Mariska Hargitay, the iconic star of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has long been admired not just for her powerful performances but also for her radiant presence and evolving perspective on beauty and aging. Now at 62, the actress continues to captivate audiences with her grace, confidence, and authenticity. In recent interviews from 2025, Hargitay has opened up about her thoughts on beauty, shifting away from external standards toward internal self-care, individuality, and embracing the natural changes that come with time. Her candid reflections offer inspiration for women everywhere navigating aging in a youth-obsessed world.
As someone who has spent over two decades portraying the resilient Captain Olivia Benson, Hargitay’s real-life journey mirrors the strength she brings to the screen. She has entered what many call her “supermodel era,” gracing covers like Greek Vogue and partnering with brands like Cetaphil for innovative skincare lines. Yet, her approach to beauty remains refreshingly grounded. “Everyone has to do what makes them feel powerful and beautiful,” she shared in a 2025 Allure interview, emphasizing personal empowerment over conformity.
Redefining Beauty Standards in Her 60s
Hargitay’s views on beauty have evolved significantly over the years. She no longer chases societal ideals but focuses on what feels good from within. “My standards have become very internal and have focused on, now, self-care and what makes me feel good, as opposed to an aesthetic that I’m trying to achieve, or an aesthetic that has been established by culture or society,” she told Shop TODAY in 2025.
This shift is particularly poignant in Hollywood, where women often face pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. Hargitay has spoken against trends that make everyone look the same, expressing concern when individuality is lost. She advocates for doing what feels authentic, whether that’s a simple routine or embracing natural changes like drier, thinner skin that comes with age.
Her partnership with Cetaphil highlights this philosophy. As the face of their Skin Activator Hydrating & Firming collection, Hargitay praised the science behind it, noting how mandelic acid helps revive “zombie” surface skin cells that slow down with age, leading to issues like lines, dullness, and loss of firmness. “When skin ages, it becomes dry and thinner, and it can get crepey… And then all of a sudden [this] just plumps everything up in such a beautiful way,” she explained.
This isn’t about erasing age but enhancing what is naturally there. Hargitay’s routine remains minimal—she doesn’t want a complicated 15-step process. Instead, she relies on trusted, effective products that align with her values, like gentle, science-backed formulas free of questionable ingredients.
Embracing Aging with Confidence and Clarity
One of Hargitay’s most empowering messages is that aging brings gifts rather than losses. She describes entering her 60s as stepping into her power, with greater clarity and focus on what truly matters. “As we age, we step into our power. Our focus on what’s truly important narrows, and we gain more time and clarity,” she reflected in various interviews.
She has called this decade her “badass era,” celebrating milestones like directing her first documentary (My Mom Jayne, a tribute to her late mother, Jayne Mansfield) and feeling “no ceiling” for her potential. In a conversation with Harper’s Bazaar, she noted how everything seems to be aligning—new covers, campaigns, and creative projects—suggesting she wasn’t ready for this level of confidence earlier in life.
Hargitay also addresses the fear that can accompany aging. “When you get older, you just feel that fear and do it anyway,” she said, adding that small acts of self-care, like a good manicure, help face stressful situations head-on. Her overall outlook is one of gratitude and resilience, shaped by personal challenges including losing her mother at age three and surviving trauma.
Beauty, for her, is tied to feeling engaged and alive. She credits learning lines on SVU for keeping her mind sharp, comparing the brain to a muscle that needs exercise. Physical and mental wellness play key roles in her radiance.
Skincare and Self-Care Rituals
Hargitay keeps her beauty routine simple yet effective. She avoids elaborate regimens, preferring products that deliver results without overwhelming her busy life. Key elements include:
- Hydration and firming: Cetaphil’s Skin Activator line, with its mandelic acid and encapsulated cica, for plumping and addressing crepiness.
- Gentle care: Trusting brands she’s loved since childhood, prioritizing clean ingredients.
- Self-care rituals: Luxurious bubble baths with plenty of bubbles for ultimate relaxation.
- Tools like gua sha: Mentioned in Glamour as part of her evolving approach.
She jokes about her daughter having a “156-step” routine, contrasting it with her own streamlined one. On set, she relies on professional makeup artists but maintains authenticity in her everyday look.
Hargitay also critiques overdone trends, noting she and her character Olivia Benson might view certain extremes as “crimes.” Her focus remains on feeling powerful and beautiful in her own skin.
Inspiration for Women Everywhere
Mariska Hargitay’s thoughts on beauty at 62 remind us that true radiance comes from within—through self-acceptance, gratitude, and prioritizing what nourishes the soul and body. In an era of filters and fillers, her emphasis on individuality, science-backed care, and embracing age as a gift is refreshing.
As she continues to thrive on SVU‘s 27th season and beyond, Hargitay proves that beauty isn’t about defying time but living fully within it. Her journey encourages women to redefine beauty on their terms, celebrating every stage with confidence and joy.
