Which serum is best for anti-ageing? Our top picks for the best anti-wrinkle serums
Ageing is a natural part of life and is something we all experience. Often the first signs of ageing appear on the skin such as fine lines, wrinkles or dark spots. Combined with other factors, such as a healthy diet and wearing protection against UV damage (SPF), a curated skincare routine featuring certain active ingredients can be beneficial in slowing skin ageing. Anti-ageing serums are a great example of a valuable skincare product to incorporate both in the morning and evening to tackle issues like fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and sagginess.
In this guide, we’ll explore what to look for in an anti-ageing serums and the best anti-wrinkle serums for different skin types.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
How does a serum work for wrinkles and fine lines?
As we age, our skin changes, becoming thinner and no longer looking as plump and smooth as it once did. This is partly due to external factors, such as sun exposure and internal factors; skin collagen and elastin synthesis decrease by 1% every year. To help this, a lightweight serum containing certain key ingredients will specifically target ageing concerns like wrinkles and fine lines, penetrating deep layers of the skin.
Anti-ageing serums often contain chemical exfoliants (AHAs and BHAs) to help remove dead skin cells and promote healthier, younger-looking skin. AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), such as glycolic acid and lactic acid, work on the skin's surface, whilst BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), like salicylic acid, work deeper into pores, making them effective for treating acne. These ingredients can promote cell turnover, improve skin texture, and even out your skin tone, resulting in a brighter, more radiant complexion.
Which ingredients should you look for in anti-wrinkle serums?
When looking for your next face serum, consider the following ingredients, each with their own benefits and anti-ageing properties:
-
Hyaluronic acid: Features in most serums and is great for hydrating skin by retaining moisture and promoting skin suppleness. Try this Ella & Jo Hyaluronic hydrating serum.
-
Retinol: This is one of the most common retinoids found in skincare and is a potent anti-ageing ingredient. Retinoids are derived from vitamin A and are used to treat skin concerns, and increase collagen production and skin elasticity. Try this Vichy Pure Retinol Serum.
-
Vitamin C: Serves as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from environmental factors such as UV radiation and pollution. In addition, serums containing vitamin C aid in collagen production, brightening the skin and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Try this Inkey List Vitamin C Serum.
-
Glycolic acid: This is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHAs) frequently found in skincare products. Glycolic acid helps enhance skin texture through deep exfoliation, aiding in the removing dead skin cells. Try this SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defence Serum.
-
Peptides: These short amino acid chains can stimulate collagen production and help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Try this IMAGE Anti-Ageing Serum, featuring peptides and AHA.
Our top picks for anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle serums
With all this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best anti-ageing, specifically anti-wrinkle, serums we stock here at Meaghers:
1. La Roche-Posay Retinol Serum 30ml
La Roche-Posay is a popular skincare brand recommended by dermatologists around the world. La Roche-Posay's ageing skin range features a number of skincare products, including gels, eye creams, and, most importantly, serums.
A top pick of ours is their Retinol B3 Serum, clinically proven to firm, fill, and smooth the skin and visible signs of ageing. The key ingredient in this anti-ageing serum is the 0.3% retinol, acting alongside niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3). Retinol helps increase collagen production, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and creating a plumping effect on the face.
Price: €48.00
|
Key benefits:
Possible downsides:
|
Key ingredients:
|
2. IMAGE Vital C Hydrating Anti-Ageing Serum 50ml
IMAGE Skincare offers a wide range of products that are tailored to all skin types, particularly for sensitive and dry skin. The anti-ageing products in the Ageless collection focus on replenishing and renewing skin with signs of ageing, including an overnight retinol masque, creams, and, of course, anti-ageing serums.
In addition to their Total Anti-Ageing Serum, which features a combination of peptides and AHAs to counteract the visible signs of ageing, our top pick is IMAGE’s Vital C Hydrating Serum. Though not in the IMAGE Ageless collection, this anti-ageing serum softens the appearance of wrinkles and promotes skin elasticity whilst creating a natural glow on the skin.
Price: €90.00
|
Key benefits:
Possible downsides:
|
Key ingredients:
|
3. Skingredients Skin Protein Anti-Ageing Retinoid Serum 45ml
Skingredients provides a range of multi-award-winning skincare products containing active ingredients to target certain issues, including anti-ageing. These products are intended to be used together with their Retinoid Serum step 3 in their curated skincare routine.
Price: €55.00
|
Key benefits:
|
Key ingredients:
|
|
Possible downsides:
|
4. Dermalogica AGE Bright Clearing Serum 30ml
Dermalogica is a professional skincare brand that caters to every skin type, concern and texture. Their active two-in-one serum clears and helps prevent breakouts while reducing visible ageing signs; it is ideal for those with oily skin. The AGE Bright Clearing Serum also accelerates cell turnover and promotes a brighter and smoother skin tone.
Price: €79.00
|
Key benefits
|
Key ingredients
|
|
Possible downsides
|
The best anti-wrinkle serums for your skin type
Here at Meaghers, we understand that different skin types will need different qualities. Browse below to find your skin type and our top anti-wrinkle serum pick:
Sensitive skin
Finding the right anti-wrinkle serum can be challenging for individuals with sensitive skin; especially because resurfacing acids and retinols can be irritating at first. The ideal anti-ageing serum for sensitive skin should be gentle yet effective. Our advice is look for balancing ingredients which help soothe, such as oat kernel, honey, probiotics and thermal water. Anti-inflammatory ingredients such as bisabolol, ceramides and antioxidants could be helpful too.
The best anti-wrinkle serum for sensitive skin
Mature skin
Mature skin typically requires more specialist care – skin can become drier and more sensitive as it loses collagen, and hyaluronic. The skin barrier can also weaken over time. You can find many products, such as moisturisers and creams which are suitable for mature skin. Anti-wrinkle serums should provide intensive hydration, stimulate collagen production, and target deep wrinkles and fine lines.
We recommend a serum with anti-ageing ingredients such as retinoids and hyaluronic acid. Barrier-boosting ingredients and antioxidants are also useful.
The best anti-wrinkle serum for mature skin
Dry skin
Dry skin lacks moisture and often feels tight and rough. Anti-wrinkle serums for dry skin should focus on hydrating and nourishing the skin barrier.
The best anti-wrinkle serum for dry skin
Oily and combination skin
Oily and combination skin types require anti-wrinkle serums that are lightweight, non-comedogenic, and help regulate excess oil production.
Look for anti-wrinkle serums for oily skin that contain salicylic acid, niacinamide and mattifying ingredients (such as silica or clay).
The best anti-wrinkle serum for oily skin
To find what skin type you have, wash your face and wait for 30 minutes, then inspect your skin in the mirror.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of day to apply anti-wrinkle serum?
The best time to apply an anti-wrinkle serum is typically in the evening, before bed. This allows the active ingredients to work overnight, promoting cell turnover and repair while you sleep.
When should you start using an anti-ageing serum?
It's recommended to start using an anti-ageing serum in your late twenties to early thirties, as this is when signs of ageing typically begin to appear. However, prevention is key, so incorporating an anti-ageing serum into your skincare routine earlier can help maintain youthful-looking skin, along with SPF.
