Olay Retinol24 + Peptide Night Face Moisturizer
One of the top picks for skin-tightening creams is this one by Olay, which contains retinol, peptides, and skin-brightening niacinamide. Not only is it a $30 cream that won’t break the bank, but it has scores of reviews celebrating its ability to hydrate skin, tighten skin, and minimize the appearance of dark spots and fine lines.
According to one reviewer: “[…] my skin is improving SO much, my dark spots are almost gone, my skin is soft to the touch, I have no open pores, no blackheads on my cheeks, and my face is more plump […]”
Buy Olay here.
Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream
Another top pick that contains retinol, as well as niacinamide, peptides, and nourishing jojoba oil, this $74 Drunk Elephant serum can replenish lipids and moisture, defend against environmental stressors, and it aims to firm, strengthen, and even out skin tone. It’s free of essential oils, silicones, chemical sunscreens, SLS, fragrances, dyes, and drying alcohols. Keep in mind this is a serum, not a cream, so you will need to follow up with your regular moisturizer after applying this one at night.
One reviewer had this to say: “In less than two weeks, I have seen dramatic improvement in my skin. Wrinkles are totally smoothed out and my face looks younger. Amazing product…where has it been all my life?”
Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream
At $38, Paula’s Choice Intensive Repair Cream stands out as a less expensive pick that has plenty of reviews and a cult following backing it up. This cream contains 0.01% retinol concentrate, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, so you contains all of the ingredients you are looking for when plumping your skin is a goal.
According to one reviewer: “This one makes my skin feeling relaxed, but firm, brighter and definitely moisturized. Although I have combination skin, often it falls into the dry side. So this is my rescue, I literally feel it gives my skin all that was promised. And my forehead wrinkles are maintained and not visible just after few PM usages. Highly recommend!”
Tatcha Ageless Enriching Renewal Cream
As big of fans as we are when it comes to retinol, we also realize retinol isn’t for everyone. You may have sensitive skin that doesn’t perform well when retinol is applied — it can make skin irritated and red. Tatcha has stepped up with a rich, moisturizing cream that contains squalene and botanical extracts, but is green of irritating ingredients like mineral oil, paragons, and synthetic fragrances. It’s ideal for dry and mature skin and can be used day or night. At $198, it’s pricier than the other products on this list, but a little goes a long way.
One reviewer writes: “[…] You can see improvement immediately on your skin with moisture & reduction of wrinkles. Not greasy. Love it!”
fresh Black Tea Corset Cream Firming Moisturizer
Another retinol-free pick, fresh Black Tea Corset Cream Firming Moisturizer relies on powerhouse ingredient peptides to help firm up the skin on your face and neck and boost collagen. Elasticity peptides improve skin elasticity and bounce, goji fruit extract helps improve firmness, squalane helps provide 24-hour moisture, and the antioxidant black tea provides antioxidant protection.
This cream will set you back $95, but it can also be used during the day or at night.
One reviewer had this to say: “First time using the Black Tea Corset Firming Moisturizer and I love it! I have very good skin, but in my early sixties need a little tightening. This is a great product, feels rich but not heavy and absorbs very well. I would say immediate effect.”