2024’s Top Face Creams For Women Over 40
After evaluating over 50 popular moisturizers, we have identified the top 5 for women over 40
By: Contessa Taylor and the team at Cosmetics Report
Updated: March 20th, 2024
After 40, using the wrong moisturizer can hurt more than it helps. But for those of us with more textured, mature, and sensitive skin, finding a moisturizer that doesn’t irritate or feels too thick and smells too strong, can seem nearly impossible.
After evaluating over 50 popular moisturizers, it became clear that those who use "just" a moisturizer, may see noticeably less significant results than those who use ones filled with active ingredients designed for mature women . Mature skin requires mature formulas.
If all a moisturizer does is simply moisturize, while your skin may feel more hydrated it can still thin, sag, have uneven tone, dark undereyes, wrinkles, and look dull. You wouldn’t wear a low spf sunscreen if you’re laying under the blazing sun so why then turn around and use the a moisturizer formulated for younger and firmer skin and think it's still the best product to use.
That’s why we researched, reviewed, and ranked different face creams to narrow down the top 5 that can actually work for 40+ skin
Traits Of A Quality Moisturizer
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines
- Help fade dark spots & soften rough patches of skin
- Rejuvenate skin cells for firmer, tighter skin
- Aid in minimizing breakouts & regulating oily skin
- Hydrate skin by promoting collagen production & cell renewal
What To Expect From A Quality Moisturizer
While many women do notice changes in their skin texture and tone within just a few weeks, repairing damaged skin and smoothing lines and wrinkles takes time. Be cautious of unrealistic “overnight promises” from mass market brands. Your patience will pay off with the right product.
Your skin is looking and feeling hydrated, soft, firm, and has a rejuvenated, gorgeous natural glow. You’re starting to notice your skin tone looks brighter and more smooth.
You begin to see a noticeable difference in the appearance of signs of aging – your skin appears more even and fine lines and wrinkles have softened. You may be receiving compliments from friends & family. You understand the importance of consistent, continued use for visible improvements & the prevention of additional signs of aging.
Moisturizers are a necessary staple in every woman’s skincare routine. Whether you call it face cream, day cream, or cold cream, its job is simple — to hydrate and bring moisture to your face. Indeed, in your younger days, that’s all you needed it to do.
But for any woman over 40, it’s no longer enough for soft, youthful, healthy-looking skin. An ideal moisturizer should also address the unique needs of mature skin with anti-aging and restorative ingredients, including:
Ideal Ingredients Of A High-Quality Moisturizer
Stem cells have shown significant potential to reduce wrinkles in the crow’s feet area of the face.
Made from plant-based oils, glycerin can help lock in your skin's natural moisture.
Hyaluronic acid is also proven to help wounds heal faster and can reduce scarring.
Vitamin E may have various benefits for the skin, especially in people with dry or itchy skin.
Ingredients To Avoid
Some chemicals added to skincare products are formalin, formaldehyde, glyoxal and bronopol.
Parabens can also commonly cause skin sensitivities and allergies.
Fragrance can be an irritant leading to redness, itchy skin and sometimes hives.
What Else To Consider When Buying A Quality Moisturizer
Offers
When bundled with other skincare products, moisturizers tend to be purchased more, especially at large discounts.
Accessibility
Another factor is accessibility - most people nowadays prefer to buy moisturizers online, as transactions would be easier.
Money-Back Guarantee
Another factor to consider is having a "money-back guarantee" - in case the moisturizer doesn’t work, they can return the said product.
Shipping Costs
Most people nowadays prefer free or discounted shipping since there are costly moisturizers on the market.
The Top 5 Moisturizers Of 2024
Based on our own extensive product research, focused on the MUST HAVE ingredients we listed above, and consideration of numerous reviews by shoppers just like you, we’ve compiled a list of what we’ve found to be the top five products for 40+ skin.
Based on our own extensive ingredient research we’ve compiled a list of products we deemed to be most effective for women over 40
Here’s what we found:
1. Fièra Apple Stem Cell Cream 
Pros
- Contains all 4 key ingredients of an effective mature skin moisturizer
- Formulated specifically for
40+ skin - Considerable deals when you purchase 2 (33% off)
- 30-day money-back guarantee
I am 62 years old with skin like a 45? year old. It definitely is looking younger. I really think it has improved my skin texture, minimized my fine lines and wrinkles and moisturizes without feeling heavy. I liked it so much, I'm now using the Fiera stem cell serum too!
Laurie Verified Buyer
Cons
- Can’t buy in stores. Though great discounts and offers make it worth ordering online.
What makes this moisturizer stand out are the Swiss Apple Stem Cells combined with the other 3 must-have ingredients on our list at an unbelievable pricepoint.
We rated this product as the #1 moisturizer on our list since quality products designed for women over 40 containing key ingredients like these are typically found at much higher price points.
With the ingredients it contains, customer reviews, and for its price point, the Apple Stem Cell Cream is a fantastic option, with almost unbeatable value.
The Apple Stem Cells, combined with moisturizing and brightening ingredients, plus thousands of 5-star customer reviews, make it our top choice.
Additonally, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, no questions asked, which shows us they stand by their product.
This cream currently is offering a 33% off promotion , which makes the already most affordable option on our list even more accessible.
2. Predire Age Defying Cream 
Pros
- Contains stem cells
- Contains Sodium Hyaluronate
- High quality ingredients
- Great online reviews
- Free from parabens
Never go another day without it! Though it worked great in treating my dark circles and under eye wrinkles, I wish the price was a bit more affordable!
Madison Russell Verified Buyer
Cons
- Very expensive with a price point of $600
Prédiré’s Age Defying Apple and Grape Stem Cell Lifting Cream is a great alternative to combat dark spots and wrinkles.
It contains all the 4 main ingredients we deemed to be necessary to address 40+ skin problems.
On top of that it has incredible reviews online. The only downside is that the Stem Cell Cream is very expensive with a price tag of over $600 USD.
Great choice for those with an unlimited budget
3. Glo24K Anti-Aging Cream 
Pros
- Contains Hyaluronic Acid for effective hydration
- Contains Vitamins A, C and E
- Contains Sodium Hyaluronate
- Hydrating formula
- Free from parabens
I absolutely love this product! Yes, it may be a little pricey but you will not be disappointed. You can see the difference right away. The key is to use as directed, daily, nightly, and monthly. I have tried so many products that promise great results just to be let down but NOT WITH THIS PRODUCT! Thank you for being honest with a product that really works!
Becca Ayotte Verified Buyer
Cons
- Does not contain Plant Stem Cells
- Mixed reviews online
- May require additional products for best results
If you love rich cream, GLO24K Instant Facelift Cream delivers. Boasting a multitude of active ingredients from many sources, this cream is a good alternative to our number 1 and 2.
However, one big downside is the fact that this cream does not contain any plant stem cells which would have helped it get a higher score.
In summary, GLO24K is a decent alternative for its price, even though some key ingredients for mature skin are missing.
4. La Mer Creme De La Mer™
Pros
- Very effective ingredients for mature skin
- Soothing texture
- Incredible online reviews
This is the best cream for my face. I am willing to spend the money because I haven't found any cream that keeps my face and neck looking as good. Do wish is was less expensive and can't imagine why is it so clear, but can't find another cream that works as well for me.
Rosa Goldfind Verified Buyer
Cons
- Very expensive
- Small jar for the price point
- Does not contain plant stem cells
La Mer is one of the foremost luxury names in skin care. Enriched with La Mer’s Miracle Broth and Lime tea this luxurious day cream nourishes and calms the skin.
At almost $500 USD a jar though, it’s certainly not the most affordable option for the average customer.
That being said, loyal customers say it’s worth the price tag.
5. Zelens Anti-Aging Cream
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Targets elasticity and wrinkles
- Paraben-free
While so many of the Zelens products are outstanding, the 3T Complex is truly exceptional. More than a moisturizer it applies smoothly on my skin and feels like velvet. Not too creamy it hydrates immediately and lasts. My aging skin has a renewed youthful appearance. The visibility of my laugh lines seem to blend away. I simply feel younger. You can't miss with this product if you want to feel natural and youthful.
Debra Jackson Verified Buyer
Cons
- Expensive
- Not a lot of online reviews
If you love rich creams, Zelens 3T Complex Anti-Aging Cream delivers. It absorbs quickly but leaves skin feeling hydrated all day.
Boasting 15 active ingredients from a multitude of natural sources, this cream also contains Apple Stem Cells – but at more than four times the price than our first choice, Fièra’s Apple Stem Cell Cream.
Still, the 3T Complex Anti-Aging Cream is a beautiful, luxurious-feeling rich cream and a lovely option for a daily moisturizer. It can be difficult to source but always available on the Zelens website.
Citations
- https://scholar.google.com/scholar_lookup?studies,journal=S%C3%96FW+J
- https://www.healthline.com/health/glycerin-for-face#benefits
- https://www.healthline.com/health/vitamin-e-for-skin#other-vitamins
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5560567/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/hyaluronic-acid#benefits
Our Main Sources
Sources used for research purposes. cosmeticreport.com are not officially affiliated with these sites.
Our #1 Choice
Fièra Apple Stem Cell Cream
The only skin-tightening face cream of its kind that both corrects and delays the signs of aging in mature skin.
