7 Derm-Approved Anti-Aging Skincare Products Under $50

When it comes to establishing a daily anti-aging skincare routine, it may not be clear where you should start. To save you some time in trial and error (and money), we spoke to Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in New York City, for top product recommendations to help fix common skin aging concerns. 

With roughly two decades of experience in both medical and cosmetic dermatology, Dr. Engelman has extensive knowledge in individualized treatments that address fine lines, loss of elasticity, pigmentation, and overall skin health. “Over the years, I’ve refined approaches that help mature skin look rejuvenated, healthy, and naturally radiant,” she says. She shared her seven go-to products under $50 from Amazon to treat these issues, including CeraVe moisturizing cream, La Roche-Posay serum, EltaMd sunscreen, and RoC retinol cream. Plus, she told Real Simple what you should skip if you want an effective anti-aging regimen.

Dermatologist-Approved Anti-Aging Products

Don’t Buy: Harsh Physical Scrubs 

Buy Instead: Gentle Chemical Exfoliant with PHAs

Harsh physical scrubs can create micro-tears in the skin, according to Dr. Engelman, which causes irritation and long-term sensitivity. She explained that polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) help encourage cell turnover while maintaining skin moisture, which is key for a long-term youthful appearance. 

“I love the Neostrata PHA Facial Cleanser, which smooths texture without creating micro-tears or stripping the barrier,” said Dr. Engelman. “It’s also hydrating, making it safe for sensitive or mature skin. 

Don’t Buy: Alcohol-Heavy Toners

Buy Instead: Niacinamide Serum

Dr. Engelman shared that alcohol-heavy toners can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupting the skin barrier and increasing dryness and irritation. “I love the Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster Serum, which strengthens the skin barrier, refines pores, and improves skin tone without stripping moisture,” she said.  

Niacinamide is anti-inflammatory and, according to the doctor, “works beautifully alongside retinoids and vitamin C.” This, she shares, is because niacinamide soothes inflammation and strengthens the skin barrier, which reduces irritation from retinoids and sensitivity from vitamin C. “At the same time, it doesn’t interfere with their effects, so you get smoother cell turnover from retinoids, brightening and antioxidant protection from vitamin C, and balanced, calm skin from niacinamide.” 

Don’t Buy: Makeup with SPF (Only)

Buy Instead: Tinted Sunscreen with Broad-spectrum SPF

According to Dr. Engelman—and most dermatologists—SPF is the single most important anti-aging product you can own. She noted that using SPF consistently slows down aging, preserves collagen, and keeps your skin healthy long-term. “Sun exposure is a primary factor of premature aging. No serum, cream, or treatment can undo consistent UV damage, but daily broad-spectrum SPF protects your skin at the source,” she explained. “It’s the foundation for every other anti-aging strategy.”

And while your favorite foundation with SPF might make your complexion look flawless on the surface, it might provide “insufficient sun protection, leaving skin vulnerable to UV damage and premature aging.” Make sure you’re also wearing sunscreen meant for the face—tinted sunscreen, namely, offers sun protection with a little bit of color coverage.

“My favorite [tinted sunscreen] is EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, which offers UVA/UVB and visible light protection with niacinamide and antioxidants. Niacinamide strengthens the skin and evens tone, while antioxidants neutralize free radicals from the sun and pollution, as per Dr. Engelman.

Don’t Buy: Unsupervised Steroids

Buy Instead: Azelaic Acid

Dr. Engelman says using strong prescription treatments on your own without medical guidance, over a long period, is a no. Not only can this damage your skin, but steroids can thin it, while hydroquinone can irritate or even darken skin over time (which is the opposite effect of what you desire). Azelaic acid is gentler, calms skin, lightens pigmentation, and is safe to use with most other ingredients, Dr. Engelman added. 

“My favorite is The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%, which brightens, refines, and calms redness without the side effects of chronic steroid or hydroquinone use. [It’s] safe for long-term maintenance.” 

Don’t Buy: Coconut Oil or Other Occlusive Oils

Buy Instead: Barrier-Repair Moisturizers with Ceramides

Pure coconut oil and other occlusives can be particularly problematic for acne-prone skin as the ingredients can clog pores, worsening breakouts, according to Dr. Engelman. “I love CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, which replenishes ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids for healthy, resilient skin without clogging pores.” 

Ceramides are lipids naturally found in your skin that help form and maintain the skin’s barrier, she explains. A strong barrier locks in moisture, protects against irritants and pollution, and prevents dryness and sensitivity. “Using ceramides in skincare restores this barrier, keeping skin healthy, hydrated, and resilient.” 

Don’t Buy: Harsh “Skin Tightening” Masks

Buy Instead: Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Frequent use of harsh masks can strip the skin and cause irritation rather than firming, noted Dr. Engelman. “Instead of stripping, this La Roche-Posay serum deeply hydrates and plumps, temporarily reducing the appearance of fine lines and improving skin elasticity. It provides a great hydration boost for [skin of] any age.”

Don’t Buy: Night Creams That Aren’t Backed by Science  

Buy Instead: Retinol Cream

Night creams that aren’t backed by science can often promise results without containing ingredients that actually work, thus never improving the skin, shared Dr. Engelman. “Backed by decades of retinol research, this affordable [OTC retinol] formula is clinically proven to soften wrinkles and reduce photoaging signs with regular use.”