We love our skin because it expresses who we are. It changes over time, and that's fine, because so do we! As skin matures, you may want more from your skincare - ones that intensely hydrate, promote radiance and soften lines to reveal a fresh and youthful complexion. At Sephora, we truly believe that beauty is ageless so you can be fearless.
Unlike many creams that over-promise and under-deliver, we’ve narrowed down the best anti-ageing creams based on their ability to improve skin texture, fade dark spots and visibly smooth lines. Starring youth-boosting ingredients like Retinol, Hyaluronic Acid and Collagen, you can be sure that these anti-ageing creams will deliver impressive results.
By Sephora UK Skincare Editorial Team
Writers and experts
Updated: 12 January 2024
Ultra Facial Cream
For hydrated skin and comfort that lasts all day, add this ‘ultra hydrator’ moisturiser to your beauty routine. The hardworking formula helps to strengthen the skin barrier, improving that all-important first line of defence. Olive-derived Squalane is the ingredient to thank - replenishing your complexion for hours after application by absorbing moisture from the air, it’s one of a kind. Apply day or night as needed to build up your barrier, combat moisture loss and lock in hydration.
Tried and tested: "I bought this a month ago and it’s honestly the most amazing cream I have ever used. I generally have quite dull-looking skin and after the first time using this, my skin looked so refreshed. I've tried multiple brands and nothing compares. My all-time favourite!" - Ciara, Customer Review
Retinol Serum
From everyone’s favourite no-frills skincare brand comes this powerful serum for fine lines. Using a slow-release formula that works hard to even out the skin tone and disguise pigmentation, resulting in all-over skin clarity with regular use. Infused with Squalane to soothe and hydrate, apply a pea-sized amount every third evening and slowly build up to nightly use. Stay consistent and you’ll see maximum results - and all for under a tenner. Sold.
Tried and tested: "I've been putting off adding Retinol to my skincare routine because I was worried it would be too strong for my skin. I've been using this every other night and my skin has been fine, no redness or sensitivity. It feels smoother and I think it looks brighter too. Very happy." - Alex, Customer Review
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30
A powerful blend of Padina Pavonica and Ginkgo Biloba, this best-selling day cream now features SPF 30, so you can cover all bases in one - restore, protect and hydrate. Clinically proven to smooth fine lines and reduce wrinkles in 14 days, this fast-working formula improves skin’s suppleness, leaving your face firmer, smoother and more toned. Apply as a daily moisturiser for non-stop radiance and impressive expert ageing results.
Tried and tested: "I like to call this gem of a product Pro-Collagen Marine Dream. It's really stood the test of time and I think the key is the texture. It's a light gel-cream (perfect for oilier skin), ridiculously moisturising and with lots of anti-ageing powers that I don't have space here to list...but they are extensive. If my face is looking a bit tired (the 2pm make-up slump), instead of using a mist, I'll press it into my skin with the tips of my fingers for a little pick-me-up." - Jessica Diner, VOGUE
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
This award-winning serum is loved by everyone who tries it. With patented technology, its high-performance formula works to reverse multiple signs of ageing. Fast-absorbing, oil-free and non-comedogenic, this serum makes a visible impact on everything from uneven skin tone to targeting fine lines and wrinkles. Use nightly before moisturiser for a radiant and more glowing complexion in the morning.
Tried and tested: "Honestly, this product is phenomenal! I’ve put off buying it and hesitated over the price but the investment is worth it. I’ve noticed a difference in how my skin feels - it’s plumper and softer, and lines around my eyes and bags aren’t as prominent. I like to use this with a cold facial roller for maximum benefits." - Rachelle, Customer Review
Sound Sleep Cocoon Night Gel-Cream
More than just a night cream, this one will transform your sleep, too. Key ingredients include Persian Silk Tree extract, a known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant which helps combat free radicals while plumping tired skin. Then there’s Kakuda Plum extract, containing the highest levels of Vitamin C content worldwide (more than 100x that of oranges), which locks in luminosity and improves skin tone. The best bit? The calming aroma of Lavender extract will help you drift off into a relaxing, restorative sleep. To apply, pump one to two drops onto fingertips and gently massage into your face and neck. Sweet dreams pending.
Tried and tested: "Highly rate this product from Dermalogica. It’s a soothing treat for your skin in the evening and the scent aids you to drift off into a deep sleep and wake up with beautiful, soft, nourished skin. Can’t live without now! Pricey but a little goes a long way." - Nicola, Customer Review
Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream
Bring your skin back to life with this powerful night cream, packed with nature’s finest, restorative ingredients. Intensely hydrating Avocado Pear oil and Manuka Honey work with the antioxidant Vinanza Grape to improve skin's elasticity and firmness. Plus, there’s warm whispers of Sandalwood to soothe you to sleep. You heard it here first: this ultra-rich cream is a true multitasker. Get ready for anti-ageing action by night, beautiful skin by day. Tried and tested: "Feels instantly deeply hydrating, lovely and rich without being pore-clogging. Smells beautifully fresh, too, my skin definitely looks less tired." - Laura, Customer ReviewBest for a natural glow
Advanced Night Restore
If you’re a fan of a Retinol serum, then this restoring night cream is its perfect partner. Specially designed to be used after a Retinol serum, this skin-soothing night cream contains barrier-boosting ceramides and regenerative peptides which help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and provide intense hydration to reveal a more radiant complexion when you wake.
Tried and tested: “This has become my absolute favourite night cream. I love this brand and use a few other products already but hadn't tried this yet until a couple of months ago. It is a game changer. My skin is so much better overall in the morning, I used to wake up with really dull and dry skin whereas now it is hydrated and calm with a much smoother texture.” - Lauren, Customer Review
Magic Cream
Prep your complexion like an A-lister with Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic Magic Cream. Infused with eight powerful ingredients, we’re talking Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin C and E, Aloe Vera, Rosehip Oil and Shea Butter to name just a few that help to transform dull, tired skin so it looks smoother, brighter and plumper while imparting an incredible glow. With one pot sold every two minutes around the world, this award-winning cream is the ultimate skincare saviour.
Tried and tested: “I love this. Heaven in a pot. It’s so glowy and smoothing on your skin. Not oily at all. Very smooth, glowy skin with this cream. Little goes a very long way so you honestly don’t need too much.” - Simran, Customer Review
Squalane + Omega Repair Cream
When it comes to moisturising your skin, there’s no clean beauty brand we love more than BOISSANCE. This rich and decadent Squalane + Omega Repair Cream contains all the good fats your skin needs to deeply moisturise - without the grease. Formulated with lipids that mimic and support skin’s natural moisture barrier, this cream will feed your skin to help nourish, plump, and hydrate. Our top tip? Apply at night following Squalane + Phyto-Retinol Serum for a super nourishing and restoring overnight treatment.
Tried and tested: "This repair cream is the best I have found and at a reasonable price. It fixes my dry skin without causing my face to be oily or break out. My skin is much smoother after using this cream even after a short time. There is no discernible scent. The cream is of great quality and a small amount will go a long way." - Jennifer G, Customer Review