Wrinkles are a good thing—after all, they’re an indication that you’re still around. But if you don’t exactly love them, the best wrinkle serum can help make them a little less noticeable, if that’s your thing. For some context: Starting in our twenties, our skin’s production of collagen and elastin—the proteins responsible for resilience and bounce—starts to slow down. From here, “skin becomes thinner and drier, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles,” says Morgan Rabach, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
External factors can also accelerate the formation of wrinkles, especially unprotected exposure to UV rays, especially UVA, says Howard Sobel, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City. But while you can (and should!) protect your skin from daily sun damage with sunscreen, you can’t fully defend your skin from wrinkles’ biggest culprit—time. That’s not to say you don’t have options, though! In addition to in-office treatments like Botox, fillers, and radiofrequency microneedling, there are topical treatments you can use at home to help iron out fine lines and wrinkles.
When you’re looking for a targeted treatment for any skin concern, you’ll want to consider a serum. These products tend to have higher concentrations of active ingredients, absorb faster, and penetrate the skin more deeply than creams, so you can get to the good part sooner—smoother, more even skin. While their results aren’t quite as dramatic as those offered by professional procedures, wrinkle serums are still a valuable and effective part of a solid skincare routine. Keep reading to discover the best wrinkle serums according to dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
- Best for Expression Lines: Filorga Time-Filler Shot 5X, $76
- Best With Vitamin C: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $182
- Best Retinol: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Serum, $82
- Best With Hyaluronic Acid: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum, $75
- Best Neuropeptide: The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% Serum, $10
- Best For Acne: Paula's Choice Clinical PRO Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment, $68
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Why it’s worth it: This legendary formula is a favorite of editors, plastic surgeons, and derms—Dr. Rabach included—due to its growth factor-packed formula. (You may have heard of it; the growth factor aka “human fibroblast conditioned media” ingredient is said to be derived from foreskin cells.) “It combines growth factors, peptides, antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients to effectively target the signs of aging,” says Dr. Morgan. SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum is essentially two products in one: The dual-chamber package houses the growth factor-based serum on one side and the antioxidant treatment on the other, releasing both with one pump. “Regular use can lead to significant improvements in skin firmness, texture, and hydration, ultimately helping to prevent and reduce the appearance of wrinkles,” she says.
Editor’s tip: This formula is pricey, but for those who want speedier results, it’s worth the investment—it’s clinically proven to improve skin’s texture in just two weeks, with further improvement over time.
Key ingredients: growth factors, peptides, algae extract | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Expression Lines: Filorga Time-Filler Shot 5X
Why it’s worth it: Do you have specific areas you want to target? You're looking at the solution. Inspired by botulinum toxin injections, Filorga's Time-Filler Shot 5X is a concentrated formula powered by octapeptide, hexapeptide, and marine ferment to smooth forehead wrinkles, crow's feet, frown lines (and so the list goes on), improve muscle tone, and firm skin. Polysaccharides provide remediation hydration while a molecular film seals it in for the long run. The precise metal applicator also provides a nice cooling effect to further soothe the skin.
Editor’s tip: If you're looking for a preventative treatment for your entire face, Filorga has plenty of serums up to the task, like the NCEF-Revitalize Serum—also inspired by injections.
Key ingredients: neuropeptide, polysaccharides | Fragrance-free: no
Best With Vitamin C: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Why it’s worth it: According to Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, this antioxidant blend has long been a gold standard in vitamin C serums. C E Ferulic “contains 15% ascorbic acid, which has been proven to help with environmental stress and pollution, and even increase the efficacy of sunscreen,” he says. Because vitamin C also helps promote collagen production and combat discoloration, this multiple Best of Beauty winner will help improve overall skin texture and tone, wrinkles included.
Editor’s tip: Vitamin C is known for its instability, which is why this serum is packaged in a dark glass bottle, but it can still easily break down once exposed to air, light, and fluctuations in temperature. Keep it in a cool, dark place for best results. You may also want to skip this product if you tend to break out: “The added vitamin E is not recommended for acne-prone skin,” warns Frank.
Key ingredients: vitamin C, ferulic acid, vitamin E | Fragrance-free: yes
Best With Retinol: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 Serum
Why it’s worth it: To be recognized as an active ingredient, retinoids have to undergo a conversion process in your skin. The bioavailable form of retinoids is retinoic acid, which is the same form as prescription-strength tretinoin—meaning that as soon as you apply tretinoin, your skin “sees” it. Regular retinol must go through two conversion steps, transforming into retinal before turning into retinoic acid. Every time a form of vitamin A is converted, it’s weakened, which is what makes retinal such a valuable asset—it’s just one step down from the prescription stuff. Medik8's Crystal Retinal 6 Serum comes in six progressive strengths, which makes the hardworking ingredient accessible to all skin types. “Whether you're new to retinols, have sensitive skin, or are an experienced retinoid user, there's an option for each person,” says Dr. Yang. “It's also great that as your skin develops tolerance with each tube, you can gradually work your way up the ladder of strengths.”
Editor’s tip: The retinal in this serum is encapsulated to help stave off irritation; the formula also includes hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin to prevent dryness, so skin shouldn’t feel stripped after using it—but you can always apply it over a thin layer of moisturizer if you’re concerned about sensitivity, or just use one of the gentler iterations first.
Key ingredients: retinal, vitamin C, sodium hyaluronate | Fragrance-free: yes
Best With Hyaluronic Acid: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum
Why it’s worth it: While it’s inspired by injectable fillers, comparing Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum to an in-office procedure would be a stretch, admits Dr. Connie Yang, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “However, the hyaluronic acid in this serum offers an instant hydrating and plumping effect on fine lines to minimize their appearance,” she says. There are four different molecular weights of hyaluronic acid in this formula, meaning the ingredient can penetrate the skin to different depths and create a volumizing effect at multiple levels of the skin. “I like the addition of peptides to boost skin elasticity and niacinamide and ectoin to strengthen the skin barrier,” adds Dr. Yang.
Editor’s tip: Though this formula doesn’t have any added fragrance, it has a noticeable white floral aroma that reminds us of a luxe perfume—jasmine extract happens to be on the ingredient list. While we personally like how it smells, keep this in mind if you’re overly sensitive to scent.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, ectoin, niacinamide | Fragrance-free: yes
Best With Neuropeptides: The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%
Why it’s worth it: Argireline is what’s known as a neurotransmitter signaling peptide (aka neuropeptide). “Similar to Botox, it decreases muscle contraction,” explains Dr. Sobel, though he notes that argireline does not provide results comparable to those of injectable neurotoxins, but rather a mild effect. If you’re wary of injectables and want to give neuropeptides a shot first, the Ordinary Argireline Solution 10% Serum is an especially affordable way to do so. Argireline is the star ingredient here at a concentration of 10 percent.
Editor’s tip: If you already get treated with neurotoxins, try using this serum to extend the life of your results.
Key ingredients: argireline | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for the Neck: Colorescience Pep Up Collagen Boost Face & Neck Treatment
Why it’s worth it: Wrinkles caused by laxity rather than muscle movement can be much harder to treat, but Colorescience Pep Up Collagen Boost Face & Neck Serum has those folds handled—even on the hard-to-treat neck area. “Containing a blend of peptides, antioxidants, plant extracts, and hyaluronic acid, this serum hydrates and soothes skin and supports collagen and elastin production to target signs of aging,” says Sean Alemi, MD, double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City. We’re also a fan of the inclusion of beta glucan, a powerful hydrator that simultaneously calms skin.
Editor’s tip: Despite how intensively nourishing this formula is, it doesn’t feel heavy at all and is both non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic, making it safe for all skin types.
Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, beta glucan, tremella mushroom | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Paula's Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment
Why it’s worth it: Remember, retinoids aren’t just known for their ability to improve the appearance of wrinkles—they also help fight acne, and plenty of us regrettably face both concerns at the same time. Because retinal is one step stronger than traditional retinol, but a notch weaker than prescription-strength tretinoin, Paula's Choice Clinical PRO Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment is a great choice for someone who wants the benefits of an Rx despite being unable to tolerate its potency, says Dr. Frank. “Its retinaldehyde is encapsulated with calcium, which minimizes irritation,” he adds. For even further wrinkle-smoothing benefits, the serum also features the retinoid oleyl adapalenate, which is gentle on the skin and frequently used to treat clogged pores.
Editor’s tip: Though this formula is quite potent, it’s surprisingly gentle and hydrating—if you have oily skin, you may find that you don’t even need to apply a moisturizer afterwards.
Key ingredients: retinal, oleyl adapalenate, jojoba oil, pomegranate peel extract | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Mara Plankton + PHA Flower Acid Algae Serum
Why it’s worth it: Sensitive skin often can’t tolerate a lot of the most effective anti-wrinkle actives, such as retinoids and even vitamin C; the ingredients in Mara Plankton + PHA Flower Acid Algae Serum were carefully chosen to keep skin comfortable while smoothing away the look of lines. “Unlike many exfoliants, this multi-acid serum can brighten and refresh skin without drying out the skin barrier,” says Dr. Alemi. Those acids include gentle alpha-hydroxy lactic acid as well as gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid that mildly resurfaces as well as helps to hydrate the skin.
Editor’s tip: In addition to featuring mild yet efficacious exfoliants, this serum contains oat extract, which is known for its skin-soothing properties—so you can expect this formula to leave your skin comfortable as well as smooth.
Key ingredients: lactic acid, polyhydroxy acid, plankton extract, oat extract | Fragrance-free: yes
Best For Sensitive Skin: Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum
Why it’s worth it: Biossance’s signature ingredient is squalane, a lipid that functions similarly to your own sebum to keep the skin barrier balanced without congesting pores. Biossance Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Serum pairs it with exfoliating lactic acid to slough away the dry skin that exacerbates the appearance of wrinkles. Though the ingredient is included at a 10 percent concentration, it has a large molecule size, so it can’t absorb skin too deeply—making it kind to an easily sensitized complexion. “This is a fantastic product for those looking for a gentle exfoliation that can improve texture, brighten dull complexion, and help with cell turnover,” says Dr. Frank. Dr. Sobel adds that he likes the way this product performs on crow’s feet.
Editor’s tip: This mild exfoliant is formulated with lavender oil, which helps soothe skin while providing a comforting aroma that’ll enhance your evening skincare ritual.
Key ingredients: squalane, lactic acid, clover extract | Fragrance-free: yes
Best With SPF: Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 Serum
Why it’s worth it: Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C Serum Sunscreen with SPF 40 is a real multitasker: It helps smooth out existing wrinkles with multiple forms of vitamin C, which works in tandem with SPF to combat future sun damage. “UV exposure is a major contributor to skin aging, leading to the breakdown of collagen and the formation of wrinkles,” explains Dr. Morgan. “By shielding the skin from harmful rays, this serum helps prevent photoaging.”
Editor’s tip: This serum gives skin an instant radiance that’ll subtly shine through your foundation or glow all on its own on makeup-free days.
Key ingredients: vitamin C, kakadu plum extract, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: yes
Best For Redness: Eminence Organic Skin Care Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum
Why it’s worth it: Eminence Organic Skin Care Citrus & Kale Potent C+E Serum is like a green juice for your skin (really—there’s organic kale, spinach, broccoli, lemon, grapefruit, and avocado in the bottle), infusing it with potent plant-derived antioxidants that fight uneven texture and tone. “This combination of vitamins C and E works to boost collagen production while protecting the skin from damaging free radicals,” says Dr. Alemi. “The blend of ingredients tone, deeply hydrate and nourish skin, while visibly improving redness, dullness, and signs of aging.”
Editor’s tip: Try this serum if other vitamin C formulas have caused irritation in the past—it features anti-inflammatory ingredients like niacinamide and algae extract.
Key ingredients: vitamin C, kale, spinach, hyaluronic acid | Fragrance-free: yes
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum
Why it’s worth it: This efficacious pick from CeraVe is a great budget-friendly option for retinol beginners, even if they have sensitive skin, says Dr. Frank. CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum uses encapsulated retinol, which slowly absorbs into the skin, reducing the drying and irritating effects commonly associated with the ingredient. “It also contains ceramides and niacinamide to hydrate and decrease inflammation,” Dr. Frank adds.
Editor’s tip: If you’re wary of sensitivity, start by integrating this product into your routine once weekly to see how your skin tolerates it. You can then work your way up to nightly use as your skin acclimates to more regular retinol use.
Key ingredients: retinol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide | Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a wrinkle serum that really works?
That depends on how lofty your expectations are. If you’re expecting a swipe of serum to fully banish wrinkles, you’ll be disappointed. “There is no cream that will single handedly remove or erase wrinkles,” says David Kim, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York City. However, he does note that some ingredients can make them look softer, in particular tretinoin, which calls into a category known as retinoids—forms of vitamin A that include retinol, retinal, and prescription-strength tretinoin.
“Retinoids accelerate the skin's natural exfoliation process, encouraging the shedding of dead skin cells and the growth of new ones,” explains Dr. Morgan. “This enhanced cell turnover leads to smoother, fresher skin and helps diminish the appearance of fine lines.” Retinoids also stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, says Sobel, which helps firm up skin laxity. “Along with a physical sunscreen, regular use of retinoids keeps the skin firmer for a longer period of time, which keeps the overall face looking more youthful,” adds Lesley Rabach, MD, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon at LM Medical in New York City.
There are other ingredients that can help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, including superstar antioxidant vitamin C. “Vitamin C is an amazing tool to help stabilize existing collagen and promote new collagen production,” says Dr. Lesley Rabach. “It also can help repair damaged skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.” Peptides—short chains of amino acids that build proteins—can help improve the appearance of wrinkles by boosting skin firmness and elasticity, reducing inflammation, and even limit muscle contractions (more on this shortly). For shallower, finer lines, you can try alpha-hydroxy acids like glycolic and lactic acids to remove dead skin cells, which “can improve skin texture and reduce the visibility of wrinkles by making the skin smoother,” says Dr. Morgan Rabach. In short, while wrinkle serums aren’t necessarily miraculous (and certainly not instantaneous—building collagen takes time!), they can certainly make a difference.
What serum is closest to Botox?
You may have seen wrinkle serum formulas that are marketed as “Botox in a bottle” alternatives—these use active ingredients that function similarly to neurotoxins. “Argireline, or acetyl hexapeptide-8, works by inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters that signal muscles to contract,” explains Dr. Morgan Rabach. “This can help relax facial muscles, particularly in areas prone to expression lines, like around the eyes and forehead, and may reduce the appearance of lines in those areas.” According to Dr. Lesley, there are studies that show that this synthetic peptide can improve the depth of wrinkles by up to 30 percent. Sobel adds that peptide complex Matrixyl also offers impressive line-smoothing benefits.
Again, it’s important to have realistic expectations from a wrinkle serum. All our experts agree that no at-home product can truly substitute for Botox: “Topical wrinkle reducers will not be as effective as injected neurotoxin because injected neurotoxin is working at the level of the muscle,” explains Dr. Lesley Rabach. It’s also worth noting that while the effects of Botox aren’t immediate, they’ll still be visible much sooner than those provided by a topical, which will build over time with consistent use. Serums can serve as a nice complement to injectables, however. “Argireline and Matrixyl are excellent to use after Botox injections to extend their results,” says Dr. Sobel.
Is there anything to fill in deep wrinkles?
While ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C can all help make deeper wrinkles appear more shallow (building up your skin’s collagen will help smooth wrinkles out from the inside out), hyaluronic acid is often seen as a go-to choice for creases and folds. “Hyaluronic acid is a sugar molecule that increases the water content in the skin,” explains Dr. Lesley Rabach. “This improves the volume of the skin, making it appear plumper, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Dr. Kim points out that this boost in hydration solely helps wrinkles appear less deep—hyaluronic acid won’t fully address wrinkles. (For what it’s worth, many injectable fillers use hyaluronic acid to correct the look of deep lines by adding volume.) To really smooth out wrinkles with a hyaluronic acid-infused serum, make sure it’s formulated with ingredients that’ll help stimulate collagen production.
Meet the Experts
- Sean Alemi, MD, double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City
- Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of PFRANKMD in New York City
- David Kim, MD, board-certified dermatologist at IDRISS Dermatology in New York City
- Lesley Rabach, MD, double board-certified facial plastic surgeon at LM Medical in New York City
- Morgan Rabach, MD, board-certified dermatologist at LM Medical in New York City
- Howard Sobel, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City
- Connie Yang, MD, board-certified dermatologist at PFRANKMD in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best wrinkle serums, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Read more about gold standard skin-care for your golden years:
- 14 "Botox in a Bottle" Skin-Care Products That Soften Fine Lines
- 12 Best Sunscreens for Mature Skin That Go Beyond UV Protection
- 13 Best Night Creams to Snooze Your Way to Radiant Skin
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