Tried-and-true, top-shelf drugstore.
Of all the drugstore beauty brands, Olay has a special place in our hearts. Boasting over 70 years of skincare innovation, it’s stood the test of time for a reason—who else remembers their mom’s (or even grandma’s) coveted bottle of Oil of Olay?
“Olay is a great brand because they have thoughtful formulations containing helpful, science-backed ingredients that are also moisturizing and safe for sensitive skin,” says dermatologist Hadley King, MD. “And they conduct clinical studies to demonstrate the efficacy of their products.”
Procter & Gamble bought Olay in the ’80s. Fun fact: P&G is a leader in vitamin B3 (niacinamide) research, with upwards of 200 patents on the ingredient. That’s why it’s championed in so many of the brand’s formulas (and we love to see it).
Beyond niacinamide, Dr. King recommends products containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin C, and retinol to keep skin looking young and healthy. With that in mind, we rounded up today’s best Olay products, evaluating each based on formulation, ingredients, complexion-boosting benefits, and skin type compatibility. We’ve also used several ourselves so we can attest to their awesomeness. Here are our 13 faves.
Best Overall: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Affectionately referred to as the “little red jar,” this iconic moisturizer has sold over 50 million units since it launched. Dr. King is a fan, noting that it “provides the ideal combination of humectants like hyaluronic acid, emollients like triglycerides, and occlusives to hydrate, support the skin barrier, and lock in moisture.”
This face cream also contains skin-smoothing peptides and niacinamide, that gold standard ingredient Olay prides itself on that Dr. King says boosts tone and texture. The medium-weight formula provides a plumping effect and deep moisturization without a greasy residue. Though some people might find the almond scent too strong, there’s a fragrance-free version.
Who It’s For
We recommend this product to anyone in the market for a reasonably priced face cream. If you’re trying Olay for the first time, it’s an excellent place to start.Affectionately referred to as the “little red jar,” this iconic moisturizer has sold over 50 million units since it launched. Dr. King is a fan, noting that it “provides the ideal combination of humectants like hyaluronic acid, emollients like triglycerides, and occlusives to hydrate, support the skin barrier, and lock in moisture.”
Best for Dry Skin: Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich Moisturizer
If you crave a buttery moisturizer or have extremely dry, stressed-out skin, this stuff is like a hug for your complexion. Like the original Micro-Sculpting Cream, it contains a heaping dose of skin-firming peptides,1 plus niacinamide. Dr. King says the latter can “help with oil regulation, barrier function, aging, hyperpigmentation, acne, and eczema.” Meanwhile, the inclusion of shea butter gives it an occlusive property, nourishing the skin and preventing water loss.2
Who It’s For
This exceptionally creamy moisturizer soothes and nourishes parched skin while delivering a more radiant complexion. It is a thick cream though so it may be too heavy for oily skin.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, glycerin, shea butter | Skin Type: Dry, combination, mature | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best for Dull Skin: Olay Luminous Whip Face Moisturizer
Like a cloud in skincare form, this fluffy moisturizer is a great pick for dull, lackluster skin. In terms of ingredients, there’s glycerin, green tea, panthenol (vitamin B5)—all moisturizing and nourishing ingredients— and niacinamide. “Niacinamide has been shown in several studies to help reduce some signs of aging, particularly uneven skin tone and texture,” Dr. King tells Byrdie. It also contains what the brand calls “PearlOptics technology” to give you a luminous, lit-from-within effect. Some users didn’t love the scene.
Who It’s For
The whipped, mousse-like lotion melts quickly and dries down to a soft, natural finish, so it works well for balanced and combination skin. Since it doesn’t contain any oil, it’s also a good choice for oily and acne-prone complexions.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, green tea, panthenol, PearlOptics technology | Skin Type: Combination, oily, acne-prone, mature | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best for Mature Skin: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum
Smooth and firm your skin with this powerhouse serum. Like a concentrated version of Olay’s Micro-Sculpting Cream, the innovative formula is designed to improve skin structure and minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles. It’s also immediately hydrating (hello, hyaluronic acid), so it’ll plump up the skin’s surface upon application. Dr. King explains that hyaluronic acid “can hold 1,000 times its weight in water,” so you can bet it’ll help prevent your skin from drying out.
Who It’s For
Just the thing for mature skin, this serum plumps, smooths, firms, and fills in fine lines.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, olive oil, green tea | Skin Type: Mature | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best for Oily Skin: Olay Regenerist Moisturizer
Olay face creams can be a lot for oily or combination skin to take, but not this gel-based moisturizer. The oil-free formula leans on hyaluronic acid and glycerin to hydrate the skin without clogging pores or leaving behind a greasy residue. We also love how gel feels fresh on our skin, absorbs quickly, isn’t at all sticky, and plays well under makeup. What’s more, the versatile, gentle formula can be used in the morning and evening. We just don’t love that it contains paraffin which can be harmful if ingested.3
Who It’s For
If you have oily skin or a greasy T-zone, this supremely lightweight gel moisturizer has your name on it.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, peptides | Skin Type: Oily, combination, acne-prone, mature, dry | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best for All Skin Types: Olay Deep Hydration Serum
Any skin type can benefit from lightweight hydration. This all-star serum serves it up in the form of hyaluronic acid and glycerin, while skin-friendly squalane calms inflammation, regulates oil production, and offers a softening effect. It has a slightly sticky texture, but this goes away when you layer your favorite moisturizer on top.
Who It’s For
Suitable for all skin types, this gentle, non-irritating serum hydrates, soothes inflammation, and helps prevent an oily T-zone.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, squalane | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.3 ounces
Best Multi-Tasker: Olay Total Effects 7-in-One Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30
As the name suggests, Olay’s 7-in-One Moisturizer targets seven concerns, including dryness, dullness, large pores, uneven texture, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and photoaging (sun damage). Beyond humectants, antioxidants, and retinol, it contains SPF 30 to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. (You should always wear SPF outside, even if it’s cloudy.) Unlike most of the brand’s face creams that you have to scoop out with your fingers from a lidded jar, we appreciate that this one comes in a hygienic pump container.
Who It’s For
With SPF 30 and several complexion-friendly ingredients, this is a perfect daytime moisturizer for all skin types.
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, retinol, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best With Retinol: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Moisturizer
A retinol in your skincare regimen is a good idea at any age as it helps keep your skin’s texture in tip-top shape. This targeted night cream contains a blend of two retinoids (retinol and retinyl propionate) to increase cellular turnover and improve healthy skin function, in turn improving the look of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and texture.4 The active formula is buffered with ultra-moisturizing, soothing ingredients, so it works well for anyone who finds traditional retinol products too intense or irritating. Just be sure to pair it with an SPF if you plan to go outside at all.
Who It’s For
We recommend this product for those folks with mature skin looking for a nighttime moisturizer that addresses the signs of photoaging.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, retinyl propionate, niacinamide | Skin Type: Mature, combination, acne-prone | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best With Vitamin C: Olay Brightening Serum
Vitamin C serums and creams are key to brightening dull-looking skin. This radiance-boosting antioxidant serum is designed to do just that as well as target and treat dark spots, uneven skin tone, and pigmentation. Unlike other vitamin C formulas on the market, it has a lovely jelly texture (not watery at all) and a pleasant citrus scent (although some think it’s too strong). You can wear the protective, hydrating concoction under your moisturizer of choice, day or night.
Who It’s For
This glow-making serum can be used day or night—just bear in mind it contains lactic acid (a form of alpha-hydroxy acid or AHA), which may irritate sensitive skin with frequent use.5
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, peptides, lactic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.3 ounces
Best With Collagen: Olay Face Moisturizer
Fun fact: Studies have shown that the molecules in most topical collagen products are too large to penetrate the skin, but Olay’s 24 Max Serum is formulated with an innovative collagen-mimicking peptide that actually can.6 Additionally, the niacinamide and glycerin work to promote a firmer, more supple complexion.7 It’s hydrating, too, so it’s a nice pick for dry or dull skin.
Who It’s For
This lightweight, hydrating, fragrance-free moisturizer is suitable for all skin types, though it’s particularly beneficial for those in the mature and dry skin camps.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, glycerin, collagen peptides | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best Lightweight: Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturizer
This face cream flaunts a whipped, airy texture which is particularly great if you have sensitive or oily skin. We appreciate that it absorbs instantly and yields a smooth, hydrated complexion with a soft matte finish. The non-greasy formula is a perfect pre-makeup moisturizer, though it also makes a lovely night cream. It’s no wonder it’s become a standby moisturizer for many users/
Who It’s For
Looking for a versatile face cream you can use during your morning and evening skincare routines? You can’t go wrong with this lightweight formula.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 ounces
Best Serum: Olay Super Serum
Dr. King stands behind Olay Super Serum, calling it “a great formulation full of helpful ingredients.” Beyond the usual suspects (niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin C), it contains lactic acid. “AHAs dissolve the bonds that hold dull, dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, so the skin will gently shed, revealing smoother, brighter skin underneath,” she explains.
Who It’s For
Any skin type can benefit from this multi-tasking serum, but if you’re new to AHAs, consider starting slow and working your way up to daily use.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, vitamin C | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 ounce
Best Eye Cream: Olay Ultimate Eye Cream
An eye cream is always good to have in your skincare arsenal since the skin around your eye is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face. Olay’s Ultimate Eye Cream will hydrate and revitalize the area without any negative effects. Enriched with peptides and niacinamide, the formula gently firms and depuffs while light-reflecting pigments (in the form of iron oxide) illuminate the area and correct for dark circles. The latter means you’ll get instant illumination. Gently pat it on with your ring finger for best results.
Who It’s For
We recommend this product to anyone looking for a reasonably priced eye cream that delivers instant results and benefits with continued use.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, light-reflecting pigments | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.4 ounces
Where We Stand
Overall, our favorite Olay product is Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, a best-selling moisturizer with a rich consistency and a non-greasy finish. It plumps the skin, addresses dark spots, and helps smooth uneven texture. But if you’re interested in more of an illuminating effect, the brand’s Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Serum is an excellent choice.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best Olay products on the market, evaluating each based on product type, formulation, ingredients, benefits, and skin type compatibility. We also consulted a board-certified dermatologist for insight and buying tips and looked through our medicine cabinets and purchase histories to compile products we’ve tried and loved.
Attributes we evaluated each Olay product on:
- Product type and formulation
- Moisturizing and complexion-enhancing ingredients
- Benefits and intended use
- Skin type compatibility
What to Consider When Buying Olay Products
- Product Type and Formulation: Olay offers a wide variety of products, particularly for the face, ranging from serums to creams to lotions. There are many stellar options available, but if you’re in the market for a good moisturizer, you can’t go wrong with the best-selling, fan-favorite Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream.
- Ingredients: According to Dr. King, moisturizing formulas “should include a combination of humectants, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, to hydrate the skin.” She’s also a fan of vitamin C and niacinamide for antioxidant protection and improved tone and texture, as well as retinol for cell turnover and collagen production. Regenerist Hyaluronic + Peptide 24 Hydrating Gel contains hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide.
- Skin Concerns: Dryness, crepey skin, dark spots—no matter your complexion concern, there’s an Olay product that can help. Parched skin will benefit from a moisturizing cream-based formula, like Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich Moisturizer. If you’re looking to address hyperpigmentation, consider the brand’s Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Serum. To target fine lines and loss of elasticity, Dr. King recommends a formula containing “retinol to help stimulate collagen production,” such as Olay Regenerist Retinol24.
- Fragrance: As with Olay Regenerist Collagen Peptide 24, many Olay products are fragrance-free or come in unscented versions. If your skin is particularly sensitive or reactive to added fragrance, sticking with these is a good idea.
FAQ
Are Olay products cruelty-free?
Olay doesn’t test its products on animals. However, the brand is sold in a few countries where governments still mandate animal testing, and, in certain instances, it might be required by law to submit products to labs where this happens. As such, Olay can’t technically claim to be cruelty-free on its packaging.
Do Olay products have expiration dates?
Like most other skincare products, Olay products will expire. Check the bottom or side of the container for the open-lid jar icon with a number followed by the letter M. Known as the period-after-opening (PAO) symbol, this number tells you how many months the formula will still be safe to use and effective after opening it. According to the brand, the average shelf life of most Olay products is 12 months.