We're all familiar with the products needed to firm the skin on our face. But what about our neck? Because we spend so much time on our computers and phones, the skin on our necks goes through a lot. (And you've been putting sunscreen on your neck too, right?) Contrary to popular belief, neck creams aren't just face creams disguised under a new name. "Neck creams are often thicker than facial creams and have ingredients in them to help lift and tighten the neck skin that loses collagen and elastin over time," says board-certified dermatologist Lily Talakoub. Show
While Talakoub says you can absolutely use your normal face cream on your neck, you should still really consider adding a targeted neck cream on top of it—especially if it contains certain active ingredients. "You should always be applying your facial creams on your neck if you don't have a separate neck cream," she Talakoub. "However anti-aging ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid may be much harsher and more irritating on your neck than on your face." New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Anthony Rossi adds that it's important to pay special attention to ingredients. "Since the neck can show signs of both intrinsic aging (laxity) and extrinsic aging (photodamage), it is best to use a moisturizer that has SPF 30 or above during the day, and then at night, use a thick hydrating and peptide based night regimen,” says Rossi. With the derms' advice in mind, we're sharing some of our all-time favorite neck creams, for both day and night. Thin, delicate skin on your neck is susceptible to signs of aging, including, sagging, spots, wrinkles, and dryness. If it’s not properly protected and managed, crepey skin on the neck can manifest, and no matter how youthful your face may look, your neck can make you look older than you really are. Byrdie Researched & Approved Our best overall pick is StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream PLUS a niacinamide-rich formula that contains Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex to boost skin elasticity and brightness while fighting the look of horizontal fine lines. For a more affordable option, consider RoC 5-in-1 Even Tone + Lift Chest, Neck & Face Cream with SPF 30, which provides your daily dose of SPF and contains Hexyl-R Complex to target discoloration, dryness, and fine lines. Neck care is often neglected. “The neck is an area that gets a lot of sun exposure because it’s often not covered, and we don’t always protect it as well as we protect our face,” explains New York City board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD. “It also has very little subcutaneous fat, so a loss of volume and increased skin laxity are particularly apparent. And because it has fewer, less active oil glands than the face, it can be more prone to dryness,” she adds. While you can, in theory, use any of the skincare products you’re using on your face on your neck, a dedicated neck cream is specially formulated for thin, delicate skin that's prone to crepe. We conducted hours of research on the best neck creams recommended by a dermatologist. We also took top-rated products out for a spin, evaluating each on active ingredient list, ability to tighten, fade dark spots, and minimize the appearance of lines and sagging. After considering dozens of neck creams, research insights, combined with King's recommendations, and third party reviews determined the products in this round-up. Ahead, find the best neck creams for a smoother neckline. Our Top Picks Best Overall: StriVectin Neck Cream at AmazonJump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Revision Skincare Nectifirm at AmazonJump to Review Best Drugstore: RoC 5-in-1 Neck & Face Cream with SPF 30 at AmazonJump to Review Best for Wrinkles: Prai Beauty Ageless Throat & Decolletage Creme at AmazonJump to Review Best for Toning: Dr. Brandt Skincare Needles No More Neck Cream at SephoraJump to Review Best Toning, Runner-Up: Emma Hardie Lift & Sculpt Firming Neck Treatment at AmazonJump to Review Best With SPF: Perricone MD Cold PlasmaJump to Review Best Splurge: SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream for Neck and Décolleté at AmazonJump to Review Best Natural: Elina Organics Cleopatra Neck Cream at Elinaorganicsskincare.comJump to Review Best for Crepey Skin: Alastin Restorative Neck Complex at AmazonJump to Review In This Article Expand
Best OverallStriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream PLUS4.7 Amazon View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta What We Like
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Who else recommends it? Cosmopolitan, Allure, and CNN all picked StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream. What do buyers say? 75% of 4,700+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. There’s a lot to love about this best-selling neck cream, which is why we’re ranking it number one out of the bunch. First, the formula recently got an upgrade and now includes the unique Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex, which not only improves the elasticity of the skin on the neck but also lifts and helps minimize the look of horizontal fine lines, perfect for combatting the appearance of tech neck. But it doesn’t stop there: The brand’s patented niacinamide-based NIA-114 technology helps to strengthen the skin barrier, which is key for keeping easily-irritated neck skin in check. In addition to being supremely hydrating, niacinamide also helps to minimize dark spots and even out the skin’s tone. This cream supplies everything you could ever want and need to address all of your neck issues in one convenient jar. It may be on the pricier end of the spectrum, but for targeting multiple concerns in one fell swoop, we’d say it’s worth the splurge. Price at time of publish: $95 Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, shea butter | Benefits: Strengthens the skin barrier, minimizes dark spots, and instantly hydrates and tightens | Dosage: Thin layer in AM and PM | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Best Overall, Runner-UpRevision Skincare NectifirmView On Amazon View On Dermstore What We Like
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This formula contains antioxidants, youth-boosting peptides, and plant extracts to help the skin appear firmer and lifted, reduce the appearance of rough and crepey skin, and decrease the look of fine lines and wrinkles. “This is a great option for firming the appearance of the skin of the neck and décolletage,” says King. Price at time of publish: $98 Active Ingredients: Peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E | Benefits: Reduces appearance of adipose tissue and rough, creepy skin | Dosage: 1 to 2 pumps twice a day | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No You can even apply it along your jawline to firm up that area as well. The formula is more lightweight than others in the round-up, and it absorbs into skin quickly. Best DrugstoreRoC 5-in-1 Chest, Neck & Face Cream with SPF 30View On Amazon What We Like
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It’s generally pretty tough to find a neck cream at the drugstore, making this all the more noteworthy. Its non-comedogenic formula can be used on the face as well. it’s also really hydrating and contains SPF protection. Price at time of publish: $30 Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Benefits: Clinically proven to reduce dark spots and discoloration, improve the look of elasticity, restore radiance, hydrate, and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles in just 4 weeks | Dosage: A layer 15 minutes before sun exposure and every 2 hours while outside | Size: 1.7 ounces | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No The 17 Best Wrinkle Creams of 2022 Best for WrinklesPrai Beauty Ageless Throat & Decolletage CremeView On Amazon View On Hsn.com View On Praibeauty.com What We Like
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This daily cream, the brand’s number one best-seller, contains a proprietary Sepilift technology to boost collagen and restore elasticity, plus hyaluronic acid. You’ll start to see some results in as little as seven days, a major win for those of us who are seriously impatient. Price at time of publish: $45 Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, squalane | Benefits: Creates a long-lasting barrier to lock in moisture, restores elasticity, and diminishes discoloration | Dosage: Pea-sized amount twice a day| Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Best for ToningDr. Brandt Skincare Needles No More Neck Sculpting CreamCourtesy of Sephora View On Sephora What We Like
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An included gua sha stone encourages adding gentle massage to your neck cream routine, to help tone the area. The cream is packed with ingredients that help improve skin firmness and combat puffiness—caffeine, guarana extract, spirulina. Price at time of publish: $95 Active Ingredients: Caffeine, guarana, extract, spirulina | Benefits: Leaves the look of your neck and jawline more lifted, sculpted, and smoother while increasing the feeling of firmness | Dosage: Pea-sized amount as needed | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes The 10 Best Gua Sha Tools of 2022 Best Toning, Runner-UpEmma Hardie Lift & Sculpt Firming Neck TreatmentView On Amazon View On Spacenk.com What We Like
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The formula is packed with hyaluronic acid, rosehip seed oil, and a proprietary ingredient that helps boost collagen production. But what really gets us excited is the application method. It comes with a roller tip that makes it super easy to apply the lightweight lotion in upward strokes along your neck, further enhancing the lifting and sculpting effects. Price at time of publish: $77 Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, rosehip seed oil | Benefits: Helps to firm, lift and tighten the skin on the neck and décolleté while boosting collagen and elastin | Dosage: Small amount as needed | Size: 1.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Best With SPFPerricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck Chest SPF 25Amazon View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Ulta What We Like
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This SPF-formula helps prevent future damage and treats signs of skin aging with alpha-lipoic acid, known to boost collagen production. Niacinamide helps fade discoloration and strengthens skin barrier health, while glycerin keeps the formula lightweight enough for easy absorption. Price at time of publish: $65 Active Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, alpha-lipoic acid | Benefits: Visibly smooths crepey, fragile skin, reduces the appearance of sagging and wrinkles, and visibly firms the neck | Dosage: Pat a small amount in AM and PM | Size: 1 ounce | SPF: 25 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No The 12 Best Moisturizers With SPF of 2022 Best SplurgeSkinMedica Neck Correct Cream for Neck and DécolletéView On Amazon View On Dermstore View On Skinstore.com What We Like
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This serum-like cream, fortified with peptides to boost production of collagen and antioxidants to protect from free radical damage has a remarkable texture that melts into skin without feeling greasy. Reviewers note results include the improved appearance of creping skin. Price at time of publish: $122 Active Ingredients: Rice protein, shiitake mushroom extract, antioxidants, peptides | Benefits: Encourages dermal thickness and elasticity and protects from free radicals | Dosage: A good amount in AM and PM | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Best NaturalElina Organics Cleopatra Neck CreamCourtesy of Elina Organics View On Elinaorganicsskincare.com What We Like
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There are no questionable chemicals or synthetic fragrances to be found in this cream, which instead uses a litany of natural and organic ingredients. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and mandelic acid fades discoloration and gently exfoliates. Silk peptides, reishi mushroom extract, and blue-green algae hydrate and condition. Price at time of publish: $34 for .5 oz Active Ingredients: Mandelic acid, colloidal gold, silk peptides, reishi mushroom | Benefits: Stimulates collagen, reduced wrinkles, accelerates cell turnover and removes dead ones, and fights discoloration | Dosage: 1 to 3 pumps once or twice a day | Size: 2 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Best for Crepey SkinAlastin Restorative Neck ComplexView On Amazon View On Alastin.com What We Like
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This is another top pick of f King, who lauds it for the use of the brand’s patented TrixHex technology that helps to simultaneously boost the production of new collagen and elastin while also helping to clear out old and damaged collagen and elastin. As such, she says it’s great for improving the appearance of both crepey skin and fine lines; as an added benefit, it also reduces the look of redness and discoloration. It's also a bit on the pricey side, but you only need to use one pump per use. Price at time of publish: $89 Active Ingredients: Peptide technology, antioxidants | Benefits: Addresses crepey skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and photo-aged discoloration on the neck and décolleté area | Dosage: 1 pump in AM and PM| Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No Best Multi-TaskingDermalogica Neck Fit Contour SerumUlta View On Amazon View On Ulta View On Dermstore What We Like
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The formula contains antioxidants and anti-aging peptides and a resurrection plant-inspired polysaccharide to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier, smooth, and tighten, Rambutan extract, which has effects similar to retinol, helps to diminish the appearance of wrinkles. Price at time of publish: $85 Active Ingredients: Peptides, antioxidants, plant-based retinol alternative | Benefits: Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles while toning skin over time and visibly lifts and sculpts | Dosage: A good amount in AM and PM | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Best Retinol-AlternativebareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Neck CreamUlta View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Ulta What We Like
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Retinol is undoubtedly one of the best anti-aging ingredients out there for both the face and neck, but the irksome side effects that come with it can be even more likely on the neck. “Because the skin of the neck is thin and contains fewer oil glands compared to the face, the neck may get irritated more easily by ingredients like retinol,” explains King. That’s why we appreciate that this alternative relies on a natural, plant-based retinol alternative to help deliver similar wrinkle-smoothing effects without the accompanying redness, dryness, or irritation. Peptides further up the anti-aging ante, while hyaluronic acid leaves it nice and hydrating. Price at time of publish: $52 Active Ingredients: Phyto-retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid | Benefits: Clinically shown to dramatically reduce wrinkles and crepiness while smoothing skin in just 1 week | Dosage: Good amount in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Best for HyperpigmentationUrban Skin Rx Even Tone Night TreatmentCourtesy of Urban Skin View On Amazon View On Urbanskinrx.com What We Like
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If hyperpigmentation is a concern, this hydroquinone-free formula boasts three different active ingredients to target and fade discoloration without irritation. This day and night treatment glides on smooth and absorbs easily. Price at time of publish: $58 Active Ingredients: Niacinamide, bakuchiol, kojic acid | Benefits: Clinically proven to fade discoloration and hyperpigmentation | Dosage: Good amount in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes Final VerdictOur best overall pick is StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream PLUS a niacinamide-rich formula that contains Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex to boost skin elasticity and brightness while fighting the look of horizontal fine lines. For a more affordable option, consider RoC 5-in-1 Even Tone + Lift Chest, Neck & Face Cream with SPF 30, which provides your daily dose of SPF and contains Hexyl-R Complex to target discoloration, dryness, and fine lines. Meet the Expert
What to Look for in a Neck CreamCollagen-Boosting IngredientsWhen it comes to effective neck creams, you should look for ones with ingredients that stimulate collagen production while protecting the skin. Plastic surgeon John Diaz, MD recommends retinol available over the counter to help stimulate collagen. “This can even reverse some of the fine lines and wrinkles on your neck,” he says. To protect the delicate skin on your neck from free radicals and damage, look for complexion-boosting ingredients like vitamins C and E. Hydrating and Reparative IngredientsOf course, ample hydration is also the key to a healthy and youthful neck. As dermatologist Rebecca Baxt , MD explains, hydrating ingredients can help smooth the surface, so lines and wrinkles appear less noticeable. One to look for? Hyaluronic acid, which will help your skin retain moisture and should diminish your neck’s crepey appearance while lending a subtle plumping effect. Diaz also recommends looking for various peptides in the ingredients list: “They’re proteins that are essential to your skin’s growth and repair,” he says. “Using them provides your skin with the building blocks it needs to restore its youthful appearance.” Non-Irritating FormulasWhile all skin from the chest up is especially delicate, the skin on your neck and chest is much different than the skin on your face. “It's slightly thinner than on the face and has less naturally occurring oils,” he says. “This makes it more prone to redness and irritation.” That said, you should check to make sure whatever cream you choose to use in this area won’t irritate sensitive skin. Opt for formulas that are free of fragrance, dyes, preservatives, and essential oils. FAQ
How We Researched & Tested
Why Trust ByrdieByrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Now that she’s in her 30s, she’s become even more diligent about taking care of the skin on places like her hands, chest, and yes, neck. A neck cream is now a non-negotiable part of her skincare routine. She consulted with a plastic surgeon and two dermatologists to consider products for this roundup. The 21 Best Face Serums of 2022 Updated by Jill Di Donato Article Sources Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
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