There are probably a ton of lotions for your face and body in your medical cabinet. However, what about neck creams? According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Arash Akhavan, who specializes in the neck area, a neck cream is made to target certain skin difficulties in that area in ways that other moisturizers cannot, despite the fact that some people may contend that moisturizers for your face, body, and neck are all the same.
As we mature, the neck may eventually become crepey skin and fine wrinkles, just like the face. Fortunately, specialists claim that neck creams can help address and avoid these issues. I asked board-certified dermatologists for their opinions on the finest neck creams, including what active ingredients to look for to help address these issues and other things to think about when choosing one to incorporate into your regular skin care regimen.
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Best overallStrivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus
$undefined$99.00Sephora
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Best budget pickRoC Multi Correxion Crepe Repair Face & Neck Cream
$undefined$24.99Target
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Best splurgeTatcha Ageless Revitalizing Japanese Neck Cream
$undefined$112.00Tatcha
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Best SPF optionNo. 7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Cream SPF 30
$undefined$24.99Target
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How I picked the best neck creams
In order to ensure that your neck cream is actually benefiting your skin, I talked to professionals about what to look for. They advise keeping the following things in mind:
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Skin type
: It s important to shop based on your skin type the same way you wouldn t use acurly-hair shampoo
if you have straight hair, you should find a neck cream that matches your skin type. Oily and
acne-prone skin
should look for a noncomedogenic cream. Dehydrated skin, which may feel itchy or dry, will probably respond better to a formula with hyaluronic acid. Those with mature and
sensitive skin
should look for a hydrating cream, but if you also have sensitive skin avoid irritants like fragrance.
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Ingredients
: Neck creams will generally help moisturize the skin. To help get even more out of your creams, look for formulas with added ingredients like retinol, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C. If you want to promote skin cell turnover and improve texture, retinol-based creams will be best, experts say.Hyaluronic acid
and
ceramides
are also helpful ingredients to have in a formula since they can reduce the appearance of fine lines and add hydration. You should also look for formulas with antioxidants, like
vitamin C
, to help protect the skin from sun exposure and stimulate collagen production, experts say.
-
Neck concern:
When shopping, first figure out what problem you are trying to address. If you are looking to add moisture to the neck area, look for formulas that are specifically targeted toward hydration. If you re taking preventative measures, consider a morning neck cream with anSPF
. To combat crepey skin, consider a firming neck cream that will target loose skin.
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The best neck creams in 2025
I’ve compiled a list of neck creams that dermatologists recommend below, along with other well regarded choices that follow my experts’ advice. Since our necks naturally create less oil than our faces, every product on this list emphasizes hydration. We also included options that have retinol, retinol alternatives and antioxidants to suit various skin concerns and types.
Best overall:
Strivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus
Strivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus
- For vertical/horizontal lines
- Improves sagging skin
- Evens out crepey texture
- Higher price point
This Strivectin cream is a favorite of NBC Select editorLindsay Schneiders because of its rich, thick consistency. She claims that the reason she likes it is because it’s fairly thick. It seems to have an impact on my neck, chest, and décolletage. A little goes a long way; plus, I can still apply SPF or makeup over it. There are two other sizes available for the neck cream, including a travel version.
SPF: no | Fragrance-free: noKey ingredients:peptides, spilanthol, bearberry leaf extract
Best for dry skin:
Neocutis Neo Firm Neck Cream
Neocutis Neo Firm Neck Cream
- Improves uneven tone
- Noncomedogenic
- Protects the skin
- Higher price point
Akhavan recommends this neck cream since it s especially good at helping with hydration. It can also help firm up loose skin from theglycolic acid, jojoba oil and vitamin C in its formula since they exfoliate, hydrate and boost collagen production, says Akhavan. You can use it both day and night and should apply it in an upward motion, according to Neocutis.
Fragrance-free:yes |SPF:no |Key ingredients:Glycolic acid, jojoba oil, vitamin C
Editor s pick:
La Mer The Neck & D collet Concentrate
La Mer The Neck & D collet Concentrate
- Easy to apply
- Strengthens the skin
- Lifts and tightens
- Higher price point
To wrap up her nighttime skin care routine, NBC Select SEO editorNikki Brownreaches for this rich cream because of how hydrating it is. 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 decollete. The mini brush made applying the cream feel like a ritual and something to look forward to every day, she says.
SPF: no | Fragrance-free: noKey ingredients:glycerin, miracle broth, lime tea concentrate
Best for dark spots:
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck & Chest Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Neck & Chest Broad Spectrum SPF 25
- Smooths fine lines
- Improves sagging skin
- Available in multiple sizes
- Not enough SPF
This firming neck cream has a lightweight, whipped texture that s fragrance-free, making it great for all skin types, even for those with sensitive skin, according to the brand. It has vitamin C and vitamin B3 to help even skin tone and dark spots, peptides to firm the skin andmineral-based sunscreenso you can wear it during the day, according to Perricone. Reviewers say this neck cream, which has a 4.2-star average rating from 1,200 reviews on Amazon, is also fast-absorbing and noticeably tightens the skin on their neck, jawline and d collet .
Fragrance-free:yes |SPF:yes |Key ingredients:vitamin C, vitamin B3, peptides
Best for sensitive skin:
BareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Neck Cream
BareMinerals Ageless Phyto-Retinol Neck Cream
- Suitable for all skin types
- Smooths fine lines
- Increases hydration
- Natural odor from ingredients
Retinolscan be irritating for certain skin types, so thisretinol alternativeneck cream is a good swap. The plant-based retinol, which has hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides, helps reduce the chances of sensitivity, while also improving the skin s texture, says Green. Since it has a retinol alternative, it is safe to use in the morning and at night, according to the brand.
Fragrance-free:yes |SPF:no |Key ingredients:Phyto-retinol, protein peptides, hyaluronic acid
Best pregnancy-safe:
Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream
Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream
- Improves discoloration
- Smooths fine lines
- Increases elasticity
- For dry, normal or oily skin
This cream, which has a 4.1-star average rating from over 800 reviews on Amazon, ispregnancy-safe, and helps tighten and firm your skin, according to the brand. The nonsticky formula is fast-absorbing, so it doesn t transfer onto your clothes or settle in the creases of your neck, according to the brand. For the best results, apply one pump of the cream to your neck and ded colletage in the morning and at night.
Fragrance-free:yes |SPF:no |Key ingredients:shea butter, glycerin, amino acids
Best for mature skin:
Revision Skincare Nectifirm
Revision Skincare Nectifirm
- Suitable for all skin types
- Improves photodamage look
- Evens out crepey texture
- Higher price point
Akhavan has seen positive results from his patients specifically those with mature and dry skin who use this. It has natural oils, which help with hydration, as well as antioxidants and peptides, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines, according to Akhavan. You can use this on your d colletage and even your jawline, too.
Fragrance-free:no |SPF:no |Key ingredients:peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E, dihydromyricetin
Best for oily skin:
Caudalie Resveratrol-lift Retinol Alternative Firming Night Moisturizer
Caudalie Resveratrol-lift Retinol Alternative Firming Night Moisturizer
- Very moisturizing
- Rich and silky texture
- Refillable
- Added fragrance
Green recommends this moisturizer because it won t clog pores or cause any unwanted breakouts, and it s suitable for all skin types, includingoilyand acne-prone skin. Instead of using retinol, which can be irritating, it instead uses aretinol alternativeto help firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines, according to the brand. Safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding, you can apply this to your face and neck at night after using a serum, according to Caudalie.
Fragrance-free:no |SPF:no |Key ingredients:vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, resveratrol
Best SPF option:
No. 7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Cream SPF 30
No. 7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Cream SPF 30
- For face and body
- Firming
- Protects skin
- Only one size
To prevent visible signs of aging from sun damage, this neck cream has the dermatologist-recommendedSPFminimum of 30 and ingredients to target neck area concerns, says Green, so it s a great option to use during the day. The fragrance-free formula also has peptides and hyaluronic acid to firm up skin, and vitamin C for brightening.
Fragrance-free:yes |SPF:yes |Key ingredients:ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C
Best budget pick:
RoC Multi Correxion Crepe Repair Face & Neck Cream
RoC Multi Correxion Crepe Repair Face & Neck Cream
- For face and body
- Reduces crepey skin
- Rich consistency
- Natural odor from ingredients
This face and neck cream is great for those with oily skin, but can also work for mature skin and all other skin types, too, according to Green. It plumps creases and fills out the lines and wrinkles around crepey skin, she says. The scented cream is also the most affordable option on our list.
Fragrance-free:yes |SPF:no |Key ingredients:shea butter, glycerin, sweet almond oil, safflower seed oil
Best splurge:
Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Japanese Neck Cream
Tatcha Ageless Revitalizing Japanese Neck Cream
- Firming
- Easy to apply
- Improves dull skin
- Nothing to note at this time
Suitable for dry skin, this Tatcha formula is also especially hydrating, according to Green. That s because it has ingredients that help promote water retention and smooth fine lines, she says. Each tub comes with a gold spoon, so you can easily scoop out the right amount needed for your neck and d colletage.
Fragrance-free:no |SPF:no |Key ingredients:squalane, glycerin, cornflower extract, vitamin C
Best overnight treatment:
SkinCeuticals Tripeptide R Neck Repair Cream
SkinCeuticals Tripeptide R Neck Repair Cream
- Fast absorbing
- For vertical/horizontal lines
- Improves tone and texture
- For nighttime use
This cream smooths fine lines caused by early aging or repetitive movements like looking down at devices, commonly known astech neck, according to the brand. Reviewers say that it is worth the price because it effectively improves firmness and sagginess. This cream has a 4.2-star average rating from over 100 reviews at Dermstore.
Fragrance-free:yes |SPF:no |Key ingredients:retinol, peptides, glycerin
Most lightweight:
N cessaire The Neck Serum
N cessaire The Neck Serum
- Prevents fine lines
- Fast absorbing
- Firming
- Small size
Unlike other options on our list, this neck treatment is a serum, which is a lighter alternative to lotions and creams. Reviewers say this serum, which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 160 reviews at Nordstrom, is suitable for all skin types, gradually helps increase the skin s firmness and creates an overall tighter appearance on the neck and d colletage. It has five types of peptides that work to trigger the skin s own collagen production, according to the brand.
Fragrance-free:yes |SPF:no |Key ingredients:peptides, niacinamide, squalane, glycerin
Easiest to use:
Drmtlgy Advanced Neck Firming Cream
Drmtlgy Advanced Neck Firming Cream
- Safe for day usage
- Free of common irritants
- Suitable for all skin types
- No additional size options
This firming cream helps improve crepey skin and minimize the appearance of fine lines on the neck and d collet , according to the brand. In addition to improving the texture, it uses ingredients like ceramides to maintain theskin barrierand prevent moisture loss while others help reducehyperpigmentation, according to Drmtlgy. This neck cream has a 4.3-star average rating from over 200 reviews on Amazon.
Fragrance-free:yes| SPF:no| Key ingredients:ceramides, peptides, vitamin E, shea butter
Related
As you age, your skin loses collagen here s how to combat loss of volume, fine lines and more
What do neck creams do?
Unlike a regular daily face or body moisturizer, neck creams are designed to target the neck area specifically and have ingredients you won t always find in your standard lotion or cream. Although there is some overlap between all three skin care products, neck creams tend to have more actives with higher concentrations, says Akhavan. They also tend to have heavier oils than a standard face cream because there is less worry about clogging pores since the oil production is lower on your neck.
For example, when the neck area gets depleted of collagen and elastin, you might start to see fine lines and loose skin. A neck cream can help the skin at a cellular level by boosting collagen production and elasticity, which helps fill in those fine lines, improve the texture of skin and hydrate the skin, according to Akhavan.
How to shop for the best neck creams
When shopping, experts recommend keeping in mind certain ingredients and your specific skin type. Below, I break down how to decide which eye cream is best for you.
Neck concerns
Neck creams can help soften fine neck lines, protect skin from sun exposure and treat existing concerns like discoloration and skin elasticity. To find the best neck or face cream for you, you should first identify what you re hoping to achieve.
Skin Type
The skin on our neck can be drier than the skin on our face because it doesn t produce as much oil. Because of this, it can be especially helpful to use heavier oils and fats in neck creams to make sure the skin on your neck is getting the moisturize it needs, says Akhavan. When shopping, look for formulas with hydrating ingredients especially if you are also using a retinol that can dry out the skin, experts say.
If you have sensitive skin, look for creams without any irritants, including fragrances and dyes, to avoid any reactions or redness. If you have oily or acne-prone skin and are concerned about clogging your pores with oils or rich creams, look for formulas that are noncomedogenic.
Ingredients
Like face and body lotions, neck creams will have various ingredients to help moisturize the skin; they will also have ingredients that help address neck-specific concerns, whether it is tone and texture or fine lines. Experts recommend looking for four categories of ingredients when shopping: retinol, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, antioxidants and exfoliants.
-
When it comes to smoothing fine lines,
retinol
is the best ingredient to have in a formula, according to Akhavan. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that promotes skin cell turnover to improve skin s texture, says Green. However, since the neck area tends to be drier because of its lack of oil production, retinol can exacerbate that issue. Consider products that also have ingredients like glycerin to counteract this issue, according to Akhavan. -
Hyaluronic acid
and
ceramides
are great when you want something smoothing and hydrating, according to Green. -
Antioxidants
are another category to look for; they play a major role in neck creams. Vitamin C specifically is a popular ingredient you may find since it helps even skin tone and stimulate collagen production, according to Green. (Collagen is the building block and underlying support of your skin; when your skin has enough support, it can improve fine lines, sagging skin and elasticity according to Akhavan.) -
If you want a cream that will remove dead skin and help renew the skin at a faster rate, look for
glycolic acid
, according to Akhavan. The chemical exfoliant helps by causing minor yet healthy inflammation. The inflammation activates the body s natural wound healing pathways to generate collagen and elastin, says Akhavan. Glycolic acid is typically safe to use on all skin types. However, it may cause irritation for those with sensitive skin or can be irritating improperly combined with retinol, according to experts in our guide onalpha-hydroxy acids
.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, depending on what you are trying to achieve. Neck creams are formulated with specific concentrations of ingredients to help improve the overall appearance of your neck. For example, they can promote new skin cell growth to help with the tone and texture of the skin on your neck, according to experts.
In some cases, neck creams are not enough to combat issues like loose skin and fine lines, however. After speaking to your dermatologist, noninvasive procedures like laser treatments and injectables may help further reduce your concerns and may be the better route, according to Green.
Many people begin introducing neck creams into their routines in their 20s and 30s, experts say. Once we turn 20, our bodies slowly start decreasing collagen production; by 25, we begin to see signs like fine lines, says Green.
You can apply a neck cream twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. Neck creams should be layered after lightweight products, such as treatments or serums, to hydrate and protect the skin from environmental factors, says Green. It s also recommended to follow up with sunscreen in the morning if your cream does not already have SPF.
Meet our experts
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.
-
Dr. Arash Akhavan
is a board-certified dermatologist and founder and director of The Dermatology & Laser Group in New York City.
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Dr. Michele Green
is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at her own private practice in New York City.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am anassociate reportercovering skin care and hair care, including recent stories on thebest eye creamsand thebest body washes. For this story, I interviewed two dermatologists, shared their recommendations as well as NBC Select-staff favorites and highly rated options that met their guidance.
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