Uncategorized

Neck Sagging Stands No Chance Against These Lifting Creams

A photo of Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin holding the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex in a...Collage: Jemeria Davison / Images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If you're overlooking your neck, 1) you're not alone, but 2) you shouldn't be. The best neck creams help minimize and prevent sagging skin, crepiness, and dark spots, since the décolletage—the delicate area from the chin to the chest—is one of the first areas to develop signs of aging. A dedicated neck cream can prove useful in reducing the effects of tech neck (as in, fine lines and double-chin-like sagging caused by looking down at your smartphone) at bay. Whether you're looking for temporary skin-tightening benefits or discoloration-reducing ingredients, we rounded up the creme de la creme of neck creams recommended by dermatologists and our editors.

Our Top Neck Creams

  • Best Overall: Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex $158
  • Best for Sagging Skin: SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream, $135
  • Best for Dry Skin: iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex, $120
  • Best for Fine Lines: NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream, $98
  • Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer, $22
  • Best for Uneven Tone: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus, $99
  • Best for Crepey Skin: SkinCeuticals Tripeptide R Neck Repair, $136
  • Best for Age Spots: Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced, $115

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • Why does neck skin age faster?
  • What’s the difference between a face and neck cream?
  • What over-the-counter treatments and ingredients should I look out for?
  • When should I consult with a dermatologist?
  • Meet the experts
  • How we test and review products
  • Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex

Alastin Restorative Neck Complex clear bottle with silver cap on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Alastin Skincare

Restorative Neck Complex

$158

Amazon

$158

Alastin Skincare

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: Lifting the skin can be a tall order for many topical formulas, but Alastin Restorative Neck Complex deploys a unique, patented peptide blend called TriHex technology to replace damaged collagen and elastin with new, healthy fibers. That’s why Austin-based dermatologist Kristina Collins, MD, says it’s great for those concerned about tech neck, horizontal lines, or post-procedure skin recovery. “It helps the skin repair itself, which is especially important in an area that tends to age faster than the face,” she says. The fast-absorbing formula also contains niacinamide and phytoene and phytofluene (two phyto-antioxidants), all of which help improve hyperpigmentation (such as sun spots) along your neck and décolleté, Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, adds. This formula is quite lightweight and fluid, so it feels more akin to a serum—making it easier to spread one pump of the goodness down to your chest area. You'll see the best results if you use it twice a day (once in the morning and once at night).

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex

Shanna ShipinShipin after applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex

Shipin after applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“Do I always have time to use neck cream? Not really—but I do whenever I remember, since I don’t always bring my skin-care products down to my décolleté (as the experts recommend). I love Alastin across the board, and appreciate that this stuff, which absorbs quickly and feels nourishing, delivers those same benefits below the face. So far, it’s done the trick to fade dark spots, and I’m hoping the investment pays off on wrinkles and lines down the road.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I have a combination of genetic and poor-posture-induced deep lines on my neck that didn’t start to bother me until I reached my mid-30s. I know this is going to be a long game, and that creams can’t exactly undo the deep lines, but I’m hopeful that Alastin’s neck cream can help ward off any future fine lines or uneven skin tone. I absolutely love the wide pump-top bottle; more than enough is dispensed to lather your neck and décolletage. There’s no tacky finish, it doesn’t irritate my eczema-prone skin, and leaves me feeling hydrated for hours. There is a noticeable difference in how the skin around my neck and chest feels after I apply this product. It all just feels more supple!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • Key ingredients: peptides, phytoene, flaxseed extract
  • Who it's for: people with sagging or crepey skin
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sagging Skin: SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream

SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

SkinMedica

Neck Correct Cream

$135

Amazon

$135

Dermstore

Allure associate beauty editor Sarah Kinonen applying the SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream

Sarah Kinonen

Why it's worth it: Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, says the SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream is one of his favorite neck creams to recommend to clients: “This cream deeply hydrates, addresses hyperpigmentation, and tackles existing wrinkles while preventing new ones,” he says. Chock-full of microalgae, rich in antioxidant vitamins A (also known as retinol), C, and E, this 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner deeply hydrates and encourages cell regeneration to improve overall laxity—with regular use, of course. This firming cream also contains peptides and mushroom extract to give skin a firming boost—perfect for addressing the beginning signs (or more advanced) of tech neck. Texture-wise, Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama, says that it’s so lightweight that it quickly absorbs into the skin so you never have to worry about stickiness. Consider our every tick box checked.

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“Like every other young person in America, my screen time is horrifying. I’m on my phone for most of the day (for both work and pleasure), and because of that, I’ve developed the ‘ole tech neck. Tiny fine lines now etch across my once-smooth neck, and sometimes, they are all I see in the mirror. So lately I’ve been reaching for SkinMedica’s Neck Correct Cream, a serum-like treatment made with firming peptides and hydrating squalene, twice a day to target said fine lines. It’s super lightweight and doesn’t interfere with any of my other skin-care products, nor does it irritate my sensitive skin (especially the thin-skinned neck area), so here's to hoping it tackles those wrinkles while I work on finding a new hobby…away from my phone.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • Key ingredients: peptides, shiitake mushroom extract, microalgae
  • Who it's for: those with sagging skin, laxity, and hyperpigmentation
  • Fragrance-Free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex

iS Clinical Neck Perfect Complex on a grey backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

iS Clinical

NeckPerfect Complex

$120

Amazon

$120

Dermstore

$120

Bluemercury

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it’s worth it: The skin on your neck doesn’t always get the same love as your face, but it’s the first place that both dryness and signs of aging tend to appear. This formula takes an innovative approach by incorporating exfoliating acids to offset both. “iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex has some key ingredients, like alpha hydroxy acids, that are going to give you a more even skin tone,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. It also includes hyaluronic acid to leave skin “hydrated and glowing,” she adds. With added antioxidants (such as acacia senegal gum and quinoa) to fight off environmental aggressors, this silky treatment helps lift, firm, and smooth the delicate skin below your jawline.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“After breastfeeding and pumping, my décolleté was looking dry and crepey—years of tugging (thanks, kids) definitely took a toll. NeckPerfect Complex glides on silky smooth and sinks in fast without any greasy residue. The skin on my chest actually feels hydrated now, and those tiny creases I used to see have basically disappeared.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, acacia senegal gum, mixed fruit acids, quinoa
  • Who it's for: people with dry skin who want to restore hydration, firmness, and elasticity
  • Fragrance-free: no

Best for Fine Lines: NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream

NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream blue bottle on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

NeoStrata

Triple Firming Neck Cream

$98

Amazon

$98

Dermstore

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: NeoStrata's Triple Firming Neck Cream is a favorite of Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, who says that it frequently sells out at her practice. At the heart of this formula is a proprietary ingredient called NeoGlucosamine, "an amino sugar that helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," Dr. Turegano calls out, which boosts hyaluronic acid production—therefore increasing hydration and smoothing the look of fine lines—and gently exfoliates dead skin cells. Furthermore, it's enriched with amino acid chains (also known as peptides) to firm the skin, while shea butter and antioxidant vitamin E restore and strengthen your barrier. This rich, buttery formula may take a beat to fully absorb, but the results are well worth the few extra seconds.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I almost always bring my facial skin-care products down to my neck, but because the amount of product that actually makes it down there varies a lot, I like the added assurance of using a dedicated neck cream—similarly to how I like a standalone sunscreen, even if I'm using a skin tint or foundation that has SPF over it. Neostrata's Triple Firming Neck Cream is oh-so buttery, and my neck and décolleté always look dewy and hydrated after each application. I do think my horizontal neck lines have softened a bit, which is a huge win for me—as someone who’s constantly crouching over my laptop and looking down at my phone.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • Key ingredients: NeoGlucosamine, NeoCitrate (a patented ingredient of NeoStrata that claims to boost collagen production and plump the skin), amino acids
  • Who it's for: Those with fine lines and wrinkles
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Other neck creams we love

Best for Uneven Tone: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus

StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream white jar with double walled clear and yellow lid on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

StriVectin

TL Advanced Tightening Neck Plus

$99

Amazon

$99

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: StriVectin's TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus is loved by both beauty editors and derms alike because of the brand's patented, high-performing ingredients. This cream features a niacinamide-powered technology called NIA-114 alongside a proprietary, bio-engineered peptide chain called Alpha-3 Peptide, which targets the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid to help reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin along the neck, jawline, and décolleté in as little as four weeks. It also has shea butter and spilanthol, a botanically-derived fatty acid that plumps and moisturizes skin.

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"The bad news: If you ever owned a cassette player, it's probably time to start using a neck cream. The good news: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream+ exists. The formula has a rich, creamy texture that absorbs into skin surprisingly quickly. I've been using it on and off for the past couple of years, and I do believe it's kept my décolleté from looking less crepey than it would otherwise." —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • Key ingredients: shea butter, hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide
  • Who it's for: those who want immediate and long-term benefits
  • Fragrance-free: no

Best for Crepey Skin: SkinCeuticals Tripeptide R Neck Repair

SkinCeuticals Triple-R Neck Repair white bottle with nickel cap on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

SkinCeuticals

Tripeptide R Neck Repair

$136

Dermstore

$136

SkinCeuticals

$135

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: Living up to the SkinCeuticals hype is the Triple-R Neck Repair, a fragrance-free retinol cream that goes beyond the surface to treat the deeper layers, targeting a variety of signs of aging, including wrinkling and sagging. Dr. Hartman says that although it has retinol—a beloved active known to boost cell turnover and promote collagen production—SkinCeuticals uses a slow-release retinol that is far less likely to cause any dreaded irritation or unnecessary dryness. Plus, the formula has plenty of hydrators like glycerin and soybean oil to soothe skin. Dr. Hartman adds that the formula also contains peptides, which signal the skin to produce collagen, helping to plump and “fill in” smaller wrinkles.

Dr. Hartman uses Triple-R as part of his own skin-care routine, so if it’s good enough for someone who treats skin for a living, it’s certainly good enough for us (and you).

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • Key ingredients: 0.2% slow-release retinol, peptides, glaucine
  • Who it's for: mature skin, normal-to-oily skin
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer

Neutrogena Collagen Bank Face Moisturizer in branded purple bottle with white pump on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Neutrogena

Collagen Bank Moisturizer

$22 $18 (18% off)

Amazon

$30

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Neutrogena’s Collagen Bank Moisturizer may be marketed for the face, but Asheville, North Carolina-based board-certified dermatologist May Hall, DO, says it’s gentle enough for both the face and neck—making it a true two-in-one (and a solid bang for your buck). “It’s formulated with bakuchiol to support collagen production and peptides to help promote youthful skin,” she says. The formula also leans on reliable hydrators like shea butter and glycerin to keep skin plump and comfortable. It’s no surprise it won a 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award in the Steals category.

Want to take things a step further? The SPF version—another editor-favorite collagen cream for daytime use—pairs those same peptides with chemical UV filters like avobenzone, adding daily sun protection to its collagen-supporting benefits.

Tester feedback from Singh

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“The best defense is a good offense, which is where Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer really shines: It helps you get ahead of the natural collagen loss that happens as we age. And the lightweight, nongreasy formula is easy to layer with other products." —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • Key ingredients: hydrolyzed collagen, peptides
  • Who it’s for: those with natural collagen loss
  • Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Age Spots: Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced

Revision Skincare Nectifirm black tube on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Revision Skincare

Nectifirm

$115

Amazon

$115

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced, an iteration of the original Nectifirm for those experiencing more advanced signs of aging, is one of Dr. Collin’s go-to recommendations for more noticeable laxity and crepiness.” She touts its blend of peptides to improve elasticity, antioxidants like lingonberry extract for brightness, and plant-based ingredients like red microalgae extract to help improve firmness and texture. Another key ingredient is diglucosyl gallic acid, a melanin inhibitor that helps treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Although it comes at a hefty price point, it feels “incredibly luxurious” on the skin, absorbs quickly, and does much more than simply moisturize.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

  • Key ingredients: lingonberry extract, red microalgea extract, peptides, diglucosyl gallic acid
  • Who it's for: most skin types (not sensitive)
  • Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does neck skin age faster?

The skin on the neck is thinner and lacks the same oil composition as facial skin, which makes it more prone to dryness and sagging over time, Dr. Hartman explains. Combine that with gravity and the constant craning over smartphones, and it's an area uniquely at risk for fine lines and sagging. In other words, "tech neck" is very real.

What’s the difference between a face and neck cream?

“Because the skin is more delicate, neck creams are formulated to provide more intense hydration, with a higher concentration of actives that are more suitable for the skin on your neck,” Dr. Hall notes. Some moisturizing agents featured in the creams on this list are hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and squalane to keep the skin smooth and plump. Peptides are a newer area of exploration for neck creams as they're frequently touted for their skin-firming benefits.

What over-the-counter treatments and ingredients should I look out for?

Aside from the essential hydrators, retinol is a common additive because it promotes collagen production and, therefore, addresses the appearance of wrinkles and improves skin texture. "This can help with skin sagging, wrinkles, and some crepiness," says James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles. "Since the neck is a sensitive area, the retinol concentrations tend to be low, and the results are subtle."

When should I consult with a dermatologist?

If you've noticed any difference in skin laxity around your neck and chest area, Dr. Wang recommends consulting a dermatologist for an evaluation of any inflammation, lumps, and nodules. He adds that significantly loose skin, like the so-called turkey neck, may require in-office interventions, but neck creams can still be beneficial for replenishing hydration and subtly decreasing the look of lines on the neck skin.

Meet the experts

  • Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans
  • Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama
  • Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
  • Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston
  • James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles
  • Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
  • Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
  • May Hall, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best neck creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *