Yahoo Lifestyle Dermatologists Say These Neck Creams Work Wonders on Signs of Aging
- 1/15
Dermatologists Say These Neck Creams Work Wonders on Signs of Aging
We updated this article in February 2023 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
You’re likely familiar with applying skincare products like the best anti-aging creams or anti-aging serums on your face in the quest to prevent wrinkles and achieve smoother, brighter complexions. But if you’ve been neglecting your neck, you may not be seeing all of the benefits you hoped to. Luckily, that’s where the best neck firming creams come to the rescue.
After all—the skin on your neck is rather unique. “The skin on your face has more oil glands and has a better ability to regenerate and heal compared to your neck,” says Eric Meinhardt, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder and medical director of California Dermatology Specialists. The skin on your neck is also thinner, so it’s more prone to showing signs of aging, like sagging, sun spots, and fine lines.
Meet the experts: Eric Meinhardt, M.D., board-certified dermatologist; Lady Dy, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist; Shari Marchbein, M.D., board-certified dermatologist; Meera Sivendran, M.D., board-certified dermatologist; Orit Markowitz, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist; and Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist.
Applying a neck cream may be exactly what you need to help firm things up. “There are specific creams for each body part for a reason, because they all contain different ingredients tailored to your concerns,” says Lady Dy, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist with Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge, IL, and founder of the Dy Dermatology Center.
Neck creams are formulated to firm and re-texturize crepey skin, as well as even out skin tone, she says. (What they can’t do: give you surgical-like results or get rid of super-saggy skin below your chin.) You can also streamline the process and bring your favorite anti-aging face creams down onto your neck, and many formulas even instruct you to do so. It’s all up to you and what best fits into your skincare routine.
Our top picks
Ahead, find the best neck firming creams to add to your skincare routine.
Courtesy - 2/15
1) Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum
No7
ulta.com
$32.99
This serum from No7 formulated with retinol and peptides is a winner of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab’s neck cream test for firming. Before-and-after photos captured with high-resolution professional photography showed the most improvement in tightening and lifting neck skin over 12 weeks. “This made my neck more firm,” one tester said. Testers voted the option the fastest-absorbing and most appealing in texture as well as least irritating. However, one tester with sensitive skin reported inflammation.
No7 - 3/15
2) Water Boost Skin Quench Sleeping Cream
Simple
amazon.com
$5.47
This drugstore neck cream gets a stamp of approval from Dr. Marchbein, thanks to its lightweight, hydrogel formula. Packed with skin-plumping glycerin and exfoliating lactic acid, this fast-absorbing cream revives dull-looking, dry skin while you sleep without the risk of redness and irritation.
Simple - 4/15
3) Restorative Neck Complex
ALASTIN
alastin.com
$123.00
This is one of the best firming neck creams out there, thanks to its powerful blend of peptides and antioxidants. “These proteins stimulate collagen and elastin production to tighten skin and fill in fine lines,” says Dr. Dy.
ALASTIN - 5/15
4) Hydro Boost Water Gel
Neutrogena
amazon.com
$16.78
Packed with hyaluronic acid, this noncomedogenic face and neck cream will help add plumpness back to the skin, says Meera Sivendran, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai in New York. The silky gel texture also absorbs quickly, so it won’t feel greasy going on. With more than 51,000 raving reviews on Amazon, this affordable option is super easy on the wallet, too.
Neutrogena - 6/15
5) Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream
Olay
amazon.com
$42.65
Hyaluronic acid grabs and holds onto moisture, making it one of the best ingredients for much-needed hydration. “When skin is dry, it’s less able to protect itself,” says Dr. Meinhardt. You can find the ingredient in this lightweight formula from Olay, which is designed to hydrate and plump both your face and neck, giving it a smoother appearance.
Olay - 7/15
6) Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream
NeoStrata
dermstore.com
$74.80
According to the GH Institute Beauty Lab’s neck cream test, this amino acid cream from NeoStrata earned high marks for smoothing wrinkles. In standardized digital imaging, the cream was the best of all products evaluated at minimizing the appearance of tester’s neck lines and wrinkles. But, it may not give as much lift as some other options. The rich formula “improved my neck—I love it!” a fan said. “Both my neck and my décolletage looked smoother,” another reported.
NeoStrata - 8/15
7) Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Differin
amazon.com
$14.99
Retinoids are one of the best anti-agers for your face—and the same goes for your neck. “Retinoids can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture,” says Dr. Sivendran. She recommends using Differin on your neck too, which was the first OTC retinoid available that’s prescription-strength. Bonus: It’s top-rated for those struggling with adult acne.
Differin - 9/15
8) A.G.E. Interrupter
SkinCeuticals
skinceuticals.com
$168.00
Dr. Marchbein points to proxylane in this firming neck cream, “a sugar protein that boosts hydration in the skin, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and enhancing skin thickness.” Packed with antioxidants, herbal extracts, and moisture-boosting dimethicone, this cult favorite reduces fine lines and wrinkles, smooths out rough texture, and thickens skin for a firmer look. The whipped texture feels super soft and velvety on the skin, too.
SkinCeuticals - 10/15
9) Pro-Collagen Neck & Décolleté Balm
ELEMIS
amazon.com
$82.00
This hydrating balm contains tree fern extract, sea buckthorn oil, and marine actives to nourish and hydrate the skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines, resulting in a firmer look, according to Orit Markowitz, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of OptiSkin.
ELEMIS - 11/15
10) Black Tea Firming Corset Cream
fresh
ulta.com
$95.00
Made with exotic botanical extracts like black tea, goji berry, and lychee, this firming cream was a winner in the GH Institute Beauty Lab’s neck cream test. Testers gave the cream points for making skin look and feel hydrated (the cream boasts hyaluronic acid). It also scored well for visibly smoothing neck lines in before-and-after photo evaluations. “I definitely see a difference in my neck,” one tester said. “My skin looks much more even and brighter,” a second commented. Though many testers loved the rich texture, some said it was too thick for daytime application.
Fresh - 12/15
11) Techno Neck Perfecting Cream
SkinBetter
skinbetter.com
$145.00
“Containing peptides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, this splurge-worthy neck cream works to hydrate, strengthen and firm the overall appearance of the neck, while also improving crepiness and skin laxity,” says Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at MDCS in NYC. “It is easy to apply and can be used one-to-two times per day. It also offers antioxidant benefits to help protect the skin from free radical damage.”
SkinBetter - 13/15
12) Prevage City Smart SPF 50 Hydrating Shield
Elizabeth Arden
elizabetharden.com
$68.00
Dr. Marchbein recommends applying this option from Elizabeth Arden before heading out for the day. It contains broad spectrum SFP 50, so it protects your neck from damaging UVA and UVB rays. As a bonus, this neck cream contains protective antioxidants, blocks pollutants from entering the skin, and has a slight tint to even out tone.
Elizabeth Arden - 14/15
13) Peptight Tightening Neck Serum Roller
StriVectin
ulta.com
$79.00
If you prefer a lightweight feel, try a serum like this one. A winner in Prevention’s 2021 Beauty Awards, it works just as well as a cream and is dispensed through an innovative rollerball to easily glide over delicate neck skin. It contains peptides that work to firm the area over time, while plant-based substances give an instant tightening effect.
StriVectin - 15/15
14) Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 50
Neutrogena
walmart.com
$20.25
This moisturizer from Neutrogena also makes a great daytime neck cream because it contains broad spectrum SPF 50, earning a recommendation from Dr. Marchbein. A perfect option if you have sensitive skin, this gentle formula is free of chemicals filters, oils, and fragrances—just be sure to reapply every two hours for max protection!
Neutrogena
