When it comes to anti-aging skin care, our neck skin is often neglected. So neglected, in fact, that sometimes it even ends up looking "older" than our face. But that doesn't have to be the case: By applying similar preventive skin care measures to your neck as you do to your face, you'll help them both stay youthful for longer.
And sure, adding the skin on your neck to your list might seem pointless, but your future self will thank you. Don't take just our word for it — we asked the experts. Below, four dermatologists share why neck creams play a helpful role in minimizing signs of aging, and they gives us the rundown on best practices and ingredients to look for.
What causes neck lines? | Editor-approved neck creams | Best overall | Best budget | Best for sensitive skin | Best for wrinkles | Best for 'tech neck' | Best with SPF | Best for dry skin | Best with retinol | Best for sagging skin | Best splurge | What to look for | How we chose | Meet our experts
Budget-friendly neck cream$undefined$30.33
Neck cream for sensitive skin$undefined$32.99
What causes neck lines?
Most neck wrinkles are caused by "a degradation of collagen and elastin that happens over time and with age," says dermatologist and professor Dr. Angela Lamb. Environmental and lifestyle factors can also contribute to increased neck lines.
"Tech neck" is one modern example of how our lifestyle can affect how our neck skin ages. "Tech neck is a major contributor to horizontal neck lines in our modern world," explains dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi. "We spend so much time looking down on our phones. The thin and fragile nature of neck skin, combined with an active muscle layer and looking down, results in deep lines and wrinkles," she adds.
Another thing we often overlook when it comes to neck and chest care is sun protection, according to Dr. Marisa Garshick of Manhattan Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery. As a result, "we tend to see changes associated with cumulative sun exposure, including fine lines, dark spots and wrinkles," says the dermatologist.
Editor-approved neck creams
- Great for mature skin
- Avoid eye area
Key ingredients: Retinol | Size: 1.7 oz. | Usage: 2x daily with SPF
If you’re looking for something that is multi-use and can maximize your skin care routine, this is the right formula for you.
Jude Bender (mother of senior editor Jess Bender) says, “I’ve used a lot of neck creams over the years and I really like Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair! It has retinol, which works well against the fine lines around my neck area, and the results I’ve seen thus far compare to the $100 jars I’ve used in the past.”
Meaningful Beauty Skin Brightening Décolleté and Neck Treatment
- Feels lightweight
- Has SPF on formula
- Daytime only
Key ingredients: Vitamin C | Size: 1.7 oz. | Usage: Daily in the morning
Social media video producer Anita Chomenko raves about this neck cream for its sun-protective formula.
"I’ve been using this neck cream for a few months now and I really like it! After cleansing my skin I massage this cream onto my neck and chest. It has spf 15 built into it so I can moisturize and protect it. It’s lightweight and has a very light scent. Also, I can’t believe it’s lasted me a few months even when applying," she says.
Best overall neck cream
DRMTLGY Advanced Neck Cream
- Great for mature skin
- Can feel a bit greasy
Key ingredients: Ceramides, peptide complex, shea butter, fruit extracts | Size: 1.8 oz. | Usage: Morning and evening
The ceramides in this neck cream help the skin on your neck appear more hydrated, and the shea butter helps prevent moisture loss.
Plus, Garshick explains, “Not only does this incorporate a peptide complex to help smooth the texture of the skin, but it also works to strengthen the skin barrier and has antioxidants such as apple fruit extract to help with hyperpigmentation.”
It’s great for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. Shop TODAY associate SEO editor Fran Sales is a fan: "I like that a little goes a long way, and the formula isn't sticky and sinks quickly into my skin."
Best budget neck cream
RoC Multi Correxion Chest Neck and Face Cream
- Feels lightweight
- Caution if you have sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Hexyl-R Complex, sunscreen (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene), vitamin C | Size: 1.7 oz. | Usage: Daily in the morning
This lightweight day cream by RoC is powered with SPF 30 to protect your face, neck and chest from the sun. For those who don’t want extra steps in their skin care routine, dermatologist Dr. Kim Nichols previously recommended this multifunctional product for hydration and improved skin elasticity. (Bonus: It’s now 40% off on Amazon!)
With a 4.5-star average from over 3,400 verified five-star ratings on Amazon, this cream has proven to work for different ages and has shown results as early as four weeks. “I feel like my skin hasn’t ‘aged’ since I started using it,” commented one reviewer.
Best neck cream for sensitive skin
No7 Restore and Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum
- Has a creamy texture
- It feels refreshing
- Fragrance can be strong
Key ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 Plus (collagen peptide-based technology), pro-retinol, ceramides, HA | Size: 1.0 oz. | Usage: 2x daily in the morning and evening
This No7 serum works for the face and neck not only helps simply your routine, but is also excellent for mature and sensitive skin. You can even layer your moisturizer and sunscreen on top of it, thanks to its lightweight formula.
"After a week of using this, I noticed the frown lines on my forehead had cleared up, and my smile lines had lessened," said one verified reviewer. And the brand supports this with an eight-week study of UK women, 85% of whom reported diminished lines and smoother skin in two weeks.
According to Garshick, “This face and neck serum includes a combination of wrinkle-fighting, firming and brightening complexes to help improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and overall texture of the skin.”
Best neck cream for wrinkles
IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Neck Cream Moisturizer
- Doesn't leave oil residue
- Scent can be strong
Key ingredients: Collagen, HA, ceramides, fucoidan seaweed extract, shea butter | Size: 2.6 oz. | Usage: Morning and evening
If you, like most of the population, spend too much time staring down at your phone, you're probably familiar with those annoying horizontal lines on your neck. That's where this moisturizer by IT Cosmetics comes in: It features a potent combination of collagen, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help hydrate the neck while strengthening the skin barrier, thus helping to reduce the appearance of those pesky wrinkles. Plus, the fucoidan seaweed extract and shea butter in the formula are said to improve skin elasticity.
The brand says you can expect a diminished appearance of horizontal lines — aka smoother and younger-looking skin. Reviewers highlight its pleasant smell and smooth application, though they also note that the slight tint in the formula may not be for everyone.
Best neck cream for 'tech neck'
StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream PLUS
- Texture feels rich
- Absorbs into skin easily
- It's costly
Key ingredients: Peptides, HA, ceramides, Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex, Botanically Derived Brightening Complex | Size: 1.0 oz. | Usage: Morning and evening
This triple threat — which is specifically formulated for the delicate skin of the neck, chest and jawline — improves skin elasticity, evens out your skin tone and diminishes fine lines, according to the brand. Along with the peptides and other actives in tis formula, the proprietary Gravitite-CF Lifting Complex is said to help firm, tighten and lift the skin on your neck.
Need proof? After a four-week consumer study, 95% of participants reported that the skin on their neck and chest appeared less crepey. And personally, it's the only thing that has helped with my (Anjana) “tech neck” problems, and the 1,500 reviewers who've bestowed this five stars on Amazon agree.
Best neck cream with SPF
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck & Chest SPF 25
- Contains SPF
- Has a whipped texture
- Very expensive
Key ingredients: Alpha-lipoic acid, DMAE, vitamin C, copper peptide | Size: 1.0 oz. | Usage: Daily in the morning
We love the sun, but unfortunately, it’s one of the biggest contributors to premature skin aging. Fortunately, we found this neck cream: It’s equipped with alpha-lipoic acid to increase collagen production and keep skin firm, niacinamide to brighten, and glycerin to hydrate — all alongside the SPF 25 protection.
But a key ingredient, according to the brand, is dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), which acts similar to an antioxidant: “It becomes part of the cell plasma membrane, helping the cell better protect itself against stress and offering some protection against free radical damage,” the brand’s blog explains. It becomes even more potent, they add, when mixed with alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin C, like it is in this particular formula.
As a personal note, this is one of my (Anjana) go-to products to keep those unwanted lines and sunspots on my neck at bay.
Best neck cream for dry skin
Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Japanese Neck Cream
- Smells lovely
- Has a thick consistency
- Improvements are slow
Key ingredients: Japanese cornflower and Uji green tea | Size: 1.7 oz. | Usage: Daily in the morning and night
For those with dry and sensitive skin, try a gentle formula like Tatcha's neck cream. According to customers with mature skin, this formula has a thick yet smooth consistency that absorbs well onto the skin. Plus, it contains Uji green tea which to help prevent signs of aging.
"I saw a noticeable tightening and lifting with loose skin on my neck within the first week. I am 50 yrs old and am beginning to notice the loss of elasticity in some areas of my skin," said one reviewer.
Best neck cream with retinol
Skinceuticals Tripeptide-R Neck Repair
- Texture is not greasy
- Beware if you have sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Pure retinol, glaucine complex, tri-peptide concentrate | Size: 1.7 oz. | Usage: 2x a week to start
This SkinCeuticals cream, which uses slow-release retinol, is specifically formulated to target both early and advanced visible aging of neck skin.
The treatment uses peptides alongside the retinol to promote cell turnover, increase collagen production (which helps fade lines), and minimize the appearance of blemishes and pores, the brand says. What's more: After a 16-week clinical study of 50 women ages 40 to 60, with multiple surveys conducted throughout, 27% of participants (on average) saw a reduction in crepey skin.
Need another reason to go for it? One reviewer over 65 said on the brand's website, "After using this product for three weeks, I have seen a fading in the age spots on my chest. My [neck] seems smoother and slightly tighter. I will continue to use and watch for improvements as time goes on."
Best neck cream for sagging skin
Alastin Restorative Neck Complex
- It absorbs well
- No fragrance
- Dispenser can be complicated
Key ingredients: TriHex Technology, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2, antioxidants, flax seed extract | Size: 1.7 oz. | Usage: 2x daily in the morning and evening
It's one of our priciest picks, but Alastin's neck treatment has its powerful TriHex Technology to back it up. The brand describes this clinically tested peptide formula as one that — with the help of Acetyl Tetrapeptide-2 — aids in removing old elastin and collagen while supporting the skin's capacity to produce new elastin and collagen.
And it's no one-trick-wonder: The formula also contains several antioxidants, as well as healthy flax-sourced fatty acids, to reduce redness, address photo-aging and boost hydration.
If the before-and-after photos on the brand's website aren't enough, reviewer on the website said, “Love the results! I have to say I was hesitant to try this product but am so glad I did. I would say it took about 3 weeks before I noticed a difference. It truly has hydrated, softened and minimized the crepiness. It has given my neck a much smoother overall appearance ... just in time for summer V-necks!”
Best splurge neck cream
SkinBetter Science Techno Neck Perfecting Cream
- Notice texture difference after week 2
- Not ideal for "turnkey neck"
Key ingredients: Peptides, niacinamide, squalane, fruit extracts, vitamin C, linoleic & linolenic acids | Size: 1.7 oz. | Usage: 2x daily in the morning and evening
Garshick highlights this cream's patented NOw Complex to hydrate and strengthen the neck and décolleté. According to the brand, this complex "harnesses the power of the body’s natural process of Nitric Oxide (NO) creation to visibly improve aging skin of the neck and décolleté."
It’s specifically formulated to address the many different concerns that exist in the neck area, including loss of hydration, sagging, crepiness, and uneven tone and texture. In a study conducted by the brand, 96% of the subjects saw firmer and tighter skin after using this cream for eight weeks.
What ingredients should I look for in a neck cream?
Humectants
Dr. Dennis Gross, a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist, recommends consistently and properly hydrating your fragile neck skin, not only to plump it, but also to replenish its moisture barrier and combat premature signs of aging. Look for products with nourishing humectants like hyaluronic acid (HA) and glycerin, say Lamb and Garshick.
Retinol
“Retinol is the most effective active ingredient at signaling new collagen formation,” Gross tells us.
Garshick recommends this popular anti-aging ingredient particularly in your night cream, saying it can help with the neck’s overall skin tone and texture. She advises using a small amount of retinol (and any other active ingredient) and gradually increasing the frequency as the skin tolerates it.
“While it is still important to apply anti-aging ingredients to the neck, the frequency and amount may be different [from how you apply skin to your face],” she says. Applying actives to your neck gradually helps “minimize irritation to the skin, as it can be more sensitive,” Garshick adds.
Shirazi agrees, saying, “Retinols or other powerful exfoliants can cause irritation and redness when applied to the neck, so it’s best to use gentle formulations that focus on stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen.”
Peptides
Peptides help strengthen and firm the skin on your neck over time, our experts tell us. Gross adds that with regular use, “you’ll dramatically see a visibly lifted, smoother neck area.” These actives also have a reputation of being less irritating than retinol but still providing similar anti-aging benefits, so sensitive-skinned folks can take advantage of this.
SPF
Our experts can’t stress enough that skipping sunscreen won’t do your neck any good. “As with the rest of the body, it is important to wear sunscreen on your neck to help protect against UV exposure,” says Garshick. Choose a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection to prevent premature aging and sun damage.
How we chose the best neck creams
To select the best neck-firming creams, the Shop TODAY team interviewed four dermatologists to get their top tips when it comes to shopping for and using these products, as well as their top picks. We also considered how effective each products are at hydrating the skin, softening lines, as well as firming the delicate area around your jaws, neck and chest. We noted if any of the products contained star anti-aging ingredients like retinol, peptides, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. We included some picks that our team has tried themselves, plus those that reviewers love, based on their average star rating and number of outstanding reviews.
Meet our experts
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist who serves patients in both New York and New Jersey. She is also an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell's New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
- Dr. Dennis Gross, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatological surgeon. He is the founder of NYC-based Dr. Dennis Gross Dermatology practice, as well as the skin care line Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. He has been practicing for 25 years.
- Dr. Angela Lamb, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the Director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Practice, as well as an associate professor of dermatology. She areas of expertise include acne, eczema, hair loss, skin cancer screening and more.
- Dr. Kim Nichols, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon based in Greenwich, Connecticut. She is the founding director of NicholsMD of Greenwich, a boutique dermatology practice.
- Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at La Jolla Laser Derm. She focuses on medical, cosmetic and surgical dermatology.
