13 Best Neck-Firming Creams 2022

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab’s neck cream test, experts measure each product’s ability to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles on the neck and lift and tighten neck skin over 12 weeks of use. Consumer testers use the label-masked products at home for 12 weeks and rated them on factors like texture, irritation, scent, absorption, hydration effects and look and feel of skin after use.

Our pros used over 200 before-and-after images taken with high-resolution professional photography.

Above, you can see before-and-after GH Beauty Lab digital imaging after 12 weeks using No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum. In total, GH Beauty Lab scientists tallied 901 data points to find the winners.

You can use your regular anti-aging treatments on your neck, but products formulated for the neck tend to be gentler on skin and contain targeted ingredients. Seek out these key ingredients for specific issues to find an effective neck cream that addresses your skin’s needs, dermatologists suggest:

• Peptides and retinol, to help improve skin’s collagen, Dr. Brauer says, boosting skin’s smoothness and firmness
• Antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, to help repair and prevent signs of aging like wrinkles and hyperpigmentation
• Hydrators, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane and natural oils, to combat skin dryness
• Anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients, including niacinamide, ceramides and green tea, if you are prone to sensitivity

Yes — to an extent. In GH Beauty Lab tests, users apply neck creams daily for twelve weeks to see changes in skin. “The purpose of neck creams and treatments is similar to those for skin of the face, to maintain healthy and youthful looking skin, including the integrity of the skin’s barrier function and moisture, all while attempting to protect against and repair environmental damage,” Dr. Brauer says. “Neck creams that contain ingredients to support the skin barrier and hydration, peptides and antioxidants can help in retaining moisture, while also protecting against and addressing UV damage; in addition, topicals containing retinol may stimulate collagen formation, aiding in improvement of laxity and fine lines.”

That said, there’s no such thing as a neck lift in a bottle: “You shouldn’t expect miracles from topical neck treatments,” advises GH Beauty Lab chemist Danusia Wnek. “If you are looking for a drastic change, you may want to visit a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.” And remember, daily habits can have an effect, too: Laxity of the neck skin is happening earlier than ever thanks to “tech neck” from looking at our phones repeatedly, says Dr. Engelman.

Most neck creams and treatments are applied once or twice daily, in the morning and/or evening. “Read the product label and follow the instructions carefully,” Wnek says. “And stop product use or skip a day or two in between if you experience redness or irritation.”

Most importantly, always follow a neck treatment by applying a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher to the neck skin as well, which “is a must to help minimize sun damage that can prevent signs of aging in the first place,” Dr. Brauer explains.

Danusia Wnek is a chemist in the GH Beauty Lab who has a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University, an M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati and 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing. Danusia develops and oversees the testing of skincare products including neck creams, utilizing both Lab instrumentation and consumer feedback to recommend the best products on the market. She has experience in using specialized skin evaluation lab equipment to gauge changes in skin moisturization, firmness and facial features like wrinkles and texture before and after product use. Danusia also regularly polls GH’s consumer panel on their purchasing and product use habits as well as weighs in on the benefits of skincare ingredients like vitamin C, retinol and niacinamide. She enjoys researching and translating scientific data for consumers so they feel empowered in their purchasing decisions.

April Franzino has over 15 years of experience researching, writing and editing skincare-related content, utilizing the expertise of the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists and top industry professionals such as dermatologists and aestheticians. She is an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, including anti-aging treatments like neck creams. April works closely with the GH Beauty Lab to coordinate skincare product testing and translate test results into best-in-class compelling, factually accurate science-backed content for Good Housekeeping.

Blake Bakkila is a former Good Housekeeping associate editor who regularly covered beauty with the Institute.