Good and cheap – can that work with anti-wrinkle creams? Yes. Provided that behind the mini price is maxi-competence. “The price is not directly linked to the quality,” explains Marion Detert, Head of Product Development Nivea Visage Anti-Age at Beiersdorf. “In order to develop a high-quality product, you need in-depth knowledge about the skin – how does it work, which active ingredients can support the skin’s own processes? – and technological know-how.”
Even so, new anti-aging ingredients, backed by years of research, are often first found in a house’s expensive brands. If the same active ingredient appears later in the recipe of a cheaper brand, it is usually in a weaker dose and with other ingredients as a cream base. And with a different packaging: Luxurious jars just cost more. Apart from that, cosmetics giants that supply drugstores in gigantic quantities have different pricing options than smaller manufacturers. The best thing is to test it yourself! Here are our top favorites under 30 euros for different skin needs.
Where can I save, where should I leave it?
“If you have certain skin problems such as acne, couperose or rosacea, you shouldn’t look at the euro. In these cases, the basics of the creams, which are often available in pharmacies, for example, are more expensive, but are also very well tailored to the skin problem,” explains the Hamburg dermatologist Dr. Birgit Kunze. But: Not every woman needs a night cream or a neck cream. An all-rounder is often enough, ideally it also smoothes out wrinkles around the eyes. Up to 40 percent cost savings with refill containers that you simply put in the old pot.
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More energy and radiance for the skin
From the age of 30, the first signs of aging can be seen on the face: the complexion loses its luminosity, the skin appears paler and more tired. The oxygen supply in the cells decreases, microcirculation and cell metabolism slow down. And regeneration takes up to five times longer than with young skin. If the melanin is distributed unevenly in the skin, pigment spots can appear. For a radiantly beautiful complexion, you now need products that accelerate the skin’s metabolism, increase radiance, prevent age spots and smooth the skin so that it reflects the light better.
Night worker:
“Youth Code Regenerating Night Care” from L’Oréal Paris (50 ml approx. 17 euros). The cream makes a tired complexion look “rested” and gives it back its youthful radiance. Top factor: A power combination of a bacterium that strengthens cell-renewing genes and improves the skin’s barrier function, and the energy supplier adenosine, which plays an important role in the synthesis of pro-collagen.
All-round talent:
“Faces My Age Regenerating Night Care” from Lavera (30 ml approx. 15 euros). White tea neutralizes free radicals, its caffeine stimulates microcirculation. With NaTrue seal. Top factor: Ayurvedic karanja oil, an excellent smoothing agent from the karanja tree. Its active ingredient Pongamol prevents the formation of pigment spots. In addition, the exotic offers a light natural UV protection, especially in the day cream.
Brightener:
“Pigment Corrector” from Phyris* (20 ml approx. 22 euros). A concentrate that prevents pigment and age spots and softens existing ones, refines the complexion and makes it more even. Top factor: The “Cell-Active-White Complex” from extracts of the Chilean Boldo shrub, the white water lily and vitamin C. It slows down the formation of melanin. At the same time, vitamin C protects against free radicals. As a treatment or for daily care.
Luminosity :
“Sérum Végétal3 Anti-Wrinkle & Radiance” day cream from Yves Rocher* (50 ml approx. 22 euros). Pearl pigments give the complexion a soft, rosy, healthy glow in no time. Top factor: oligosides from apple pectin. They should strengthen the cell connections and improve cell communication, among other things so that the micro-metabolism of the skin gets going again. The smoother and firmer the complexion becomes, the fresher it looks.
Oxygen push:
“Révèle Éclat” by Dr. Pierre Ricaud* (40 ml approx. 25 euros). Delicately shimmering, apricot-colored mother-of-pearl particles immediately make the face shine. Top factor: “Oxygénine”, an extract from the white lupine, which is full to the brim with peptides (protein building blocks). It stimulates the oxygen supply to the cells, has a smoothing effect and is said to directly influence the reflection or diffusion of the light on the skin.
Energy dispenser:
“Energy Power” ampoules from Dr. medical Christine Schrammek* (7 pieces, 2 ml each, approx. 16 euros). The small power packs give the skin a vitamin injection (with vitamins C and E). Top factor: The contained coenzyme Q10, an energizer and free radical scavenger, keeps the energy production in the power plants of the cells (mitochondria) going and gives pale skin new power. Ideal as a one-week cure, especially in times of stress.
Products for sensitive skin
Fragrances, dyes, alcohol, parabens – everything gets under the skin of this guy. It reacts with itching, feelings of tension and redness. And it gets more and more sensitive over the years. In addition, the stress caused by micro-inflammation caused by UV rays and environmental influences causes sensitive skin to age prematurely: up to ten years earlier than normal skin! The dilemma: She cannot tolerate many proven anti-aging substances such as retinol (vitamin A). What she needs are anti-inflammatory substances, gentle firming agents and substances that strengthen her barrier – so that she no longer lets everything get to her.
Regenerative power:
“Q10 Active Anti-Wrinkle Night Care” from Eucerin** (50 ml approx. 25 euros). The cream, which contains energizing coenzyme Q10, is free from artificial colors, perfumes and alcohol. Top factor: Pro-Retinol (Vitamin A), which supports cell regeneration. Since it is only gradually converted into retinol in the skin, sensitive skin tolerates it better.
Care softie:
“Anti-Aging Cream with Q10” from Sebamed (50 ml approx. 10 euros). An active ingredient cocktail of antioxidants such as coenzyme Q10, skin-friendly vitamin A acetate, vitamin E and smoothing oils. Top factor: The neutral pH value. It strengthens the skin’s own protective acid mantle and thus protects the skin from drying out, harmful environmental influences and germs.
Plant power:
“Anti-Ageing Elixir Care” from Sanoflore** (30 ml approx. 28 euros). With hydrating jojoba oil. The cream contains neither parabens nor silicones or synthetic fragrances and dyes. Ecocert certified. Top Factor: Organic Lemon Balm Oil, a powerful antioxidant. On the one hand, it slows down the release of inflammatory messengers in the skin, on the other hand, it has a tightening effect.
Stress stopper:
“Redermic+” from La Roche-Posay** (40 ml approx. 25 euros). The paraben-free cream reduces wrinkles and slows down the skin aging process. Top factor: An anti-inflammatory power duo of firming madecassosides (from tiger grass) and neurosensins. The skin-like peptides prevent inflammatory micro-stress from attacking the collagen fibers.
Strengthener:
“Sensitive Hyaluron Repair & Fill” from Eubos** (50 ml approx. 20 euros). The cream, which does not contain parabens, paraffins or PEG, contains moisture-binding hyaluronic acid and firming peptides. Top Factor: Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). This strengthens the skin’s resistance to external stimuli, reduces irritation and reduces reddening of the skin.
Against first wrinkles
They don’t give free radicals a chance
Whether you start getting fine lines and wrinkles at 25 or as late as 35 is only partly genetic. It’s often due to lifestyle and depends on sun behavior and environmental influences. The majority of skin damage is caused by oxidative stress, which in turn is triggered by free radicals (cell-damaging molecules). In addition, from the early 30s, the skin slowly reduces collagen and elastin production. In order to prevent the formation of wrinkles, the skin needs an anti-aging turbo: smoothing agents, collagen boosters and antioxidants that put free radicals out of action in good time.
Skin-friendly:
“Nutriganics Smoothing Day Cream” from The Body Shop* (50 ml approx. 14 euros). It should moisturize the skin for twelve hours. With coconut oil and aloe vera. Ecocert tested. Top factor: A combination of bud extract from red vine leaves and elderflower oil, which contains firming tannins, among other things. The blossom duo strengthens the skin structure.
Firming agent:
“Advanced Care Creme-Gel” from La mer Cosmetics** (50 ml approx. 28 euros). For anti-aging care of combination skin. With moisture-binding sea silt extract. Top factor: Matrixyl messenger substances help with the skin’s own repair processes. At the same time, the collagen boosters should regulate various cell functions, even out unevenness in the complexion and prevent wrinkles.
Firming agents:
“Naturalift youth elixir serum” from Melvita* (30 ml approx. 28 euros). For skin over 30. With moisture-binding aloe vera. Ecocert certified. Top factor: Tiger grass extract (Centella asiatica), which is used in Ayurvedic medicine to heal wounds. He is considered an excellent tonic. The serum can be applied under the day cream or on its own.
Cell protector:
“Ysthéal+ emulsion for normal or combination skin” by Eau Thermale Avène** (30 ml approx. 28 euros). The cream supports the skin’s own repair system. Top factor: In addition to a vitamin A derivative, it contains pro-tocopherol, a vitamin precursor that is converted into vitamin E in the skin – both top in terms of cell protection and defense against free radicals.
Oil source:
“Weleda wild rose smoothing care pearls” (30 pieces, each 0.3 ml, approx. 17 euros). The cocktail of peach kernel, jojoba and almond oil acts like a protective film. NaTrue certified. Top factor: rosehip seed oil from Chilean wild roses. Thanks to plenty of unsaturated fatty acids, it keeps skin smooth from the age of 30. Massage into slightly damp skin as a four-week intensive treatment or twice a week.
Natural wonder:
The “anti-expression line cream” from Dr. Scheller (50 ml approx. 10 euros) contains currant extract, which is rich in firming vitamin C. With BDIH seal. Top factor: Marula oil from the kernels of the African marula tree. With an extra dose of saturated fatty acids, it strengthens the skin’s lipid layer, has a smoothing effect and prevents moisture from evaporating.
Products for more moisture
From the age of 40, the skin has to recharge intensively: the sebum glands, which keep it supple, reduce their production and the skin’s own depots of moisture-binding agents such as hyaluronic acid and urea are gradually being emptied. The connective tissue gradually slackens and can no longer bind enough moisture. The skin becomes increasingly dry and brittle. This weakens its barrier function, so that the skin’s own moisture evaporates more easily. In order to prevent dryness lines, thirsty skin needs plenty of liquids in addition to fat – in the form of top moisturizers, which at the same time strengthen the skin’s natural functions.
Protective power:
“Anti-aging day cream with SPF 30” from Olay Professional (50 ml approx. 30 euros). A peptide-vitamin cocktail plumps up wrinkles and SPF 30 protects against drying UV rays. Top factor: The moisture booster glycerin (7 percent!), which attracts water like a magnet and keeps it in the skin for hours.
Moisturizer:
“Bio Expert Anti-Wrinkle Care Day” from Aok (50 ml approx. 7 euros). Plant-based retinyl smoothes wrinkles and grape vinifera extract stimulates cell renewal. Ecocert certified. Top Factor: Fucose, a sugar compound important for cell communication and great at retaining moisture in the skin.
Water reservoir:
“Hydrage Expert Anti-Age Moisture Care” from Sans Soucis (50 ml approx. 29 euros). Provides normal and combination skin with long-lasting moisture thanks to the depot effect. With thermal water. Top factor: An extract from algae, which can store enormous amounts of moisture and make the complexion look beautifully plump.
Thirst quencher:
“Anti Age + Hyaluron Protect” from frei** (50 ml approx. 26 euros). The day care with SPF 15 contains the protective vitamin E and plenty of hyaluronic acid. Top factor: A concentrated load (5 percent) of the desert plant aloe vera, which can soothingly moisturize dry skin and refill its water reservoirs.
New freshness:
“Skin Yoga Face Hyaluronic Hydra Caps” from Artdeco (21 capsules, each 0.35 ml, approx. 19 euros). The mini portions plump up dryness lines in no time. Top factor: hyaluronic acid, which can bind moisture up to 300 times its own weight and soaks the skin like a sponge. As a three-week cure or as a quick helper for in between.
Smoothing agent:
“Nutri Age Day” by Diadermine (50 ml approx. 8 euros). The care for mature skin over 50 contains a sun protection factor and unsaturated fatty acids. Top factor: Precious argan oil from the nuts of the Moroccan argan tree. It is rich in vitamin E, which increases the water-binding capacity of the horny layer and has a moisturizing effect.
Top moisturizer:
“Remederm” by Louis Widmer** (50 ml approx. 23 euros). An all-round cream for very dry skin. With the top antioxidants vitamins A and E. Top factor: In addition to moisture-binding amino acids and panthenol, it contains 3 percent of the top moisturizer urea (urea), which regulates the skin’s moisture supply and moisturizes it well.
More elasticity for the skin
Not exactly exciting: Over the years, the elastin and collagen fibers of the connective tissue wear out more and more, and UVA rays in particular accelerate this. And with age, due to hormonal changes and the drop in estrogen levels, the skin loses even more density and elasticity. This is reflected in the less clearly defined contours. The counter-strategy: create more tension at times. With lifting substances that promote the networking of connective tissue fibers, support collagen production and natural regeneration.
Strong repair power:
“LiftActiv day care for dry skin” from Vichy** (50 ml approx. 26 euros). With firming vitamin C. Top factor: 5 percent rhamnose, a sugar molecule from the Brazilian Fava D’Anta tree and cat’s claw. It is designed to stimulate an important species of connective tissue cells (papillary fibroblasts) to form new youthful cells and fibers throughout the skin. Mega lifting on several levels!
Natural beauty:
“Pure & Natural Anti-Wrinkle Night Care” from Nivea Visage (50 ml approx. 11 euros). With smoothing organic argan oil, which is rich in the antioxidant vitamin E. Top Factor: Natural Burdock Fruit Extract. It stimulates collagen production so that the skin regains its elasticity and wrinkles are reduced.
Beauty elixir:
“Elements of Nature Epigran” by Dr. Grandel* (30 ml approx. 29 euros). Concentrate with Ecocontrol seal. Top factor: Epigran made from wheat germ. A firming, stimulating and smoothing cocktail with vitamin E, magnesium, calcium, zinc and enzymes. Apply once or twice a week or daily as a one to two week treatment under the care product.
Fuel:
“Olive oil & pomegranate firming day care” from Medipharma** (50 ml approx. 15 euros). Nourishing olive oil makes the skin velvety soft. Top factor: Pomegranate seed oil provides plenty of punicic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid that is said to stimulate cell regeneration and thereby improve elasticity.
Multi-talent:
“Omega3 Lift Night Cream” from Venus by Douglas (50 ml approx. 18 euros). A firming mix of active ingredients made from bean proteins, polysaccharides and carob seed extract. Top factor: An extra dose of omega-3 oils from sea plankton are said to stimulate the production of connective tissue fibers and give the skin much-needed fat.
Double strategy:
“Ultra Lift Firming Roll-On” from Garnier (15 ml approx. 9 euros). A medicated mini roller designed to massage away fine lines around the eyes, lips and forehead. Top factor: Pro-Retinol from safflower oil and retinol acetate, which tightens wrinkles on the surface and softens them in depth.
