Derms Say These Skin-Tightening Creams Are The Secret To Firmer Skin

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Radiant, luminous, and youthful skin is forever en vogue, and one way to achieve such a coveted complexion is with cutting-edge skin-tightening creams. While you may think skin-tightening creams are made for those of a certain age, dermatologist Fatima Fahs, MD, founder of the The Dermy Doc Box, has a counter-statement: "It's never too early to be adding a skin-tightening cream to your routine," she says.

Skin-stretching and sagging is a natural sign of aging or weight loss, and it's usually no cause for concern. However, according to Dr. Fahs, other external stressors like UV rays and pollution can break down collagen over time, which can weaken the skin's barrier. On top of snagging a solid skin-tightening cream to lift and smooth out the skin, it's never a bad idea to invest in some sunscreens to protect your barrier, and some moisturizers for dry skin to keep it hydrated, too.

Even the best skin-tightening products out there won't give you the results that, say, a face lift can, but there are some key ingredients that will improve the quality and appearance of the skin all over your body. Creams with ingredients like retinoids, peptides, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and alpha-hydroxy-acids are some of the best options out there, according to dermatologist Jenny Liu, MD. Both dermatologists agree that these ingredients will target problem points from dullness to laxity in your skin, and provide consistent, firming results over time.

Dr. Liu and Dr. Fahs also say that clinically-researched and tested products are best if you want to see long-lasting results in the overall appearance of your skin, which is why most of the products below have clinical trials backing them. Here are the 15 best skin-tightening products and creams for your body, face, neck, tummy, or legs, tested by dermatologists.

Skin Renewing Night Cream

CeraVe is arguably the most tried-and-true drugstore skincare brand out there. The entire line was designed with help from dermatologists, but this night cream in particular has become a bestseller for a reason. "It has biomimetic peptides to support the skin barrier," Dr. Liu explains. Plus, it has ceramides to fill in the gaps between skin cells to build up a healthy barrier.

Testers rave that this cream is hydrating and doesn't leave a scent behind, perfect for people who are sensitive to fragrance. They also love how affordable the cream is, since its quality compares to that of higher-end creams. One caveat our testers mentioned, though, is that the cream is on the thicker side, and feels similar to a paste, which may not be everyones' preference.

Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

Formulated with ultra-rich ingredients, this Amazon bestseller is a great option for your body. It's best to apply on your butt, legs, and stomach to provide a smooth finish. Plus, it's made of sustainably-sourced ingredients like coconut oil and soy, so you can rest assured knowing Mother Nature will not be harmed by your skin's glow. Dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD also likes it for its great scent and thicker feel.

"I am surprised when a product really does what it says," says one tester, who adds this cream tightened skin as promised and smoothed out some light cellulite on her legs. Other testers chime in, adding that the smell is fresh, but not overpowering, and the cream is moisturizing without feeling greasy. However, some complain that the tub feels a little too small for the price.

Regenerist Retinol 24 Moisturizer

This Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Moisturizer is a four in-one product. Firstly, Dr. Liu explains that it's more gentle on the skin than other skin-tightening creams, making it suitable for sensitive skin. It's also free of fragrance, phthalates, and mineral oil, so acne-prone individuals can also benefit from using this cream.

Dr. Patel is a fan of this powerhouse due to its non-greasy feel. "I have used this and find that it is light and hydrating, and it has retinol," she says. Lastly, it's super strengthening (thanks, vitamin B3) and claims to help diminish the appearance of dark spots.

This cream has led to visible results for our testers, which include softer, firmer skin and a more even skin tone. However, some say that the cream has led to some redness or flaking, so if you have sensitive skin, you may need a gentler option.

Minéral 89 Cream

This Vichy Mineral 89 Cream features 72-hour long-lasting hydration (!!) and is specially designed for dry or dull skin. It pairs extremely well with Vichy's Mineral 89 Prebiotic Concentrate, which Dr. Liu recommends as it's clinically-proven to "repair the skin and moisturize the barrier."

Testers who tried this cream say they love its hydrating feel and also like that it's fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin. It's moisturizing in a way that doesn't leave your face sticky, one says. However, since it's very light, customers say its texture feels a bit watery, so it may not be an appropriate option for people looking for a cream with a thicker, heavier feel.

Face & Neck Tightening Cream

This instantly-tightening face and neck cream is perfect if you're looking for a fast, easy way to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. One tester loves it so much, they say they can't live without it. "It softened up my fine lines so fast," they say. Another tester chimes in, adding that it made their jawline and neck area appear tighter.

Dr. Patel approves of this cream because it's made with a light, non-greasy formula, which makes it easy to use. Simply massage a small amount onto your face and neck each morning to see lifting results in a flash. Experts say that creams that advertise a "quick fix" like this one aren't the best for longevity, but satisfied reviewers say it really does provide instant results.

Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Night Cream

This First Aid Beauty night cream has a reputation that precedes it. With niacinamide and soothing colloidal oatmeal, you can rest easy knowing this moisturizer may smooth, repair, and plump your skin overnight sans any signs of irritation. Dr. Patel says this is a great option for dry skin, since it's on the thicker side.

"I have acne and dry skin and nothing has worked as well for me as this," one of our testers tells us. "Trust me when I say I have tried nearly everything on the market! It has non-pore-clogging ingredients and it's cruelty free!"

Age Renew Crepe Corrector Body Lotion

If you're looking for a smoothing, hydrating moisturizer sans all the bells and whistles, this Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector Body Lotion—it contains omega-3 fatty acids and three different vitamins—will give you a bang for your buck. It's fragrance-free, affordable, and def worth the space in your drawer.

Our testers found that this moisturizer addresses their crepey skin almost immediately. "The morning after I used this cream, I saw an immediate difference in my hands." they tell us, adding that this lotion is worth every penny.

Derm Correxion Neck Cream

Dr. Fahs recommends this Roc Derm Correxion Neck Cream as an affordable, effective option for tightening your skin. Formulated with retinol, hyaluronic acid, and swertiamarin—an anti-stretch mark agent—this neck and face cream claims to reduce wrinkles by 47 percent. Plus, the Amazon version comes with a sample of line-smoothing eye cream, so you can turn your purchase into a full-on self-care moment.

Dr. Patel also gives this cream her seal approval, adding that she loves that it has retinol—she calls this the "magic ingredient"—in it.

Protini Polypeptide Cream

This Drunk Elephant cream is recommended by Dr. Fahs for its peptide blend. On top of its hard-hitting ingredients like supportive amino acids and pygmy waterlily, which the brand says replenishes the skin, the refillable packaging of this cream is a major plus. Drunk Elephant also recommends pairing this with the C-Firma Fresh Day Serum for completely rejuvenated skin.

"If I knew how much I'd love this product, I would've tried it earlier," says a tester. "It has improved my skin texture so much and I absolutely love how it makes my skin feel." They add that their skin is always on the drier side, and this moisturizer gives it the burst of moisture it craves.

The Dewy Skin Cream

This Tatcha skin cream includes Japanese purple rice, which, according to the brand, helps protect skin from stress and traditionally "celebrates longevity." Although this is a pricer option, reviewers say it's worth it because of how lightweight and airy it feels on the skin.

"This is by far the best moisturizer I’ve ever used," says one tester. "I have seen great improvements to my skin and I get compliments on how great it looks since using this."

Restorative Skin Complex

Dr. Liu recommends the Alastin Restorative Skin Complex because it "helps support collagen and elastin," both of which help the skin appear tighter. Dr. Fahs also loves that it has 'trihex technology,' Alastin's go-to for extra collagen support, along with niacinamide, which works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

As an added bonus, it's also suitable for sensitive skin, per our tester. "My skin is usually sensitive to moisturizers, but it responds super well to this," they say.

Derminfusions Fill + Repair Serum

Although this is one of the pricer options on this list, Dr. Fahs recommends this serum for its hard-hitting peptides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. The brand also claims that this is a topical alternative to injectable filler if you want to stray away from needles, so you know the results will be well worth the price. If you're still not completely sold, it's clinically-tested and the results from each trial wow us every time (just check out the pics).

Tripeptide-R Neck Repair

This skin-tightening treatment specifically targets your neck and jowls with the brand's patented Tripeptide-R, which claims to combat lines and wrinkles due to repetitive movements from looking down at mobile devices. The slow-release retinol in this formula may also help the skin feel renewed and refreshed. According to the brand, 28 percent of users reported visibly better-looking skin after using it for 16 weeks. Now that's worth the hefty price tag!

"The skin on my neck looks great and really smooth," says one tester, who used it for six weeks. "I’m really happy with the product!"

Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream

While pricier, the Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Night Cream includes literally everything you need in a quality skin-tightening cream, no matter what kind of skin you have. Its tri-active retinol technology specifically targets wrinkles and fine lines. Plus, it's formulated without any skin irritants like parabens or sulfates.

If you struggle with wrinkles, look no further. Our tester, who has tried "so many creams for wrinkle prevention and smoother skin" says it is her favorite cream of all time. "A small amount goes a long way, so although it’s expensive, it lasts and works."

Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream

If you're vegan, but still want the best possible skincare, this Caudalie Resveratol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream delivers expert skin-tightening qualities, but foregoes any ingredients that are derived or tested on animals. It swaps collagen for mahogany bark extract to specifically target sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. Plus, it has Dr. Fahs' approval, too.

After just a few days of use, one of our testers was super pleased with her results. "I feel like it’s pampering my skin," she says. "It absorbs nicely and feels wonderful."

How our team chose the best skin-tightening creams

For the past few months, commerce editor Jasmine Gomez and WH editorial assistant Olivia Evans have been researching the best skin-tightening creams to shop online and at Amazon. Our team consulted dermatologists Jenny Liu, MD, Fatima Fahs, MD, Purvisha Patel, MD, and took recommendations from WH editors. WH also vetted thousands of reviews to find the very best options available for skin-tightening products online.

Meet the experts

• Fatima Fahs, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of the The Dermy Doc Box

• Jenny Liu, MD, board-certified dermatologist

• Purvisha Patel, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skincare

What should I look for in a skin-tightening cream?

Adjust your expectations for what a skin-tightening cream will do for you. "There is really no cream that can truly tighten the skin, at least to the expectation of a face lift," says Dr. Liu.

But, using solid skin-enhancing ingredients on your skin is a 'yes' from the derms. Dr. Liu and Dr. Fahs recommend looking for products with ingredients that will brighten, smooth out, and lift the skin such as retinols, peptides, and vitamin C. Ingredients like these support the building of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins in the deeper layer of skin that provide support and bounce.

Here's a cheat sheet of ingredients to look out for in skin-tightening creams, according to Patel.

Retinoids

They stimulate collagen production, help exfoliate the skin, and shrink oil glands, making it appear firmer.

Peptides

These are antioxidants that can help reverse the signs of aging.

Vitamin C

It's a potent antioxidant that prevents free radicals from breaking down collagen and elastin, resulting in an overall tightening effect.

Hyaluronic acid

This can be used to plump up the skin for a more youthful appearance.

Alpha hydroxy acids

These help with exfoliation. Exfoliation helps boost collagen production and results in smoother plumper skin.

Are skin-tightening creams safe?

Skin-tightening creams are safe, but it's never a bad idea to consult a dermatologist before trying any new product on your face. Dr. Fahs also recommends avoiding products that claim to be "collagen creams" because they are "gimmicky" (although not necessarily unsafe).

"Collagen is a large protein and its absorption deep into the skin is unlikely," Dr. Fahs says. "Instead, creams and serums with peptides—which are the building blocks of collagen—are likely to work much better." You should also always be cautious of starting your skin on retinol, and start by using it only a few times a week.

How can I lift my face naturally?

Dr. Liu says any substantial face lifting cannot be done naturally. Instead, she explains that the best way to lift your face is to avoid activities that cause it to sag in the first place.

"Quitting smoking, wearing sunscreen, and applying an antioxidant serum with vitamin C to combat the free radicals in our environment that damage our collagen is helpful," Dr. Fahs says.

Do skin-tightening creams actually work?

They do! But, the caveat is that they aren't permanent solutions. They help improve the appearance of skin by temporarily firming and tightening skin, Patel says. "These creams have ingredients such as antioxidants, peptides, and hydrating agents that can provide a temporary solution," she explains. But for longer or more permanent results, she recommends other treatments like laser, radiofrequency (RF), or cosmetic procedures, which may be more effective.

Read more about the best face products

Best Sunscreens For Face | Best Wrinkle Creams | Best Night Creams | Best Drugstore Retinols | Best Retinols For Sensitive Skin | Best Drugstore Eye Creams | Best Skincare Products Of 2023

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