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Byrdie / Joy Kim
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 Dr. 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 your face skincare products on your neck, a dedicated neck cream is specially formulated for super soft skin prone to crepe.
We conducted hours of research on the best neck creams out there and considered dozens of products for this list. We also took a few top-rated products out for a spin to put the results to the test. We evaluated each formula based on active ingredients and their ability to tighten, fade dark spots, and minimize the appearance of lines and sagging. After consulting with Dr. King, we narrowed our list to give you these best in show.
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, 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 ingredients: Ample hydration is also the key to a healthy and youthful neck. As dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Baxt, MD, explains, hydrating ingredients can help smooth the surface so lines and wrinkles appear less noticeable. Hyaluronic acid is one ingredient to look for, as it can help your skin retain moisture and diminish your neck’s crepey appearance while lending a subtle plumping effect. Dr. 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 formulas: All skin from the chest up is especially delicate, but 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,” Dr. Diaz says. “This makes it more prone to redness and irritation.” So you should ensure whatever cream you use on this area won’t irritate sensitive skin. Opt for formulas that are free of fragrance, dyes, preservatives, and essential oils. Retinol alternatives are great for those with more sensitive skin as these types of ingredients aren't as harsh as actual retinol.
Best Overall
StriVectin Neck Cream
Amazon
Increases skin elasticity
Fades dark spots
Plumps skin
Can pill under makeup
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, peptides, shea butter | Dosage: Thin layer in AM and PM | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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. The formula recently got an upgrade and now includes a unique patented ingredient complex, which the brand says can not only improve the elasticity of the skin on the neck but also lift and help minimize the look of horizontal fine lines—perfect for combatting the appearance of the dreaded tech neck. It also contains niacinamide and ceramides to help strengthen the skin barrier, which is key for keeping easily irritated neck skin in check. The niacinamide also helps to minimize dark spots and even out the skin’s tone.
The combined ingredients have all you need to address signs of aging on the neck. When we tried the StriVectin neck cream for ourselves, we loved that our skin felt super hydrated and wrinkles looked blurred right after application. We also noticed that, after weeks of use, our neck area looked more radiant and smoother overall. While it may be on the pricier end of the spectrum, we'd say it's worth the splurge since it targets multiple concerns all at once.
Best Retinol
SkinCeuticals Neck Repair
Skinstore
Medical-grade formula
Intended for daily use
Contains potent ingredients to show results
Requires a slow integration into skincare routine
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 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% retinol and a 0.25% tri-peptide concentrate to minimize the look of neck lines and wrinkles. After using it daily (and giving it some time to work), you should be left with a firm, smooth, and youthful-looking neck.
We'll admit—it's pricey. However, it's totally worth it when you consider how effective it is and that it was formulated by dermatologists. Tip: Since 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 to build up a tolerance so that you can handle nightly use.
Best Splurge
SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream for Neck and Décolleté
Amazon
Boosts collagen production
Increases cell turnover
Non-greasy
Can irritate sensitive skin
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) and antioxidants (to protect from free radical damage). It has a remarkable, luxurious 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 Uneven Skin Tone
Revision Skincare Nectifirm
Amazon
Vitamins C and E target discoloration and improve cell turnover
Hydrating and plumping
Air-tight pump dispenser
Hard to reach the last drops of product
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, 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 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, so you can expect it to absorb into the skin quickly. Though we love how hygienic the tube packaging is, some say it can be hard to reach every last drop.
Best for Face, Neck, and Chest
RoC 5-in-1 Neck & Face Cream with SPF 30
Amazon
Can also be used on the face and chest
Contains SPF
Targets discoloration, dryness, and fine lines
Can bleach clothes
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, 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 Retinol Alternative
bareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Neck Cream
Amazon
Safe for daily use
Gentle and effective
Smooths wrinkles
Jar can break easily
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 out there for both the face and neck, but it can come with irksome side effects (like irritation, redness, and dryness) that can be even more common 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 Dr. King.
That’s why we appreciate that this alternative relies on the natural, plant-based retinol alternative phyto-retinol 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 the skin nice and hydrated. 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 With SPF
Perricone MD Cold Plasma
Amazon
Prevents future damage
Fades discoloration and signs of aging
Lightweight texture
We wish there was more product per container
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, niacinamide, alpha-lipoic acid | Dosage: Pat a small amount in AM and PM | Size: 1 oz | SPF: 25 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This SPF formula from Perricone MD treats signs of skin aging with alpha-lipoic acid (an ingredient known to boost collagen production) 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 Multitasking
Dermalogica Neck Fit Contour Serum
Ulta
Roller ball applicator for easy application
Absorbs quickly
Increases cell turnover
Takes some time to see results
Key Ingredients: Peptides, antioxidants, plant-based retinol alternative | Dosage: A good amount in AM and PM | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This popular formula from Dermalogica contains antioxidants, anti-aging peptides, and a plant-based retinol (Rambutan extract, which helps to diminish the appearance of wrinkles ) to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier and smooth and tighten. Though it takes some time to see results, it helps tone skin and leaves 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 neck, from the chest up to the jawline, in one swift motion. This avoids tugging and pulling on the skin (which further exacerbates wrinkles!)
Best Natural
Elina Organics Cleopatra Neck Cream
Elina Organics
Clean ingredients
Powered by botanical extracts that firm skin
Won’t irritate sensitive skin
Contains nut oils that some people with allergies should avoid
Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, colloidal gold, silk peptides, reishi mushroom | Dosage: 1 to 3 pumps once or twice a day | Size: 0.5, 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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 for Hyperpigmentation
Urban Skin Rx Even Tone Night Treatment
Amazon
Helps even skin tone
Contains bakuchiol, niacinamide, and kojic acid
Can be used twice a day
Can change color over time
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, bakuchiol, kojic acid | Dosage: Good amount in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If hyperpigmentation is a concern, this 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 for Wrinkles
Renée Rouleau Intensive Firming Neck Creme
Renée Rouleau
Made with antioxidant-rich ingredients
Absorbs easily
Rich and luxurious
Subtle fragrance, which not everyone may love
Key Ingredients: Saccharomyces cerevisiae extract, peptides, algae extract, apple fruit extract | Dosage: Small amount in AM and PM after cleansing | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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 a few times a week to encourage cellular turnover for younger-looking skin. If you’re sensitive to fragrance, you should avoid this one, as it contains a subtle vanilla scent.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie 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 three experts to consider products for this roundup. Those experts include:
- Dr. John Diaz, MD, Beverly Hills-based board-certified plastic surgeon with advanced specialty training in cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body.
- Dr. Hadley King, MD, a board-certified medical and cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City, New York.
- Dr. Rebecca Baxt, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at BAXT CosMedical, specializes in cosmetic procedures and the treatment of acne and acne scarring, psoriasis, eczema, and skin cancer.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find enough neck creams from Black-owned and/or Black-founded businesses to meet this percentage. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com, and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
