10 Best Anti-Aging Products For Your 20s, According To Reviews

Don't let the silent signs of aging creep up from behind while you ace your 20s' battles.

Reviewed by Raisa Zarin, Licensed Esthetician
Written by Kirtana Divakar, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Edited by Medha Deb, Integrated MA
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

By the time we hit our mid-20s, our skin cell turnover and collagen production reduce. Raisa Zarin, the lead licensed esthetician at Soul Detox, says, “You should start using anti-aging products once you start entering your early to mid twenties”. The best anti-aging products for the 20s ensure that you start taking care of your health before it is too late. Not just advancing age, factors like sunlight, pollution, lifestyle, etc., also hasten our skin’s aging process. To ensure that you have healthy-looking skin that is plump and without signs of aging, you must start your anti-aging skin care when you are in your 20s. Dermatologists, too, insist on starting a good anti-aging skincare routine by your late 20s.

The market is full of anti-aging products that cater to the skin’s needs. But, there are just too many brands out there that deal with problems like blemishes, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, saggy skin, crow’s feet, etc. To have a more personalized skin care routine that takes care of aging signs visible in the 20s and 30s, you must invest in the appropriate products. In this article, we have listed some of the best anti-aging products for the 20s that will help you delay the early onset of skin aging. This article also has a comprehensive buying guide to help you select the products best suited to your skin type along with some beauty tips on their use. Read on!

Top Picks
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Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Peter Thomas Roth 3% Glycolic Solutions Cleanser
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Best For Outdoor Activities:Neutrogena Age Shield Face Oil-Free Sunscreen
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Best For Sensitive Skin:ROC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream
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Best Moisturizing:e.ra Organics Revive + Microdermabrasion
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Best Hydrating:QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads
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Best For Blood Circulation:Deciniee Jade Roller
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Best Dermatologist-Recommend:L'Oreal Paris Skin Expert Revitalift Bright Reveal Cleanser
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Best For All Skin Types:Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
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Best For Dry Skin:The Ordinary Retinoids Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
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Best Glowing Skin:Resist Paula's Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner
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10 Anti-Aging Products For Your 20s Worth Giving A Shot In 2023

1. Best For Acne-Prone Skin:Peter Thomas Roth 3% Glycolic Solutions Cleanser

The foundation of any good skincare routine starts with cleansing your face. Hence, you need a cleanser that not only removes dirt, dead skin cells, and excess oil but also helps reduce the appearance of smile lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. This is an excellent anti-aging product for your 20s because it’s suitable for oily and combination skin and does not leave your face feeling stretchy and dry. In addition, the formula contains a good dose of natural skincare ingredients such as glycolic acid and panthenol, which exfoliate and nourish your skin. Experts recommend using this cleanser twice a day as part of your night and morning skincare routines for clean and healthy skin.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination | Product Dimensions: 2.8 x 2.2 x 2.8 inches | Weight: 8.5 Ounces

Pros

  • Contains 3% glycolic acid
  • Oil-free
  • Suitable for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin
  • Evens skin tone

Cons

  • It may be too potent for normal or dry skin

protip_icon Quick Tip
Staying hydrated in your 20s is one of the most effective ways to counter pre-mature aging. While eight ounces of water is the daily recommended quantity, drinking 32 ounces ups your anti-aging routine.

2. Best For Outdoor Activities:Neutrogena Age Shield Face Oil-Free Sunscreen

4.5

Sunscreen is an essential addition, especially if you are looking to prevent the early signs of aging like dark spots and hyperpigmentation. The Neutrogena Age Shield Face Oil-Free Sunscreen is a fantastic product that will help prevent sun damage and keep your skin healthy, well into your 30s. The youth-preserving formula provides broad-spectrum protection of SPF 110, which makes it perfect for hot and humid areas. The oil-free formulation also contains helioplex technology that keeps dryness and sunburn at bay and provides a youthful appearance. You can check this YouTube video for more information about the product.

Number of Items: 1 Product Dimensions: 1.42 x 5.04 x 2.6 inches | Weight: 3.84 Ounces

Pros

  • Oil-free
  • Dermatologist-recommended
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Suitable for outdoor activities
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 110
  • Hydrating and replenishing formula

Cons

  • Must not be used around the eye area

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 3,263 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

3. Best For Sensitive Skin:ROC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

4.2
RoC Retinol Correxion Under Eye Cream for Dark Circles & Puffiness Image: Roc

The skin surrounding your eyes is quite gentle and thin, and it’s where the first signs of aging start to appear. This is why we highly recommend that you go for this eye cream because it addresses issues like puffiness, wrinkles, crow’s feet, and dark circles. The effective formula contains ingredients like retinol and an exclusive mineral complex that rejuvenates the under-eye skin. It also contains antioxidants and chelating agents that are safe to use on sensitive skin and firm it too. The product claims are supported by clinical data that it can visibly depuff eyes within 4 weeks of consistent usage.

Product Dimensions: 1.21 x 1.51 x 4.17 inches | Weight: 0.64 Ounces

Pros

  • Clinically-proven
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles
  • Contains retinol
  • Evens skin tone
  • Visibly firms and tones the skin

Cons

  • Some may find the fragrance strong

protip_icon Pro Tip
Apply eye cream on a cleansed face with clean hands. Use the ring finger to dot the cream under the eyes, and pat it in gently.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 2,671 reviews claiming its efficacy.

4. Best Moisturizing:e.ra Organics Revive + Microdermabrasion

4.3
eraorganics revive+ Microdermabrasion Scrub & Mask Image: Era Organics

When it comes to exfoliation, it’s time to upgrade your products. The same facial scrub you have been using in your early 20s may seem ineffective in your late 20s. To help keep your skin running and effective to soak in all the other products, you have to use natural and moisturizing exfoliators like the e.ra Organics Revive + Microdermabrasion. It contains organic ingredients like walnut and Manuka honey, which deeply cleanse and protect your skin. The formula also includes aloe vera and vitamin C, which results in glowing and moisturized skin. All you have to do is use this scrub twice a week to say goodbye to dull and dry skin. If you are still unsure about purchasing, you can check out a review of this age-defying skincare product on YouTube

Skin Type: Dry, damaged, combination, oily, sensitive, aging | Product Dimensions: 2.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches | Weight: 2 Ounces

Pros

  • Suitable for dull, dry, and sensitive skin
  • Loosens dirt settled deep in pores
  • Provides a healthy glow
  • Eliminates stubborn blackheads

Cons

  • May leave an oily residue

protip_icon Pro Tip
Clear skin gives the best result for Microdermabrasion. Hence, prep your skin with micellar water before using Microdermabrasion to clear it of dirt and impurities.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 15,790 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.

5. Best Hydrating:QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads

4.3
QRx Labs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads Image: Qrxlabs

Remember when we said that the skin cell turnover starts decreasing during your late 20s? Well, one way to speed it up is with exfoliating products like resurfacing pads. These professional-grade pads are perfect for reducing fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, and scars. It contains potent ingredients like glycolic acid, vitamin B5, C, and E, which gently exfoliate and hydrate your skin. The ingredients offer UV protection and help repair damaged skin. The pads are also saturated with green tea and calendula extract, which soothe the skin and prevent inflaming or looking tired. We recommend using these pads on a clean face, 2-3 times a week. However, conduct a patch test before applying it on your face.

Skin Type: All | Package Dimensions: ‎2.68 x 2.6 x 2.32 inches | Weight: 4 Ounces

Pros

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Cruelty-free
  • Contains 20% glycolic acid
  • Repairs photodamage caused by UV rays

Cons

  • It may be harsh on sensitive skin

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 15,541 rave reviews on Amazon.

6. Best For Blood Circulation:Deciniee Jade Roller

4.5

You may have heard about jade rollers being all the rage, especially from your favorite skincare influencers or aestheticians. Well, these up-and-coming skincare tools are popular for a good reason. The Deciniee Jade Roller is made from Brazilian rose quartz, known for its healing and relaxing properties. It also reduces puffiness and relieves tension while increasing blood circulation and the absorption rate of your serums. In addition, jade rollers and Gua Shua stones are great for anti-aging because they visibly tone and firm your skin. Raisa Zarin, affirms, “With consistent use of this roller, you can see visible results sooner.”

Item Weight: 0.42 Pounds | Material: Jade, Quartz, Stone | Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.8 x 1.42 inches

Pros

  • Reduces puffiness
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Tones and firms the skin
  • Provides a brilliant glow

Cons

  • Must be used on moisturized skin

protip_icon StyleCraze Trivia
The use of jade rollers has been traced back to the Chinese elites of the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century.

7. Best Dermatologist-Recommend:L’Oreal Paris Skin Expert Revitalift Bright Reveal Cleanser

4.5
L'Oreal Paris Skincare Revitalift Bright Reveal Facial Cleanser with Glycolic Acid Image: L'oreal Paris Skincare

This is considered one of the best drugstore anti-aging products for the 20s because it reduces any dullness and visibly enhances the skin’s natural glow and imparts a radiant complexion. Its gentle cleansing formula contains micro-pearls and glycolic acid, which gently cleans and improves your face’s texture. Use this dermatologist-recommended cleanser twice a day to ensure that your skin is exfoliated, clean, healthy, and refined.

Skin Type: Sensitive | Product Dimensions: 1.87 x 3 x 5.95 inches | Weight: 5.64 Ounces

Pros

  • Exfoliates
  • Improves skin texture
  • Reduces dullness
  • Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

  • May contain added fragrance

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 772 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

8. Best For All Skin Types:Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

4.5
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Image: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

This brand has to be the gold standard in daily peel pads! These exfoliating pads have a fan following online for a good reason. They are easy to use and soaked in nourishing ingredients like lactic, salicylic, and glycolic acid, which help reduce fine lines, and dullness and even out the skin’s texture. For extra skin protection, it is also infused with antioxidants and vitamin C, which results in soft and radiant skin. The peel is clinically-tested and proven to deliver visible results after a week of use. You can use these peels in your daily skincare regimen, and they are suitable for all skin types.

Skin Type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | Product Dimensions: 3.22 x 2.69 x 5.34 inches | Weight: 1.6 Ounces

Pros

  • Clinically-proven
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Reduces fine lines
  • Evens skin texture
  • Cruelty-free

Cons

  • May cause redness on sensitive skin

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 2,279 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

9. Best For Dry Skin:The Ordinary Retinoids Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion

If there is one ingredient that should be part of your anti-aging routine, it is retinol, which is why we suggest this serum. It contains 10% lactic and 2% retinol, thereby increasing skin turnover and preventing hormonal breakouts. You must use this serum in your nighttime skincare routine and layer it before the moisturizer to wake up with clear and glowing skin. Ensure that you don’t layer this on with other active ingredients and wear it only at night for the best results. The product is proven to deliver visible results with consistent usage.

Skin Type: All

Pros

  • Lightly exfoliates
  • Prevents breakouts
  • Evens skin tone
  • Suitable for dry skin

Cons

  • It may be strong on sensitive skin

10. Best Glowing Skin:Resist Paula’s Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner

Of course, our list would not be complete without a good toner! The Resist Paula’s Choice Advanced Replenishing Toner contains ingredients like omega acids and plant oils which nourish and revitalize your skin. When used daily, it results in even skin tone and reduced fine lines and improves skin suppleness. The toner is also filled with antioxidants and vitamins that help with strengthening the skin’s barrier and protecting it from sun damage or pollution. Use it twice a day after cleansing your face and follow up with a serum and moisturizer for beautiful glowing skin.

Skin Type: Sensitive, Dry, Normal

Pros

  • Tones and rejuvenates dull skin
  • Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Evens skin texture

Cons

  • Some may not find this toner moisturizing

Now that you know about the top anti-aging products for 20s that are available in the market, it’s time to look at the essential components that go into the perfect anti-aging skincare product.

How To Buy The Best Anti-Aging Products For 20s Skin

  • Retinol
    When looking for any anti-aging skin care product, you must ensure that it has some form of retinol. This component is crucial in speeding up skin cell turnover and increasing collagen production. They are mostly found in serums and moisturizers, and these products should be used only at night for the best results. If you are a beginner with retinol, we suggest choosing a mild serum with 2% retinol, and you can build from there once your skin builds tolerance.
  • Skin type
    If you have oily or combination skin, we suggest products with glycolic acid and salicylic acid as they unclog pores and hydrate your skin without making it dry. But, if you have normal to dry skin, we suggest that you use products that have hyaluronic acid as it retains moisture and increases hydration, along with vitamin C because it reduces dullness.
  • Sun protection
    For your daytime skincare routine, you have to include a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. SPF is essential because it protects your skin from sun damage, one of the main reasons for premature skin aging. In addition, you can opt for a good mineral sunscreen, as they offer optimum protection.

Infographic: Key Ingredients To Look For In Anti-Aging Products

If you are noticing visible age spots and lines on your face, it is time to invest in anti-aging products. They are enriched with potent ingredients that prevent premature aging signs and impart a youthful glow. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the key ingredients found in anti-aging products.

Key Ingredients To Look For In Anti-Aging Products (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The Bottom Line

The best reason to use anti-aging products for your 20s is to look like the freshest version of yourself. Of course, you may not visibly see stuff like cellular damage caused by the sun or pollution. Still, anti-aging products ensure that these signs are slowed down so that you age gracefully and not earlier. The best way to age with confidence is to take plenty of care to have healthy-looking skin. Hence, you need to research and invest in cleansers, toners, sunscreen, serums, and moisturizers. It may seem like a lot of effort at first, but the results are worth it. Opt for the ROC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream which reduces puffiness and evens skin tone. The Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel is super easy to use and works to improve the skin’s texture. The QRxLabs Glycolic Acid 20% Resurfacing Pads repair skin damage caused by UV rays. They are also suitable for daily use. Hopefully, our list of the 10 best anti-aging products for 20s and the buying guide will help you find the perfect product.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author of this article, Kirtana Divakar, has a keen interest in skin care. She understands the needs of the skin and tries to explore various skin care products. The curated list of best anti-aging products for the 20s is framed from her extensive research. She says that these products are a must-have for radiant skin and are a good start for your skin care regime to keep the anti-aging signs at bay. These products are also suitable for sensitive skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a 20-year-old use anti-aging products?

Yes. Collagen production reduces from age 20, and your skin loses its elasticity and youthful glow. Therefore, use anti-aging products in your mid-20s.

Is it okay to use anti-wrinkle cream in your 20s?

Yes. Apply anti-wrinkle cream in your 20s to improve skin elasticity and prevent the development of wrinkles. An anti-wrinkle cream also enhances the hydration level of your skin and reverses sun damage.

Are wrinkles normal at 20?

Yes. Your skin experiences rapid changes at 20 – the skin condition deteriorates, and wrinkles start popping up on your face.

Do I need a serum in my 20s?

Yes. Invest in a good serum rich in antioxidants to treat sun damage, fade dark spots, hydrate dry patches and enhance the skin tone. Serums have a thin consistency that quickly penetrates the skin and nourishes it.

What makes a face look older?

Increased exposure to UV rays deteriorates skin elasticity and causes skin thinning. As a result, the face looks limp, dull, and aged.

Does collagen reduce wrinkles?

Yes. Collagen boosts the moisture level, regulates skin elasticity, even tones your skin, and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.


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