The 14 Best Neck Creams for Firming and Tightening in 2023

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collage of the best neck creams including skinceutical
(Image credit: Future)

Look up. Now look down. Look side to side. Great! That's what we're here to talk about—the best neck creams for all that head-turning movement. Whether you're at yoga, the office, or even just crossing the street, your neck moves constantly, and each motion contributes to wrinkles that form in its folds every day. And with the amount of time we spend staring at our phones, it's no wonder that even 20 and 30-somethings are noticing more fine lines, sagging skin, and neck wrinkles. Given that we're so dedicated to firming and tightening the skin on our faces, why should we treat our necks any differently? You've undoubtedly heard it said: Your neck is part of your face, too. 

The skin on the neck and décolletage is more fragile than the skin on the rest of your body, which is why it's even more essential to find a product that's both effective and gentle on the area. Unfortunately, constantly flexing your neck creates a new set of wrinkles (a.k.a. Tech Neck). In an age where our phones are essentially an extension of our bodies, there's only so much you can do to stop yourself. Of course there are some exercises that elongate the neck, as well as release tension, but the best medicine is prevention, and as you might have suspected, the sun is the biggest offender when it comes to early signs of aging. What you might not know is that your neck is at greater risk from sun damage because the skin is even thinner than that on your face.

"Damage from ultraviolet light causes laxity of the delicate neck tissue, leading to sagging of skin and enhancement of the lines," explains dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group.

The Benefits of Neck Cream

Moisturizing will prevent and minimize the appearance of neck lines. And while you can totally use the same formula you do on your face, if you're really dedicated to the cause, it's worth investing in a neck-specific cream. "They help a little more with tightening and include slightly different ingredients, like caffeine," explains Dr. Nazarian, who recommends formulas that are lightweight, gentle, and packed with peptides and antioxidants.

Just be aware that powerful ingredients like glycolic acid or higher strength retinoids may cause a reaction on the neck skin, notes Dr. Azadeh Shirazi of La Jolla Dermatology and Laser Surgery Center. "Copper peptides, hyaluronic acid, growth factors, stem cells, resveratrol, SPF ingredients, and retinyl palmitate are the best options to stimulate collagen, firm the skin without causing irritation."

Essentially, "you want to treat your neck like you treat the rest of your face," says Lara Devgan, M.D. "The neck is a special kind of axial joint that has to move in all different directions, and that lends itself to premature signs of aging and wrinkling. So, starting a neck cream before you notice a problem can help you avoid a problem in the first place."

The Best Neck Creams

Deena Campbell
Beauty Director

Deena Campbell is the Beauty Director of Marie Claire where she oversees beauty and health content on all platforms. Deena joined Marie Claire after a decade-long career as an editor in print and digital media. Before joining the brand, she managed editorial content for L’Oréal owned Makeup.com and Skincare.com. In 2015, she launched Essence.com’s hair channel where she received Time Inc.'s Henry R. Luce Award, shortly before joining Allure.com’s staff as Senior Beauty Editor. Along with her editorial positions, she also consulted on content and marketing strategies for beauty companies including DevaCurl and Dove, and has appeared at various speaking events and live television segments.