A product that has amassed a devoted following, loads of praise from the pros, countless media blurbs, and is known to beauty fans as simply, The Cream (no brand name needed for recognition). The hero ingredient is something called trigger factor complex, an exclusive patented technology that is made of 40 ingredients and is the result of over 30 years of study and clinical research. But what does it do, you ask? It makes the formulas smarter and more effective by guiding nutrients to where they're needed most—so the benefits can range from smoothed texture and reduced fine lines to improved dark spots. A marvel of innovation. 

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream ($280) 

A budget-friendly favorite brand of mine, Burt's Bees' firming collection delivers a dose of bakuchiol and vitamin E. Bakuchiol is known in skin care circles as a natural alternative to retinol, and one clinical study did find that it has comparable results. This cream is buffered with several plant oils and vitamin E, which can help protect the skin from free radicals. 

Burt's Bees Renewal Firming Moisturizing Cream ($19.99)  

Wrinkle severity runs the spectrum: Some may have simple fine lines that show up when the skin is dry, while others have deep-set wrinkles that don't seem to budge. For the latter, you'll want to invest in an option that goes after these lines with gusto: This award-winning option uses 12 researched botanicals formulated at impressive percentages that come with clinical backing to reduce wrinkle-size appearance (by an impressive 21%), re-balance tone, and hydrate. 

Orveda Firm Brew Botanical Moisturizer ($377) 

Is this your first foray into healthy aging skin care? Certainly, it can feel overwhelming—not to mention it comes with pretty intense ingredients. For wrinkle-reduction newbies, I recommend options that are more broadly formulated—meaning they target a larger swath of concerns so you can see additional changes and not just fine-line-related ones. This effortlessly lightweight cream improves dullness and overall hydration and plumps skin.

CocoKind Texture Smoothing Cream ($22) 

We love multitaskers around here, and no more so than when makeup comes with functional skin care benefits. This blend, created by leading dermatologist Macrene Alexiades, M.D., Ph.D., covers skin in a delightful wash of color (from high-quality mineral pigments) while targeting fine lines with botanical extracts like peptides and antioxidants.  

Macrene Actives Tinted Moisturizer ($165) 

Retinol is probably one of the most famous skin care ingredients—largely due to dermatologists' recommendations and loads of clinical research. The antioxidant enhances skin care turnover (making your skin cells act younger) and improves collagen production (which provides scaffolding-like support for sagging skin). This cream combines the star ingredient with ferulic acid, an antioxidant that actually makes other antioxidants more effective, and barrier-supporting moisturizers.

Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer ($75) 

 Powered by the plant Bidens Pilosa, this is a natural retinol swap that is shown in clinicals to improve skin firmness and texture in just 28 days. It's also—we might add—much more gentle than retinols, which are notoriously irritating. Read: Opt for this if you've never been able to tolerate retinols in the past. 

Ren Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Cream ($72) 

I'm a huge fan of vitamin C products and use one daily. Not only is it a star antioxidant, but it is a vital part of the collagen synthesis process. And since collagen is the structural protein in the skin (or it's what makes skin firm), encouraging its production should be a top priority.

Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Photo-Brightening Moisturizer ($75) 

Peptides are a type of amino acids that play an important role in skin structure. Yes, we're talking collagen again. (Listen, so much of skin health and longevity comes back to collagen, so it comes up a lot.) When applied topically, peptides can aid in the production as it gives skin the building blocks it needs. This cult-favorite option not only contains a peptide complex, but it adds in growth factors and antioxidants for a robust formula. 

Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Moisturizer ($68) 

Alpha-hydroxy acids are water-loving acids that are best known as exfoliators. (You've likely seen glycolic and lactic acid peels and masks before, no?) But in this formulation, lactic acid acts as a hydrator—while still improving overall texture. The dense cream also comes with a cocktail of actives that smooth lines, such as peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.

January Labs Retexturizing Night Cream ($74) 

An issue that those with sensitive skin know all too well: So many of the common ingredients that show up in mature skin products are harsh and irritating. This is quite frustrating for those who want to target wrinkles while not sending their skin into panic mode. Tata Harper's gentlest collection passes the test: It's seriously hydrating and comforting while infusing the skin with plant extracts that ease signs of aging. 

Tata Harper Fortifying Moisturizer ($120) 

Unfortunately, dry skin and fine lines go hand-in-hand: When your skin is zapped dry of moisture, it shrivels like a grape to a raisin. So if you're naturally on the dryer end of the skin care spectrum, you're going to want barrier-supporting creams, which can trap the water in. Biossance uses their signature squalane (a plant-derived oil that mimics your skin's natural squalene) and omega fatty acids to support the lipid layer.

Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream ($58) 

This is not the first time I've waxed poetic about this product, and it won't be the last. First and foremost, I must explain the sensorial appeal: It splashes on the skin like a burst of hydration. Then the lightweight formula delivers oil-controlling botanicals like Japanese leopard lily, wild rose, green tea, and algae. 

Tatcha The Water Cream ($69) 

Often those with fine lines additionally complain about dullness (so many of these concerns come in package deals). For a boost, reach for this product that contains caffeine (which will encourage circulation to the skin), ginseng (to help skin energy), and barrier-supporting botanicals.

Origins GinZing Ultra-Hydrating Energy-Boosting Cream ($32) 

The best way to target wrinkles is to avoid sun damage and exposure. (Prevention, as always, is easier than treating.) This mineral SPF is specifically formulated for the face, goes on with minimal white cast, and contains several skin-loving actives. To name a few: There's vitamin E for antioxidant protection, squalane for barrier defense, and chicory root extract for hydration. 

Beautycounter Countersun Daily Sheer Defense For Face SPF 25 ($46)