Treat the skin below your chin
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.
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 to put the results to the test. We evaluated each formula based on active ingredients, its ability to tighten, fade dark spots, and minimize the appearance of lines and sagging. After consulting with King, we narrowed down our list to give you the best in show.
Best Overall: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream PLUS
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.
Best Drugstore: RoC 5-in-1 Chest, Neck & Face Cream with SPF 30
It’s generally pretty tough to find a neck cream at the drugstore, making this all the more noteworthy. This formula from RoC has been clinically proven to reduce dark spots and discoloration, improve elasticity, restore radiance, hydrate, and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. What’s more, it doubles as a non-comedogenic face cream and contains SPF for protection from your forehead down to your chest. Just be careful when applying, if you get some on your clothes, it can stain them. We recommend waiting for the cream to dry before getting dressed.
Best for Uneven Skin Tone: Revision Skincare Nectifirm
The skin on your neck and décolletage ages differently than the skin on your face, which can sometimes lead to discoloration. This unique formula from Revision Skincare contains antioxidants, youth-boosting peptides, and plant extracts to help uneven-toned, rough and crepey skin looks a lot less noticeable. “This is a great option for firming the appearance of the skin of the neck and décolletage,” says King. 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, so you can expect it to absorb into skin quickly. Though we love how hygienic the tube packaging is, some say it can be hard to reach every last drop; perhaps if it was housed in a jar, it would be easier.
Best Splurge: SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream for Neck and Décolleté
This serum-like cream from SkinMedica is fortified with peptides (to boost production of collagen) and antioxidants (to protect from free radical damage). It has a remarkable texture (thanks to botanical extracts) that melts into skin without feeling greasy and encourages thicker, more elastic skin after continued use. One thing to note: It can be irritating to those with sensitive skin, so we suggest easing into it. Start off by using it once a week until you can build up a tolerance to it (and use it more often).
Best for Toning: Dr. Brandt Skincare Needles No More Neck Sculpting Cream
This neck-sculpting cream from Dr. Brandt is great for anyone struggling with a loss of firmness. Loaded with ingredients like caffeine, soy isoflavones, spirulina, and guarana extract, this cream reduces the look of saggy skin and puffiness from the chin down. We love that this one comes with a gua sha stone to help drain inflammation and tone the skin even more.The result: A neck and jawlines that looks more lifted and sculpted. You’ll also find that (with the help of hyaluronic acid and glycerin) it provides long-term hydration for skin that’s smooth-to-the-touch.
Best With SPF: Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck Chest SPF 25
This SPF infused-formula from Perricone MD treats signs of skin aging with alpha-lipoic acid (an ingredient known to boost collagen production)1 while niacinamide helps fade discoloration and strengthens the skin barrier. With continued use, it’s said to smooth crepey skin, reduce the look of sagging, and prevent future signs of aging. Best of all, it has a lightweight formula that absorbs easily into the skin. The only thing we’re iffy about is the size of the jar (it’s one ounce) given the price.
Best Natural: Elina Organics Cleopatra Neck Cream
This neck cream from Elina Organics Skincare leans on a litany of natural and organic ingredients. To name a few: Hyaluronic and mandelic acids hydrate and fade discoloration while silk peptides, reishi mushroom extract, and blue-green algae reduce inflammation and restore skin firmness. The only caveat: It contains sweet almond oil, which can cause a reaction in those with nut allergies.
Best Retinol Alternativebare: Minerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Neck Cream
Retinol is undoubtedly one of the best anti-aging ingredients out there for both the face and neck, but the irksome side effects (like irritation, redness, and dryness) 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. Just keep in mind that because it comes in a glass jar, you’ll need to be extra careful when handling it. One slip off the counter can cause the jar to break.
Best Multi-Tasking: Dermalogica Neck Fit Contour Serum
This popular formula from Dermalogica contains antioxidants, anti-aging peptides, and a plant-based retinol (Rambutan extract, which helps to diminish the appearance of wrinkles2) to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, smooth, and tighten. Though it takes some time to see results, it helps tone skin and leave it lifted. We love the formula, but it’s the packaging that makes this neck cream super unique. The rollerball applicator gently rolls up the the neck, from the chest up to the jawline in one swift motion. This avoids tugging and pulling on skin (which further exacerbates wrinkles!)
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Night Treatment
If hyperpigmentation is a concern, this hydroquinone-free formula from Urban Skin Rx boasts three different 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 try to use it before that happens.
Best Retinol: SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair
If you’re looking for a medical-grade product that packs a punch, check out this neck cream from SkinCeuticals. Formulated to fight signs of aging that occur on fragile neck skin, this product contains 0.2 percent retinol and a 0.25 percent tri-peptide concentrate to minimize the look of neck lines and wrinkles. After using it daily (and giving it some time to work), I can honestly say that I love how firm, smooth, and youthful-looking my neck and décolletage look. We’ll admit—it’s pricey. However, it’s totally worth it when you consider how effective it is and the fact that it was formulated by dermatologists. Tip: Because it contains retinol, (which can be super irritating for some), we suggest slowly integrating this product into your routine, rather than diving in and using it every single night. Start out by using it once or twice a week before building up a tolerance that can handle nightly use.
Best for Wrinkles: Renée Rouleau Intensive Firming Neck Creme
If you want a lifted neck, listen up: the Intensive Firming Neck Creme by Renée Rouleau firms, depuffs, and smooths the décolleté area. The formula is loaded with saccharomyces cerevisiae extract (an antioxidant-rich ingredient that improves moisture retention), peptides, de-puffing algae extract, and apple fruit extract (which promotes healthy cell renewal from within). For best results, the brand recommends using this cream few times a week to encourage cellular turnover for younger-looking skin. Those that are sensitive to fragrance should avoid this one, as it contains a subtle vanilla scent.
Final Verdict
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.
What to Look for in a Neck Cream
Collagen-Boosting Ingredients
When it comes to effective neck creams, you should look for ones with ingredients that stimulate collagen production while protecting the skin. Plastic surgeon Dr. John Diaz, M.D. recommends retinol available over the counter (like in the SkinCeuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair) 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 Ingredients
Of course, ample hydration is also the key to a healthy and youthful neck. As dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Baxt, M.D. 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. Hyaluronic acid can be found in Dr. Brandt Needles no More Neck Sculpting Cream.
Diaz also recommends looking for various peptides (like the ones found in the SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream for Neck and Décolleté) 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 Formulas
While 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. Retinol alternatives, like bareMinerals’ Ageless Phyto-Retinol Neck Cream, are great for those with more sensitive skin as these types of ingredients aren’t as harsh as actual retinol.
FAQ
Are neck creams necessary?
According to Baxt, yes, they are. “Some women will take good care of their face but will look 20 years older from the neck down,” she says. 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?
The verdict is mixed. “Long-lasting results can only be achieved with consistent daily use and care,” 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?
Diaz notes the skin on the neck is slightly thinner and more prone to redness and irritation than your face, which is why 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.
How We Researched & Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list
