisers that work together for results that cannot be achieved with vitamin C alone. Kakadu plum, the richest source of vitamin C, protects against free-radical damage, brightens and evens skin tone, supported by watermelon, lentil and apple extracts.
Fresh has introduced its first naturally-derived ingredient blend with a scientifically proven retinol-like performance in its Black Tea Advanced Age Renewal Cream. Formulated with a exclusive BT Matrix made from antioxidant-rich black tea and rambutan leaf extracts — which work synergistically to support lost skin structure due to a natural decline in collagen — this velvety-textured cream has been engineered to take on and help correct multiple signs of skin ageing. Gentle enough to be used twice a day, without the known discomfort typical of many retinol alternatives, the dermatologist-tested, lightweight treatment is packed with advanced active ingredients. Ceramide NP, a skin-mimicking lipid produced using biotechnology prevents dehydration and strengthens the skin barrier, plant-derived squalane helps maintain moisture levels, whilst pink porcelain lily improves radiance and skin texture. Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive, it is a very effective moisturiser that visibly reduces wrinkles and helps regain elasticity and firmness.
Dr Howard Murad’s clinically-proven wrinkle fix effectively erases the appearance of deep-set and fine lines by instantly smoothing and reducing their intensity. A powerful peptide-meets-hyaluronic treatment (use sparingly as a little goes a very long way), it targets problem areas as and where needed, like forehead creases, fine lines around the mouth and crow’s feet. A triple-action formula, it fills lines on contact (even deep-set stubborn wrinkles), helps skin bounce back from lines triggered by repeated facial expressions and boosts skin’s hydration levels to discourage future wrinkles from forming. Powered with acetyl hexapeptide-8, which stimulates skin elasticity, it is infused with plant-derived squalane, to prevent moisture loss and future-proof you from the onset of further wrinkles, as well as skin-smoothing bioavailable hyaluronic acid for intense hydration.
As far as key ingredients go, you're going to want to look out for a certain top three. Moisturisers with ceramides, squalane and/or hyaluronic acid-based formulas have all been designed to keep skin looking plump and hydrated. A second string includes antioxidants such as Vitamin C, which helps to protect against environmental damage, which is a main skin concern. Many of the creams to be found below will contain some combination of the above.
Resurfacing ingredients are a little different, and are the solution for fading age spots and fine lines while stimulating cell renewal. Ingredients with these properties include AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) like glycolic and lactic acid. They also include that perennial grooming buzzword retinol.
Ultimately, the best defence against premature ageing is to look after your skin, utilising a proper moisturiser routine, using sunscreen when you head out into the scorching summer heat, and thoroughly taking advantage of our pick of the best age-reversing creams to make your skin look and feel younger and stronger.
A potent de-ager that encourages cell production, retinol is a craze in grooming circles right now, but it has been around since the 1970s. Dr Alexandrides explains: “Part of the Vitamin A family, retinol works by increasing cell turnover speed to diminish the appearance of fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and uneven skin tone."
“Topical retinol leads to a decrease in the appearance of wrinkles and increased production of glycosaminoglycans and collagen. It's also invaluable when it comes to minimising the appearance of pores and improving your skin’s overall texture as you age.”
Here at GQ, we're all for staving off the ravages of Father Time, not with hopes, prayers and weird tricks we learned off TikTok, but with cold hard science. So out of pure self-interest as much as anything else, we've tested a hell of a lot of anti-ageing creams and eye creams over the years in order that we might remain our most handsome selves for as long as humanely possible. Who did we rope in to complete this task of rolling back the years? One of the best men's grooming writers around. Adrian Clark has been covering all the best skin-care products for British GQ for many years, honing his craft as an expert authority on staying young and keeping healthy. And before you ask, that doesn't mean he is just good a Google searching, he has tested every product below in rigorous testing to ensure they live up to their lofty claims. Although anti-ageing creams tend to be a more expensive genre of grooming product, we've been sure to test offerings across a range of pricing to make sure there's something for you here no matter what your budget.
So what did Adrian look for? Well aside from scanning the ingredients list to make sure nothing unsavoury is tucked away in there, he tested them on his own skin to monitor hydration, effectiveness of reducing lines and wrinkles, and assessing the quality of the serum based on it's price.
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