5 Derm-Approved Anti-Aging Skin Care Products From $12

If you’re slathering on anti-aging products but seeing little to no results, you may want to take a closer look at the formulas you’re using. 

Not all skin concerns stem from the same thing, so the products you use to address them should be tailored to those issues (yes, even over-the-counter products). For example, you can’t use just anything to correct dark spots and wrinkles. So we consulted with Robyn Gmyrek, an NYC-based board-certified dermatologist, for her recommendations on five anti-aging skin care products people should actually avoid—and what to use instead. The best part? They’re all under $50 at Amazon. 

While she notes that genetics may determine how we age, Dr. Gmyrek confirms that lifestyle choices like wearing sunscreen, exercising, and eating well play a big role. “Prevention is everything,” she tells Real Simple. “The rest is trying to repair damage and restore structural support to the skin, which is an uphill battle.”. 

Dermatologist-Approved Anti-Aging Products

Don’t Use: Collagen-Infused Topicals to Correct Aging

Use Instead: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Max Hydration Cream

“Many creams tout ‘collagen’ as an anti-aging ingredient, but collagen molecules are far too large to penetrate the skin,” says Dr. Gmyrek. And while she notes that they can hydrate the surface, they won’t actually rebuild collagen in deeper layers. “The biggest misconception is that by applying topical collagen, it will penetrate and simply become part of your skin structure. It will not.” 

Instead, she recommends products that contain active ingredients like retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C. She says these can stimulate the skin’s natural ability to produce new collagen and improve fine lines and skin texture over time. Gmyrek prefers this RoC retinol night cream for stimulating collagen and plumping the skin, and improving elasticity. She also shared that its oil-free and non-comedogenic formula includes vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects your skin, retinol to reduce wrinkles, as well as hyaluronic acid and glycerin to keep it hydrated. 

Don’t Use: Harsh Physical Exfoliants

Use Instead: Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

According to Dr. Gmyrek, scrubs with walnut shells, apricot pits, or sugar crystals can create microtears in the skin, which accelerates irritation and a breakdown of the barrier, rather than reducing the look of aging. 

“A better option is a chemical exfoliant such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, or mandelic acid, which gently dissolves dead cells, boosts radiance, and encourages new cell turnover without damaging the skin.” She suggests Paula’s Choice exfoliant with lactic acid, which helps with discoloration and texture, and can be used on sensitive skin. 

Don’t Use: Pore-Minimizing or “Tightening” Toners with Alcohol

Use Instead: Tula Skin Care Clarifying Tonic Alcohol-Free Toner

Alcohol-heavy toners can offer a temporary tightening sensation, but over time, they dry and weaken the skin barrier, making wrinkles and dullness more pronounced, as per Dr. Gmyrek. She recommends using hydrating toners with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to plump skin and soften fine lines. 

“Not all alcohols are harmful in skin care, but simple alcohols like ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol can be overly drying and irritating to the skin,” she says. “Fatty alcohols like cetyl, stearyl, and cetearyl alcohol, on the other hand, are beneficial and hydrating.” She likes this Tula face toner, which gently exfoliates the skin and helps pores appear tighter. Gmyrek notes that it has witch hazel to soothe skin. and niacinamide to preserve the skin barrier.

Don’t Use: Retinoids That Are Too Strong for You

Use Instead: La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Cream

Some people think that if a product is stinging or burning, that just means it’s working, but that’s not necessarily true. Dr. Gmyrek shares that when it comes to retinoids (which can already be irritating), most people opt for the strongest they can find to get quicker results, but this isn’t an effective approach. 

“When your skin gets inflamed and irritated, you actually can damage the collagen and elastic tissue, as well as the skin barrier,” she says. According to Gmyrek, you should start with a low-potency formula or decrease the frequency and work yourself up to a level that’s tolerable for your skin. 

Her pick? La Roche-Posay’s retinol cream with a lightweight and hydrating formula that can be used on most skin types. Gmyrek adds that the product “stimulates collagen to improve fine lines, skin texture, and tone.”

Don’t Use: Foaming or Stripping Cleansers

Use Instead: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Gentle Face Cleaner

Beware of cleansers that leave your face feeling tight or “squeaky” clean. According to Dr. Gmyrek, these are often high-foaming gels with sulfates or high PH soaps that can “actually damage the skin barrier and accelerate dehydration and irritation.” She notes that both of these make fine lines and dullness worse. 

“A much better choice is a gentle, low-pH cleanser with hydrating ingredients (like ceramides, glycerin, or hyaluronic acid) that supports barrier health while effectively removing dirt, oil, and sunscreen.” She suggests this La Roche-Posay cleanser that uses niacinamide, ceramides, and thermal water to cleanse the skin, while leaving it moisturized. Dr. Gmyrek adds, “Healthy, balanced skin is always more resilient to aging.” 

Continue scrolling to see more anti-aging skin care product recommendations from Dr. Gmyrek, all available at Amazon.

Shop More Dermatologist-Approved Skin Care Products 

Paula’s Choice Optimal Results Hydrating Cleanser 

Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1 Serum

Borghese Energia Retinol Night Oil