The 16 Best Skin Tightening Creams Proven to Firm Your Skin and Jaw Line

Best Overall

Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Moisturizer Youth Power Creme

$70 at Sephora $120 at Ulta $57 at Walmart

Key Ingredients: Stem cell extract, hyaluronic acid, moringa extract | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1.69 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

We were wowed by this pick from Estée Lauder after eight weeks of testing. The luxe cream immediately made our skin feel dewy and bouncy (thanks to the hyaluronic acid) and that lasted for hours after application.  Under-eye circles and sunkeness were reduced, and it made our skin feel soft and plump. We noticed a significant improvement in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as an improvement in the texture of our skin. 

Even though this cream is thick, it glides onto the skin effortlessly and quickly absorbs. We love that it doesn’t feel like it’s sitting on top of your skin and layers well with other skincare and makeup products. It does have a slight floral scent that some reviewers don’t love, but we didn’t notice it during testing. While the price is a little steep, that’s to be expected with an anti-aging product like this.

Best Budget

Derma E Ultra Lift Firming DMAE Moisturizer

$14 at Amazon View on Dermae.com

Key Ingredients: Copper peptides, resveratrol, kakadu plum | Skin Type: Dry, normal, combination | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This budget-friendly moisturizer is loaded with firming ingredients. Copper peptides help boost collagen and elastin production, while retinol, resveratrol (an antioxidant that protects the skin against oxidative stress), and caffeine work to help firm your skin with continued use. The formula feels thick, rich, and creamy upon application, and we love that it’s thick enough to be used as a nighttime moisturizer. 

We didn’t notice a significant reduction in wrinkles and fine lines, but we did notice a change in our “elevens” (aka the lines in between your eyebrows). They were less noticeable and a tad more filled in. It doesn’t have any noticeable scent, so it’s perfect for those with sensitive or reactive skin.

Best Drugstore

Gold Bond Ultimate Neck & Chest Firming Cream

$12 at Amazon $13 at Target $12 at Walmart

Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Skin Type: All skin types | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Finding a skin tightening cream at the drugstore that works can be challenging, but this one from the age-old brand Gold Bond absolutely does. It wasn’t until we looked at our before and after photos that we noticed the change that this formula made to our neck and chest area. Our chest and neck looked firmer and our jowls were less “dangly.”

We love how lightweight this formula is— it’s thin but still creamy-feeling and absorbs pretty quickly. Unlike other tightening products we’ve tried in the past, this one didn’t leave our skin feeling tight or tingly, just smooth and soft. The results weren’t super dramatic (we probably need to use it longer to see more), but the before and after made us believers.

Best for Dry Skin

Algenist Genius Sleeping Collagen

$98 at Amazon $98 at Sephora View on Net-a-Porter

Key Ingredients: Alguronic acid, vegan collagen, ceramides, mary thistle | Skin Type: Dry, normal, combination | Size: 2 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

This formula from Algenist is packed with star-studded ingredients. You will find the brand’s patented alguronic acid, an ingredient derived from algae that helps minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while boosting the benefits of other ingredients. You’ll also find vegan collagen to improve the skin's texutre, as well as ceramides and mary thistle to protect the skin barrier and increase firmness in the skin. 

Our skin felt soft, moisturized, and plump after continued nightly use. It has an incredibly unique texture that feels like nothing we’ve ever tried before—it’s very thick and seems to seal in other products you’re using. Because the formula is so thick, it takes a little time to absorb into the skin. That said, it didn’t feel heavy after application, and it layered nicely over other skincare products overnight. And we noticed a significant decrease in skin dryness when we woke up each morning.

Best for Everyday

Caudalie Resveratrol Face Lifting Soft Cream

$59 at Sephora View on Lovelyskin.com

Key Ingredients: Resveratrol, vegan collagen, and hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: Normal, dry | Size: 1.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The texture is one of our favorite parts of the Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream. It’s light but rich, creamy, and luxurious, too. It absorbs quickly and has a clean, fresh scent that isn’t overpowering and doesn’t linger. The ingredients: resveratrol, vegan collagen, and hyaluronic acid offer anti-aging, smoothing, and hydrating properties, respectively. It’s a great moisturizer for every day because it’s non-irritating, layers well over and under other products, and feels luxe. 

We definitely noticed more hydrated, smoother, and fresher-feeling skin after testing this one. We think we would need to test it for longer to see more significant wrinkle-reducing and skin-tightening benefits, though. 

Best Smoothing

Elizabeth Arden Anti-Aging Neck and Décolleté Cream

$122 at Amazon $66 at Walmart View on Hsn.com

Key Ingredients: Idebenone, ergothioneine, tocopherol, tocopheryl acetate, sodium ascorbate | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

The texture and consistency of the Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE® Anti-Aging Neck and Décolleté Firm & Repair Cream feels incredibly soft and creamy when applied to the neck and décolleté. It absorbed well into the skin, and our makeup sat nicely on top of the cream throughout the day. This formula contains some less-than-common ingredients, including idebenone and ergothioneine. This dynamic antioxidant duo works together to help your skin fight against environmental aggressors, as well as calm skin and fade discoloration. 

We didn’t notice immediate results from this pick, but we did notice smoother skin and a small improvement in fine lines and wrinkles over time. After a few applications, our skin began to feel softer—it did a nice job of hydrating the skin.

Most Moisturizing

Fièra Multi-Effect Neck + Décolletage Cream

$40 at Amazon View on Fieracosmetics.com

Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid, squalane, vitamin E | Skin Type: Combination, dry, mature, normal, sensitive | Size: 1.69 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

It isn’t just acids and antioxidants that can create an anti-aging effect. Moisture-locking ingredients, like the hyaluronic acid and squalane in this formula, can help smooth and plump skin resulting in a more buoyant, youthful complexion. After only a few weeks of testing, we noticed some pretty significant results from this Fiera pick. Our neck was definitely smoother with fewer fine lines (hello, glycolic acid). We also noticed a boost in hydration. This product helps with skin tightness and smoothness and gives your neck a “silky” feeling.  

What we love most about it is the consistency and scent—there is little to no smell, and the “milky” consistency is very easy to apply and doesn't drip off your fingers. Plus, we love how quickly it absorbs into the skin and doesn’t leave any film-like feeling on your skin.

Best Plumping

Fresh Firming Corset Cream

$95 at Sephora $95 at Ulta $95 at Nordstrom

Key Ingredients: Black tea complex, goji fruit extract, peptides | Skin Type: Normal, dry, and combination | Size: 1.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Loaded with ingredients such as black tea extract, peptides, and goji fruit extract, this thick, heavy cream boosts firmness, protects against free-radical damage, and makes skin appear more taut. We were wowed by how radiant and hydrated our skin felt after testing and noticed some immediate results after application. Our skin felt bouncy, firm, and full of life while testing this gorgeous moisturizer from Fresh. 

The formula is incredibly moisturizing, so much so that we don’t think it would be a good option for folks with oily skin. We think it’s best to use it as a nighttime moisturizer. It was a bit difficult to use under makeup, as it takes a long time to absorb into the skin. In colder months, you can probably use this moisturizer in the morning with no issues, especially if your skin is super dry and soaks up facial moisturizer quickly.

Best for Sagging Skin

Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Cream

$525 at Nordstrom View on Saks Fifth Avenue View on Guerlain.com

Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica, jojoba esters, oat extract  | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.69 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

With a $525 per jar price tag, we were expecting powerful results with this formula—and thankfully, the Guerlain Orchidée Impériale The Cream delivered. We noticed more hydrated, youthful, and luminous skin almost immediately after we began testing, while the tightening and contouring effect was more noticeable towards the latter half of the testing period. 

We were so impressed with how even-toned and bright this moisturizer made the skin look, that our tester didn’t even have to wear foundation during the day. It spread evenly, absorbed instantly, and felt like silk on the skin. Plus, we really appreciated that you couldn’t feel it after it soaked into your face—it doesn’t sit on the skin. 

Best for Fine Lines

Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Firming and Rejuvenating Cream

$125 at Amazon View on Isdin.com View on Myshopify.com

Key Ingredients: Tripeptide complex, ascorbic acid, alteromonas ferment extracts, hyaluronic acid, carnosine | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.81 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

The biggest difference we noticed after testing this pick from ISDINCEUTICS was a decrease in fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area. The tripeptide complex increases levels of hyaluronic acid in your skin, while the alteromonas ferment extracts protect the skin from the harmful effects of pollution. 

While using this formula, our skin became softer, smoother, and more taut. The moisturizer is thick, similar to the consistency of Greek yogurt, but doesn’t feel heavy on your face. We like that it absorbs quickly into the skin and looks great under makeup. We’re not totally convinced this pick will help achieve long-term tightness, but we think it does a great job of minimizing fine lines day-to-day, as you use it.

Best Splurge

La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream Sheer

$595 at Nordstrom View on Laprairie.com

Key Ingredients: Shea butter, ginseng root extract, caviar extract | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.69 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

The splurge of all splurges, this Kim K-favorite does not disappoint. Our skin looked dewy, glowy, and felt more taut after testing out this luxe formula. The texture of this cream goes on super silky, like a velvety butter, but is somehow also incredibly lightweight. Shea butter adds nourishing hydration, while ginseng root extract and caviar extract improve skin texture and brighten the complexion. This cream helped soften some of the fine lines around our eyes and made our skin look plumper and softer after each application. 

This pick smells a bit like a more traditional, floral perfume, but the smell isn’t overpowering or off-putting. We tend to prefer skincare products with little to no fragrance added, but based on the ingredient list, it seems that most of the fragrance is derived from plant-based extracts. The high price point is not lost on us, but given how effective it was at softening, brightening, and plumping skin, we recommend it if you have the wallet room. 

Best Under Makeup

Lawless Forget the Filler Skin-Plumping Line-Smoothing Perfecting Cream

$22 at Sephora View on Lawlessbeauty.com

Key Ingredients: Maxi-Youth, octapeptide-3, hexapeptide-8 | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you wear makeup often and need a moisturizer that smooths out the skin’s surface like a primer, look no further than the LAWLESS Forget the Filler Skin-Plumping Line-Smoothing Moisturizer + Makeup Primer. We were impressed by how well it smoothed out the skin’s texture and prepped our face well for a makeup look that lasted all day long. 

Our skin felt moisturized and refreshed immediately after applying the cream—it looked smoother and softer too. It also makes skin look matte and ready to apply makeup, rather than shiny, greasy, or glowy, as many facial moisturizers do. If your skin gets oily and you prefer a mattifying moisturizer this is a great option. That said, it wasn’t as hydrating as some of the other creams on this list. However, if you’d like a nice, matte, lightweight yet slightly moisturizing base for under your makeup this should do the trick.

Best with SPF

RoC 5-in-1 Neck & Face Cream with SPF 30

$27 at Amazon $39 at Walmart View on Rocskincare.com

Key Ingredients: Hexyl-R complex, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This pick from ROC really impressed us— it worked well to depuff and tighten skin, especially for a drugstore product. Our tester said she won’t be going back to her old moisturizer—this formula is now part of her regular daily lineup. She noticed a softer and more hydrated neck and face and diminished crow's feet around her eyes. We love that it also comes with SPF protection. You’ll find commonly used sunscreen ingredients like avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene in the formulation, which work together to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can lead to photoaging.  

The cream is nice and thick, and very hydrating, too. It feels incredibly soft when you rub it into your skin and has a slight cooling effect. It fully absorbed in about 15 to 20 minutes, and didn’t leave any sort of film on the skin. We do wish there was a spatula with the cream (as there often is with skin-tightening creams). It would make the process of applying a bit more sanitary and economical since a little goes a long way with this one.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Eye Cream

$140 at Sephora View on Shiseido.com $140 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Key Ingredients: Kurenai TruLift Complex, ReNeura technology, VP8 technology | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

This pick does a fantastic job of hydrating skin as well as improving the tone and texture of skin, too without irritating ingredients. It is light but super moisturizing and doesn’t feel greasy throughout the day. It takes about a minute to absorb and doesn’t contain any ingredients that can sometimes irritate those with sensitive skin, like a strong fragrance or retinol.

The VP8 Technology in the formula contains multiple ingredients such as tea, olive root, and angelica root extracts to help reduce and prevent signs of aging. The KURENAI-TruLift Complex contains Benibana flower to strengthen skin and make it appear a bit more lifted. We love how well it layers with other products. It’s also a great base for makeup and can be used both morning and night. If you need a hydrating formula that has a slightly tightening effect, choose this pick from Shiseido. While it doesn’t provide long-term tightening results, it does help to improve tone and texture, and it firms your skin a bit each day you use it.

Best Neck Firming

SkinCeuticals Neck Repair

$136 at Dermstore $136 at Skinceuticals.com

Key Ingredients: Retinol, glaucine complex, tri-peptide concentrate| Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Our tester liked this cream so much that she ended up purchasing another bottle once she was through. She was impressed by how much tighter it made her neck look and feel after testing. Her “turkey neck” stopped dead in its tracks, and she noticed a more sculpted and contoured jawline and neck area. Perhaps she can attribute this to one of the key ingredients in this formula—glaucine complex. This ingredient is derived from the yellow poppy seed plant and works by boosting the skin’s resistance to neck aging. 

This product absorbs beautifully and, interestingly, she also saw a huge reduction in breakouts around the neck. It layered perfectly under makeup, too. While she did find it hydrating, she wished it was just a tad more moisturizing for the skin, especially during the winter months. Additionally, you need to be careful when handling the bottle, as it’s made with glass—she accidentally broke the outer glass layer when it dropped.

Best Skin Softening

Summer Fridays Rich Cushion Cream Ultra Plumping Moisturizer

$52 at Sephora View on Summerfridays.com View on Spacenk.com

Key Ingredients: Squalane, saccharide isomerate, watermelon rind, lentil fruit, apple skin, coastal plants | Skin Type: Normal, dry, combination, and oily | Size: 1.69 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Every time we slathered on this pick from Summer Fridays we noticed our skin felt much softer afterward. After using it for eight weeks, we saw a slight reduction in wrinkles, too. It also reduced redness and had a plumping and smoothing effect as well. Squalane and saccharide isomerate add extra hydration to the skin, while watermelon rind, lentil fruit, and apple skin help add plumpness.

The cream is thick but absorbs easily, and once applied, leaves a light, thin layer on the face (we didn’t love the film but felt like it acted as a sort of barrier). The product was comfortable and made our face feel less itchy and dry. There isn’t really a smell to the cream, so if you are sensitive to fragrance, you will like this option. It layers well with eye gel and makeup and is great for everyday use.

Read Full Review: Reviewed: Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Moisturizer