Fact Checked
How we rate anti-ageing skincare
It’s the age-old question that only a few people like George Clooney and Elle Macpherson appear to have answered – how do you maintain youthful looks for as long as possible (without help from a surgeon)? Whether it’s brightening a dull skin tone, firming sagging skin, removing age spots, or tightening lines and wrinkles, it seems stores are stocked with plenty of products claimed to reverse (or at least slow down) the ‘seven signs of ageing’. Canstar Blue compared the top anti-ageing skincare brands on the market, to find out which can lift the spirits (as well as the skin).
On this page:
- Top anti-ageing skincare brands
- Other anti-ageing skincare brands
- What to consider when buying anti-ageing skincare
- The bottom line on anti-ageing skincare
How many Australians do we survey for our ratings?
Canstar Blue surveyed 703 Australians for their feedback on the non-prescription/over-the-counter anti-ageing skincare brand(s) they’ve purchased and used in the last 12 months.
- The outcomes reported in these ratings are measured via accredited research panels managed by Qualtrics.
What criteria are used to rate anti-ageing skincare?
Respondents rate their satisfaction with their anti-ageing skincare brand(s) from zero to ten, where zero is extremely dissatisfied and ten is extremely satisfied. Brand satisfaction was rated by respondents on the following criteria:
- Overall satisfaction: measures consumer satisfaction with an anti-ageing skincare brand as an individual score NOT a combined total of all criteria.
- Perceived effectiveness: the skincare product resulted in visible improvements in skin elasticity, texture, and overall skin tone.
- Texture & consistency: the skincare product had a consistency well suited to its type (i.e. a serum was light and easily absorbed, a cream-based product provided good coverage, etc.).
- Packaging convenience: the skincare product packaging was functional, with easy dispensing, and compact enough for storage/travel.
- Scent: the skincare product had a pleasant scent that wasn’t overwhelming.
- Value for money: the price was reasonable given the quality and quantity of the skincare product.
How do we determine the winner?
The winning brand is the one that receives the highest Overall satisfaction rating once all the scores from the Overall satisfaction criteria are combined and averaged.
- Overall satisfaction is asked as a specific question and represents an individual measure, not a combined total of all criteria.
- When we cannot determine a clear winner from the criteria for the Overall satisfaction rating, we will then look at the other criteria measured in the rating.
- The brand with the highest number of five-star ratings within the supporting criteria will become the five-star recipient in overall satisfaction, and thus win the award. If a clear leader still cannot be determined from the supporting criteria, joint winners will be declared.
Which anti-ageing skincare brands do we rate?
Brands must have received at least 30 responses to be included, so not all brands available in the market have been compared in this survey. The brands rated in this survey are listed below in order of best overall satisfaction.
- La Roche-Posay
- The Ordinary
- L’Oréal (including Revitalift)
- Olay
- Nivea
- Neutrogena
La Roche-Posay earned multiple five-star results, including for perceived effectiveness, texture and consistency, packaging convenience, scent, and overall satisfaction. The Ordinary took the top spot for value for money and also managed to score top marks for packaging convenience, while L’Oréal and Olay shared five stars for scent.
Find more detailed information on our ratings methodology.
Top Anti-Ageing Skincare Brand – La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay is a French skincare brand that offers dermatologist-backed products with active ingredients. The brand’s packaging features a clinical aesthetic although with some pretty coloured bottles that look good in the bathroom. The anti-ageing skincare line aims to tackle dark spots, dull skin, dry skin, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, fine lines, puffiness, and more. Thanks to its focus on products for sensitive skin, the line is suitable for a variety of skin types. La Roche-Posay products are made with concentrated formulas designed to hone in on and improve skin issues – so you’ll pay more for that luxury than you would for supermarket skincare. Prices for La Roche-Posay serums and moisturisers start from $55 while its sunscreen (an important anti-ageing tool) goes for around $35.95. You can find La Roche-Posay products at pharmacies, online, and through the website.
La Roche-Posay anti-ageing skincare products include:
- Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum (30ml)
- Retinol B3 Anti-ageing Serum (30ml)
- Toleriane Ultra Dermallergo Hydrating Serum (20ml)
- Redermic Vitamin C 10 Firming Moisturiser (30ml)
La Roche-Posay enjoyed five-star reviews for perceived effectiveness, texture and consistency, packaging convenience, scent, and overall satisfaction. It rated four stars for value for money.
Other anti-ageing skincare brands
Not all anti-ageing skincare brands in the market qualify for our ratings (based on minimum survey sample size), but that doesn’t mean they’re not worth considering. Here are several more to check out before making a purchase decision.
- Emma Lewisham
- SkinCeuticals
- Garnier
- Avène
What to consider when buying anti-ageing skincare?
In addition to finding out which brands are rated best for anti-ageing treatments; our research also identified the following key drivers of customer satisfaction:
- Perceived effectiveness: 42%
- Value: 26%
- Texture & consistency: 21%
- Packaging convenience: 10%
- Scent: 1%
Other results of note from our survey include:
Perceived effectiveness
Effectiveness is the biggest driver of customer satisfaction when it comes to anti-ageing skincare products. According to our survey, 24% of people always buy the same brand of skincare products, suggesting many have found one that works for them. With plenty of products available out there, it may be worth trying a few to make sure you end up with something that works for your skin type/concerns.
Value for money
Getting good value for money is important for a product that’s usually used every day. Aussies spend an average of $67 per month on anti-ageing skincare, according to our survey, with about 29% of people only buying skincare products when they’re on sale. Some also buy products with specific ingredients, which can result in extra costs. For example, 25% try to buy ethically, looking out for brands that offer cruelty-free options or organic ingredients.
Texture & consistency
According to our research, the consistency of a product is the second biggest driver of customer satisfaction. It can be difficult to find an anti-ageing skincare product that’s just right for you. However, brands typically offer a range of different types of products, which all have a different consistency, so there’s plenty of choice out there from serums to creams. Understanding how your skin type reacts to different product consistencies can help you choose the right product. So, make sure to do your research, pay attention to your skin, and chat with a dermatologist to ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment.
Packaging convenience
From face mask sheets to ampoules and tubs, anti-ageing skincare products come in all shapes and sizes. While it might not directly impact the end result, a product that’s well designed and easy to open can help make your daily routine a little less stressful and prevent creating a couple of extra lines.
Scent
Scent is the least important purchasing factor when it comes to anti-ageing skincare, but that doesn’t mean you should skip the sweet-smelling stuff. Whether you like scented products is a personal choice, (and if you have allergies, it might be best to go with plain formulas), but there’s no denying a cleanser or moisturiser with a delicious smell adds a little extra luxury to your routine at the end of a long day.
The bottom line on anti-ageing skincare
So, there you have it – La Roche-Posay was rated the number one brandfor helping Aussies dip their toes in the fountain of youth just that little bit longer, being the only entry in our anti-ageing skincare ratings to earn a five-star rating for overall satisfaction.
In addition to moisturisers, serums, and creams, experts strongly advise using the right daily sunscreento protect your skin from sun damage, as well as other dangers. Making lifestyle changes to address major causes of premature ageing is also recommended.
With this in mind, we hope our review has proved useful in helping you to find a brand to try next!
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Meet our consumer experts
Megan Birot: Home & Lifestyle Editor
Megan is Canstar Blue’s Home & Lifestyle Editor, leading the team that focuses on consumer products and services, ranging from supermarkets and groceries to home and personal appliances and retail stores. She interprets Canstar Blue’s bespoke research on the thousands of brands that we compare, rate and review, to help shoppers make better purchasing decisions.
Meet the Editorial Team
Samantha Howse: Consumer Research Specialist
Samantha Howse is Canstar Blue’s Consumer Research Specialist, coordinating the consumer research program behind our customer satisfaction awards across Canstar and Canstar Blue in Australia and New Zealand. Sam has earned a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) from Griffith University and, with seven years in market research and 2 years in marketing, she is experienced in survey design, implementation and analysis, coupled with an understanding of marketing principles and best practice.
Meet the Research Team