This rich night cream has a multitasking formula that includes a range of dermatologist-approved ingredients that target fine lines, wrinkles, and overall texture while you sleep. Bakuchiol, a retinol alternative, helps smooth and firm skin without irritation (great for sensitive skin!), while lingonberry stem cells protect against oxidative stress and blue light—both factors that can contribute to sagging and loss of elasticity.
Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York’s MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery calls it “a great option for antiaging,” noting that the creamy, fast-absorbing texture that moisturizes without feeling greasy.
What our tester says: “I was impressed by its light, pillowy texture which provided ample hydration and left my skin feeling softer and even a bit silky by morning,” says Earley.
Best Retinol: Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin-Renewing Water Cream
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Courtesy of brand
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Tested and reviewed by Glamour contributor Arden Demaio
Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin-Renewing Water Cream
- What we love: Gentle enough for sensitive skin; deeply hydrating; quick-absorbing
- What could improve: Some users say the floral scent is overpowering
Retinol is known for boosting collagen, improving elasticity, and smoothing wrinkles, but it can be too harsh for daily use on sensitive skin. Elizabeth Arden’s Retinol + HPR Ceramide Water Cream delivers all the firming benefits of retinol in a gentle, hydrating formula that’s suitable for daytime use (with sunscreen). “In studies, this deeply hydrating cream visibly reduced wrinkles and pores in as little as one week,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City. “The combination of quick-absorbing retinol and sustained release HPR, or high-performance retinol, is extremely effective at addressing signs of aging without being too harsh on skin.”
What our tester says: “I always want to use a topical retinoid to help boost collagen and smooth wrinkles, but my skin often gets dry and irritated. So I was happy to learn that this cream is designed to be less irritating but still effective,” says Glamour tester Krista Bennett DeMaio. “In just a few uses, my skin looked more plump and radiant.”
Best for Fine Lines: U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Moisturizer
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Courtesy of brand
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Original photo from Caitlin Wormser testing U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Moisturizer
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Original photo from Caitlin Wormser testing U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Moisturizer
U Beauty The Barrier Bioactive Moisturizer
- What we love: Deeply hydrating; absorbs quickly
- What could improve: Expensive
Lightweight yet deeply hydrating, this cream helps support the skin’s barrier while simultaneously plumping and smoothing. It’s rich in ultra-hydrating ingredients, including urea—an under-rated natural humectant—shea butter, and hyaluronic acid. Still, it’s not as heavy as you might expect with such a packed ingredient list.
What our tester says: “I love how moisturizing this is without being thick. It goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly,” says Glamour tester Caitlin Wormser. “I use it at nighttime and wake up with hydrated, glowy skin every time.”
Best Fragrance-Free: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer
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Original photo from Charlotte Twine testing Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer
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Original photo from Charlotte Twine testing Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer
Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream Face Moisturizer
- What we love: Feels soothing; lifts the skin and smoothes fine lines; fragrance-free
- What could improve: Some users report pilling and difficulty layering makeup
This rich cream may be more budget-friendly than most, but combines peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to hydrate deeply while improving firmness and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. “[It’s] an affordable option for someone who wants the anti-aging benefits of peptides, the hydrating boosts of hyaluronic acid, and all the advantages that come with niacinamide,” says Dr. Foad, noting that it works best for normal to dry skin.
What our tester says: “I’ve been using [Olay’s] products on and off for about 15 years, and the Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream definitely lived up to the almost 24,000 great reviews on Amazon,” says Twine. “I felt the results even after one application. My pores looked smaller, the dreaded 11 between my eyes was not as deep, and my skin had this amazing bouncy firmness. Also, it truly is fragrance free, even when I smelled it really close.”
Frequently asked questions
Does facial firming cream really work?
Facial firming creams really do work, thanks to ingredients like peptides, retinoids, and humectants. Peptides “can nudge your skin to make more collagen over time,” says Dr. Kelly-Tufman, while retinoids remain the MVPs for thickening the dermis and boosting elasticity. “Also, don’t underestimate humectants like hyaluronic acid or glycerin. They pull in water and give your skin that juicy, plumped-up look, sort of like inflating a balloon just enough to smooth out the wrinkles.”
While creams can’t reach as deep as in-office treatments like microneedling or radiofrequency, they’re still essential for keeping skin hydrated, plump, and resilient over time.
- Nazanin Saedi, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia.
- Mollie Kelly Tufman, PhD, is a biochemist and founder of The Beauty Lab.
- Mona Foad, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology.
- Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at New York’s MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at The Shafer Clinic.
