Anti-aging products are everywhere lately, and even though I spend my days behind a pharmacy counter, I sometimes get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices out there, too! I find the best way to vet products is to take a look at their ingredients list, and research what those ingredients can do for my skin.
These five products are ones I’ve researched and ranked myself, and are formulated to target lots of common anti-aging concerns, like fine lines, dark spots, texture, and elasticity.
1. Future Formula | Agency
- Cost: $5 for the first month, $40 ($80 every two months)
- Key ingredients: tretinoin, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, niacinamide*
- *custom formula: ingredients are unique to your skin
As a clinical pharmacist who also loves skincare, I’m partial to evidence-based, prescription-strength solutions. These ingredients have already demonstrated their effectiveness in clinical trials, so I know they’ll deliver the smooth, even-toned, glowy skin of my dreams.
But unlike most anti-aging prescriptions, Future Formula doesn’t require a dermatologist appointment, follow up visits, or waiting on line at the pharmacy counter. 🤩
Agency is an anti-aging skincare membership, and Future Formula is their tailor-made Rx designed by dermatologists. To get started, all you have to do is take the quiz on Agency’s website, answer questions about your skin’s unique needs, send some selfies, and voila—your free trial of personalized, anti-aging magic will be mailed directly to you + $4.95 for shipping.
If you love it (you’ll love it), you’ll receive a full size Future Formula every two months.
Fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots truly don’t stand a chance with your unique Future Formula, and the best part? As your skin changes, your prescription will change with it. “Future” isn’t just a clever name.
I’m in love with my current formula - it’s jammed with so many multitasking prescription-strength ingredients & I’ve never received more compliments on how glowy my skin has been looking!
2. Dark Spot Formula | Agency
- Cost: $5 for the first month, $35 ($70 every 2 months)
- Key ingredients: hydroquinone, resveratrol, azelaic acid, green tea extract*
- *custom formula: ingredients are unique to your skin
Like Future Formula, the Agency Dark Spot Formula is a prescription-strength treatment available by monthly membership. But unlike Future Formula, the Dark Spot Corrector zeroes in on melasma and hyperpigmentation to deliver brighter, smoother skin.
If you’ve ever struggled with dark spots from acne, hormone fluctuations (pregnancy is notorious for this), or scaring, the Dark Spot Formula is your new best friend. This formula utilizes powerful ingredients like hydroquinone, resveratrol, and green tea extract to minimize hyperpigmentation, fade dark spots, and create a more even, brighter complexion. ✨
It’s truly game-changing, and I’ve never had any dark spot corrector work as quickly and as effectively as this.
3. Regenerist Night Recovery Cream | Olay
- Cost: $27.99
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, amino peptide
Olay is a classic brand, available at just about every pharmacy, big box store, and even some grocery stores. Olay has been around for a long time, and there’s a good chance your grandma has an ancient pot of it somewhere in her bathroom cabinet.
The Regenerist Night Recovery Cream is designed to hydrate your skin while aiding in cell turnover overnight, but it’s worth noting that the ingredient percentages are a little too gentle to make a huge difference for fine lines or dark spots. Still, this cream stands out as the most affordable option on this list.
4. T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum | Drunk Elephant
- Cost: $134
- Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid
The T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum by Drunk Elephant is a lightweight serum that utilizes an AHA blend (10%) and BHA (1%) to resurface dull, congested skin, and I find that the gel consistency wears really well under heavier night creams.
Drunk Elephant has become a cult favorite among tweens, and it’s easy to see why: their bottles are colorful, and they look great lined up in a rainbow on your shelf. Just try not to focus too much on that price tag. 😳
5. Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Cream | La Roche-Posay
- Cost: $54.99
- Key ingredients: retinol, lipo-hydroxy acid, glycerin
One of my favorite French pharmacy brands, La Roche-Posay is a trusted name among dermatologists and skincare girlies alike. And Redermic R Anti-Aging Retinol Cream is a really well-loved product. This cream uses a drugstore-rated concentration of retinol, promoting surface cell turnover and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
While I love that this cream doesn’t include any fragrance or problematic ingredients, the price is a little high for over-the-counter retinol, and there are more affordable options that are similarly effective.
For fine lines and dark spots, the right ingredients at the right concentration matter
While all the products on this list can help you achieve smoother, more even-toned skin, you honestly can’t go wrong with a prescription Rx. I’m personally loving the convenience of my Agency membership.
If you’re ready for glowing skin for years to come, you need Agency’s Future Formula!
