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.
Quick Overview
See 1 more"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.
Table of contents
The best anti-wrinkle serum of 2025
Skinceuticals
Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, polyhydroxy acid | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-free: No
Let me say upfront: It pains me to name this magical Skinceuticals potion as our top wrinkle-smoothing serum. There is no part of me that wants to recommend anyone lay out $148 on anything they slather on their cheeks. However, after two months of daily use last year, I saw a true difference in the texture and brightness of my skin, a result that was noticeable and, frankly, superior, to any other anti-wrinkle serum I've tried.
This was all thanks to P-Tiox's potent formula, which is rich in collagen- and elastin-building peptides. To be more specific: a proprietary peptide complex, including hexapeptide and dipeptide, both of which are meant to "freeze" wrinkles in a similar (though less instantaneous) fashion as injectable neurotoxins like Botox.
As a bonus, P-Tiox includes complexion-evening niacinamide and polyhydroxy acid, which gently exfoliates skin and promotes cell turnover. In combination, these high-quality, clinically-proven ingredients smooth skin, reduce the size of my enlarged pores and boosted an overall glow — for me, they simultaneously softened the fine wrinkles under my eyes and even, slightly, the deeper lines on forehead and around my mouth.
While pricey, Skinceuticals has a proven track record of designing some of the most innovative and effective skin care on the market. The company was founded by a dermatologist and its products go through rigorous testing and clinical reviews to this day. While many (most) expensive skin care products are not worth the cost — when used consistently — this one will truly, effectively improve the signs of aging on your face in as little as a few weeks.
Other top anti-wrinkle serums we recommend for 2025
The Inkey List
Key ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-free: Yes
If you're on the hunt for a (seriously) more affordable alternative to Skinceuticals' P-Tiox, look no further than this highly-rated serum from British line The Inkey List. Five-star reviewers call it a "Botox alternative" — the serum is so popular it frequently sells out in the U.S.
Like P-Tiox, The Inkey List formula contains a heavy-duty mix of peptides, which have been clinically proven to help with cell turnover and building new collagen. The serum additionally includes hyaluronic acid, a natural humectant which is especially good for dehydrated mature skin.
"This is a game changer at an affordable price," explained one satisfied customer. "The collagen makes my face more supple, absorbs quickly, hydrates and has no smell — don't let the size fool you one drop covers your face!"
Vichy
Key ingredients: Proxylane, niacinamide, vitamins C and E, glycolic acid | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-free: No
Vichy's Neovadiol Meno 5 Serum is among the drugstore serums I've had most recommended by dermatologists. It's designed to address multiple aging issues specifically related to menopausal skin — including rough texture and the loss of collagen and elastin. The hero ingredient here is something called proxylane, a sugar-protein hybrid that's derived from beech trees and has been shown in studies to help skin retain moisture and maintain collagen, keeping your face firm and bouncy in the process.
In my experience, it's especially good for bringing life to saggy, dull skin, though improvements take a minute to achieve. When I tested this product last year, it was around a month before I saw any significant results.
Peter Thomas Roth
Key ingredients: Microencapsulated retinol, vitamins C and E | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-free: No
If you're looking for a quality wrinkle serum with loads of bells and whistles, this retinol serum hits the anti-aging sweet spot: At 1.5% concentration, it's just potent enough to really work, while not so strong that your face will start molting within the first week of use. Plus, it's made with an eight-hour slow-release microencapsulated retinol, which tends to be less irritating, and brimming with skin brighteners like vitamin C along with healing emollients vitamin E and squalane, which help keep your face hydrated while soothing redness.
The texture of this serum is particularly standout: It's silky and smooth, as opposed to tacky and viscous. When I used this product last year for two months, I saw an almost immediate skin-tightening effect. Over the weeks there was more clarity in my skin tone and the lines in my forehead appeared less deep.
It's difficult to choose an anti-wrinkle retinol serum that will work "best" for all skin types, but with its high-quality ingredients and thoughtful formulation, this one comes closest to being a one-size-fits-most skin care star.
Amazon
Key ingredients: Adapalene 0.1% (retinoid)| Size: 1.6 oz. | Cruelty-free: No
While not a serum per se, Differin's adapalene gel was the first prescription-strength retinoid to become available over the counter. It's dermatologist-recommended and clinically proven to tighten and brighten skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines.
"I've been a Differin user for over six years at this point and I swear by it," wrote an in-the-know user. "Most things that work as well as Differin are prescription-only. It actually works in a similar manner that some of the prescription-strength treatments do: by increasing the rate at which your skin cells turn over. This helps decrease the pore blockages that cause acne to develop."
It's also useful for building collagen and thickening skin, which, in turn, makes wrinkles and fine lines appear less deep.
Shani Darden
Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, alpha-hydroxy acid | Size: 1 oz. | Cruelty-free: Yes
This is the first retinol serum I ever tried, starting six years ago, when I was 45. It's the ideal entry point, utilizing both over-the-counter retinol and alpha-hydroxy acid to promote skin-cell turnover, brighten skin and smooth your complexion overall. The serum itself is fragrance-free and — even with the higher retinol concentration — gentle, appropriate for most skin types. I love it so much that I've kept it in my skin-care rotation for years. These days I use it a few nights a week as an eye cream — it's made my upper lids dewy and, with consistent use, a lot less crepey.
How we tested anti-wrinkle serums
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.
Other anti-wrinkles serums we tested that didn't make the cut
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.
What to look for in an anti-wrinkle serum
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.
Anti-wrinkle serum FAQ
When should you start using an anti-wrinkle serum?
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."
When should I apply an anti-wrinkle serum?
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.
Are there any side effects or downsides to using anti-wrinkle serums?
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.
Meet the experts
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
