Best Forehead Wrinkle Cream

Our Favourites

BEST OVERALL

Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer

BEST RETINOL BASED

Carrot & Stick The Retinoid Oil

As with all creases, forehead wrinkles, an inevitable part of the aging process, no matter how thorough your skincare routine or clean your lifestyle is. So, when you start to notice subtle or deep forehead wrinkles, you may wonder how you can prevent or get rid of these parallel lines running across your forehead.

Here’s the thing: You can’t stop the aging process, but you can curtail it a bit with the right habits. Research suggests that, with natural (intrinsic) aging, wrinkles appear on the forehead before other areas of the face. While they don’t typically show up before the age of 40, data shows that those in their 20s and 30s can exhibit premature forehead wrinkles from excessive (and unprotected) sun exposure and heavy smoking — genetics can also play a role.

With that in mind, it’s never too early (or too late) to start preventing and treating forehead wrinkles. While we’ll explore several remedies, one easy solution everyone can get on board with is a forehead wrinkles treatment such as a cream. We’ve rounded up 15 formulas to help address this imminent and potentially frustrating sign of aging skin.

The List

BEST OVERALL

Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer, $60

Carrot & Stick The Retinoid Oil, $70

FULL LIST

Formulyst Anti-Aging Cream, $80

Meaningful Beauty Age Recovery Night Cream, $68

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream, $69

Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream, $112

Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift +Retinol, $98

Eminence Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer, $62

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream, $40

Skin Better Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream, $125.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream, $74

What Causes Forehead Wrinkles?

There are several influences that cause forehead wrinkles, with the first and foremost being intrinsic aging, a genetically determined process. Fluctuating hormones, glycation, oxidative stress, and your DNA all contribute to loss of elasticity, thinning, uneven/dull skin tone, roughness, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Aging skin is also caused by extrinsic factors such as the sun, smoking, eating an unhealthy diet, consuming alcohol in excess, facial expressions, stress, sleep habits, staring at electronics, and environmental factors.

Dynamic Versus Static Wrinkles

The repetitive movement of the brows naturally causes forehead wrinkles during standard facial expressions and gestures. Over time, this movement causes the tissue beneath the expression lines to break down, resulting in the appearance of wrinkles even when you’re not making facial expressions. This is the difference between dynamic and static wrinkles.

The reality is, wrinkles don’t become permanent (static) until they’re permanent without making any facial expression at all. Genetics often influence when a person starts to develop static wrinkles. Dynamic wrinkles, on the other hand, are accompanied by normal everyday movements and expressions.

How to Prevent Forehead Wrinkles

While natural, chronological (intrinsic) aging is unavoidable, there are a few things you can do to slow down the formation of forehead wrinkles (prevention is key!).

Wear Sunscreen Daily

The sun is responsible for 90% of the visible changes to the skin, so something as simple as making sunscreen a regular part of your routine can significantly impact the development of forehead lines. Daily maintenance (reapplied every two hours and after swimming and excessive sweating) can prevent most damage to the skin. Research suggests that individuals who wore broad-spectrum sunscreen every day for four years appeared younger than those who did not. In fact, their skin showed no signs of age at all.

Related: Best Sunscreens

Use an Antioxidant-Packed Serum

Despite what you may think, it’s not the UV rays that break down the collagen and elastin in the skin but the free radicals produced by this deadly form of radiation because the skin absorbs them. Free radicals are unstable molecules with missing electrons that steal electrons from the healthy molecules that reside within your skin.

This vicious circle causes cellular damage — which is where antioxidants come into play. These functional molecules donate a spare electron to the free radical to stabilize it and prevent injury. Unfortunately, sunscreen can only prevent roughly 55% of free radical production. While some sunscreens contain the addition of antioxidant protection, it can be more beneficial to include an antioxidant-packed serum in your routine.

For the best protection, look for a formula with a combination of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, niacinamide, green tea, resveratrol, and coenzyme Q10.

Related: Best Face Serums

Ditch the Smokes

Along with sunbathing or using sunbeds, smoking is one of the most destructive actions that you can do against your skin. Lighting up restricts the blood flow to the skin, depriving it of oxygen and vital nutrients and preventing the removal of waste products and free radicals.

Research suggests that smokers have less collagen and elastin in their skin, which means they have more visible fine lines and wrinkles. More specifically, wrinkling is approximately three times worse in smokers than in non-smokers. The severity and depth of the wrinkles depend upon how frequently a person smokes.

Lower Your Stress Levels

If you want to prevent wrinkles, get your stress levels in check. Stress increases cortisol levels, which speeds up the aging process. Additionally, mental stress or anxiety can result in physical manifestations, including deeper wrinkles or frown lines. Try to take notice of your facial expressions so you can make a conscious effort to relax your face.

Related: How To Get Rid of Frown Lines

Get Ample Shuteye

When you’re sleeping, your body goes into repair mode, so it’s essential to get enough shuteye every night — not just on the weekends. Nighttime is also when you want to use reparative and hydrating skincare products because your skin can effectively utilize the active ingredients. Furthermore, studies suggest that lack of sleep is associated with more fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity.

How to Get Rid of Forehead Wrinkles

Since we all lose collagen and elastin as we age, it’s not entirely possible to get rid of all forehead wrinkles — especially if the lines are on the deep side. Even so, a robust forehead wrinkles treatment can make a big difference, providing you don’t have heavy, static lines. In that case, you’re better off with an in-office procedure like injections or resurfacing lasers.

So, how long does it take to get rid of forehead wrinkles? Expect to wait at least three months to see any noticeable results from skincare products that stimulate collagen production. Of course, a good skincare routine that includes regular exfoliation and hydration can show small yet noticeable improvements right away. Lastly, keep in mind that preventative treatments will only last so long. Eventually, your forehead wrinkles will become age-appropriate.

How to Get Rid of Wrinkles Naturally

Suppose you want to get rid of wrinkles without subjecting your skin to aggressive treatments. It’s possible, but you have to have more patience and dedication.

Look Into Laser Treatments

Laser resurfacing is a non-invasive treatment that uses lasers to remove layers of your skin. Depending on the severity of your wrinkles, either an ablative or non-ablative laser tool will be used. Ablative only removes the top layer of skin, so your lines would have to be less pronounced. Non-ablative lasers, on the other hand, also remove those top layers but also heat the dermis (underlying skin tissue) so that the body produces new collagen.

As the treated area of the epidermis (outer layer) of skin heals and regenerates, the skin appears smoother, tighter, and more toned. There are several different types of lasers, but Fraxel is favored for wrinkle removal. While results can be favorable, you’ll need to repeat laser treatments every few months depending on how deep your forehead lines are.

Reach for Retinol

Retinol is one of the best ingredients for softening and preventing fine lines and wrinkles, encouraging collagen production, increasing cell turnover, and improving skin texture. It’s also composed of smaller molecules, so it can penetrate the skin deeply, which is why it’s considered a gold star standard in skincare. Remember to wear sun protection during the day as retinol makes the skin more sun-sensitive, which could cause an adverse reaction leading to more wrinkling.

Exfoliate Regularly

The skin renews itself every 28 days, so dead skin cells are shed naturally. However, as you get older, the cell turnover rate starts to slow down. When this happens, dead skin cells harbor on the surface. Not only will your complexion look dull and lackluster, but your serums and moisturizers can’t penetrate the skin, so you may feel as though they’re not working. In reality, it’s the layer of dead skin that’s standing in their way.

While the retinoids, as mentioned above, increase cell turnover rate, they don’t have an exfoliating effect that sheds surface cells. By combining retinoids with chemical exfoliants, such as AHAs or BHAs, you can dramatically enhance their results. Exfoliation is important because it reveals healthier, more radiant skin, which makes forehead wrinkles less pronounced.

Invest in the Best Forehead Wrinkle Cream

Does cream help forehead wrinkles? A moisturizer is one of the core components of a skincare routine, regardless of skin type. What is a moisturizer? Clinically speaking, creams are the most common delivery systems used for moisturizers. Creams are a two-phase system (emulsion) containing two immiscible liquids — oil and water, one of which is dispersed in the other in the form of microscopic or submicroscopic droplets. To be effective, the ratio between oil and water is essential, as well as the type of oil and the amount and type of other ingredients. A good moisturizer will:

Treat and Prevent Dryness: Be it climate changes, indoor heat, air conditioning, certain medications, sun exposure, or using the wrong facial products, the skin can be depleted of vital moisture. A good cream will not only replace lost moisture but also prevent further loss. When the skin is dehydrated, forehead wrinkles look more pronounced.
Provide Anti-Aging Benefits: No miracle cream’s going to erase all of your forehead wrinkles. Still, the sooner you start using a moisturizer, the more of a chance you have of slowing down their formation. This is especially true if you’re using a formula made with anti-aging ingredients like retinol (a vitamin A derivative) and antioxidants like vitamin C. Skin plumping peptides and hydrating hyaluronic acid can also make a substantial difference in softening the appearance of forehead wrinkles.

Forehead Cream Application Frequency is Important

Remember, to get the best results, use a moisturizer both day and night. Data calculated by Statista based on the U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS) reveals that 60.47 million Americans moisturizer seven times a week (or once a day) compared to 25.54 million who use a cream 14 times a week — or twice a day.

Best Creams for Deep Forehead Wrinkles

Considering the skincare market is overwhelming, read on to discover some of the best creams for forehead wrinkles to add to your routine.

BEST OVERALL

Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer, $60
This versatile moisturizer can be applied in the morning and at night. It delivers a hefty dose of hydration while also helping to leave the skin on the forehead looking smooth and bright. Key ingredients include potent plant proteins, vitamins, peptides, and amino-collagen. Additionally, an active complex of three naturally derived bio-ferments supports greater nutrient density and more efficient absorption.

Carrot & Stick The Retinoid Oil, $70
This formula contains a next-generation retinoid and potent antioxidants to help reduce visible signs of aging.

FULL LIST

Formulyst Anti-Aging Cream, $80
A long-term anti-aging formulation developed specifically for mature and devitalized skin, Formulyst’s Anti-Aging Night Cream hydrates, soothes and visibly transforms your skin while you sleep. Time-released encapsulated retinol stimulates collagen production, improving the appearance of aging without irritation.

Meaningful Beauty Age Recovery Night Cream, $68
If you’re trying to prevent or reduce signs of forehead wrinkles, then let us remind you that it’s a good idea to add a retinol cream into your nightly routine. Retinol is clinically proven to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve uneven skin tone, restore skin firmness, and shrink the appearance of enlarged pores. The formula contains retinol and antioxidant vitamins C and E. And, of course, the brand’s #1 key ingredient, French melon extract.

Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream, $69
Forehead wrinkles are more prominent when the skin is dehydrated. This popular moisturizer from Dermalogica claims to infuse the skin with 48 hours of continuous hydration while protecting against environmental stress. It’s formulated with a hyaluronic acid complex that helps lock in moisture for lasting hydration. As a bonus, it also contains powerful antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and grape seed extract.

Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream, $112
As a brand committed to anti-aging, it makes sense that one of the best-selling Algenist products is an anti-aging cream. The Algenist GENIUS anti-aging cream is designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines dramatically — the forehead included — while working to boost skin’s elasticity and vibrancy. Based on the brand’s anti-aging technology, this anti-aging forehead cream utilizes alguronic acid and microalgae oil to help tighten, tone, and revitalize the skin resulting in a more youthful appearance.

Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift +Retinol, $98
This results-driven treatment combines the power of Kate Somervilles’ number one clinic Oxygen treatment with the age-defying properties of natural bio retinols to reveal a brighter, clearer, more plumped, and toned complexion while minimizing irritation. While results are noticeable after just one use, clinical trials show a more significant improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, pore size, and discoloration after just two weeks.

Eminence Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer, $62
When a beauty product wins not one, not two, but eight different Beauty Awards, you know it has to be good. An interesting component of the Eminence Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer is the Natural Retinol Alternative Complex, which consists of chicory root oligosaccharides and tara tree gum. This combination of ingredients has been shown to have an immediate and medium-term tightening effect on the skin. In addition, in-vitro (test tube) studies have shown that these ingredients increase collagen synthesis.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream, $40
A rich, buttery night cream that helps moisturize for smoother, plumper, hydrated skin. Glutamine-in-tense, a patented blend powered by the Spilanthes Acmella Flower, helps skin appear firmer and smooths the appearance of fine lines and forehead wrinkles. Additional key ingredients include glycerin, caprylic/capric triglyceride, shea butter, dimethicone, lactobacillus ferment, niacinamide, and peptides.

Skin Better Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream, $125
Like the brand’s original AlphaRet Overnight Cream, this formula features a unique ingredient made up of a retinoid combined with an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). The only difference is that this cream contains a higher concentration of glycolic acid, making it more effective when treating fine lines and forehead wrinkles. According to SBS, this cream should significantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles in as little as four weeks, with little-to-no irritation.

Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol Cream, $74
As with all Drunk Elephant products, you won’t find any sodium laureth sulfate, fragrance, dyes, essential oils, chemical screens, drying alcohols, and silicones, so it’s a dream cream for those with sensitized skin. While the 1% retinol may be too high for some newbies, a blend of passionfruit, apricot, marula, and jojoba oils replenish essential lipids and moisture. At the same time, antioxidant-rich kale, winter cherry, and xanthophylls help defend against environmental free radicals.