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It smooths and tightens aging skin.
In my eight years testing beauty products, I’ve concluded that some ultra-pricey skin care products are, in fact, worth the splurge. Nevertheless, shelling out a small fortune for an effective anti-aging moisturizer isn’t entirely necessary. The Azure Hyaluronic and Retinol Anti Aging Day Cream, for instance, is a mere $10 at Amazon, and features a handful of the same powerful plumping, smoothing ingredients you’d find in much pricier picks. In fact, many shoppers swear the formula is on par with—if not more effective than—expensive creams they’ve tried.
Azure Hyaluronic and Retinol Anti-Aging Day Cream
Orig. $15 $10 at Amazon
The Azure Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer is a deeply hydrating face cream that—in addition to delivering a dewy glow in seconds—lifts, firms, and brightens aging skin over time. Ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin, the lightweight moisturizer contains ingredients beloved by dermatologists.
Hyaluronic acid, for instance, plumps fine lines by quenching dryness (when skin is moisture-sapped, lines appear more prominent). The ingredient, a humectant, attracts moisture from the air and draws it into skin, which appears instantly bouncier and smoother as a result. Meanwhile, retinol, arguably the most effective wrinkle-reducing topical, fades fine lines over time and tightens crepiness. The vitamin A derivative also increases the rate of cellular turnover, which slows with age, and leaves skin smoother and brighter as a result.
These two hero ingredients play notably well together; hyaluronic acid maintains a supple, moisturized skin-feel, which counters retinol’s notoriously drying effects. Together, the duo “benefits the skin without compromising the integrity of [either] ingredient,” dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, M.D., previously told InStyle. The inclusion of aloe, a complexion-calming plant extract with quenching capabilities, doubles down on hyaluronic acid’s dewiness-inducing qualities.
One 56-year-old shopper, who has been using the moisturizer for a year and a half, reported “no lines or wrinkles” thanks to the product. Another reviewer with “sensitive skin” said the cream “firms and tightens” skin—and “quickly.” Yet another fan said the moisturizer leaves skin “glowing,” and “brightens” more effectively than more expensive products they’ve tried. Finally, another shopper said the cream has made their skin “smooth and firm.”
For a multi-functional moisturizer with stellar anti-aging ingredients, shop the $10 Azure Hyaluronic and Retinol Anti Aging Day Cream at Amazon. Peruse more plumping face creams, below.
Cosrx Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Cream
Orig. $24 $16 at Amazon
Eight Saints Up Anti Night Cream Face Moisturizer
Orig. $44 $34 at Amazon
Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Cream
Orig. $52 $44 at Amazon