12 Best Neck Firming Creams That Really Work, Per Lab Imaging Tests
We took 201 before-and-after clinical photos of testers to find the the formulas that tighten saggy skin.
Tested by Danusia WnekSenior Chemist
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The neck isn't something most of us pay much attention to until one day we look in the mirror and realize the skin under our chin is suddenly looking a little lax and lines have appeared where there once were none. Yikes! It's not your imagination: "The skin on your neck is thinner than the skin on your face and has a lack of collagen compared to other areas of the body,” says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City.
That's why “you start to see crepiness earlier on the neck, especially if you haven’t protected it with sunscreen, as UV rays can break down collagen,” adds Sabrina Fabi, M.D., a dermatologist at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in San Diego. “On the other hand, horizontal neck lines are a natural part of the anatomy where skin attaches to the underlying muscle, and with time, skin starts to sag, folding over the lines.”
You may also notice laxity, including a double chin (which can be genetic) and jowls (the dreaded turkey neck) along the jawline, Dr. Fabi says. Dryness can be an issue, too. "Neck skin is super thin because it has fewer oil glands, meaning it needs more moisture than the face," says Neda Mehr, M.D., a dermatologist and founder of Pure Dermatology Cosmetic and Hair Center in Newport Beach, California. "Since dry skin leads to fine lines and wrinkles, hydration is key for the neck area."
Our top picks
- Best Overall: No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum
- Best Value: RoC Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift Night Cream
- Best for Dry Skin: Fresh Black Tea Firming Corset Cream
- Best for Wrinkles: NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream
Thankfully, there are specific anti-aging treatments that target this area (which I started using daily as soon as I noticed neck lines!). "Neck creams are typically thicker than face creams and are formulated with specific ingredients to help tighten and smooth the loose, crepey skin that occurs with age due to collagen and elastin loss," Dr. Mehr explains.
To find the ones that really work, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty and Personal Care Lab scientists tested neck creams in the Lab using technical instruments and on 70 consumer testers, analyzing 901 before-and-after clinical images and tester responses. We also consulted dermatologist experts for their recommendations on other effective neck creams—read on for all of our top-rated picks!
Best Deal
Pros
- Visibly tightened and firmed skin in before-and-after clinical imaging
- Soaks in quickly
- Can be used on face and neck
Cons
- A few testers noted irritation
What made it a winner: The top performer in the GH Beauty Lab's neck cream test, this lightweight No7 serum with collagen-boosting retinoids and peptides was a heavy hitter for firming, outperforming the others. Saggy necks, take note: Before-and-after images taken with high-resolution professional photography showed the most improvement in tightening and lifting neck skin over 12 weeks (below: before, left, and after, right). The formula is made to be used on both the neck and full face.
Testers said: Consumer testers voted the drugstore buy the fastest-absorbing and most appealing in texture. “This made my neck more firm,” one commented. Another user noticed that her "jawline is firmer." A heads up for those with sensitive skin: a few users reported that it irritated their skin
| Main ingredients | Retinyl palmitate, peptides |
| Key benefits | Firming, lifting |
| Size | 1 oz. |
Pros
- Increased skin firmness by 32% in Lab tests
- Reduced wrinkles by 8% in Lab imaging tests
- Lightweight and fast-absorbing
- Can be used on face and neck
Cons
- Not as moisturizing as other formulas
What made it a winner: This drugstore bargain night cream from RoC, which can be used on the neck, excelled at firming and smoothing skin in GH Beauty Lab testing. It increased skin firmness by 32% over four weeks of use in calculations with the Cutometer device, which gauges skin laxity. The formula also reduced the look of wrinkles by 8% per digital imaging with the Visia Complexion Analyzer. (A downside: It didn't hydrate skin as well in a test with the Corneometer, which measures skin moisture levels.)
Tester said: Users loved its lightweight texture that absorbed quickly. They raved about the visible results. "I noticed a difference in just three days," one marveled. "My skin looked firmer, smoother, and brighter, with wrinkles decreased."
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| Main ingredients | Shea butter, vitamin C, hexylresorcinol |
| Key benefits | Smoothing, firming |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Visibly reduces neck lines in Lab digital imaging
- Makes skin feel and look moisturized
- Rich formula
Cons
- Texture may be too heavy for daytime
What made it a winner: This luxurious Fresh cream for face and neck, made with exotic botanical extracts like black tea, goji berry, and lychee, as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid, was the most loved among testers in the GH Beauty Lab's neck cream test. They gave the formula top points for making skin look and feel hydrated, and it scored well for visibly smoothing neck lines in clinical photo evaluations (below: before, left, and after, right).
Testers said: “I definitely see a difference in my neck,” one commented. “My skin looks much more even and brighter,” a second said. While many users loved the rich, creamy texture, a few noted it was too thick for daytime application.
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| Main ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, peptides |
| Key benefits | Minimizing neck lines, moisturizing |
| Size | 1.6 oz. |
Pros
- Visibly reduces lines in before-and-after clinical imaging
- Softens skin
- Appealing non-greasy formula
Cons
- Not as lifting as other formulas
What made it a winner: Tackle even stubborn neck lines with NeoStrata’s peptide cream, which earned the highest marks for smoothing wrinkles in the GH Beauty Lab’s neck cream test. It was the best of all products evaluated at minimizing the look of testers’ neck lines and wrinkles in Lab digital imaging (below: before, left, and after, right), although it may not give as much lift as others.
Testers said: Users gave it high marks for making skin feel moisturized and for its texture, which they praised for being "non-greasy." The formula “improved my neck—I love it!” one commented. “Both my neck and my décolletage looked smoother,” another reported.
| Main ingredients | Vitamin E, shea butter, amino acids |
| Key benefits | Wrinkle reduction |
| Size | 2.8 oz. |
Pros
- Softens and smooths skin
- Contains hydrating and anti-aging ingredients
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- Scent isn't appealing
What makes it a winner: GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler uses this Paula's Choice cream on her neck and body; she loves that the rich formula contains retinol, a top anti-aging ingredient, at a gentle but effective concentration of 0.1%.
Expert says: "I found that it made my skin feel softer and smoother with regular use," she says. "It has a very emollient texture, thanks to the included shea butter, grapeseed oil, and evening primrose oil, which are super moisturizing and help counteract the dryness that retinol may cause." However, she isn't a fan of the fact that it's fragrance-free, "so it smells like its ingredients, which I don’t prefer."
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| Main ingredients | Retinol, shea butter, grapeseed oil, evening primrose oil |
| Key benefits | Firming, smoothing |
| Size | 4 oz. |
Pros
- Helps firm lax skin
- Smooths crepey texture
- Dermatologist favorite
Cons
- Pricey
What makes it a winner: If you have that telltale skin crepeiness and looseness known as "turkey neck" or even a double chin, turn to this SkinBetter Science neck cream, recommended by both Dr. Mehr and Jeremy Brauer, M.D., clinical associate professor at the New York University Department of Dermatology in New York City.
Expert says: While the treatment is an investment, "it not only improves the appearance of laxity and crepeiness, but also hydrates the skin, increasing its suppleness," Dr. Mehr explains.
| Main ingredients | Niacinamide, peptides, vitamin E |
| Key benefits | Firming, smoothing |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Helps firm skin
- Smooths crepey texture
- Dermatologist favorite
Cons
- Pump dispenser malfunctioned for some
What makes it a winner: Dr. Brauer recommends this Revision Skincare neck treatment, made with eight types of firming peptides. While it boasts powerful anti-aging ingredients, it is on the pricier side. (Be aware that some users reported issues with the pump dispenser being faulty.)
Expert says: "Ingredients like peptides can help improve skin's structure and support collagen," he explains.
| Main ingredients | Peptides, vitamin C |
| Key benefits | Smoothing, firming |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Softens, firms, and reduces wrinkles
- Soaks in fast
- Appealing scent
- Works on face and neck
- Contains SPF
Cons
- Some testers reported breakouts
What made it a winner: One of the best formulas in the GH Beauty Lab's anti-aging day cream test at smoothing skin texture, this moisturizer from RoC, which can be used on the neck as well, protects skin with broad spectrum SPF 30. It ranked the highest in the test at firming, reducing wrinkles, and softening skin.
Testers said: They loved that it absorbed quickly and had a nice scent, but a few found it caused breakouts. "It made my skin feel plump, smooth, and glowing, and it smells so good," a tester remarked.
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| Main ingredients | Vitamin C, glycerin, SPF 30 |
| Key benefits | Firming, reducing wrinkles |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Minimizes the look of neck bands
- Makes skin feel tighter
- Non-irritating
Cons
- Pricey
What makes it a winner: Packed with smoothing peptides, SkinMedica's neck cream is a GH beauty editor holy grail. (The brand's TNS Recovery Complex is also one of Dr. Fabi's recommendations for an effective alternative to retinol treatments; it contains high levels of human growth factors to reduce wrinkles on the face and neck without irritation.)
Experts say: "This product has noticeably reduced the band-like lines around my neck and made the skin feel tighter over time," GH's beauty director notes. "The formula is gentle, and although it's expensive, the bottle lasts a long time." Grace Wu, a GH Institute product analyst, is also a fan, especially of the texture. "I love the gel consistency—my skin feels instantly hydrated and softer when I use this neck cream," she says.
| Main ingredients | Peptides |
| Key benefits | Line smoothing, firming |
| Size | 2 oz. |
Pros
- Gentle on reactive skin
- Smooths texture
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Expensive
What makes it a winner: Alastin's anti-aging neck treatment recommended by Dr. Brauer is hypoallergenic and made with ingredients to replenish sensitive skin. To treat redness and sensitivity in the neck area, "look for ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides," he suggests. Though it is on the more expensive side, the formula also contains peptides to help firm.
Expert says: "It makes my neck look smoother and less obviously horizontally lined, maybe a little tighter," said GH Health Director Stephanie Dolgoff. "It is not thick and goopy, so it doesn't build up, and has no scent, which is a plus for me.”
Features at a Glance
| Main ingredients | Niacinamide, ceramides, peptides |
| Key benefits | Replenishing, firming |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Neck and Decollete Firm and Repair Cream
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Neck and Decollete Firm and Repair Cream
Pros
- Concentrated treatment ingredients
- Nourishes crepey skin
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- May be too thick for some
What makes it a winner: Dr. Engelman calls this Elizabeth Arden treatment one of her favorites. The neck cream is rich in peptides, plant oils, and shea butter to fortify lax skin on both the neck and chest area.
Users say: It "does take away the crepiness in the lines," one reported. A drawback is some users commented that the consistency was too thick for them.
| Main ingredients | Antioxidant idebenone, retinol, hyaluronic acid |
| Key benefits | Firming, lifting |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
Pros
- Cooling massaging applicator
- Makes skin feel hydrated
Cons
- Some reviewers didn't notice results for a while
What makes it a winner: Infused with peptides, this unique StriVectin tightening neck serum claims to visibly tighten skin and smooth lines on the neck. Plus, it has a special metal rollerball applicator to soothe skin as you apply.
Expert says: "The formula felt extremely moisturizing, and I loved the cooling massage roller—it felt so nice on my skin," says GH's former beauty assistant. While most reviewers noted the speedy results, a few felt they didn't see the effects for some time.
RELATED: Best Skin Tightening Creams That Measurably Firm Your Face
Features at a Glance
| Key benefits | Peptides |
| Main ingredients | Skin softening, soothing |
| Size | 1.7 oz. |
How we test neck creams
In the GH Beauty Lab's neck cream test, scientists used high-resolution clinical photography to assess visible changes in wrinkle appearance and skin firmness on the neck before and after 12 weeks of product use (pictured below).
The panel of 70 consumer testers ages 45 to 74 evaluated the label-masked neck creams during the 12-week time period on factors like texture, irritation, scent, absorption, and how skin looked and felt after application.
Finally, GH Beauty Lab experts combined the results of the 201 professional before-and-after images and 700 tester responses to identify the top-performing neck creams.
A side-by-side photo of a woman's neck before and after using the NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream for 12 weeks in the GH Beauty Lab's neck cream test.
What to look for in the best neck firming creams
You can use your regular anti-aging treatments on your neck, but products formulated for the neck tend to be gentler on skin and contain targeted ingredients. "The purpose of neck creams and treatments is similar to those for skin of the face, to maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin, including the integrity of the skin's barrier function and moisture, while attempting to protect against and repair environmental damage," Dr. Brauer says. "Neck creams that contain ingredients to support the skin barrier and hydration, peptides, and antioxidants can help in retaining moisture and address damage." In addition, topicals containing retinol may stimulate collagen formation, aiding in the improvement of laxity and fine lines, he notes.
Seek out these key ingredients for specific issues to find an effective neck cream that addresses your skin's needs, dermatologists suggest:
✔️ Peptides and retinol, to help boost skin's collagen production, improving skin's smoothness and firmness. (Note that because retinol can cause redness and irritation, avoid it if you have sensitive skin, advises GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek.)
✔️ Antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, to help repair and prevent signs of aging like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
✔️ Growth factors, because "the neck doesn’t have as many stem cells for skin to create more collagen, so growth factors give skin cells signals to produce it,” Dr. Fabi says.
✔️ Hydrators, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, and natural oils, to combat skin dryness.
✔️ Anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients, including niacinamide, ceramides, and green tea, if you are prone to sensitivity.
✔️ Sunscreen, which should be applied on your neck and chest to protect against sun damage. Opt for a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ face sunscreen. “Sunscreen filters UVA and UVB rays to prevent them from breaking down collagen, which can cause sagging,” Dr. Fabi explains.
Do neck firming creams really work?
Yes—to an extent. In GH Beauty Lab testing, some neck creams and treatments (like the winners above) have produced visible and measurable results in firming and smoothing neck skin. But consistency is key: The products were used daily for twelve weeks for best results.
That said, there's no such thing as a neck lift in a bottle: "You shouldn't expect miracles from topical neck treatments," Wnek says. "If you are looking for a drastic change, you may want to visit a dermatologist or plastic surgeon." And remember, daily habits can have an effect too: Laxity of the neck skin is happening earlier than ever thanks to "tech neck" from looking at our phones repeatedly, Dr. Engelman says.
What's the best way to apply a neck cream?
Most neck creams and treatments are applied once or twice daily, in the morning and/or evening. "Read the product label and follow the instructions carefully," Wnek says. "Stop product use or skip a day or two in between if you experience redness or irritation."
Along with a neck firming cream, products like moisturizers “can also be used to help thicken papery skin,” Dr. Engelman adds. Most importantly, always follow a neck treatment by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher to the neck skin as well, which "is a must to help minimize sun damage that can prevent signs of aging in the first place," Dr. Brauer explains.
Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty and Personal Care Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 15 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and performance testing. The number one skincare rule she lives by: never go to bed with makeup on.
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