I spoke to experts about what to look for in a neck cream to make sure it is as effective as possible. They recommend keeping the following in mind as you shop:
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Below, I rounded up neck creams recommended by dermatologists and NBC Select editors. I also included some highly rated options that have above a 4-star average rating from hundreds of reviews.
This Strivectin cream has peptides, which experts say can help to firm skin. Former NBC Select senior editor Lindsay Schneider is a fan of this neck cream: “It’s quite thick — and that’s exactly why I like it,” she says. “It feels like it is making a difference on my neck, chest and décolletage. A little goes a long way; plus, I can still apply SPF or makeup over it.” It comes in two other sizes including a travel version.
Akhavan says this neck cream is a great option for dry, mature skin because it has jojoba oil to hydrate and glycolic acid to firm. It also has vitamin C, which helps brighten. It’s free of fragrance and is noncomedogenic, which makes it safe for sensitive skin. You can use it both day and night, and the brand recommends applying it in an upward motion.
NBC Select senior editor Nikki Brown uses this rich cream as the final step of her nighttime routine. “It has a thick consistency but absorbs at a surprisingly fast rate and leaves behind a beautiful sheen,” says Brown. It also comes with an applicator to help evenly spread the cream across your neck and chest. “The mini brush made applying the cream feel like a ritual and something to look forward to every day,” says Brown.
This retinol neck cream has a thick, creamy texture that absorbs quickly into the skin, according to reviewers. It has ceramides to hydrate and soothe any potential irritation from the retinol, plus peptides to help improve skin elasticity, according to the brand. It has a 4.7-star average rating from over 800 reviews at Ulta.
Cetaphil is often praised by dermatologists for its effective but gentle formulas. I’ve been using this neck cream for about six months and have noticed my skin in that area looks smoother and feels more hydrated. I also appreciate the affordability, as I was super conscientious about not spending a ton more even if I was adding an extra step to my skin care routine. Those who are budget-conscious will also appreciate that this cream is a multi-tasker that you can use on your face and neck, too. The cream has mandelic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that increases cell turnover, to smooth texture, according to the brand.
This Revision Skincare cream is a favorite of Akhavan, who recommends it to his patients because it has natural oils, which hydrate the skin, as well as antioxidants and peptides, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines, he says. You can also use this cream on your chest and jawline for firmer skin.
This cream is a favorite of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green, who recommends using it on your neck if you have oily skin because it won’t clog pores or cause any unwanted breakouts. It has a retinol alternative to help firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines without irritating your skin, according to the brand. Plus, it’s safe to use on your face and neck while pregnant or breastfeeding.
This neck and face cream has SPF 30 to protect the sensitive skin on your neck from the sun, says Green, so it’s a great option to use during the day. The fragrance-free cream also has peptides and hyaluronic acid to firm up skin, and vitamin C for brightening, according to the brand.
This RoC neck cream is great for those with oily skin because it’s noncomedogenic and won’t clog pores, according to Green. However, it still works for all skin types, and it’s one of the most affordable options on our list. “The formula plumps, creases and fills out the lines and wrinkles around crepey skin,” she says.
This Tatcha formula is especially hydrating, making it a smart pick for those with very dry skin, according to Green. It also has ingredients that help your skin retain moisture and smooth fine lines, she says. Each tub comes with a small applicator, so you can easily scoop out the amount you need without using your fingers and avoid introducing bacteria into the cream.
Use this cream to address fine lines caused by natural aging or repetitive movements like looking down at devices, commonly known as tech neck, according to the brand. Reviewers say they noticed differences in the texture of the skin on their neck within a few weeks of using it. This cream has a 4-star average rating from more than 200 reviews at Dermstore.
Necessaire is a favorite body care brand among our NBC Select editors. Reviewers say they notice a big difference in how plump and hydrated the skin on their neck looks. It is suitable for all skin types, gradually helps increase the skin’s firmness and creates an overall tighter appearance on the neck and chest, according to the brand. It has a 4.5-star average rating from over 170 reviews at Nordstrom.
Unlike a regular face or body moisturizer (and as its name suggests), neck creams are specifically made to target the neck area. Because of this, they usually include ingredients you won’t always find in your standard lotion or cream (there is, however, some overlap between face, body and neck cream ingredients). Neck creams tend to have active ingredients with higher concentrations, says Akhavan. For example, your neck tends to get fine lines and loose skin as you age. So, a neck cream may have higher concentrations of collagen, peptides or other plumping ingredients to improve skin texture and hydration, says Akhavan. They also tend to have heavier oils than a standard face cream because there is less worry about clogging pores on your neck.
To find the best possible neck cream for your skin, the experts I spoke with suggest thinking about your specific concern, skin type and ingredients. Below is a bit more info on what to consider.
Neck creams can help accomplish a few different skin goals, like softening fine lines, protecting from sun exposure, increasing elasticity and treating discoloration, experts say. To find the best neck cream for you, you should identify what you’re hoping to achieve.
Neck skin is often drier than the skin on our face because that area does not produce as much oil. Because of that, you may want to look for a cream that has heavier oils in it to ensure you’re getting adequate moisture to that area, says Akhavan. When shopping, look for formulas with hydrating ingredients, especially if you are also using a retinol that can dry out your skin. You should also be careful if your skin tends to be on the sensitive side; look for creams that are free of common irritants like fragrances or dyes. Finally, if you are acne-prone, look for creams labeled noncomedogenic, which means they won’t clog your pores.
The short answer is yes, neck creams do work for many people and most skin concerns. They have specific concentrations of ingredients to help improve the overall appearance of your neck. However, keep in mind neck creams aren’t miracle workers, and they can’t totally turn back the clock and give you the neck of a pre-teen. For more visible results, noninvasive procedures like laser treatments and injectables may be the better route, according to Green. To determine what may work best for your needs, you should speak with a dermatologist.
It is never a bad idea to use a neck cream before you actually need one. Many people begin introducing neck creams into their routines in their 20s and 30s. Once we turn 20, our bodies slowly start decreasing collagen production; by 25, many even begin to see signs like fine lines, says Green. Didn’t get on the preventative bandwagon? No problem. You can start using one at any age and see benefits.
Apply neck cream twice a day — once in the morning and at night. “Neck creams should be layered after lightweight products, such as serums, to hydrate and protect the skin from environmental factors,” says Green. She also recommends following up with sunscreen in the morning if your cream does not already have SPF.
When applying a neck cream, start at your lower neck and apply in upward strokes. This upward motion helps counteract gravity, whereas if you are pulling skin down, you may encourage further sagging, says Green. The amount you apply depends on the product, so experts recommend following the instructions on the bottle.
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
I am a contributing editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers topics like beauty, home and lifestyle. I have written about several skin care ingredients, including squalane and retinol. For this story, I interviewed board-certified dermatologists for their guidance on what to look for when shopping for neck creams.
Bianca Alvarez is a former associate reporter at NBC Select who regularly covered skin care and hair care.
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