Wrinkles are inevitable, whether we like it or not. Until a miracle cure for ageing has been concocted, all we can do is try to slow down signs of ageing with numerous lotions and potions - and, boy, do we have some good 'uns in our best men's anti-ageing cream guide.
The majority of anti-ageing skincare is marketed towards women, but a growing number of men are also becoming increasingly concerned about maintaining a youthful appearance.
In fact, a recent study by Nivea says almost two-thirds of men (65%) would do more to slow down the signs of ageing if they were given the option to go back in time. The research also revealed over half (59%) want to learn how to build a personal skincare routine.
To help with just that, we’ve tried and tested the best anti-ageing creams, serums and moisturisers for men, including those for use in the day and at night - all at different price points to suit different budgets.
Still, that doesn’t mean this article is only a resource for the male population. In fact, most of the products on this list are unisex and can be beneficial to anyone. After all, skin doesn’t have a gender.
Best men's anti-ageing cream
Manual Wrinkle Warrior: at manual.coThis has to be our favourite-smelling anti-ageing skincare product of the lot, with a citrus scent that nods to its use of vitamin C. It helps fight the signs of ageing by neutralising skin damage caused by UV and pollution.There's also hyaluronic acid to make the skin feel and appear hydrated, plump and healthy, Coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant to help protect the skin from attacks by free radicals, and peptides, which trigger the production of collagen. This up-and-coming skincare brand for men doesn’t cost the earth and is also free of sulfate, parabens, silicon and alcohol.
Dr Jackson’s night cream: at drjacksonskincare.comHydration is essential for anti-ageing as it maintains the skin's moisture barrier, preserves collagen, provides a plumping effect, reduces dullness and minimises skin irritation. That’s exactly why Dr Jackson’s night cream is a good shout for helping to iron out the future appearance of wrinkles. Clinically proven to provide long-lasting hydrating effects for up to eight hours, this rich and deeply nourishing moisturiser hydrates, smooths and softens the skin while you’re in the land of Nod. Meanwhile, kigelia fruit extract ingredient regenerates, firms and evens skin tone.
Q+A Collagen Cream: at Holland and Barrett UKAt just over a tenner, this collagen-boosting face cream is perfect for those looking to slow down visible signs of ageing while on a budget. It boasts collagen naturally derived from seaweed, which helps maintain skin firmness and elasticity, making it look more youthful and supple. Alongside this, you’ll find Magnesium PCA to brighten, tighten and anti-oxidise skin while shea butter nourishes and softens. Pretty impressive stuff, especially for just £12 a pot.
Pai Bonne Nuit BioPeptide Night Cream: at paiskincare.comPromising “next-level beauty sleep”, Pai’s night cream has been specially formulated for skin showing signs of ageing, fine lines and wrinkles – even sensitive varieties. Thanks to its skin-plumping biopeptide ingredients, it’s even clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines in four weeks if used every night. A great, light product that doesn’t feel oily.
Perricone MD High Potency Retinol Recovery Overnight Moisturiser: at John LewisIf it’s anti-ageing you want, retinol is the way forward. The potent skincare ingredient boosts collagen production, accelerates skin cell turnover, reduces wrinkles, fades dark spots and enhances overall skin texture. Perricone MD’s overnight moisturiser is special in that it works after dark with three forms of retinol to help support the skin’s natural renewal process. The result? You’ll wake up with a firmer, smoother and more rested complexion and - eventually - a visible reduction in lines and wrinkles
Infinite by Forever Restoring Creme: at foreverliving.comWith over fifteen skin-conditioning ingredients, Infinite by Forever Restoring Creme combines science and nature to offer users an anti-ageing formula that includes powerful botanical ingredients like acai and pomegranate. These help to provide antioxidant support, while other ingredients, such as squalane, jojoba esters, glycolipids and beeswax, smooth and moisturise the skin. There’s also vitamin B3 and beetroot thrown in the mix, which help to even out tone and support a youthful complexion. Dispute this cream’s ingredient-rich formulation, it feels light - absorbing fast without leaving a greasy or heavy feeling on the skin.
The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion: at AmazonThe Ordinary is the new kid on the skincare scene, and with its chic packaging you’d easily be les to think it costs a fortune. But it’s super affordable, with anti-ageing serums starting at under a fiver. Say what?! This is because the brand prides itself on being transparent in its offerings, referring to them as “clinical formulations with integrity”.Retinoid, a chemical found in medicine to regulate epithelial cell growth, is present in this water-free “emulsion” and comes in a small concentration of an active complex called granactive retinoid. This has produced better results against multiple signs of ageing, without any of the irritation experienced with the more common anti-ageing chemical retinol.
Cellcosmet Cellmen Face Ultra: at AmazonIf you want the best of the best when it comes to anti-ageing skincare, look no further than the Cellmen line by Swiss luxury brand, Cellcosmet. Its Face Ultra cream is a favourite of ours, offering a fine, non-greasy texture that gives your chops a super healthy glow. But there’s more to it than that. As you can probably guess from the name, the innovative moisturiser is super-charged with “cellular tech”. This comes in the form of stabilised cellular extracts, which contain biologically active compounds from plant and animal cells that revitalise and moisturise your skin, helping to visibly reduce wrinkles and deep expression lines.
Dr Sam’s Flawless moisturiser: at drsambunting.comLike a hug for your skin, Dr Sam’s Flawless moisturiser comes in the form of a luxurious gel cream that absorbs in a flash to leave skin hydrated and dewy throughout the day without feeling sticky or oily. With 5% Niacinamide, a water-soluble vitamin that’s known for helping to improve the skin's moisture barrier, reduce redness, alleviate signs of ageing and regulate oil production. As an added bonus, it’s also non-comedogenic (meaning it’s formulated not to clog or block pores, reducing the risk of causing acne or blackheads) and cruelty-free.
Keihl’s Ultra Facial Cream SPF 30: at AmazonWith a light and non-greasy texture, this high-SPF moisturiser from Kiehl’s is great for the everyday. Designed to protect you from the ever-ageing rays of the sun, it leaves the skin feeling less dry and more balanced - and for 24 hours, apparently - no matter what the season. Top tip: if you can wait, grab it from the Duty-Free concession next time you’re at the airport - you’ll save 20% off the retail price. You’re welcome.
ESPA Age Rebel Moisturiser: at ESPA Skincare UKWith what has to be one of the best names on this list, Age Rebel by ESPA is a potent moisturiser able to prevent visible signs of premature ageing by delivering long-lasting hydration. This is mostly thanks to its age-defying formula of plant-based ingredients, including soothing velvet horn and golden seaweed, all of which help to keep skin smooth and supple for longer. What’s more, it’s been formulated for use morning or night, meaning you don’t have to buy a separate evening cream. Slap it on daily for healthy, plumped-up-looking skin.
Vitaskin Rejuvenating Night Cream: at Holland and Barrett UKThis night cream by Vitaskin is packed with retinoids and carrot seed oil, which contain high levels of Vitamin A and Vitamin E that work overnight to help brighten and even skin tone while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Best of all? It’s just £15 a pot. A great budget night cream if we ever saw one.
Ishga Men's Marine Cream: at ethicalskincare.co.ukIf there’s one thing you should be smothering on your face, it’s Scottish seaweed. Ishga Men's Marine Cream not only smells delightful but it includes organic ingredients such as shea butter combined with Hebridean seaweed and Hebridean natural spring water, which work to soften, repair and moisturise the skin, leaving a protective barrier.This, Ishga claims, helps protect the skin from environmental damage as well as reduce wrinkles and open pores.
Clarins Line-Control Eye Balm: at AmazonThis non-oily balm is not only super light but it works to smooth out lines thanks to its paracress ingredient, said to repair fibroblasts - a type of biological cell that helps to protect and restore skin firmness.There’s also some maritime pine in there, which boosts the skin’s microcirculation to help reduce puffiness and dark circles. Perfect if you enjoy one too many a late night.
Hims Morning Glow Vitamin C serum: at forhims.co.ukFace serums have an advantage over your normal moisturising creams because they have a higher concentration of ingredients. In the case of Hims’s Morning Glow serum, it’s Vitamin C.This radioactive-looking orange substance not only claims to support your immune system, but is also an important antioxidant when applied topically, helping you look as though you’ve had a full night’s sleep when really you got home from after-work drinks at 2am.
Neal's Yard Frankincense Intense Lift Serum: at AmazonThis beautifully rich serum has such a divine smell it’s practically hypnotising. This is thanks to its blend of frankincense essential oils, which will leave you feeling like baby Jesus every morning.It’s also clinically proven to visibly lift and recontour the skin and plump the appearance of deep lines and wrinkles with hydrating hyaluronic acid. Best of all, though, it uses zero-waste ingredients as Neal's Yard says the by-product left behind from the oil is transformed using an environmentally-friendly “enzymatic extraction” process. How fancy!
Jack Black Protein Booster Skin Serum: at chrisandsons.co.ukPromising to reduce wrinkles by up to 45 percent in two months, this protein-boosting serum by Jack Black works both on the skin’s surface to smooth and improve the texture and also at a deeper level - helping to fight wrinkles through promoting collagen production.With peptides and hyaluronic acid, a small squirt goes a long way. It’s also best used post-shaving, targeting those who shave every day but also want their skin looking like that of a newborn.
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