If you’re over 40, caring for your skin can feel like it's practically a full-time job. There are countless cleansers, serums, masks, oils, and tools—none of which were necessary for achieving a healthy, vibrant glow in your 20s and 30s—that you suddenly find yourself relying on just to look alive. That’s because as you age, you're more likely to struggle with uneven tone, dullness, hyperpigmentation, and the onset of fine lines and wrinkles.
But it’s not all bad news: for most people, hitting the big 4-0 also means your skin is more predictable and less acne-prone, meaning you can lean into all of those luxurious deep-moisturizing products without fearing the breakout they may bring. So, why not take some time to pamper yourself with a great skincare routine that keeps you looking and feeling your best? If you want to maintain that radiant glow, read on to discover the best skincare essentials for women over 40: these superior products take the guesswork out of aging gracefully. And if you want to maintain your glow, check out these 20 Skincare Mistakes That Are Aging Your Skin, According to Experts.
Best Life's editors have scoured the internet to bring you the best products out there, and we're hoping you'll love them as much as we do. Full disclosure: we may earn a commission for anything you purchase through links on this page, but that doesn't mean you'll pay more for them (we'd never do that to you!). Pricing and availability are accurate as of the piece's initial publication date, but it's the internet and we can't guarantee that these sweet, sweet deals will last forever, so scoop them up before someone else does!
1 | Tatcha Rice Wash Cream Cleanser
TatchaWant a cleansing product that won’t strip your skin of its natural oils? This cream-to-foam cleanser gently washes away impurities with a fresh, fragrant scent. Using rice-infused water that’s rich in vitamins A, B2, B12, and E, it softens and brightens for a healthy-looking complexion.
2 | Glossier Skincare Set
GlossierIf you’re looking for a complete skincare set that will help you maintain a radiant complexion once you're over 40, look no further than this skincare trio from Glossier. It comes with their gentle Milky Cleanser, Priming Moisturizer, and a rich, silky balm for smooth, supple lips.
3 | Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula
AmazonThis product is a skincare staple that should be in everyone’s beauty lineup. Whether you use it as a restorative night mask or to smooth your hands and feet, this cocoa butter delivers major moisture at very little cost.
4 | TruSkin Vitamin C Serum
AmazonVitamin C and hyaluronic acid are a double threat combo that fights fine lines and wrinkles, as well as sun spots. Reviewers swear by this serum, which they say has improved their tone and clarity, skin texture, pore size, and radiance.
5 | Shea Moisture Overnight Oil
AmazonGreat skincare over 40 is all about deep moisturizing, and this moderately priced Shea Moisture Overnight Oil can go toe-to-toe with far more expensive moisturizing products. Use it after a hot shower to enjoy smoother skin in a hurry.
6 | Silicone Facial Cleansers
AmazonA number one bestseller on Amazon, these silicone facial tools are perfect for gently cleansing and exfoliating without damaging sensitive skin. With soft, easy-to-clean bristles, you’ll be able to gently remove dead skin and open your pores, resulting in a noticeable glow at any age.
7 | Olay Regenerist Face Cream
OlayPart of Olay’s Advanced Anti-Aging Skincare line, this face cream is definitely one to add to your skincare arsenal. You’ll see visible wrinkle reduction and fewer fine lines after just a few uses.
8 | Nivea In-Shower Body Lotion
AmazonYour face may take top priority when it comes to your skincare routine, but that doesn’t mean the rest of your body shouldn't get the same TLC. This Nivea in-shower lotion leaves skin soft and smooth, with no sticky or heavy residue.
9 | Saturday Skin Waterfall Glacier Water Cream
SephoraThis silky gel face cream is the very definition of luxurious hydration. It goes on smooth and envelops your skin in moisture without clogging your pores or giving it a heavy, greasy feeling. You’ll see more softer, more radiant skin in no time!
10 | Youth to the People Superberry Hydrate + Glow Mask
SephoraIf you’re looking for a product that’ll give you an instant glow up, try this overnight mask from Youth to the People. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, which plumps skin and smooths wrinkles, so you can enjoy waking up to supple, dewy skin every day.
11 | Kiehl’s Activated Sunscreen
NordstromThe right sunscreen is non-negotiable when it comes to keeping your skin young looking and healthy past 40. This one from Kiehl’s is lightweight, non-greasy, and won’t clog pores while keeping you safe from the sun.
12 | Summer Fridays Essentials Trio
Summer FridaysWant a great skincare routine without having to search for the component parts yourself? The Summer Fridays Essentials Trio includes full sizes of the popular brand's Super Amino Gel Cleanser, CC Me Serum, and Jet Lag Mask, giving you a glowing complexion in no time.
13 | The Ordinary. Toner
SephoraIf you’re looking for a high impact toner, this one from The Ordinary. should be at the top of your list. It’s got seven percent glycolic acid, amino acids, aloe vera, and ginseng—a concoction that fights dullness and uneven texture in your skin.
14 | Olay Daily Facials Cleansing Cloths
OlayA “makeup remover, a toner, a scrub, and a mask” in one, these Olay cleansing cloths are a no-brainer for clean, moisturized skin over 40. With grapeseed extract and glycerin, they’re perfect for replenishing and hydrating parched skin as you cleanse.
15 | Sulwhasoo Oil Makeup Remover
SephoraRubbing your eyes to remove makeup can absolutely destroy your sensitive under-eye skin and may even spur the development of unwanted wrinkles. This Sulwhasoo oil makeup remover gently removes your makeup while moisturizing, leaving you with gorgeous, glowing skin.
16 | Biossance Lactic Acid Night Serum
SephoraThis night serum from Biossance is the perfect way to get smoother, more luminous skin overnight. The formula's lactic acid helps trigger your skin’s natural hydration system, restoring collagen and leaving your skin more supple.
17 | Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Petal-Soft Lip Balm
FreshYes, your lips can age, too! Fortunately, using this deeply hydrating lip balm can plump your pout, smooth skin, and minimize fine lines around your mouth once you're over 40.
18 | Ole Henricksen Eye Cream
SephoraCaring for the sensitive skin around your eyes can make you look a decade younger. This vitamin-C-rich Ole Henriksen eye cream helps brighten, hydrate, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles so you look as vibrant as ever.
19 | BeautyBio GoPRO Microneedling Regeneration Tool
NordstromMicroneedling creates small holes in the outermost layer of your skin, triggering your body’s natural healing response to stimulate the growth of new skin cells. After using this handy tool, products are able to sink into your skin more deeply for optimum impact, and in four to six weeks you should see smoother, healthier skin!
20 | True Botanicals Radiance Oil
True BotanicalsFans of the True Botanicals skincare line swear by its pure and potent ingredients. This Radiance Oil is a bestseller for its clinically-proven ability to fight wrinkles and deeply hydrate—not to mention its intoxicating jasmine, neroli, and rose scent.
