Reading the labels of endless skin care products on store shelves can be exhausting. Some claim to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and others claim to be tightening. But what does "tightening" even mean? Is a skin tightening cream just a quick fix to minimize the appearance of sagging skin as you apply it, or can it actually improve the appearance of skin over time?
It turns out skin-tightening creams work in a few different ways. First, they help to lock in hydration to the skin for a smoother, more plump appearance. Second, they help to promote cell turnover so dead skin sloughs off the skin’s surface to reveal brighter, tighter skin. Third, they can help stimulate collagen production.
To find out everything you need to know about skin-tightening creams, we tapped a few experts to share their wisdom. Whether you’re looking for a face-tightening cream or all-over body tightening cream, here are our top picks you can shop now.
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What is a skin tightening cream?
According to dermatologist Hadley King, MD, “tightening creams are formulations designed to make the skin look tighter — more firm, smooth and plump,” through a number of different factors, including ingredients that help tighten the skin’s surface, promote cell turnover and increase collagen production in the skin.
Award-winning skin-tightening creams
Budget lotion:
Affordable? Check. Lightweight? Check. Reduces the appearance of stretch marks? Check. What more could you ask for out of a firming lotion? Its key ingredients work together to provide you with tighter, softer skin. Plus, this pick even won “Best overall firming body lotion” in our 2024 Shop TODAY Beauty Awards.
“I tried to use this lotion daily and put it on some stretch marks from recent weight loss and they definitely did seem a little less prominent,” said TODAY senior evening editor Sam Kubota.
A subtle scent:
What should you be looking for in a firming lotion? Experts say that results may vary from person to person, but those with mature skin wanting to achieve results will likely see them with a retinol-based products, like this lotion from Medix.
This product has even earned the award "Best for crepey skin" during our 2024 Beauty Awards, with testers even complimenting the barely-there scent that gives it just enough of a scent without being too overwhelming.
"Luxurious" option:
This "luxurious"-feeling neck cream is a bit of a splurge, we'll admit, but testers saw true results after just two weeks of consistent use. Plus, it's also a winner of the 2024 Shop TODAY Beauty Awards, securing the prize for "Best splurge neck cream."
The brand says its main goal is to tighten, firm and lift the skin, all while evening out your skin tone.
Great for all skin types, this serum is powered by a blend of peptides, marine extract and the brand’s TNS-MR formula to address fine lines and wrinkles. We also love it because it is unscented and lightweight.
Best skin-tightening creams, according to experts
Results within weeks:
This cool-to-the-touch cream promises to go on non-greasy and leave the skin with a firmer look than before. According to the brand, users will be able to see results after two weeks of consistent use.
Skin care expert Elena Marotta previously recommended this lotion to Shop TODAY and told us, "You will be pleasantly surprised at just how good it is at tightening skin and reducing the appearance of cellulite. I saw visible results within the first couple of weeks."
Dermatologist tested:
Again, retinol is a key ingredient in most firming lotions due to its ability to truly tighten and “refine” the skin, according to experts. When deciding whether or not to use a retinol serum or a cream, experts say creams could be the key to more hydrated and nourished skin.
This cream is ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it’s hypoallergenic and fragrance free. Not only does it boast retinol as one of its key ingredients, but it also includes aloe vera and chamomile to help prevent redness and puffiness. Plus, it’s been tested by dermatologists.
Developed with the pros:
Reviewers have high praise for this product that was crafted by both dermatologists and plastic surgeons, according to the brand. The brains behind this beauty product help ensure that is works through multiple layers of skin (not just the topmost one).
Best lightweight:
Not only is this cream a stand-out for those dealing with oily skin, but Gabrielle Harrison, is licensed esthetician, says it’s packed with elastin-targeting peptides. Plus, the lightweight formula means it won’t weigh you down, making this perfect for a morning moisturizer to wear under your SPF.
Best with SPF:
Why not skip a step in your morning routine and use a lightweight moisturizer that’s packed with SPF 50, like this one from Dermalogica. Harrison says it “hydrates, firms and protects with SPF 50, plus combines polypeptides with white tea antioxidants to firm and fight free radical damage.”
Best for neck skin:
For someone who sees a ton of products each day, calling it one their “favorites" is high praise coming from Harrison, and that’s exactly the label she gives this neck cream.
“It’s formulated with a patent-pending protein complex in addition to a unique blend of peptides, fruit extracts and niacinamide, among other ingredients,” says Harrison. “I’ve seen great results from clients (and myself!) from adding this to my face tightening creams.”
Best for mature skin:
Harrison loves this cream for clients with mature skin. Antioxidants like blueberry extract help stimulate collagen production, and “its ingredients won’t negatively interact with retinoid use, making it a great supplement for a more intensive skin tightening regimen,” she adds.
Editor-approved skin tightening cream
Prevent clogged pores:
I love that this cream has both retinol and salicylic acid so I can prevent the signs of aging while also keeping my pores clear and clog-free as I sleep.
Skin-tightening ingredients to look for
King says you should look for a skin tightening cream that contains peptides, retinoids, growth factors (polypeptides or proteins) and antioxidants.
King also goes on to explain that retinoids are vitamin A derivatives. Therefore, they can also increase the production of collagen and support cell turnover.
Finally, King explains that antioxidants (like vitamin C) help with protection against pollution and UV rays.
In fact, Dr. Scott Paviol, MD, previously told Shop TODAY that "vitamin C provides antioxidant protection from environmental stressors — also known as free radicals — that cause increased signs of aging..."
Frequently asked questions
According to Harrison, “Ideally you should apply skin tightening creams daily, and many are recommended to apply twice a day (morning and night).” However, if you have sensitive skin or a strong reaction to any of the ingredients in the cream, you might want to start using once every other day and work up to using it daily.
“Another consideration is the area of the face the skin tightening cream is for,” explains Harrison. “For example, if someone is looking to tighten neck skin, that is definitely an area where I’d recommend applying twice a day.”
Harrison tells us, "The most effective way to tighten skin at home is to implement an effective exfoliation routine and combine that with collagen-stimulating ingredients like peptides, vitamin C and AHAs."
Furthermore, Brian Hibler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, tells us that "topical retinoids increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production, which is effective for fine lines and wrinkles." He continues, "This is effective for early signs of aging and can improve skin firmness with consistent use."
Harrison says yes, "you need different creams to target different areas of the body and face."
She continues, "The skin on our body is thicker and requires products that are properly formulated with ingredients and delivery systems that are capable of penetrating this thicker skin."
Harrison tells us, "Similarly, the skin around our eyes and neck is more fragile, which also has to be treated with products specific for these delicate areas. If we don’t use appropriate products for these areas, we aren’t going to get the desired result."
How we chose
Shop TODAY spoke with skin care experts about what ingredients to look for in the best skin-tightening creams. They told us which creams are their go-to picks, and we even included some popular options from previous skin-firming coverage (along with a few winners from the 2024 Shop TODAY Beauty Awards).
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives on a given topic. We also ensure that all expert guidance and recommendations are provided independently and without any undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Hadley King, MD is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She also has her own practice, Dr. Hadley King Dermatology based in New York City.
- Gabrielle Harrison is a licensed esthetician and founder of SISH Beauty.
- Elena Marotta is a skin care professional located in Roslyn, New York. She is the owner of BodyBrite Spa.
- Scott Paviol, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He owns Paviol Dermatology.
- Brian Hibler, MD a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, New York at Schweiger Dermatology Group.
