21-02-2025
The best anti-wrinkle serums of 2025, tested and reviewed
No one is ever thrilled to see their first wrinkle, but after a certain point in life, both fine and deep facial lines are unavoidable, an inevitable result of things like genetics, sun exposure and repeatedly smiling or frowning — in other words, being alive. And while most wrinkles can be treated with injections of neurotoxins like Botox which temporarily "freeze" the facial muscles and keep them from further crinkling, not everyone has the desire — or the funds — to undergo this kind of regular in-office procedure. An average neurotoxin treatment lasts just three months, which means, in about 90 days, you have to re-up — or hunt down a longer-term Botox alternative. This is where the best anti-wrinkle serums come in.
"If you're looking for a smoother appearance with fewer fine lines without using Botox, the most effective approach is to combine treatments," says Paula Brezavscek, the founder of Miami's Azala Skin Clinic. Along with daily use of high-SPF sun protection and complexion smoothers like micro-needling, Brezavscek recommends "a consistent, at-home, medical-grade skin care routine."
What that means in layman's terms: daily use of products with high concentrations of things like peptides and retinoids, ingredients that have been thoroughly researched, studied and proven to both build collagen and improve skin texture and, in the process, soften wrinkles.
"Peptides stimulate collagen production. As we age, collagen production declines, leading to wrinkles, sagging and thinner skin," explains Boston board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Akshay Sanan. "Peptides can actually have a 'Botox-like' effect by relaxing facial muscles and reducing the depth of wrinkles caused by repetitive movements."
In addition to peptides, studies show that, over time and with consistent use, retinol — one of many vitamin A compounds known as retinoids — effectively reduces the appearance of fine and even deeper lines. "Retinol and retinoids are highly effective at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and improving overall skin texture," says Sanan. "They work by targeting the root cause of wrinkles — collagen breakdown. By increasing collagen, retinoids thicken the dermis, reducing the depth of fine lines and wrinkles."
I'm 51, and I spent the past 18 months testing anti-wrinkle serums on my own increasingly lined face. Read on for the ones I found most effective — and those we definitely would not recommend.
The best anti-wrinkle serum of 2025
Other top anti-wrinkle serums we recommend for 2025
How we tested anti-wrinkle serums
Other anti-wrinkle serums we tested that didn't make the cut
What to look for in an anti-wrinkle serum
Anti-wrinkle serum FAQ
Meet the experts
I spent the past 18 months testing more than a dozen anti-wrinkle serums, applying each one at least once daily for 4 to 8 weeks. I rated them on efficacy (did my fine lines soften?), absorbency, ease of use, texture, versatility (is the product safe for many skin types?), ingredient quality, ingredient potency and value.
I tested Esteé Lauder's famous Night Repair Serum and found that it didn't absorb well into my skin and instead pilled in a gross way, knocking it out of consideration. Though it's often included in other best lists, Glow Recipe's Peptide Serum was inferior in all ways to the two I chose to include above — it has a sticky, tacky texture and didn't seem to do much for my skin. And, while I regularly recommend RoC retinol products, during this testing period, I found the formulas more irritating and harsh but with similar benefits to (the much less expensive) Differin gel.
Look for high potency of key ingredients — actives like peptides should be listed in the first five ingredients. For safety reasons, only purchase skin care from trusted retailers and reputable brands.
Most dermatologists recommend proactive, preventative use of anti-aging serums starting in your late 20s and early 30s, as this is when collagen production starts to slow down. But it's equally never too late to begin a quality skin care regimen — consistent application of targeted, high-quality products, plus religious use of daily sunscreen will go a long way to improve your skin at any age. "Wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily is a non-negotiable for me," says Dr. Melanie Palm, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at San Diego's Art of Skin MD. "If you aren't protecting your skin from UV damage, all your best efforts — skin care, diet, lasers, injectables — are going down the drain."
This depends on the number of steps of your personal skin-care routine, but, as a rule, serums should always come after cleansing but before moisturizing. You want the active ingredients to really sink into your face, so the cleaner your skin, the better. Dermatologists also recommend using these products at night to give them even more time to absorb while you sleep.
Many anti-aging serums are potent and the ingredients can be irritating and harsh — and not safe for everybody. If your skin is sensitive or ultra-dry, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before adding these to your skin-care regimen.
Dr. Akshay Sanan, MD, Boston board-certified facial plastic surgeon
Paula Brezavscek, the founder of Miami's Azala Skin Clinic.
Kimberly Austin, an aesthetician at the Los Angeles 7QSpa
Dr. Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at San Diego's Art of Skin MD
