It's widely known that aging causes significant physical changes to the body, including the face, skin and hair. Whether you're in your 40s, 50s or 60s, forehead wrinkles or "worry lines" are just one of the many skin care woes that can sneak up over time.
But don't fret (or frown)! To help crack the code, we consulted Dr. Andrew T. Cohen, a board-certified plastic surgeon, as well as Paula Brezavscek, a board-certified physician's associate and owner of AZALA Skin Clinic, to offer insight as well as effective at-home treatment options to help address these pesky horizontal creases.
From budget-friendly sunscreens to splurge-worthy serums, we found the very best skin care products to help combat the appearance of forehead wrinkles. Shop expert-recommended and editor-test items from RoC, Il Makiage and much more — starting at under $15. We also rounded out the list with a Shop TODAY Beauty Awards winner as well.
Most budget-friendly$undefined$21.99
Award-winning cream$undefined$24.99
What causes forehead wrinkles?
When it comes to the causes of forehead wrinkles, environmental factors and genetics can also play a role in addition to aging. "Forehead wrinkles are primarily caused by repetitive muscle movement over time, such as raising the eyebrows or squinting," notes Brezavscek. "These dynamic lines become more noticeable as collagen and elastin naturally decline with age. Sun exposure, dehydration and genetics also play a role, accelerating skin thinning and wrinkle formation in this high-movement area."
Cohen reiterates how the aging process can cause the skin to thin and also how sun exposure can cause fine wrinkles, which are also known as rhytids. "The muscle of the forehead is called the frontalis. When that moves, it causes more wrinkles to appear as we age," he adds.
What is the best way to treat forehead wrinkles at home?
For at-home remedies for forehead wrinkles, Cohen recommends focusing on skin care and using skin care products with retinoids, which are derivatives of vitamin A. "Retinoids can reduce wrinkles, increase cellular turnover and reduce sun damage," he explains. "It’s been shown to be a powerful anti-aging treatment."
Aside from retinoids, board-certified dermatologist, mind-body medicine specialist and breathwork facilitator Keira Barr also advises patients to search for wrinkle creams enriched with key ingredients like vitamin C, bakuchiol, peptides, hyaluronic acid and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).
Sunscreen should also be a vital part of any skin care routine and can help prevent wrinkles. Sumayah Jamal, director of the Skin of Color Specialty Clinic at Schweiger Dermatology Group, previously told us that SPF (in sunscreens) protects your skin from harmful UVB rays, which can cause sunburns. UVA rays are also responsible for skin damage, accelerating aging, blotchiness and wrinkles, she noted.
Additionally, red light therapy can also reduce wrinkles and help fight signs of aging. “Red LED light has been shown to stimulate the fibroblast, a cell that plays a role in collagen production, which could help reduce signs of photoaging and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” stated board-certified dermatologist Dr. Reshmi Kapoor.
The best expert-recommended and editor-tested products for forehead wrinkles
Production associate Audrey Ekman always reaches for this e.l.f. sunscreen, which she notes is super easy to apply. “There is no tint or white cast that you can sometimes get with other sunscreens, and it feels surprisingly lightweight on,” she shares. “So smart to add to your beach bag or throw in your purse for on-the-go touch-ups!”
“The amount of compliments I’ve gotten on my skin while just wearing this sunscreen is insane,” associate editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson says. “I’m still fighting with my husband to wear sunscreen daily, and this is one he won’t fight me about because it actually feels good to put on.”
This cost-effective face sunscreen is also a favorite of writer Danielle Murphy, who deems it the "most hydrating sunscreen" as part of our Ranked series.
Dayna Delman, mother of senior photo editor Becca Delman, tested this moisturizing cream and was impressed with the overall quality for the affordable price. “No7 is smooth and creamy and made my skin feel hydrated," she says. "The price was great for drugstore options. I really loved it."
This moisturizing formula may have won a Shop TODAY Beauty Award in 2024 for "best overall neck cream," but it also works wonders for targeting face wrinkles, according to the brand. Enriched with glycerin and collagen, this hydrating cream also helps firm and smooth dry, crepey skin.
Weekend editor Aaron Radford-Wattley also uses the RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream which the brand recommends applying every other night (at first).
Dr. Leah Jacob, an assistant professor of dermatology at Tulane University, previously recommended this anti-aging retinol serum which is ideal for forehead wrinkles. “Begin application once every two to three days, and increase to daily application as tolerated," she says. "If excessive irritation occurs, mixing the serum with your favorite moisturizer can help to improve tolerability."
Shop TODAY freelance writer Cheryl Fenton tested the bestselling Il Makiage Power Redo Wrinkle Fix and saw positive results. "While an app can filter your face, thanks to Il Makiage, now you can 'filter' yourself IRL as well," she says. "The brand’s Power Redo Wrinkle Fix is a silky balm that claims to temporarily fill wrinkles and crow’s feet, and blur pores and fine lines to create an even texture so you look flawless in an instant. It perfectly primes skin for makeup with a delicate mattifying effect. That said, you can also wear it alone and show off your smooth, gorgeous complexion. Long term, it claims to actually soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as hydrate and nourish skin for a more youthful look."
"This is a cornerstone product in my practice," mentions Brezavscek. "It uses a unique retinoid technology combined with lactic acid to visibly improve fine lines and skin texture while remaining well tolerated, even for sensitive skin."
Cohen also recommends this hydrating cream to treat forehead wrinkles. "The cream also contains key ingredients like peptides and hydrating agents like ceramides and squalane, which help plump and firm the skin while diminishing the appearance of fine lines," he says.
Another favorite of Brezavscek's, this physician-tested formula reduces the appearance of nine types of expression lines, according to the brand. "This serum is formulated to complement neuromodulator treatments by helping improve the appearance of dynamic lines between injections," she explains. "It supports skin firmness and smoothness, making it an excellent option for patients focused on maintaining results."
Editor Vivien Moon is also a fan of the serum, saying she has finished a bottle and loves how easy it was to incorporate into her routine. "It didn't pill and layered beautifully with other products in my routine. I am always staring at my forehead and opting for products that help decrease wrinkling, and I feel that this one helped," says Moon.
Moon also owns this microcurrent device that she's been using for a few years and still can’t get enough. “It has a sensor so it knows when it’s on the skin and turns off when it’s not on, which is also great for those who don’t love the red light glaring at them when it’s not on the face,” she explained.
This editor-loved red light therapy product attaches to the NuFace Trinity+ Device, which is sold separately and required for use.
"This is another great option as this overnight repair oil is rich in antioxidants and nourishing ingredients like rose hip oil and hyaluronic acid," suggests Cohen. "It supports skin regeneration and hydration to soften the look of wrinkles. As we age, the skin tends to be drier, so hydrating products like this are essential."
Frequently asked questions
Brezavscek says the earlier, the better when it comes to treating wrinkles. "It's less about age and more about visible movement lines at rest," she explains. "Starting earlier can help prevent deeper lines from forming over time."
Applying and reapplying sunscreen daily is super important.
“Often, the left side of people’s faces is worse than the right side due to the sun coming through the car window for years and years," Dr. Rebecca Baxt, a board-certified dermatologist, previously told us. “People get sun exposure walking the dog, running errands, etc."
Baxt recommends zinc-based sunscreens, but also said “the best sunblock is the one that a patient will use daily and reapply.”
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How we chose
Allie Wise is an associate editor for Shop TODAY who has been reviewing and testing products since 2022. She specializes in the beauty space and has covered a variety of mature skin care topics, ranging from retinol products to foundations for mature skin.
Wise also spoke with two board-certified dermatologists, a board-certified plastic surgeon and a physician's associate who provided multiple product recommendations for addressing forehead wrinkles. She also asked her fellow editors to share their tried-and-true skin care products to treat forehead wrinkles as well.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on products to treat forehead wrinkles. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Paula Brezavscek, PA-C, is a board-certified physician’s associate and the founder of AZALA Skin Clinic in Miami, Florida.
- Dr. Andrew T. Cohen, MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Encino, California.
- Dr. Sumayah Jamal, MD-PhD, is a founding director at Skin of Color Speciality Clinic at Schweiger Dermatology Group, based in New York City.
- Dr. Reshmi Kapoor, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, and owner and founder of Brooklyn Dermatology in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, New York.
- Keira Barr, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist, mind-body medicine specialist and breathwork facilitator. She’s also the psychodermatologist in residence on selfmade‘s Scientific Research Board.
- Dr. Leah Jacob, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Tulane University’s School of Medicine in New Orleans. Her areas of focus include cosmetic dermatology and skin cancer screening.
