Our Testers Saw Fewer Lines and Smoother Skin After Testing These Neck Creams (2025)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

Key Ingredients: Sunflower extract, kangaroo flower, mitracarpus, desert date | Dosage: Thin layer in A.M. and/or P.M. | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re teetering on the edge of becoming a neck-cream convert, this Clarins pick will seal the deal (it certainly did for our tester). Packed with sunflower extract to improve elasticity, kangaroo flower to firm and smooth, and desert date to treat dark spots and uneven texture, the cream effectively targets the most common neck skin complaints in one fell swoop. Our tester was impressed after the first application of this silky formula, which was rich and nourishing enough for nighttime use yet lightweight enough for daytime wear. Ultimately, the results got her hooked: After one week, her skin felt softer and smoother. After two, she noticed visible improvements in the brightness and evenness of her skin tone. Even her horizontal lines appeared less pronounced. These improvements did seem to diminish if she skipped a day or two, so consistency is key with this formula.

Erica, tester: “This product changed my neck for the better—it’s brighter, bouncier, supple, and silky smooth. It has convinced me to add a separate neck-specific step to my routine.”

Key Ingredients: Peptides, phytoene, phytofluene, flaxseed extract | Dosage: One pump A.M. and P.M. | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This skin-firming complex created for the neck and décolleté was a close second to our “best overall” pick. It contains a potent combo of peptides to boost elastin and collagen production, phytoene and phytofluene (two antioxidants) to target sun damage, redness, and flaxseed extract to lock in hydration. Our tester loved the rich texture of this cream, which took a long time to absorb but left a protective, hydrating barrier on his skin. Within two to three weeks, his neck was smoother, and his skin felt more elastic. It’s also fragrance-free, which those with sensitive skin or sensitive noses might appreciate.

Saleam, tester: “I have noticed a difference in my neck since using this product. It’s been particularly soft to the touch and feels like there’s lasting moisture, which feels like increased elasticity.”

Key Ingredients: Peptides, diglucosyl gallic acid, lingonberry extract, everlasting flower | Dosage: Two pumps in A.M. and P.M. | Size: 0.5, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

The skin on our necks has fewer sebaceous glands. Those are the ones responsible for secreting natural oils, increasing the chance of dryness and flaking. This nourishing cream is packed with hydrating ingredients, including skin-barrier-boostingceramidesandsqualane.Our tester says her dry neck drank it up, remaining moisturized and soft all day. Although the formula didn’t do much for our tester’s horizontal lines, she did notice improvements in the overall elasticity of her skin. For that, we’re crediting the blend of eight peptides, which work to boost elastin and collagen, plus red microalgae extract to firm and lift. As an added bonus, the cream layers well with other products, which is handy if you’re developing a more extensive neck care routine.

Bianca, tester: “From time to time, I can get dry skin flaking on my neck—it soaks this up. This is the best the skin on my neck has ever felt, and the hydration lasts all day.”

Key Ingredients: Antioxidant blend, peptides, green microalgae, lemon balm | Dosage: Thin layer in A.M. and P.M. | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Like your face and hands, your neck receives a significant amount of sun exposure, making it susceptible to photoaging. If you’ve noticed dark spots appearing or just a generally dull, uneven look, this brightening cream can help. It’s formulated with antioxidant knotgrass extract and anti-inflammatory dunaliella salina to guard against UV damage. Plus, collagen-boosting peptides help even out skin tone and fade hyperpigmentation. It doesn’t take long to see improvements, according to our tester. Her skin looked more even-toned and radiant after just one use, and the results improved with continued use. The creamy formula absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky residue behind, and keeps the skin moisturized throughout the day. Our tester says her neck was so smooth and soft that she couldn’t stop touching it. The only downside is that a 2-ounce bottle doesn’t last long if you apply it to the neck and décolletage twice daily, as per the instructions.

Caitlin, tester: “My neck and décolletage look much smoother and more even-toned since using this product. I saw instant changes after just one use, and my skin looks much brighter and more luminous.”

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, peptides, bearberry leaf extract | Dosage: Thin layer in A.M. and P.M. | Size: 0.25, 1, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s a lot to love about this bestselling neck cream. The formula features a patented ingredient complex containing peptides, which the brand says can improve the elasticity of the skin around the neck, targeting sagging and crepiness, and help minimize the look of fine lines. It also boasts niacinamide and ceramides to minimize dark spots and even out the skin tone. Our tester loved how hydrating this formula was; it kept her skin smooth and supple and layered well under makeup. As soon as she applied the cream, a subtle blurring effect was evident. Although it didn’t make a huge difference to her deep horizontal necklines, her skin definitely appeared firmer and more toned overall.

Taylore, tester: “I saw a change in the firmness and tone of the skin on my neck. There was a subtle blurred effect on the skin, which I liked.”

Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ectoin, horse chestnut extract | Dosage: Thin layer in A.M. and P.M. | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Fastidious beauty fans know that the neck and décolleté deserve as much consideration as the face. Enter: U Beauty’s The Sculpt, a concentrate that promises to improve the appearance of thin, crepey skin and wrinkles on all three areas using a blend of moisturizing hyaluronic acid, skin-barrier strengthening ectoin, and antioxidant horse chestnut extract. According to our tester, the silky formula felt buttery smooth on her skin and absorbed quickly. After one week of applying it each morning, her neck was visibly smoother. Although the formula didn’t effectively brighten our tester’s skin, she noticed a clear improvement in overall texture.

Rachel, tester: “Within a week, I noticed smoothness and improved texture in the middle of my neck, which is my problem area.”

Key Ingredients: Bakuchiol, peptides, vitamin E | Dosage: Thin layer in A.M. and P.M. | Size: 2.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re starting to notice areas of loose skin on your neck, this cream can help firm things up. A patented peptide helps increase the skin’s natural production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin, while bakuchiol (a plant-based retinol alternative) stimulates cell turnover to smooth and brighten, and antioxidant vitamin E helps protect the skin from environmental stressors. Although the results of this cream were gradual, our tester found persistence was worthwhile. A month into using it, the skin on her neck felt firmer, and a stubborn patch of hyperpigmentation had faded a bit. Be aware that this formula isn’t particularly hydrating, so if your skin tends to dry out, you may need to apply an additional moisturizer on top.

Samantha, tester: “I appreciate the tightening effect that this product gave my neck, especially under my chin—an area I felt was a bit loose. Also, the pigmented lines across my neck lightened up with the use of this product."

Key Ingredients: Hibiscus peptides, hyaluronic acid, ginseng extract, vitamin C, ceramides | Dosage: Thin layer in A.M. | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This cream from No7 includes SPF 30, sparing you the extra effort of slathering on sunscreen before you step outdoors. One of the brand’s bestselling anti-aging products, the formula is bolstered with brightening vitamin C, collagen-boosting peptides, and hydrating ceramides for smooth, even-toned, and nourished results. Our tester loved the consistency of this cream, which has a rich, almost whipped texture but is quickly absorbed. It produced long-lasting hydration, leaving her skin soft, supple, and slightly smoother, though its anti-aging results could have been more dramatic.

Ashley, tester: “I like how quickly it absorbs and that it doesn't leave any residue behind, even though it's a thicker cream. I also like that even though it's a neck cream, it can also be used on the face, and that it has SPF 30 in it.”

Key Ingredients: Phytomimetic vitamin A, fragmented hyaluronic acid, chaga mushroom | Dosage: Thin layer in A.M. and P.M. | Size: 1.7, 2.5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

As we age, our skin gradually loses its elasticity. This face and neck cream from Kiehl’s aims to restore the bouncy quality of the skin using a cocktail of anti-aging ingredients, including skin-renewing vitamin A (a retinoid), hydrating hyaluronic acid, and radiance-boosting chaga mushroom. A small dab of this formula went a long way, our tester said, covering her neck in long-lasting moisture. Her skin still felt soft, supple, and smooth at the end of the day, which is a rarity among the other products she has tried. While she wasn’t a fan of the strong medicinal scent of this one, our tester was impressed that it improved the firmness and elasticity of her neck.

Brittany, tester: “From using this neck cream, I've noticed a slight change in firmness and elasticity around my neck area. I also saw visible improvements shortly after first applying the cream—my neck looked more hydrated and felt smoother and more moisturized.”

Key Ingredients: DMAE, peptides, caffeine, squalane | Dosage: Apply generously, A.M. and P.M. | Size: 2, 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’ve got fine lines appearing on your neck from, say, looking down at your phone (aka tech neck) or sleeping in an awkward position (yes, unfortunately, sleep wrinkles are a thing), this formula might help. Among its laundry list of stellar ingredients is DMAE, an organic compound produced by the brain that has been found to lift and plump skin while also protecting it from environmental stressors. Our tester, who has some tech necklines and is prone to dryness, loved the luxurious silky consistency of this cream. It absorbed well and left her skin hydrated and visibly smoother—even her visible lines appeared diminished. It’s the type of active-ingredient-packed formula that’s cool and tingly on application, which was a little intense for our tester’s sensitive skin but might actually appeal to those who like to feel their formula working.

Lauren, tester: “My skin looks hydrated and smoother in the sense that it can automatically fill in some of the fine lines.”

FAQ

• Are neck creams necessary?

  Yes, they are. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Baxt, M.D., some people will take good care of their face but will look older from the neck down. “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.”

• Can you use face cream on the neck?

  Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, M.D., a plastic surgeon, notes that the skin on the neck is slightly thinner and more prone to redness and irritation than the skin on your face, so creams formulated specifically for the neck and chest tend to be much gentler. “Face products that are made to improve the elasticity and collagen in the skin are typically OK to use on the neck,” she explains, “but be careful using anti-acne products and retinol, as you’ll need a lot less of these products for the thin neck skin as compared to the face.”

• Do firming neck creams really work?

  “Long-lasting results can only be achieved with consistent daily use and care,” Dr. 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.” However, Dr. DeRosa notes that “you may start to notice that the skin on your neck looks more hydrated and healthier in a few days to weeks,” so fast results are possible too.

• What's the best way to apply neck cream?

  “Treat your neck as an extension of your face,” says Dr. DeRosa, adding that it’s best to start with a cleanse before applying serum and a light layer of neck cream. “You’ll want to do this twice daily and add one more step in the morning: after applying the neck cream, be sure to apply a broad-spectrum mineral SPF sunscreen,” she explains.