Common ingredients in wrinkle creams

Moisturizers can make skin look smoother. They temporarily plump the skin, which makes lines and wrinkles less visible. Moisturizers can be lotions, creams, gels and serums. They often contain water, oils and other ingredients, such as proteins, waxes, glycerin, lactate and urea.

Wrinkle creams often are moisturizers with active ingredients that offer added benefits. How well they work depends partly on your skin type and the type of ingredient. Whatever products you choose, read the label instructions before using them.

Common ingredients in wrinkle creams and serums that might improve the look of your skin include:

• Retinol. This ingredient is a milder type of retinoid. Retinoids are made from vitamin A and are used in skin care to help smooth wrinkles and reduce discoloration. Retinol might cause skin irritation. But this often lessens over time. Retinoids, including retinol, should not be used during pregnancy. Skincare products with retinol include The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane and CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum.
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). When used daily, vitamin C can help protect skin from damage caused by sun and pollution. It also may improve skin tone. Look for the ingredient L-ascorbic acid on the label. Vitamin C works best when combined with other ingredients, such as vitamin E (tocopherol) and hyaluronic acid, in a serum. It can lose its strength when exposed to light, heat or air. Keep vitamin C products in a cool, dark place and close the container tightly after use. Serums that contain vitamin C include CeraVe Skin Renewing Vitamin C Serum and La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum.
• Niacinamide (NYE-a-sin-a-mide). A form of vitamin B-3 (niacin), niacinamide may help reduce the signs of aging and improve skin tone. It also calms the skin, which may help other ingredients work better. Niacinamide is found in serums, masks, moisturizers and wrinkle creams. Apply it twice a day. Examples of products with niacinimade include Paula's Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster and The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.
• Bakuchiol (buh-KOO-chee-all). This plant-based ingredient may help smooth wrinkles and reduce skin discoloration. Bakuchiol works like retinol. But it is gentler than retinol and is safe to use during pregnancy. Bakuchiol is found in serums and moisturizers. It is from the Ayurveda medicine tradition. Apply it two times a day. Skincare products that contain bakuchiol include The Inkey List Bakuchiol Moisturizer and Herbivore Bakcuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum.
• Tranexamic (TRAN-ex-AM-ik) acid. This ingredient is made from the amino acid lysine. Tranexamic acid can improve skin tone and fade discoloration. Wear sunscreen while using tranexamic acid because sun exposure can cause discolored patches — the very thing this ingredient is trying to improve. Apply it twice a day. Products with tranexamic include Naturium Tranexamic Topical Acid 5% and The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Serum.
• Azelaic (a-zeh-LAY-ik) acid. This gentle, antibacterial ingredient helps smooth rough skin and reduce discoloration and wrinkles. It often works well with other serum or moisturizer ingredients, such as vitamin C and niacinamide. Apply it up to two times a day. Examples of products that contain azelaic acid include The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% and The Inkey List 10% Azelaic Acid Serum.

Many of these ingredients also are available in stronger versions with a prescription from a healthcare professional.