16 Best Neck Creams to Help Tighten Sagging Skin
If you're overlooking your neck, you're not alone. Finding the best neck cream can be critical since the décolletage — which is the delicate area from the chin to the chest — is one of the first places on our bodies to develop signs of aging. Whether you're looking for temporary skin-tightening benefits or discoloration-reducing ingredients, we rounded up the 16 best neck creams, as recommended by dermatologists, to nourish, hydrate, and lift sagging skin.
Our Top Picks:
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Triple-R Neck Repair, $135
- Best for Tightening: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus, $99
- Best Multi-Use: No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum, $32
- Best for Lifting: Alastin Restorative Neck Complex, $142
- Best With SPF: RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Chest, Neck & Face Cream, $26
- Best With Retinol: SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream, $135
- Great for a Massage: Crépe Erase Neck Cream, $79
- A Dermatologist Favorite: NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream, $88
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why does neck skin age faster?
- When should I consult with a dermatologist?
- What over-the-counter treatments and ingredients should I look out for?
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Triple-R Neck Repair
Why It's Worth It: SkinCeuticals is one of the most beloved skin-care brands, especially when it comes to tackling the concerns of mature skin. Living up to the clinically-inspired brand's hype is the Triple-R Neck Repair, a daily, fragrance-free retinol cream created solely for the delicate skin around your neck and chest to target a variety of signs of aging, including wrinkling and sagging.
Editor Tip: Since it's infused with retinol — which is a beloved active ingredient that's known to boost cell turnover and promote collagen production — we recommend using this moisturizer as an intensive night cream. Always remember to wear sunscreen during daylight hours, as skin becomes more sensitive to UV damage while using retinol.
Key Ingredients: Retinol, peptides, glaucine | Who It's For: Anyone who can use retinol
Best for Tightening: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus
Why It's Worth It: This updated version of StriVectin's TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream — which was loved by both beauty editors and derms alike because of the brand's patented skin-barrier-repairing technology called NIA-114 — is even better than the original. It now features a combination of three peptides, which target collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin along the neck, jawline, and décolleté in as little as four weeks.
Editor Tip: It also has blurring properties to immediately minimize the look of horizontal neck lines.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, hyaluronic acid, peptides | Who It's For: Those who want immediate and long-term benefits
Best Neck Cream With Retinol: SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream
Why It's Worth It: Yes, the SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream may be pricey, but its skin-plumping formula is worth every penny. This luxuriously rich cream treats your skin to a hefty dose of microalgae, which is rich in antioxidant vitamins A (also known as retinol) and E. This skin-firming cream also contains peptides and moisturizing mushroom extract for a lifted appearance and smooth feel.
Editor Tip: It won a 2023 Best of Beauty Award in the Splurge category for its ability to keep skin taut.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, shiitake mushroom extract, microalgae | Who It's For: Those willing to make an investment
A Dermatologist (and Patient) Favorite: NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream
Why It's Worth It: NeoStrata's Triple Firming Neck Cream is a favorite of Dr. Turegano, who says that it frequently sells out at her practice. This rich, indulgent formula features a special ingredient called NeoGlucosamine, which is "an amino sugar that helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," she explains. Furthermore, it's enriched with amino acid chains (also known as peptides) to firm the skin while shea butter and antioxidant vitamin E condition.
Editor Tip: NeoGlucosamine is a building block of hyaluronic acid, meaning this is safe for use during pregnancy.
Key Ingredients: NeoGlucosamine, NeoCitrate (a patented ingredient of NeoStrate that claims to boost collagen production and plump the skin), amino acids | Who It's For: Those who want an alternative to retinol
Best Multi-Use Cream: No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum
Why It's Worth It: On the more affordable end, there's No7's Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum, a multitasking formula that employs a blend of peptides (the brand's proprietary blend of peptide technology called Matrixyl 3000 Plus), ceramides, amino acids, and calcium to reverse dry skin and boost cellular repair for overall smoother and firmer skin.
Editor Tip: Since it's a serum, you might want a separate moisturizer if your skin is prone to dryness.
Key Ingredients: Collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides | Who It's For: Those seeking a more budget-friendly option
Best for Lifting Sagging Skin: Alastin Restorative Neck Complex
Why It's Worth It: Lifting the skin can be a tall order for many topical formulas, but Alastin Restorative Neck Complex deploys a unique, patented peptide blend to replace damaged collagen and elastin with new, healthy fibers. Commerce editor Sarah Han likes that this formula is quite lightweight and fluid so it feels more akin to a serum — making it easier to spread one pump of the goodness down to her chest area.
Editor Tip: You'll see the best results if you use it twice a day — and following with sunscreen is critical for seeing results.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, phytoene, flaxseed extract | Who It's For: People with sagging or crepey skin
Thick & Luxurious: Crépe Erase Neck Cream
Why It's Worth It: Crépe Erase is most well-known for body care that addresses sagging skin and deep-set lines. If you find standard retinol a bit irritating, Crépe Erase's Neck Cream is formulated with encapsulated retinol, which means it slowly releases over time, increasing your skin's tolerance and minimizing the chances of redness and dryness. This is possible thanks to a protective layer made up of lipids or fatty acids that slowly dissolve and allow the retinol to absorb more deeply and readily into the skin.
Editor Tip: Because this formula is so rich, really take your time to massage the cream in an upward motion from your collarbone to jawline so it fully absorbs.
Key Ingredients: Encapsulated retinol, dill, apple, sage | Who It's For: People in their 40s and above who see visible lines and crepey skin (of course, younger people, e.g. those in their 30s, can use it as a preventative measure)
Best for Discoloration: Revision Skincare Nectifirm
Why It's Worth It: Dr. Wang says one of his all-time favorite neck creams is Revision Skincare's Nectifirm lotion because it absorbs quickly and contains nourishing ingredients like skin-firming peptides, hyperpigmentation-brightening vitamin C, and moisture-retaining vitamin E. "It provides a nice dose of antioxidants for a brightening effect," he says. Meanwhile, Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, also recommends this formula and calls out its inclusion of "red algae to lift and firm" in addition to the "superior blend of peptides" that'll boost skin elasticity.
Editor Tip: The brand also offers a more potent version of the formula, Nectifirm Advanced, to address intense signs of aging.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E | Who It's For: Those with sun damage
Best for Sensitive Skin: Drmtlgy Advanced Neck Firming Cream
Why It's Worth It: Drmtlgy's Advanced Neck Firming Cream is a super-soothing formula that's perfect for sensitive skin — and it's also fragrance-free. Five kinds of peptides play a key role when it comes to firming sagging skin and improving uneven texture, while three kinds of ceramides (NP, AP, and EOP) replenish lost moisture for smoother skin and filled-in necklines.
Editor Tip: Drmtlgy also offers a Hydration Booster 10X that you can apply beforehand to enhance the absorption of the neck cream.
Key Ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, vitamin E, shea butter, Indian lotus | Who It's For: People with sensitive skin and are concerned with uneven texture
Best for Fine Lines: Colorescience Pep Up Collagen Renewal Face & Neck Treatment
Why It's Worth It: Colorescience's Pep Up Collagen Renewal Face & Neck Treatment certainly gives your skin a "pep up" — both immediately (plumping) and in the long run (less visible fine lines). To thank for those results is a blend of peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid, all of which work in tandem to support the skin's own natural collagen production. After just a month or two of consistent use — depending on your age and genetics — you may notice a visible improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and even the firmness of your skin.
Editor Tip: The bottle has enough product for 60 days if used twice a day.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants | Who It's For: Those willing to commit
Best for Sensitive Skin: Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Neck Cream
Why It's Worth It: All skin types can enjoy Tatcha's Ageless Revitalizing Neck Cream because it omits synthetic fragrances and mineral oil from its formula. This nourishing cream gets its brightening, firming, and moisturizing abilities from vitamin C-rich peony extract and the brand's proprietary Hadasei-3. The latter is a complex made up of antioxidant-rich green tea and red algae extract along with moisturizing rice extract to significantly enhance the look of your skin.
Editor Tip: It comes with a gold spoon to keep the product in the jar clean.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, peony, green tea | Who It's For: Those with reactive skin
Best for Brightening Dull Skin: Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ Neck & Chest
Why It's Worth It: The Perricone MD Cold Plasma+ Neck & Chest is one of Dr. Wang's picks for its rich, soothing feel and niacinamide-spiked formula to brighten and moisturize skin. Plus, vitamin C (more specifically, a very stable version called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) and copper peptides offer loads of antioxidants to prevent photodamage. Worth noting: This cream does have broad-spectrum SPF 25, but you may want to wear a separate sunscreen with this moisturizer — as the American Academy of Dermatology suggests using formulas with a broad-spectrum rating of SPF 30 or higher.
Editor Tip: It has a whipped, non-greasy texture that feels comforting on the skin
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, niacinamide, copper peptides | Who It's For: People with dark spots or sun spots
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: iS Clinical Neck Perfect
Why It's Worth It: When it comes to the iS Clinical Neck Perfect, alpha hydroxy acids are the name of the game. This cream targets the look of fine lines and wrinkles while diminishing the appearance of dark spots with an AHA blend while salicylic acid provides added discoloration-improving exfoliation and antioxidants deliver protection from free radical damage. This intensive moisturizer also contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin for a plumper, suppler appearance.
Editor Tip: If you're prone to bumps and blemishes, the salicylic acid can help keep pores clear.
Key Ingredients: Alpha hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid | Who It's For: People who want both brightening and smoothing
Best with SPF: RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Chest, Neck & Face Cream
Why It's Worth It: Besides time, sun exposure is the primary culprit behind signs of skin aging, which is why daily sunscreen use is non-negotiable. Dr. Wang says RoC's Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Chest, Neck & Face Cream is a great choice because it moisturizes skin with glycerin and shea butter while shielding you from UV-induced sun damage with broad-spectrum SPF 30.
Editor Tip: As the name suggests, it can double as your daily daytime face moisturizer.
Key Ingredients: Hexyl-R Complex, shea butter, vitamin E | Who It's For: Anyone looking to streamline
Best Serum: Nécessaire The Neck Serum
Why It's Worth It: For those who want to create a whole routine for your neck and chest, we suggest slathering the moisturizing yet surprisingly lightweight Nécessaire The Neck Serum on before using neck cream Not only does it contain peptides to lift and firm the look of skin, but it's also infused with soothing rosewater to reduce inflammation and niacinamide to replenish moisture and even skin tone.
Editor Tip: The formula is hypoallergenic, making it an especially good option for those with sensitivities.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, rosewater | Who It's For: People seeking a lightweight option
Best for Dry Skin: Neocutis Neo Firm Neck & Décolleté Tightening Cream
Why It's Worth It: If you're looking to target dryness and fine lines on your neck and chest, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Arash Akhavan, MD, suggests adding the Neocutis Neo Firm Neck & Décolleté Tightening Cream to your routine. "This cream firms and tightens the neck and décolleté by diminishing the look of wrinkles with glycolic acid and leaving a more youthful look with enhanced collagen production and hydrated, smooth skin," he says.
Editor Tip: The brand's proprietary peptides boost the production of not one but three different types of collagen.
Key Ingredients: Peptides, glycolic acid, vitamin C | Who It's For: Those who need additional smoothing
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does neck skin age faster?
That's unfortunately by design. "The neck area has thin, sensitive skin compared to other parts of the body," Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, previously told Allure. "Combine that with gravity and the constant craning over smartphones, and it's an area uniquely at risk for fine lines and sagging." In other words, "tech neck" is very real.
When should I consult with a dermatologist?
If you've noticed any difference in skin laxity around your neck and chest area, Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist James Y. Wang, MD, of Metropolis Dermatology says, first and foremost, to consult a dermatologist for an evaluation of any inflammation, lumps, and nodules. He adds that significantly loose skin, like the so-called turkey neck, may require in-office interventions, but neck creams can still be beneficial for replenishing hydration and subtly decreasing the look of lines on the neck skin.
What over-the-counter treatments and ingredients should I look out for?
Retinol is a common additive because it promotes collagen production and therefore addresses the appearance of wrinkles and improves skin texture. "This can help with skin sagging, wrinkles, and some crepiness," Dr. Wang notes. "Since the neck is a sensitive area, the retinol concentrations tend to be low and the results are subtle." Peptides are a newer area of exploration for neck creams as it's frequently touted for their skin-firming benefits. Many neck creams also contain hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and squalane, to keep the skin smooth and plump.
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of neck creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors — in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon — is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
