Treat the skin below your chin.
If your serums, moisturizers, and skin elixirs halt at the jawline area, you may want to rethink that. Your neck deserves just as much care. In fact, the neck skin is very delicate and can show signs of aging before anything else, so you’ll want to keep it as hydrated as possible. Plus, according to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., the neck gets a lot of sun exposure because it’s often not as well protected as the face and body.
In theory, you can use any of your face products on your neck, but a specialized neck cream may be better suited for the delicate skin prone to crepiness and horizontal lines. We conducted hours of research and considered dozens of products for this definitive list of neck creams, considering each one based on active ingredients and the ability to tighten sagging skin, address lines, and fade dark spots. After consulting with dermatologists and a plastic surgeon on what ingredients to look out for and considerations to be aware of, we narrowed our list of the best neck creams ahead.
Best Overall
StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, bearberry leaf extract | Dosage: Thin layer in AM and PM | Size: 0.25, 1, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
There’s a lot to love about this best-selling neck cream. The formula recently got an upgrade to feature a unique patented ingredient complex containing peptides, which the brand says can improve the elasticity of the skin around the neck (such as sagging) and help minimize the look of horizontal fine lines. The formula also features niacinamide and ceramides to minimize dark spots and even out the skin tone.1 We had to see what all the hype was about, so we tried this one for ourselves. Notable discoveries included immediate results like a soft, supple feeling and a blurring effect, as well as long-term results like a smoother, more radiant appearance. It’s pricey but well worth the splurge since it targets multiple concerns at once.
Best With Retinol
SkinCeuticals Neck Repair
Key Ingredients: 0.2% retinol, tripeptide concentrate, glaucine complex | Dosage: Small amount in PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If you’re looking for a medical-grade neck cream formulated by dermatologists, SkinCeuticals Neck Repair is your winner. The product leans on retinol, a star anti-aging skincare ingredient that targets lines, wrinkles, and sagging at every stage—from premature, early, and advanced. This formula specifically contains 0.2% retinol (a relatively mild dose) and a 0.25% tri-peptide concentrate to minimize the look of necklines and wrinkles, and once your skin builds up the resistance for everyday use (give it some time to work), expect enhanced firmness and smooth skin around your neck. We suggest slowly integrating this product into your routine once or twice a week rather than diving in and using it every single night. Make sure to protect your neck with SPF every morning that follows.
Best Splurge
SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream
Key Ingredients: Rice protein, shiitake mushroom extract, antioxidants, peptides | Dosage: A good amount in AM and PM | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This super potent serum-like cream from SkinMedica is fortified with peptides (to boost the production of collagen)2 and antioxidants (to protect the skin from free radical damage). It has a remarkable, luxurious texture that melts into the skin without feeling greasy. One thing to note: It can be irritating to those with sensitive skin, so we suggest using it once a week initially. Besides that, another added benefit of this neck cream is that it targets discoloration and is suitable for individuals looking to moisturize the neck area post-procedure.
Best Firming
Revision Skincare Nectifirm
Key Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps twice a day | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
The skin on your neck and décolletage ages differently than the skin on your face—and in some cases, this can lead to lack of firmness. This unique formula from Revision Skincare contains antioxidants, youth-boosting peptides,2 and plant extracts to help sagging, uneven-toned, and crepey skin look a lot less noticeable. “This is a great option for firming the appearance of the skin of the neck and décolletage,” says Dr. King. “You can even apply it along your jawline to firm up that area as well.” The formula is more lightweight than others we’ve tried, which makes it a great choice for those with oily skin or an aversion to rich formulas.
Best for Face, Neck, and Chest
RoC Multi Correxion Even Tone + Lift Chest, Neck & Face Cream SPF 30
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Dosage: A layer 15 minutes before sun exposure and every 2 hours while outside | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No
This formula from RoC has been clinically shown to reduce dark spots and discoloration, improve elasticity, and restore radiance—all while reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. What’s more, it doubles as a noncomedogenic face cream and contains SPF for protection from your forehead down to your chest. Just be careful when applying it as it can stain clothing.
Best Retinol Alternative
bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Neck Cream
Key Ingredients: Phyto-retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid | Dosage: Good amount in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Retinol is undoubtedly one of the best anti-aging ingredients for both the face and neck, but it can have irksome side effects when initially incorporating it into your skincare and neck care routine (think irritation, redness, and dryness). “Because neck skin is thin and contains fewer oil glands compared to the face, the neck may get irritated more easily by ingredients like retinol,” explains Dr. King. However, this retinol-alternative neck cream formula relies on plant-based phyto-retinol, which helps deliver similar wrinkle-smoothing effects without the accompanying aftershock of redness, dryness, or irritation. Peptides further up the anti-aging ante, while hyaluronic acid leaves the skin nice and hydrated. Because it comes in a glass jar, you’ll need to be extra careful when handling it.
Best With SPF
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, alpha-lipoic acid | Dosage: Pat in a small amount in AM | Size: 1 oz | SPF: 25 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This SPF 25 formula from Perricone MD treats signs of skin aging with alpha-lipoic acid (an ingredient known to boost collagen production),3 while niacinamide helps fade discoloration and strengthen the skin barrier. It has a lightweight consistency that absorbs easily and we love that it targets sun damage and photo-aging while it sinks in. The only thing we’re iffy about is the size of the jar (it’s one ounce), given the price point.
Best for Dryness
Alastin Restorative Neck Complex
Key Ingredients: TriHex Technology, plantain leaf, flax seed extract | Dosage: Cover neck and décolleté in product twice daily, AM and PM | Size: 1.7 oz | SPF: None | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Restore your neck’s youthful vitality with Alastin’s Restorative Neck Complex. The brand’s patented TriHex Technology—which is enriched with peptides, plantain leaf, and flax seed extract—targets redness, firms crepey skin, and deeply hydrates dryness. The addition of hyaluronic acid plumps and firms skin, ensuring it stays moisturized (and never tight or leathery), which is key for those experiencing dryness.
Best for Hyperpigmentation
Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Day & Night Treatment
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, kojic acid, glycolic Acid | Dosage: As much as needed to cover neck in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If hyperpigmentation (aka dark spots or uneven skin tone) is a concern, this formula from Urban Skin Rx can help. It boasts three gentle active ingredients (namely, niacinamide, bakuchiol, and kojic acid) to target and fade discoloration. It’s intended for both day and night use, so thankfully, it has a smooth formula that glides on effortlessly and absorbs easily. Because of the active ingredients, some say the formula oxidizes and changes color over time. So keep that in mind, and make use of the product while it’s in its prime state.
Best for Wrinkles
Renée Rouleau Intensive Firming Neck Creme
Key Ingredients: Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract, peptides, algae extract, apple fruit extract | Dosage: Thin layer in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For firm skin, listen up: the Intensive Firming Neck Creme by Renée Rouleau lifts, depuffs, and smooths the décolleté and neck area without the dread of intensely irritating actives. The formula is loaded with saccharomyces cerevisiae extract (an antioxidant-rich ingredient that improves moisture retention), peptides, depuffing algae extract, and apple fruit extract (which promotes healthy cell renewal). For best results, the brand recommends using this cream a few times a week to encourage cellular turnover for more youthful-looking skin. Note: If you’re sensitive to fragrance, you should know it contains a subtle vanilla scent.
Best Tightening
goPure Tighten & Lift Neck Cream
Key Ingredients: Redyless, vexel-SP, matribust | Dosage: Thin layer in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
In our research, we found that goPure’s Tighten & Lift Neck cream has left quite the impression on those looking to treat crepey skin around the neck, with anecdotes from users spanning from anywhere between two weeks and four months of progress pictures, all showing the impact this neck cream has on skin near the horizontal neck folds. Its proprietary ingredient, vexel-SP, is what particularly treats what the brand calls “slackening” skin, working to tone and improve elasticity in the skin over time.
Best Serum
Nécessaire The Neck Serum
Key Ingredients: Rosewater, niacinamide, peptides | Dosage: Thin layer in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Seeking out a neck care extraordinaire without the rich consistency many neck creams tend to have? The Neck Serum sinks deep into fine lines while feeling breathable. With ingredients like peptides, rose water, and niacinamide, this formula soothes on contact and strengthens sagging and dull skin sans residue.
Best for Crepey Skin
Neostrata Triple Firming Anti-Aging Neck Cream
Key Ingredients: MicroDiPeptide229, neoglucosamine, bakuchiol | Dosage: Thin layer in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 2.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
NeoStrata’s Triple Firming Neck Cream is formulated with a proprietary peptide-forward technology that firms and tightens crepey skin. It leans on elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen to hydrate the skin and improve the look of sagging, rough skin. Also nice: It’s gentle enough for daytime and nighttime use.
What to Look for in a Neck Cream
- Collagen-Stimulating Ingredients: When it comes to neck creams, you should look for formulas with ingredients that stimulate collagen production. Plastic surgeon Dr. John Diaz, M.D., recommends retinol (either over the counter or prescribed by a dermatologist) to help stimulate collagen. “Retinol can reverse some of the fine lines and wrinkles on your neck,” he says.
- Other Ingredients: To protect the delicate skin on your neck from free radicals and damage, look for complexion-boosting antioxidants like vitamins C and E. Ample hydration is also the key to a healthy and youthful-looking neck. By opting for neck cream formulas with hyaluronic acid and peptides, you’ll help your neck retain moisture, lending a plumping effect, and diminishing your neck’s crepey appearance. “Peptides are proteins that are essential to your skin’s growth and repair; by using them in addition to hyaluronic acid, your skin receives the building blocks it needs to restore its youthful appearance,” says Dr. Diaz.
- Nonirritating Formulas: The skin on your neck and chest is much different than the already-delicate skin on your face. “It’s slightly thinner than on the face and has less naturally occurring oils,” Dr. Diaz explains. “This makes it more prone to redness and irritation.” Prioritize formulas that are free of fragrance, dyes, preservatives, and essential oils. If you’re looking for potency without the irritation, retinol alternatives, such as bakuchiol, are great for those with more sensitive skin too.
FAQ
- Are neck creams necessary?Yes, they are. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Baxt, M.D., some people will take good care of their face but will look older from the neck down. “That said, it’s important to treat the delicate skin of the neck and chest with the same care and attention you give to your face.”
- Do firming neck creams really work?“Long-lasting results can only be achieved with consistent daily use and care,” Dr. Diaz says. “This is because your skin cells have a cycle of growth and renewal, which takes a minimum of four weeks. Several cycles of renewal must be completed for a total transformation.”
- Can you use face cream on the neck?Dr. Diaz notes the skin on the neck is slightly thinner and more prone to redness and irritation than your face, so creams formulated specifically for the neck and chest tend to be much gentler. While it’s best to reach for a neck cream, you can use your favorite face cream below the chin—just make sure it doesn’t contain any harsh or irritating ingredients.