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The Best Anti-Ageing Ingredients in Skincare: 10 Actives You Need to Know About

When it comes to anti-ageing, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed with the number of ingredients claiming to benefit the skin in different ways. The truth is, there are many ingredients that can have excellent results on the skin when used in the right way. The secret is to understand which ones are suitable for your personal skin type and specific concerns and combine them with other ingredients that complement them.

Read on to learn more about the best anti-ageing ingredients in skincare and the 10 actives you should know.

16 May 2025

1. Retinol
2. Vitamin C
3. Peptides
4. Hyaluronic Acid
5. Proxylane
6. Niacinamide
7. Rhamnose
8. Glycerin
9. Ceramides
10. Ferulic Acid
FAQs

1. Retinol

Retinol is a form of vitamin A that is clinically proven to improve ageing signs on the skin. This is due to the way it increases skin cell turnover which stimulates collagen production. This, in turn, helps the complexion appear fresher and ageing signs such as fine lines and wrinkles are improved.

Best for: Improving the appearance of ageing skin and increasing collagen production. As it is also very effective at unclogging pores, it can also help to improve acne and any related scarring.

When to use: You should start using retinol once or twice a week initially so that your skin can build up a tolerance to it. You can then build up your usage over time. It should be used in the evening in conjunction with a broad-spectrum sunscreen the next day. This is because retinol makes the skin more photo sensitive.

Products: Retinol comes in different strengths so it’s advisable to start at a low strength and build up to a higher strength over time. SkinCeuticals 0.3 Face Cream for ageing skin is a great place to start for beginners and should be used once or twice a week. You can build up your usage over time as the skin gains tolerance. As a precaution, retinol shouldn’t be used by pregnant women or women who intend to become pregnant in the near future. It should also always be used in conjunction with a broad-spectrum sunscreen as it causes photo sensitivity.

2. Vitamin C

Best for: Protecting the skin from free radical damage and improving the appearance of premature ageing signs such as fine lines, wrinkles and loss of elasticity.

When to use: Vitamin C should be used in the morning to reinforce the skin’s natural protection against free radicals in the environment.

Products: There are many ways to introduce vitamin C into your skincare routine but a SkinCeuticals antioxidant serum is one of the most powerful. C E Ferulic features a synergistic antioxidant combination of 15% pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1% vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5% ferulic acid to enhance protection against environmental damage caused by free radicals that can contribute to atmospheric ageing. Apply it every morning as your first step after cleansing the skin.

3. Peptides

Best for: Peptides make up the structure of the skin and encourage the production of vital proteins such as collagen and elastin which give the skin its plump, smooth texture. As such, they can benefit ageing skin that has a reduction in elastin with visible ageing signs, as well as skin with a compromised skin barrier such as dry, sensitive and acne-prone skin types.

When to use: Peptides can be used at any time of the day and are found in a wide range of products including cleansers, serums and moisturisers. They are often used to counteract harsher ingredients such as retinol and protect the skin barrier.

Products: SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair Cream is clinically proven to target visible ageing around the neck area with 0.2% pure retinol, and 2.5% tripeptide concentrate.

4. Hyaluronic Acid

Best for: Hyaluronic acid is a humectant that is best for hydrating the skin and plumping the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It has a unique capacity to bind and retain water molecules that means it can hold ten times its own weight in water. This makes it very effective at delivering lightweight hydration to the skin and helping it to retain water which helps to reinforce and strengthen the skin barrier. It’s also suitable for all skin types.

When to use: Hyaluronic acid can be used in both your morning and night time routine. It also pairs well with other ingredients and can help to counteract any irritation caused by ingredients such as glycolic acid and retinol. This is due to the way it helps to reinforce the skin barrier.

Products: Hyaluronic acid can be found in many types of skincare such as cleansers, serums and moisturisers. For the best anti-ageing results, dermatologists recommend using it in serum form. Skinceuticals' HA. Intensifier Multi Glycan, for instance, is a powerful corrective serum that helps amplify the skin’s natural hyaluronic acid levels. This helps to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and overall skin texture.

5. Proxylane

Best for: Proxylane is a skincare ingredient that’s synthesized from the sugar xylose found in birch and beech wood. It’s best for ageing skin as it helps to keep the skin plump by reducing wrinkles, increasing elasticity, and improving hydration. As it also helps to support the skin’s natural matrix and restore water in the skin, it’s also ideal for compromised skin in need of repair.

When to use: Proxylane can be used in a morning and evening routine as it helps to restore water in the skin and doesn’t cause any irritation. It also pairs well with skincare ingredients that increase cell turnover (such as retinol) as it helps to reduce irritation by reinforcing the skin barrier.

Products: Proxylane is used in many anti-ageing products such as SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum. This double-patented serum uses 30% of proxylane to increase skin firmness and correct visible signs of ageing alongside synergistic ingredients such as Rhamnose and Gentiana Lutea Root Extract. This combination helps to maximize lifting and facial sculpting results.

6. Niacinamide

Best for: Niacinamide is a type of vitamin B3 known for its brightening and hydrating benefits on the skin. It does this by minimizing moisture loss and supporting the skin barrier. Due to its antioxidant properties, it is also shown to calm and brighten the skin.

When to use: Niacinamide is suitable for use in the morning and evening. It also pairs well with other ingredients due to the way it supports the skin barrier, particularly those known to cause some irritation such as retinol. It’s also suitable for all skin types.while improving the appearance of skin texture and radiance.

Products: You’ll find niacinamide in many different skincare products such as cleansers, serums and moisturisers. At SkinCeuticals, it’s formulated within our P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle serum features an advanced peptide complex amplified by synergistic actives including 5% niacinamide. This helps to visibly correct wrinkles

7. Rhamnose

Best for: This naturally occurring sugar is a humectant used in skincare to help to improve visible signs of ageing and hydration levels. It can also improve overall skin texture and improve concerns such as discolouration, crepiness and fine lines. What’s more, rhamnose is suitable for all skin types including sensitive, oily and combination.

When to use: As Rhamnose encourages healthy skin barrier function, it can be used morning and evening within a skincare routine. It also pairs well with active ingredients such as vitamin C in the daytime and retinol in the evening. It can also be used with other humectants such as hyaluronic acid.

Products: Rhamnose is used within the formula of SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Ultra Serum. This double-patented skin firming serum tightens 4 key areas including the forehead, cheeks, jaw line, and neck, for a more visibly sculpted appearance with a high concentration of 34.6% Flavo-Proxylane, Rhamnose and Gentiana Lutea Root Extract. Together they help to maximize lifting and facial sculpting results.

8. Glycerin

Best for: Glycerin is a powerful humectant found naturally in lipids that has water-binding properties. It pulls water out of the air and into the surface layers of the skin. This makes it a powerful hydrator that can deliver intense hydration as well as improving ageing signs and overall skin texture.

When to use: Glycerin is found in many different skincare products including cleansers, sunscreens and serums. It can therefore be used at any time of day in your routine to add essential hydration. Glycerin works well with many other skincare ingredients and can even complement active ingredients such as vitamin C and help to protect the skin barrier.

Products: A great way of adding glycerin to your daily routine is with a moisturiser such as SkinCeuticals Metacell Renewal B3. This daily emulsion delivers a high concentration of 5% niacinamide (vitamin B3), a firming tripeptide concentrate, and 15% pure glycerin to the skin in order to address early signs of photoaging.

9. Ceramides

Best for: Ceramides are waxy lipid molecules that play a vital role in strengthening and maintaining the skin barrier. While they are naturally present in the stratum corneum, lipids can be lost if the skin barrier becomes compromised. By adding them to the skin topically, ceramides can help to improve dryness and irritation by maintaining optimal skin barrier function. They are also beneficial in improving ageing signs such as fine lines as they help to maintain a plump skin texture.

When to use: Ceramides are beneficial to every skincare routine and can be used in the morning and evening. As such, ceramides are used in a variety of skincare products including cleansers, serums and moisturisers.

Products: A cleanser such as SkinCeuticals Replenishing face wash uses ceramides to maintain a healthy skin barrier while deeply cleansing the skin. Suitable for combination skin, it’s formulated with a rich amino acid based surfactant system and a 15% concentration of ceramides, panthenol, glycerin, and essential oils.

10. Ferulic Acid

Best for: Ferulic acid is a plant-based antioxidant used topically on the skin to protect it from free radicals in the environment such as UV rays and pollution - a known cause of premature ageing signs including fine lines and dark spots. Ferulic acid is also shown to enhance the power of other antioxidants when used alongside them such as vitamin C and phloretin.

When to use: As ferulic acid helps to protect the skin from free radical damage, it should be used in the morning before you head out for the day. A topical serum containing ferulic acid, for instance, should be applied after cleansing and before moisturising.

Products: Ferulic acid can be found in one of SkinCeuticals’ hero serums, C E Ferulic. This daytime vitamin C serum delivers advanced environmental protection to the skin while clinically improving the 8 signs of aging including the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, discoloration, loss of firmness, and brightness. According to research published by SkinCeuticals, C E Ferulic is now clinically demonstrated to reduce combined oxidative damage generated by UVA/UVB rays, ozone pollution, and diesel engine exhaust by up to 41%.

Discover SkinCeuticals skincare for ageing skin

The SkinCeuticals skincare range comprises a comprehensive range of products that are clinically proven to improve and prevent ageing signs with the most effective ingredients. Discover the full range at SkinCeuticals and achieve healthy, glowing skin, no matter your age.

Anti-Ageing Ingredients FAQs

What are the best anti-ageing ingredients to reduce wrinkles?

Is retinol or hyaluronic acid better for anti-ageing?

Both retinol and hyaluronic acid are effective at improving ageing signs on the skin but they work in slightly different ways. Hyaluronic acid helps to retain water in the skin and gives the skin a plump, firm texture that reduces the look of lines and wrinkles. Retinol on the other hand accelerates skin cell turnover in the skin while stimulating collagen and elastin production. This gives the skin a smoother and fresher appearance.

Should I use retinol or peptides in my skincare routine?

Both retinol and peptides can benefit an anti-ageing skincare routine and also work well together. As retinol accelerates skin cell turnover it gives the skin a fresher, smoother appearance but can cause some minor irritation. Peptides, meanwhile, help to strengthen the skin barrier and maintain good hydration levels which can counteract any side effects of using retinol. Both ingredients also improve skin plumpness and overall skin texture.

Which is better for wrinkles: retinol or vitamin C?

What’s the difference between anti-ageing and anti-wrinkle ingredients?