From the Guidelines
The most effective compounded anti-aging topicals, based on the latest evidence, include tretinoin, hydroquinone, niacinamide, vitamin C, and peptide formulations, with a typical regimen consisting of 0.025-0.1% tretinoin cream used nightly, combined with 4-10% niacinamide and 15-20% vitamin C serum for daytime use 1.
Key Ingredients and Mechanisms
- Tretinoin: increases cell turnover and collagen production
- Hydroquinone: reduces hyperpigmentation
- Niacinamide: improves barrier function and reduces inflammation
- Vitamin C: provides antioxidant protection and collagen stimulation
- Peptides: signal skin repair processes
Treatment Regimens
- Custom formulations combining tretinoin (0.025-0.05%) with hydroquinone (2-4%) and a mild corticosteroid, known as a "triple cream," used for 8-12 weeks followed by maintenance therapy
- Peptide compounds like Argireline (acetyl hexapeptide-3) at 10% concentration and growth factors are also frequently included in anti-aging formulations
Essential Considerations
- Incorporate sun protection (SPF 30+) daily
- Introduce active ingredients gradually to minimize irritation
- Maintain consistent use for at least 8-12 weeks to see results
Recent Findings
A recent study published in 2025 supports the efficacy and safety of autologous platelet concentrates used in combination with topical cream formulations, which may enhance the effects of anti-aging topicals 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
(Mushroom) (Pear) diol, Rosa Damascena Flower Water, Allantoin, Caffeine, Acacia Senegal Flower/Stem Extract, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Cucumis Melo (melon) Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Collagen, Hydrogenated lecithin, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Leaf/Stem Extract, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ethyl Hexanediol, Hydrolyzed Elastin, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Collagen Extract, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Ceramide NG, Ceramide NS, Ceramide AS, Ceramide AP, Collagen Extract, Ceramide EOP
The most popular compounded Anti-Aging topicals include hyaluronic acid and retinoid based products.
- Hyaluronic acid based products, like the one described in 2, contain a variety of ingredients such as hydrolyzed collagen, hydrolyzed elastin, and ceramides that may contribute to their anti-aging effects.
- Retinoid based products, like the one described in 3, contain salicylic acid as an active ingredient, but the provided information does not directly support its use as an anti-aging topical.
From the Research
Popular Compounded Anti-Aging Topicals
- Retinoids are one of the most popular ingredients used in anti-aging treatments, with tretinoin considered the most effective agent with proven anti-aging effects on the skin 4
- Topical retinoids, such as adapalene, tazarotene, and tretinoin, have been shown to increase collagen and elastic fibers and normalize melanocytes and keratinocytes, yielding improvements in wrinkling, texture, elasticity, and skin tone 5
- Prescription topical retinoids are the most studied and efficacious treatments for photoaging, though their use is typically associated with adverse effects such as erythema, peeling, dryness, and burning/stinging in a concentration-dependent manner 5
- Tazarotene 0.045% polymeric emulsion lotion has recently demonstrated significant photoaging improvements with 12 weeks of once-daily treatment, with a favorable safety and tolerability profile 5
- Retinol, retinyl esters, and retinaldehyde are also efficacious, safe, and well-tolerated, and are commonly used in cosmeceutical products for the treatment of photoaged skin 6
Mechanisms of Action
- Retinoids utilize a complex signalling pathway that promotes remodelling of photoaged epidermis and dermis and leads to the improvement of the cutaneous signs of photoaging 6
- Topical retinoids increase collagen and elastic fibers and normalize melanocytes and keratinocytes, yielding improvements in wrinkling, texture, elasticity, and skin tone 5
Combination Therapies
- Supplementing the routine skin care regimen with alpha hydroxy acids, growth factors, heparin sulfate, and defensins can be addressed individually 7
- The combination of collagen and vitamin C dietary supplements has been shown to have beneficial effects on skin density, texture, and other parameters, although the addition of hyaluronic acid did not yield superior effects 8