Tighten and Firm With These Top-Rated Neck Creams

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Many of us are used to slathering on youth-boosting serums, hydrating moisturizers, and damage-defying sunscreens to keep our faces looking their best. But for some reason, once we get to the jawline, most people don’t invest in one of the best neck creams.

Just as you’re using dark spot correctors and wrinkle creams on your complexion, it's important to note that your neck requires just as much, if not more, T.L.C. “Your neck is composed of thinner skin, which makes it more prone to dryness,” says dermatologist Dr. Margarita Lolis. “Neck-firming creams are a great place to start—and they do work,” adds dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal. Not only are these products formulated specifically to combat dryness, but they also address unique concerns that affect the area, such as “turkey neck” (the term used to describe the sagging or loosening of skin around the chin) and “tech neck” (the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles resulting from constantly straining our necks to look at our computers or phones).

Ready to start treating your neck to the care it deserves? Dr. Lolis says to look for formulas with hydrating ingredients such as lipids and humectants, especially since some anti-aging neck creams have retinol or vitamin C, which can be drying and irritating. Read on for top-rated products vetted by experts and our own team. A younger-looking neck can be yours in no time thanks to the 19 best firming neck creams and serums ahead.

Tightening Neck Cream

This bestseller is the holy grail of neck creams. When you slather it all over your neck and décolleté, expect minimized wrinkles, firmer texture, and an overall smoother finish. Thanks to a cocktail of nourishing hyaluronic acid, exfoliating lactic acid (a form of alpha hydroxy acid), and StriVectin’s Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex, this cream works to improve skin elasticity. Additionally, it includes brightening botanicals and the brand’s patented form of vitamin B3 to help strengthen the skin’s barrier.

Key ingredients: Lactic acid, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B3, Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex™

Best for: Normal, dry, combination, oily skin

Size: 0.25-3.4 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.1/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I am 66, almost 67, and when I recently started talking about retiring, I found [out] my coworkers thought I [was] in my early 50s.”

Neck Firming Cream

Yeouth’s neck cream is chockfull of antioxidants like green tea, which encourages cell healing, and vitamin C, a powerhouse ingredient that fights free radicals that cause aging. Also included is squalene for deep hydrates.

Key ingredients: Squalane, vitamin C

Best for: All skin types

Size: 2 oz.

Amazon rating: 4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve tried multiple exercises to tighten up the muscles (after a dramatic weight loss), but they haven’t worked all that well. I finally decided to do some research on neck creams and found this one. WOW! After only a few applications my neck had tightened up considerably.”

Retinol Moisturizer Anti Aging Night Face Cream

This potent moisturizer is like an undo button for sun damage. It features retinol, vitamin C, green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid to address wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.

Key ingredients: Retinol, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid

Best for: All skin types

Size: 3.4 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This is one amazing product and it goes on super smooth and super easy. It leaves my skin feeling refreshed and smooth and I never look oily when I wake up in the morning. It firms my skin and feels great.”

Neck Correct Cream

Although you could very well extend your facial serums and moisturizers down to your neck and decolletage, they’re not necessarily the best for that specific area, especially because the skin is thinner and may be more reactive. “Many neck and décolleté creams are products with retinol and are re-labeled to include ‘neck’ in the packaging,” says dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara. “But, the SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream is formulated specially to address neck concerns, including dermal thickness, elasticity, platysma muscle, and platysmal bands, as well as free-radical damage.”

Key ingredients: Green microalgae, lemon balm and shitake mushroom extract

Best for: All skin types

Size: 2 oz.

Dermstore rating: 4.12/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “This cream has worked wonders on my neck and in such a short time. I am impressed!!!”

Nectifirm

Pricey, yes, but this science-backed cream produces incredible results and is beloved by dermatologists. Dr. Lolis says this is hands-down her favorite neck cream. The formula packs a blend of five peptides, vitamin C, and plant extracts for brightening and wrinkle-smoothing results. “It is very hydrating and makes your skin feel so smooth,” says Dr. Lolis. “I also love the consistency.” Even better, it comes in a tube, too, so you don’t have to reach into a jar.

Key ingredients: Peptides, vitamins C and E, plant extracts

Best for: Aging skin

Size: 1.7 oz.

Revision Skincare rating: 4.9/5 stars

A Revision Skincare reviewer says: “I began using this after my dermatologist recommended it. I was complaining about crepe neck that was getting worse. Twice a day for a month and now once a day as maintenance. Give it four to six weeks twice a day to get rid of the crepe. I tried to go without it, and much to my dismay the crepe came back. This is now a staple in my skin routine! I am 44 now and swear by this!”

Retinol Anti-Aging Serum

When looking for a skin tightening cream, Dr. Arash Akhavan recommends opting for one that is retinol-based, as it can help boost collagen production. This neck cream uses a slow-delivery system to avoid unnecessary irritation as you introduce retinol into your routine. Squalane also helps to stave off irritation and adds a boost of hydration.

Key ingredients: Retinol, squalane

Best for: Normal, dry, combination, oily skin

Size: 1 oz.

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “Great retinol product, especially for the price. My skin is sensitive, so I only use this two to three times per week, but it’s really improved the texture of my skin and its glowiness. Besides a prescription retinol, this is my favorite.”

The Neck Serum

This product is specifically formulated to target signs of aging on the neck. It is packed with peptides to boost collagen production and ultimately promote a more youthful appearance. At the same time, rosewater adds a soothing element since the skin on our necks is so delicate. Plus, niacinamide helps brighten and even out skin tone.

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides

Best for: Aging, dry skin

Size: 1.7 oz

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “Now in my mid-40s, I definitely needed some tightening and smoothing of the skin. This neck serum by Nécessaire is lightweight, goes on smooth, and absorbs immediately without any sticky residue. I used this as a part of my morning skin routine and felt well-moisturized from the start and definitely can see improvement in my neck skin texture and firmness with consistent use.”

Restorative Neck Complex

Alastin is known for its effective formulations that are often sold at dermatologists’ offices to accompany in-office treatments. The Neck Complex, in particular, is a favorite of Dr. Lolis and Dr. Elizabeth Houshmand. “Its patented technology not only works on building collagen but also builds elastin,” explains Dr. Lolis. In addition to addressing crepey skin and wrinkles, it also helps nix redness and discoloration while boosting hydration. It's recommended to be used morning and night and applied in upward strokes on the neck.

Key ingredients: Peptides, antioxidants, flax seed extract

Best for: Aging skin

Size: 1.7 oz.

Alastin rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Alastin reviewer says: “This is an amazing product. I have tried the others and this is by far the best neck firming product I have tried. Do not hesitate to add this to your skin care routine. It is seriously worth the investment.”

Face Cream

If you want to drink from the fountain of youth like Kim Kardashian apparently has, slather this cream onto your face and neck. It is formulated with a postbiotic to leave your skin looking nourished, and shea butter and squalene for hydration. Alfalfa complex, an antioxidant-heavy ingredient, provides anti-aging benefits and fights free radicals. Kim K skin, here we come!

Key ingredients: Alfalfa complex, shea butter, squalane

Best for: All skin types

Size: 1.6 oz.

SKNN rating: 4.4/5 stars

A SKNN reviewer says: “Luxurious product that delivers a dewy finish to my skin and keeps it moisturized throughout the day. I’m 62, have used many products in my lifetime, and this is by far the best.”

Ultra Smoothing Neck Repair

Crepe Erase has made a name for itself when it comes to tightening the skin and reducing the appearance of aging. The brand claims its products will leave skin looking smoother, tighter, and youthful, with help from a blend of retinol, peptides, and a proprietary TruFirm peptide Complex to boost collagen and elastin production.

Key ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid

Best for: Aging skin

Size: 1.7 oz.

Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars

An Ulta reviewer says: “I’m delighted to say that after only two weeks I am noticing a significant difference. My neck already looks firmer and that sagginess is already so much better/almost gone.”

Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck & Chest

This formula is a proven winner with 898 reviews and 4.5 out of 5 stars. Peptides and alpha-lipoic acid are among the ingredients in this jar that help lift and tighten the delicate skin on your neck, while niacinamide and vitamin C work to brighten dark spots. The formula also contains SPF 25, but keep in mind it’s best to pair this with another sunscreen—as the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen daily with SPF 30 or higher.

Key ingredients: Peptides, alpha lipoic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C

Best for: Mature, sun-damaged skin

Size: 1 oz

Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “I saw results immediately! I’m so pleased. My neck looks better than certain areas of my face. It leaves your skin feeling just as soft as a child’s complexion. It doesn’t irritate my skin. This cream is a staple in my daily routine.”

Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Oil

You might be familiar with Neutrogena’s other cult-favorite skincare products, but have you tried their retinol face and neck cream? With over 8,000 reviews raving about how immediate results were, this affordable option will be quite the bang for your buck.

Key ingredients: Retinol

Best for: Dry, aging

Size: 1 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Knowing my skin is sensitive, I lightly applied at night for a few months and saw the difference! The oil absorbs very well and left my face very soft and the wrinkles have definitely softened. I just started using the oil evening and morning, and I have received compliments on my skin! Very satisfied.”

Benefiance Concentrated Neck Contour Treatment

Shisheido’s concentrated neck cream just works. The cream not only nourishes and moisturizes via glycerin to eliminate those dreaded lines, but also utilizes chlorella extract and ginseng extract to help prevent wrinkles.

Key ingredients: Glycerin, chlorella extract, ginseng extract

Best for: All skin types

Size: 1.8 oz.

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “Just a dab of the cream gives the skin moisture that lasts all day or night.”

BeautyStat Cosmetics Universal Pro-Bio Moisture Boost Cream

Founded by cosmetics chemist Ron Robinson, this moisturizer is made for all skin types and provides ultimate hydration for the face that can also be used on the neck. Its lightweight feel is perfect for sensitive areas like the neck and decolletage, with ingredients like mushroom extract, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid to boost moisture levels and fight free radical damage. Ceramides and probiotics also help protect the skin barrier.

Key ingredients: Mushroom extract, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Best for: All skin types

Size: 1 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “Leaves a beautiful glow to your face, non-greasy or shiny but just a great look and feel, perfect for year-round but especially for summer!”

Vitamin A-D-E Neck Cream

The skin on the neck is very delicate, so sometimes using any ordinary cream can be counterproductive to the nourishing and anti-aging effects desired. Utilizing antioxidant vitamins A, D, and E, plus nourishing hyaluronic acid and cocoa butter, the Mario Badescu cream is very rich in texture. Still, it absorbs quickly and works on even the most sensitive skin.

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, D, and E, cocoa butter

Best for: All skin types

Size: 1 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “This is awesome! I had a rash on my neck for MONTHS because I couldn’t find a moisturizing product that didn’t irritate my super sensitive skin, but this cleared it up in two weeks! I LOVE it.”

Triple firming Neck Cream

NeoStrata knew exactly what they were doing when they created this moisturizing and strengthening neck cream! With their hero ingredients, NeoGlucosamine to improve discoloration and Neocitriate and amino acids to thicken the skin, it’s easy to see why it’s a holy grail item.

ELLE.com contributor Jessica Roy says, “When quarantine started and I found myself in a less-than-ideal WFH desk setup, I noticed the lines on my neck becoming more pronounced. I immediately ordered this cream, and I swear, within a week, I noticed a difference. It WORKS—like actually—and doesn’t cause any breakouts or irritation on my sensitive skin. Five stars!”

Key ingredients: NeoGlucosamine, Neocitriate, amino acids

Best for: Dry, normal, oily

Size: 2.8 oz.

Dermstore rating: 4.5/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer says: “This is a favorite after trying many neck creams. It is thick enough to stay in place and feels very moisturizing without being greasy. I will use it forever.”

Multi-Correxion 5-in-1 Restoring Night Cream

You only need four weeks to see results from this drugstore favorite, which features vitamin E as an anti-aging ingredient. Immediately, it drops a moisture bomb on tired skin with glycerin and shea butter. Over time, it targets aging signs like wrinkles and sun damage and also includes SPF 30 to prevent discoloration and damage in the first place.

Key ingredients: Vitamin E, shea butter, glycerin

Best for: Dry, aging skin

Size: 1.7 oz.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer says: “It truly works for me. It softens my wrinkles and just gives me a healthy, slight glow.”

Confidence in a Neck Cream

Hundreds of customers mention this neck cream provides fast results in up to a week. It’s powered by elastin and collagen to quickly firm skin, as well as antioxidant-rich seaweed extract, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter to keep moisture locked in.

Not to mention, it's also a favorite of ELLE.com Beauty Director Danielle James. “This is the first neck cream I ever tried, and I was pleasantly surprised given the affordability for the results you get,” she says. “The cream is thick and absorbs well into the skin. I applied it in an upward motion and noticed a difference in my superficial wrinkle over the course of a month. If you are starting out with neck creams or want to take preventative measures, this is a great option.”

Key ingredients: Elastin, collagen, seaweed extract, hyaluronic acid, shea butter

Best for: All skin types

Size: 2.6 fl. oz

Sephora rating: 3.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer says: “Love it! My 37 year old neck was looking 57. Game changer!!! Please don’t stop making.”

Techno Neck Perfecting Cream

Formulated especially for the concerns that come with tech neck—such as crepiness, dryness, sagging, laxity, and uneven texture—this potent cream packs a slew of anti-aging ingredients as well as the label’s patented NOw complex, which harnesses the power of nitric oxide in the body to stimulate collagen production and smooth the skin. In a clinical trial, the product helped reduce horizontal lines on the neck and improve skin texture in just 12 weeks. Dr. Houshmand also notes that the formula “is not overly greasy and is fragrance-free, dye-free, paraben-free, and safe for all skin types.”

Key ingredients: NOw Complex, peptides, fruit extracts, niacinamide, squalane

Best for: All skin types

Size: 1.7 oz.

Do neck firming creams actually work?

If you’re concerned about loose skin, fine lines, and wrinkles around the neck area, topical creams can minimize those issues. “Neck-firming creams are a great place to start—and they do work,” says Dr. Lal. However, like most skincare, results take time. “Neck firming creams will not provide overnight results, with most clinical products requiring 12 weeks of use before results are visible,” adds Dr. Kevin Sadati. While neck creams may not provide the same results that in-office treatments would, “they do help add moisture to the delicate skin around the neck, which can over time smooth the texture and reduce the appearance of wrinkles in the skin. But it is best to pair products with a procedure to achieve desired results,” says Dr. Akhavan.

What ingredients are good to have in a neck firming cream?

The best ingredients to look for are ones that hydrate and nourish the skin. “Hyaluronic acid, peptides, retinol, alpha hydroxy acids, and squalane are some examples of good ingredients to look for in a neck cream, as they are ultra hydrating and beneficial for increasing collagen production,” says Dr. Akhavan. For increased anti-aging, “Good neck creams will have a retinol, which stimulates collagen and also helps fade dyspigmentation that occurs from sun exposure,” says Dr. Lal. However, it’s important to remember that retinol is a powerful ingredient. “The skin on the neck area is thin and sensitive,” says Sadati. He adds, “It’s best to use retinol products on the neck every three days and gradually increase the frequency as tolerated. Applying moisturizer after will help soothe the skin and help it to appear smoother.”

Who should be using a neck firming cream?

According to Dr. Lolis, everyone should have a neck cream in their beauty routine. “It should be incorporated into your skincare routine just as you would incorporate, for example, an under-eye cream.” She believes that your neck is often neglected, which is compounded by the fact that the area has less subcutaneous fat, making it more prone to developing skin laxity. Thus, “the earlier you start using a neck cream, the better,” she adds.

What in-office treatments can you receive for the neck area?

For more intense and long-lasting results, in-office treatments are available. “There are both surgical and non-surgical options available for neck rejuvenation,” says Dr. Sadati. He adds, “If you are looking for dramatic improvement, a neck lift will deliver these results. Depending on your age and the condition of the skin, non-surgical options such as radiofrequency, microneedling, resurfacing lasers, and injectables can also provide significant improvement.”

Meet The Experts

Dr. Kevin Sadati is a plastic surgeon based in Newport Beach, California.

Dr. Karan Lal is a board-certified and celebrity dermatologist. He is currently the Director of Pediatric Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Arash Akhavan is a board-certified dermatologist and founder and director of The Dermatology & Laser Group in New York City.

Dr. Margarita Lolis is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Skin Laser & Surgery Specialists in New York City.

Dr. Elizabeth Bahar Houshmand is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Houshmand MD in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Mona Gohara is a board-certified dermatologist and associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine.

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items.

For this piece, Tatjana Freund spoke with experts and industry leaders about anti-aging neck products. Freund also tested a few top-rated products and pored over reviews for dozens of others, evaluating each on their features and customer feedback.

Lisa DeSantis is a freelance writer who has been in the beauty industry for nearly ten years. She has tested thousands of products and considers herself a professional guinea pig who’s always searching for the next big trends in beauty, wellness, and beyond. For this story, she interviewed three dermatologists to learn about the best firming neck creams and what to look for when shopping.

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